A New Serial Killer Show on Netflix Is Challenging the ‘Monster’ Anthology for the Top Spot

Following a lackluster third season of Netflix’s Monster series, which explored the story of serial killer Ed Gein, Netflix is releasing a new true crime offering for its viewers.

Netflix recently added a new Italian limited series called The Monster of Florence (Il Mostro), which explores the infamous and unsettling true story of a series of murders in Italy. Created and directed by Stefano Sollima, the series launched globally on October 22nd, marking Netflix’s 10-year anniversary in Italy.

Within a week, the show climbed to become one of the top five most-watched, surpassing the story of The Ed Gein, which fell to number seven.

The series is inspired by real crimes and tells the story of the hunt for a serial killer who terrorized the area around Florence, Italy, between 1968 and 1985. During those years, eight couples were murdered while parked in remote locations. The killer, dubbed “The Monster of Florence,” used a .22 caliber Beretta pistol.

The investigation became one of Italy’s longest and most complex criminal cases, and the mystery of the true killer continues to trouble the nation.

Inspired by the real-life case of Italy’s first serial killer, The Monster of Florence is a four-part series on Netflix that recounts 17 years of fear and terror for a generation. It begins streaming on October 22nd.

— Bloody Disgusting (@BDisgusting) August 22, 2025

The series stars Marco Bullitta as Stefano Mele, Valentino Mannias as Salvatore Vinci, Francesca Olia as Barbara Locci, Giacomo Fadda as Francesco Vinci, and Antonio Tintis as Giovanni Mele. It initially premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and is now available on Netflix worldwide.

Critics generally gave the show mixed reviews. It has a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 58 out of 100.

Reviewers have mixed opinions on the show’s speed and overall feel, but everyone agrees it’s beautiful to look at and features strong acting. Some feel it’s more of a family story than a suspenseful thriller, while others praise its exploration of our culture’s fascination with uncovering the truth.

Critics have praised the show’s visual beauty and the consistently strong acting. However, some found the story disjointed, comparing it to a collection of moments rather than a smoothly flowing plot. Despite this, many reviewers commended the director for creating a compelling crime drama based on a difficult period in Italian history.

While The Monster of Florence doesn’t have the same quick pace or dramatic style as Netflix’s Monster series, it offers a distinct viewing experience. It focuses on creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere, using dark and evocative visuals and deep emotional storytelling to draw you into the suspense of the era.

This series blends mystery, heartbreaking events, and historical insight, showing viewers how a single, frightening case influenced the development of true crime in Italy.

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2025-10-29 14:14