‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ Drops Haunting Trailer & First-Look Photos
Friend. Neighbor. Entertainer. Fiend. This October, the story of John Wayne Gacy, one of America’s most notorious serial killers, returns to the small screen on Peacock as a limited series.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is an eight-episode docuseries that explores the how, why, and what behind his crimes, as well as the families devastated by his horrific actions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming true-crime series, including when and where to watch it and who will appear in it.
Pief Weyman/Peacock
When and where does Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy premiere?
All eight episodes of Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will premiere on Peacock on October 16.
What is Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy about?
The limited series is based on Peacock’s true-crime documentary miniseries, also titled Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, which premiered in March 2021. It explored archival footage, news clips, police files, and interviews with Gacy himself (via a 1992 interview).
For years, John Wayne Gacy was seen as a pillar of his community. A local business owner and friendly neighbor, he even donned clown makeup as “Pogo” to entertain at children’s birthday parties. But behind the mask lurked a monster.
Brooke Palmer/Peacock
From 1972 to 1978, Gacy concealed his horrific crimes of murder and mutilation, ultimately amassing a body count of 33 young men whose remains were buried beneath his home.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy examines every side of the case — from his calculated efforts to hide the atrocities, to the devastating toll on victims’ families. The limited series also investigates the systemic failures that enabled his years-long killing spree, exposing the true scope of the havoc, trauma, and destruction he left behind.
Who stars in Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy?
The crime drama limited series stars Michael Chernus as notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy.
Gabriel Luna plays Detective Rafael Tovar, a detective in the case, while James Badge Dale is Chief of Detectives Joe Kozenczak, who was pivotal in breaking the case.
Michael Angarano portrays Sam Amirante, Gacy’s defense attorney, and Chris Sullivan is Bill Kunkle, the lead prosecutor in the John Wayne Gacy case.
Marin Ireland plays Elizabeth Piest, the mother of missing teen Rob, and Thom Nyhuus plays his brother Kenneth. Ryker Baloun plays Rob.
Chloe Avakian is Patti Szyc, the sister of one of Gacy’s victims.
Who is behind Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy?
The series is created by, written, directed, and executive produced by Patrick Macmanus, known for his work on The Girl from Plainville and Marco Polo.
Exec producers include Noah Oppenheim and Liz Cole for NBC News Studios, Ashley Michel Hoban, Ahmadu Garba, and Kelly Funke for Littleton Road Productions.
Brooke Palmer/Peacock
Is there a trailer?
Yes. Embedded above, the trailer wastes no time jumping into the crux of the case: Gacy picks up runaway Rob, whose family soon reports him missing, setting off the manhunt that ultimately leads authorities to Gacy’s door.
There is also a suspenseful teaser that features long shots of parts of Gacy’s house, where many of his crimes took place, before revealing Michael Chernus as Gacy.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, October 16, Peacock
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