The Ed Gein story: Everything about season 3 of the series that redefines real horror
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The series “Monster” returns for its third season, diving deep into the twisted mind of one of America’s most disturbing criminals: Ed Gein.
Titled Monster: The Ed Gein Story, this new installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s anthology promises to go beyond violence and explore the dark psychology behind the man who inspired horror classics like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
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What is the Monster series about
Created by producers Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, “Monster” became a global phenomenon from its very first season.
Each installment portrays real-life crimes that shocked the world, exploring the thin line between humanity and monstrosity.
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The first season, Dahmer, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, became a massive hit for its haunting portrayal of the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
The second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, examined the controversial case of the Menendez brothers, who murdered their parents in 1989.
Now, with “The Ed Gein Story,” Netflix dives even deeper into psychological territory, depicting both the human and horrifying sides of a man who forever changed the concept of terror.
Release date and plot
The third season of Monster premieres on October 3, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, and will feature eight episodes.
The show follows Ed Gein, played by Charlie Hunnam, as he lives in Plainfield, Wisconsin, during the 1950s.
After the death of his domineering mother, Augusta Gein (portrayed by Laurie Metcalf), Ed spirals into isolation and madness, developing a gruesome obsession that leads him to grave robbing and murder.
The script doesn’t just recount his crimes, it delves into how religious fanaticism and emotional repression created the monster within.
According to the creators, this new season “isn’t just about a killer, it’s about what happens when isolation and guilt turn into horror.”
Narrative structure and main characters
With eight episodes, the series follows a linear yet introspective narrative, alternating between Gein’s past and present.
Unlike Dahmer, which focused on the victims’ and police’s perspectives, The Ed Gein Story takes a closer look at the inner psychology of the murderer and his toxic bond with his mother.
Key characters include:
- Ed Gein (Charlie Hunnam): the lonely farmer whose mind unravels under the weight of guilt, faith, and insanity.
- Augusta Gein (Laurie Metcalf): a devout, controlling mother whose religious fanaticism shapes her son’s twisted worldview.
- Sheriff Joe Wilke (Michael Shannon): the officer determined to uncover the truth while confronting the horror of what he finds.
The gray, desaturated cinematography, slow pacing, and haunting score create a claustrophobic and despair-filled atmosphere that defines the season’s tone.
Historical and cultural context
Ed Gein’s crimes took place in the 1950s rural America, a time marked by religious conservatism and strict social expectations.
Raised under harsh moral codes and extreme isolation, Gein became the product of his environment.
This setting is vital to understanding the case’s cultural impact. Gein’s story inspired several horror icons, from Norman Bates in Psycho to Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
The new season uses this legacy to explore society’s fascination with evil and the blurred line between horror and empathy.
Comparison with previous seasons
While Monster: The Ed Gein Story maintains the anthology format, it represents a shift in tone and focus.
Whereas Dahmer and Menendez explored social, legal, and media repercussions, this third season dives deeper into the mind of the killer himself.
There’s less emphasis on graphic violence and more on psychological tension.
Ryan Murphy seems to seek a balance between horror and humanity, presenting Ed Gein as both a monster and a tragic byproduct of repression and loneliness.
This change may divide viewers, but it reinforces the franchise’s mission, to question what truly makes a “monster.”
Impact and expected reception
Since its announcement, The Ed Gein Story has generated intense anticipation. The first images released by Netflix show Charlie Hunnam completely transformed, delivering a chilling and restrained performance.
Critics predict this could be the darkest yet most introspective season of the series. However, controversy is inevitable.
Some argue that dramatizing real crimes risks glorifying or exploiting tragedy. Ryan Murphy has addressed this, saying the goal is to provoke reflection, not admiration:
“We want to understand what creates a monster, not celebrate them.”
What to expect from the new season
The show embraces cold visual tones, authentic 1950s costumes, and a near-documentary portrayal of rural life in Wisconsin.
The soundtrack blends religious hymns with ambient sounds, heightening the clash between faith and madness.
A standout will likely be Laurie Metcalf’s powerful performance as Augusta Gein, a near-biblical figure whose devotion mutates into damnation.
Meanwhile, Charlie Hunnam delivers a haunting portrayal that challenges viewers to distinguish between victim and villain.
Core themes and reflections
At its heart, Monster: The Ed Gein Story is not merely about gruesome crimes, it’s about how society creates monsters.
The season poses vital questions: What happens when faith, repression, and isolation collide? And to what extent does culture itself feed these horrors?
More than a horror story, this is a psychological exploration of loneliness and guilt, revealing how pain can mutate into madness.
Season 3 of Monster promises to be a visceral, philosophical, and terrifying experience.
With outstanding performances and a more intimate approach, The Ed Gein Story cements itself as a daring and thought-provoking new chapter in Ryan Murphy’s anthology.
“This season isn’t just about a killer, it’s about how society defines what it means to be monstrous.” We want to know: And you, are you ready to watch this story? Tell us here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Monster: The Ed Gein Story
When does Monster: The Ed Gein Story premiere?
The season premieres on October 3, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
How many episodes are there?
There will be eight episodes in total.
Who plays Ed Gein?
Actor Charlie Hunnam, best known for Sons of Anarchy, plays the lead role.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes. Ed Gein was a real-life murderer whose crimes horrified America in the 1950s.
Do I need to watch the previous seasons to understand this one?
No. Each season is a standalone story within the Monster anthology.