Psychologist Warns It's A Red Flag If You Enjoy Netflix's New Ed Gein Series

A psychologist has explained why it may be a concerning sign if you’re a big fan of Netflix’s new Ed Gein series, which has quickly become one of the platform’s most talked-about shows.

The third season of Monster focuses on the infamous “Butcher of Plainfield,” continuing the franchise’s trend of exploring the lives of notorious criminals. Like the previous seasons centered around Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, it’s sparked strong reactions online.

This time, actor Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of Ed Gein in Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The series, created by Ryan Murphy, dives deep into the disturbing world of one of America’s most well-known killers while maintaining the dramatic, stylized tone that made the earlier seasons viral.

Ryan Murphy’s true crime series has faced criticism before, particularly from the families of Dahmer’s victims and from the Menendez brothers themselves, who took issue with how they were portrayed on screen. The latest season about Gein has drawn similar controversy.

Charlie Hunnam has publicly addressed viewers’ mixed reactions, especially toward his “empathetic” portrayal of Gein. Meanwhile, critics have accused the show of exaggerating or altering certain events for entertainment value rather than accuracy.

Still, even with these debates, it’s clear that audiences can’t look away. Despite the backlash, Monster: The Ed Gein Story continues to rank in Netflix’s Top 10, showing just how fascinated people remain with true crime dramatizations.

The latest season of Monster has drawn its fair share of criticism but it's very popular Netflix

So, what is it about these kinds of shows that keeps us glued to the screen? Why do so many people find themselves drawn to stories about real-life killers and violence?

According to mental health experts, our fascination with this kind of media might not always be as harmless as it seems. Psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant discussed the issue on The Mel Robbins Podcast in 2023, explaining: "If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order, [then] I would encourage you to think about 'why is trauma relaxing to me?'"

Her words suggest that what we choose to watch for “comfort” may actually reveal how our brains have learned to find calm in chaos — especially for people who grew up in stressful or unsafe environments.

It’s an eye-opening observation that might make some viewers rethink their obsession with true crime shows and dark dramatizations of real tragedies.

Dr. Bryant went on to explain further: "Some of us grew up in high stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring. To come home to yourself you have to lean into the discomfort because it's gonna feel unfamiliar."

Many viewers seemed to relate deeply to her comments, with one person writing online: "The trauma isn't relaxing to me - it's the justice the characters/real people often get that I never did in my own life."

Another viewer added: "Wow that is exactly what I watch to relax. This was so enlightening," while a third person reflected: "And this was the moment I realized... I haven't watched SVU since I went to therapy and started healing..."

The discussion has since gained traction among mental health professionals as well. Clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic told Crime Reads that trauma survivors are often drawn to true crime media because of the sense of understanding or control it offers.

People that enjoy watching traumatic events to relax may have some inner demons Netflix

Dr. Jeglic, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explained: "Anecdotally, some people are drawn to the study of psychology to understand themselves and heal themselves."

She also noted that it’s not uncommon for people pursuing psychology careers to have their own experiences with trauma or mental health struggles, adding: "Similarly, I think it might be likely that people who have a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime to kind of re-experience those traumatic situations in a safe environment where they have more control."

So, if you find yourself binging Monster again and again, maybe it’s worth balancing it out with something lighter — perhaps a few episodes of Friends instead.