Osgood Perkins has openly criticized Netflix’s portrayal of true crime, especially in the popular series Monster: The Ed Gein Story. Released recently, this show attempts to humanize Ed Gein, the infamous criminal whose acts inspired characters in films like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Perkins, son of late actor Anthony Perkins, expressed deep unease about how Netflix and other streaming platforms have transformed real-life horror into lucrative entertainment, raising concerns about the impact on cultural understanding.
Humanizing a Horror Figure: The Intent Behind ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’
The third season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series focuses on Ed Gein, portraying him not simply as a monstrous figure but as a man driven to commit horrifying acts. Charlie Hunnam plays Gein in a narrative that blurs the line between fact and sympathetic storytelling. Unlike earlier fictional films inspired by Gein’s crime, this series claims to depict his true story, which has provoked mixed reactions due to its questionable tone and direction.
Instead of condemning Gein outright as the grave-robbing boogeyman, the show explores his psyche in ways that some viewers, including Perkins, find unsettling and misguided. The series’ attempt to connect Gein to iconic horror characters like Norman Bates, Leatherface, and Buffalo Bill brings in layers of fiction and reality, with notable total creative liberties such as including portrayals of Alfred Hitchcock, Tobe Hooper, and Anthony Perkins himself.
Osgood Perkins’ Disapproval and Concerns About True Crime’s Cultural Impact
In an interview with TMZ, Osgood Perkins made clear his refusal to watch the show, stating he
wouldn’t watch it with a 10-foot pole,
signaling strong disapproval. He criticized the trend of turning real pain and tragedy into entertainment, describing it as
increasingly devoid of context and that the Netflix-ization of real pain is playing for the wrong team.
Perkins is worried about the way these portrayals glamorize violence and suffering, suggesting that this approach distorts societal understanding and values by presenting dark realities as captivating content.
He also warned about the power behind such narratives, referring to it as a phenomenon where
contemporary culture being reshaped in real time by Overlords,
a phrase indicating influential forces molding public perception through media control.
Controversies Surrounding Character Portrayals in the Series
One of the series’ most contentious elements involves its depiction of Anthony Perkins, portrayed by Joey Pollari, which suggests uncomfortable parallels between Osgood Perkins’ father and Ed Gein. The show implies a connection between Anthony Perkins’ private struggles with his sexuality and the dark secrets linked to Gein’s life, a comparison the series leaves unexplored but that many viewers find troubling. This narrative choice has contributed to the negative reception, as it seems to trivialize real-life personal issues alongside true crime horror.
Implications for True Crime and Viewer Perception
Osgood Perkins’ critical remarks highlight an ongoing debate about how true crime series should responsibly represent reality without exploiting trauma. The growing popularity of these shows on Netflix and beyond raises concerns about desensitizing audiences to actual suffering. Perkins’ warning emphasizes the need for media creators to consider the ethical dimensions of storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive historical crimes and their real-life impact.
As the fascination with true crime continues, Perkins’ perspective serves as a caution about how such content can influence public attitudes, suggesting that the industry must avoid glamorizing violence and respect the complexities of its subjects.
The Ed Gein Story explores some interesting ideas, particularly the way Hollywood turned a sick man into a mythical monster, but it all amounts to watching someone tastelessly play with action figures of celebrities, historical figures & murderers. A baffling endeavor by the end. pic.twitter.com/NyQ4r14QrK
— John Squires 🎃 (@FreddyInSpace) October 10, 2025
