Netflix’s Latest Obsession: Outpacing the Competition in Record Time
This Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Netflix rolled out a brand new Italian series — and it wasted no time captivating subscribers around the globe. In fact, within just 48 hours of its release, the show had muscled its way to the top of Netflix's worldwide charts.
“The Monster of Florence” has already cemented itself as the must-see event of the season. Released on October 22, 2025, the show didn’t just nudge its way into the weekly ranking: it leapfrogged directly to number one, overtaking even “Boots,” October’s surprise smash hit. Not bad for a lightning-fast performance from a dark Italian production inspired by a real-life criminal case that sent chills across Italy for decades.
A True Crime Story That Freezes the Blood
Directed by Stefano Sollima (the creative force behind “Gomorrah” and “Suburra”), this four-part miniseries dives deep into the sprawling police investigation of a serial killer who terrorized the Florence region between 1968 and 1985. Over the course of more than 15 years, eight pairs of victims — sixteen lives cut short — were brutally murdered, often as couples were sitting together in their cars. The ensuing investigations would be marked by missteps, wild theories, and tangles in the justice system. In short: the perfect set-up for a thriller that’s every bit as gripping as it is unsettling.
Riding the Wave of True Crime Success
Hot on the heels of the success of “Monster” season three — recently titled “Monster: The Story of Ed Gein” — Netflix is betting once again on the irresistible pull of true crime, and all signs point to another winning gamble. Tense direction, an atmosphere thick with suspense, and a cast led by Francesca Olia, Valentino Mannias, and Giacomo Fadda are drawing in both noir devotees and anyone with a taste for a real-life mystery.
In a matter of just two days, “The Monster of Florence” surged to the very top of Netflix’s international rankings, beating out heavyweight contenders like “No One Saw Us Leave” (known as “Personne ne nous a vus partir” in French) and “The Diplomat.”
Binge-Worthy Format, Addictive Energy
The series owes part of its success to its brisk, four-episode run and taut, energetic writing — the kind that practically begs to be devoured in a single sitting. With painstaking reconstructions, psychological tension, and a sharp look at society’s collective fascination with crime, “The Monster of Florence” ticks every single box on the Netflix hit list.
And the numbers speak for themselves: according to Flixpatrol, the series currently holds the number one spot in 62 countries, including France, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, and, of course, Italy. Not bad at all for a show that’s just old enough to barely need a second cup of coffee!
