**Netflix’s Top 10 Shows: An In-Depth Look at the Current Must-Watch Series**
If you enjoy murder mysteries, Netflix is your go-to service. The streaming powerhouse continues to excel in the true-crime arena, with its newest smash, *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, seizing the #1 position on the platform. This compelling series, part of Ryan Murphy’s *Monsters* anthology, examines the real-life murders of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Erik and Lyle, which occurred in 1989. The show has enthralled viewers globally, pushing last week’s leading drama, *The Perfect Couple*, to the second spot.
### The Surge of True-Crime Series on Netflix
True-crime series have firmly established themselves on Netflix, and Ryan Murphy is a pivotal player in this movement. Renowned for his dark and frequently unsettling narratives, Murphy’s works have continuously attracted substantial audiences. His former entry in the *Monsters* anthology, *Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*, achieved third place among Netflix’s all-time most-watched shows, racking up over 1 billion viewing hours in its early months.
While some viewers, including myself, might perceive Murphy’s creations as excessively grim and disquieting, the widespread popularity of his work is undeniable. The latest release, *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, has already secured 12.3 million views, making it the most-viewed English-language show on Netflix this week.
### Netflix Top 10 Shows (Sept. 16 – Sept. 22)
Here’s a rundown of the complete Top 10 English-language shows on Netflix for the week spanning September 16 to September 22:
1. **Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story** — 12.3 million views
2. **The Perfect Couple** — 10.4 million views
3. **Emily in Paris** (Season 4) — 9.2 million views
4. **Prison Break** (Season 1) — 3.4 million views
5. **Prison Break** (Season 2) — 2.8 million views
6. **Prison Break** (Season 3) — 2.2 million views
7. **Kaos** — 2.2 million views
8. **CoComelon** (Season 11) — 2 million views
9. **Selling Sunset** (Season 8) — 1.7 million views
10. **Worst Ex Ever** (Season 1) — 1.7 million views
While *Monsters* and *The Perfect Couple* lead the chart, it’s noteworthy that older series like *Prison Break* continue to attract attention, holding three positions on the list. At the same time, *Emily in Paris* enchants its viewers with its latest season, while the new series *Kaos* is gaining attention for its innovative approach to Greek mythology.
### An Examination of *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*
The recent installment of *Monsters* explores the notorious Menendez case, which left the world stunned in the late 1980s. The cast features Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny as José and Kitty Menendez, with Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez starring as Erik and Lyle Menendez, respectively.
Throughout the season, audiences embark on a quest to comprehend what may have compelled the brothers to commit such a dreadful crime. The series delves into the intricate family dynamics, including allegations of abuse, along with the subsequent trial that captivated the public.
As per Netflix, the series “details the case of the real-life brothers who were sentenced in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez.” The prosecution maintained that the brothers were driven by greed, aiming to inherit their family’s wealth. Conversely, the defense argued that they were victims of a lifetime of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, which led to their desperate act of killing their parents.
Despite these assertions, the Menendez brothers were found guilty and are serving life sentences without any chance of parole. Erik Menendez has subsequently criticized the Netflix series, denouncing it for presenting “vile and appalling character portrayals” of both him and his sibling.
### Ryan Murphy’s Influence on True-Crime Television
Ryan Murphy has become closely associated with true-crime television, and his *Monsters* anthology showcases his talent for transforming real-life tragedies into engaging dramas. While his work often evokes mixed reactions — with some viewers finding it excessively dark and unsettling — it is irrefutable that Murphy has a knack for captivating audiences.
In light of Erik Menendez’s criticism of the series, Murphy has remained firm in his stance. When asked about the remark during
