Dahmer Series Renewal Sparks Netflix Backlash: 'Terrorizing Victims'

Two more "monstrous figures" will get a true crime series about them—like Jeffrey Dahmer—leading to mounting criticism of Netflix.

Despite being one of the most popular shows on the streaming service, Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, was criticized for being insensitive to the families of his victims. Ryan Murphy (Glee) and Ian Brennan have been commissioned to create two more installments of their show that will "tell the stories of other monstrous figures who have impacted society."

Evan Peters played the infamous serial killer in the first season of Monster. Across 10 episodes, gruesome details of Dahmer's crimes were dramatized for the screen. It was ranked at number one on the Netflix Top 10 Most-Watched chart for a number of weeks. The show was so popular among audiences, it even sparked a disturbing TikTok trend.

On Monday, Netflix confirmed in a statement that the show would return, along with a second season of The Watcher.

"Netflix saw how Ryan Murphy went against the victims wishes and re-opened new traumas and was like YES! let's reward this," wrote antirape activist and academic Wagatwe Wanjuki in a response on Twitter.

Activist and journalist Noah Bloom disagreed and thought the first season of Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story was "non-exploitative," until he heard about the decision to renew the series. "I think Dahmer's story—especially the institutional rot that allowed him to operate for that long—is one worth telling in this type of detail. Not sure that extends to other serial killings," he said.

TV writer Paul Tassi echoed a joke that many made online—that Netflix is attempting to create a "serial killer cinematic universe." He wrote, "Netflix's response to Dahmer pushback is shockingly not thoughtful reconsideration and instead they're gonna go ahead and make the serial killer Avengers because so many people watched the first time."

Thousands of people commented on the renewal of the show, with some celebrating, and many speculating on who the next serial killer might be (many predicted John Wayne Gacy). Others shared their disgust at the apparent exploitation of tragedies.

"Netflix, please stop terrorizing victims and their families for coin it's seriously disgusting," wrote user @pearlescentpink on Twitter.

"I blame the true crime girlies for this!!! You will pay for your crimes!!!" joked Twitch streamer Katie R.M., aka Pikachulita.

In their announcement, Netflix spoke of the success of the Dahmer series so far. "As of November 1, Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has garnered over 934 million view hours, and is on track to reach 1 billion hours in the coming weeks. It is the second most popular English TV season on Netflix," the streaming service wrote.

Head of Global TV at Netflix, Bela Bajaria, seemingly confirmed the existence of the so-called "Monster universe."

Audiences can't take their eyes off Monster and The Watcher," she said in a statement. "The back-to-back force of these two series is due to Ryan's distinct original voice which created cultural sensations and we are thrilled to continue telling stories in the Monster and Watcher universes."

Murphy created Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story alongside Ian Brennan, while the pair, along with Eric Newman, created The Watcher. Both shows are available to watch on Netflix now.