Monsters

Monsters is a Netflix anthology series, created by Emmy winner Ryan Murphy, that centers on dramatic retellings of famous homicide cases.

Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story follows the notorious serial killer and cannibal, who was played by Evan Peters. The 10-episode 2022 season examines the murders Dahmer carried out between 1978 and 1991 and explores how his crimes were enabled by those around him.

Richard Jenkins and Molly Ringwald played Dahmer’s parents. Niecy Nash, who played Jeffrey’s neighbor Glenda Cleveland, won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Peters won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.

The series returned in 2024 with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, which delves into the infamous 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menéndez, carried out by their two sons, Lyle and Erik. The scripted show, explores the complex, deeply emotional circumstances leading up to the murders, focusing on the brothers’ childhood, allegations of abuse and the psychological trauma that may have shaped their actions.

Starring Cooper Koch as Erik Menéndez and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menéndez, the series traces the tension-filled dynamics of the Menéndez family, where the brothers claimed to have endured years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father, José (Javier Bardem). As the brothers’ trial unfolds, the show examines the dramatic courtroom battles, media frenzy and public debate surrounding their motivations: whether they acted out of fear or for financial gain.

Lyle and Erik, who are currently in prison, slammed the show when it was released. Weeks after the show debuted in September 2024 on Netflix alongside a documentary about the brothers, the Los Angeles District Attorney recommended the brothers be resentenced.