Lizzie Borden Leads Netflix Rankings While Ed Gein Lags Behind

Netflix weekly rankings reveal a split performance

Data released by Netflix for the week of Sep 14 to 20 shows a clear divergence between two recent additions to Ryan Murphy’s true crime lineup. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story claimed the top spot on the English‑language TV chart, whereas the Ed Gein drama recorded a modest debut and fell behind expectations.

Lizzie Borden series leads English TV list

The Lizzie Borden series attracted 12.1 million viewing hours in its first seven days, enough to secure the number one position among English‑language shows. The series blends historical detail with a modern teen drama aesthetic, a formula that appears to have resonated with a younger demographic.

Ed Gein drama trails behind expectations

In contrast, the Ed Gein series logged roughly 6.4 million viewing hours in the same period, placing it well below the Lizzie Borden entry and outside the top five. Critics noted that the darker tone and limited teen‑focused marketing may have contributed to the slower uptake.

Why the Lizzie Borden story resonates with viewers

Historical intrigue and modern storytelling

Lizzie Borden’s 1892 trial remains a staple of American folklore. By framing the narrative through the eyes of a teenage protagonist, the series offers a fresh perspective that blends factual events with contemporary sensibilities. This approach aligns with the growing appetite for true crime that feels both authentic and relatable.

Targeting younger audiences with a teen angle

Netflix positioned the show as a teen‑driven series, a strategy reflected in its promotional materials and social media outreach. The series’ soundtrack, fashion choices, and dialogue echo current youth culture, making the historical tale feel immediate.

• Contemporary music selections that echo popular streaming playlists.
• Costume design that references modern teen fashion trends.
• Social media campaigns featuring TikTok influencers.

Metrics behind the numbers

Viewership data for the week of Sep 14 to 20

According to Netflix’s internal reporting, the Lizzie Borden series accumulated 12.1 million hours, while the Ed Gein drama recorded 6.4 million hours. The platform’s weekly TV ranking also highlighted a surge in viewership for the teen series Crew Girl, which climbed to the second position with 10.8 million hours.

Comparative performance of related titles

When placed side by side, the data suggest a clear preference for content that blends historical true crime with a youthful lens. The following table summarizes the key figures:

1. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story – 12.1 million hours
2. Crew Girl – 10.8 million hours
3. Ed Gein – 6.4 million hours
4. Other true crime titles – average 4.2 million hours

These numbers are corroborated by independent streaming analytics from Statista, which reported a similar trend in viewer preferences for true crime series with a younger target audience.

What the ratings mean for Netflix’s content strategy

Balancing true crime prestige with youth‑focused series

Netflix appears to be testing a dual strategy: maintaining prestige true crime offerings while simultaneously courting a younger demographic through teen‑oriented narratives. The success of the Lizzie Borden series suggests that the platform’s investment in high‑production values and contemporary storytelling can pay off.

Future prospects for the Murphy universe

Ryan Murphy’s reputation for creating genre‑blending series positions him well to expand this model. Industry observers, including CBS News, note that the mixed performance may prompt a recalibration of marketing spend toward titles that demonstrate clear youth appeal.

Additionally, a recent piece in The New York Times highlighted Netflix’s broader push to develop teen‑driven dramas across multiple genres, indicating that the Lizzie Borden success could influence future greenlights.

For viewers seeking a blend of historical intrigue and modern drama, the Lizzie Borden series offers a compelling entry point. Meanwhile, the Ed Gein drama may find a niche audience over time, but its initial metrics suggest a more measured reception.

Overall, the week’s rankings underscore Netflix’s ability to pivot quickly based on audience response, leveraging data to refine its content mix and keep both true crime enthusiasts and younger viewers engaged.