Peacock is set to captivate true crime fans with its upcoming limited series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, a chilling dramatization of one of America’s most infamous serial killers.
A Deadly Double Life
From 1972 to 1978, John Wayne Gacy murdered 33 young men, burying many of them in a crawl space beneath his suburban home. What made his case so disturbing was his outward image: he was charming, successful, a community leader, and even performed as a clown for children’s events—all while hiding his heinous crimes.
The Storyline
The series stars Gabriel Luna as Detective Rafael Tovar, who leads the investigation into Gacy (portrayed by Michael Chernus). After discovering bodies under Gacy’s home, Tovar and his team initially face the bizarre challenge that the most serious legal charge available is “illegally operating a graveyard.”
The state of Illinois must gather more evidence to prove murder charges beyond doubt, setting off a tense pursuit for justice.
Victims and Families
The show highlights the tragedy of Robert Piest, Gacy’s last known victim, whose disappearance ultimately exposed the killer’s crimes. Viewers will also see the grief and resilience of Piest’s parents, played by Greg Bryk and Marin Ireland, and hear the devastating impact on the victims’ families.
Production and Inspiration
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy draws inspiration from Peacock’s 2021 docuseries of the same name by NBC News Studios. The new series combines dramatization with emotional storytelling, exploring:
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The trauma of victims’ families and friends
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The systemic failures that allowed Gacy to continue undetected
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The societal prejudices of the time that contributed to missed opportunities for justice
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The show is produced by Littleton Road Productions and UCP (Universal Studio Group), with Patrick Macmanus as showrunner, alongside Noah Oppenheim, Liz Cole, Ashley Michel Hoban, Ahmadu Garba, and Kelly Funke.
Cast Highlights
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Michael Chernus as John Wayne Gacy
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Gabriel Luna as Detective Rafael Tovar
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James Badge Dale as Joe Kozenczak
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Michael Angarano as Sam Amirante
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Supporting cast includes Ted Dykstra, Chris Sullivan, Hamish Allan-Headley, and more.
Why This Story Matters
This gripping dramatization peels back the layers of Gacy’s twisted double life, while giving a voice to victims who were often overlooked. It serves not just as a retelling of one of history’s most shocking crime sprees, but also as a reminder of the importance of justice, accountability, and empathy for victims’ families.
