Who was John Wayne Gacy? ‘Devil in Disguise’ reopens the chilling truth behind America’s killer clown
Michael Chernus as John Wayne Gacy in Devil In Disguise. Image Credit: Peacock
Peacock has reignited one of America’s darkest true-crime stories with Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, a gripping dramatization that revisits the horrifying crimes of the man known as the “Killer Clown.” The limited series, which premiered on October 16, 2025, does more than recount Gacy’s gruesome murders, it exposes the system that allowed his terror to continue for years and gives voice to the victims who were too often forgotten.
A Sinister Smile Behind the Mask
John Wayne Gacy was not the kind of man anyone expected to become one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. A successful contractor and community volunteer from Chicago, Gacy performed at children’s parties as “Pogo the Clown,” charming neighbors while concealing unimaginable horror beneath his suburban home.
Between 1972 and 1978, Gacy murdered at least 33 young men and boys, many of whom he lured with promises of work. Their bodies were later discovered buried in the crawl space beneath his house, a revelation that shocked the world and permanently etched his name in infamy.
Devil in Disguise captures this disturbing duality: the smiling clown and the ruthless predator. Yet, the show’s real power lies in its decision to focus not on the killer, but on those he silenced.
READ ALSO
What is next for Ex-Premier League referee David Coote after guilty plea to a child image offence?
Ian Watkins killed in prison attack: What happened to the disgraced Lostprophets singer?
Humanizing the Victims Left in the Shadows
Unlike previous adaptations that sensationalized Gacy’s crimes, Peacock’s Devil in Disguise takes a human-centered approach. The series carefully reconstructs the lives of the young men who fell victim to Gacy’s manipulation, sons, brothers, dreamers, whose disappearances were often dismissed due to their sexuality, social status, or age.
By weaving together dramatized accounts, real interviews, and archival materials, the show highlights how systemic bias and police indifference delayed Gacy’s capture. It’s a sobering reminder that the “monster” narrative often distracts from the social failures that make such crimes possible.
A Powerful Cast Brings Darkness to Life
Actor Michael Chernus delivers a chilling yet grounded performance as Gacy, portraying him not as a theatrical villain, but as a disturbingly ordinary man whose charm masked cruelty. The supporting cast, featuring Jessica Barden, Colin Ford, and Mark O’Brien, portrays families, investigators, and victims caught in the web of his deceit.
Chernus’s restrained performance mirrors the show’s tone, methodical, unsettling, and deeply human. Rather than relying on gore or shock, Devil in Disguise builds its horror through emotional realism, exposing how easily evil can wear a friendly face.
From Documentary to Dramatization
This 2025 release shares its name with the 2021 Peacock docuseries John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise, but it’s a completely new dramatized retelling. While the original offered chilling interviews with the killer himself, the new version aims to contextualize his crimes within America’s social fabric, class, identity, and justice.
Peacock’s creative team said they wanted to move beyond the headlines. “Gacy’s story has been told countless times,” says executive producer David Gelb. “What hasn’t been told is how society failed to protect the victims who trusted the system.”
Why Gacy Still Haunts America
Nearly five decades after his arrest, John Wayne Gacy remains an enduring symbol of evil hiding in plain sight. His case reshaped how Americans perceive trust, authority, and the myth of safety within suburbia.
Devil in Disguise doesn’t just chronicle a murderer, it dissects a nation’s denial. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about vulnerability, bias, and the darkness beneath the mask of normalcy.
As true crime continues to dominate streaming platforms, Peacock’s latest addition stands apart for its empathy and authenticity. It’s not about glorifying the killer, it’s about reclaiming the humanity of those he destroyed.
Watch ‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’
All eight episodes of Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy are now streaming exclusively on Peacock. The series has already sparked online debate for its unflinching portrayal of justice delayed and the haunting question: How many more like Gacy went unnoticed?
FAQ: “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”
1. Who was John Wayne Gacy?
John Wayne Gacy was an American serial killer from Chicago, Illinois, known for murdering at least 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. He became infamously known as the “Killer Clown” because he performed at local events dressed as “Pogo the Clown.” Gacy used his charm and community standing to lure victims before committing horrific crimes.
2. What is “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” about?
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is Peacock’s newest true-crime drama, released on October 16, 2025. The series revisits the chilling story of Gacy’s crimes but shifts focus from the killer to the victims and their families, exploring the lives lost and the systemic failures that allowed Gacy to remain undetected for years.
3. Is “Devil in Disguise” based on a true story?
Yes. The Peacock original Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is based entirely on real events surrounding the crimes and trial of John Wayne Gacy. It dramatizes how police investigations unfolded and highlights the bias and societal attitudes that delayed justice for many victims.
4. How many victims did John Wayne Gacy have?
Gacy was convicted of killing 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. Most of his victims were buried in the crawl space beneath his home in suburban Chicago. This made him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history.
5. Who plays John Wayne Gacy in the new Peacock series?
Actor Michael Chernus, known for roles in Severance and Orange Is the New Black, portrays John Wayne Gacy in Devil in Disguise. His performance avoids sensationalism, presenting Gacy as a manipulative yet disturbingly ordinary man rather than a mythic monster.
6. What makes Peacock’s “Devil in Disguise” different from other Gacy adaptations?
Unlike most portrayals that sensationalize the killer, Devil in Disguise humanizes the victims, showcasing their lives, families, and the circumstances that made them vulnerable. It draws from the “anti-crime” storytelling approach used in The Assassination of Gianni Versace and Last Call, emphasizing empathy over shock value.
7. Where can I watch “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”?
You can stream all eight episodes exclusively on Peacock. The series is available on-demand starting October 16, 2025. Peacock’s Basic Plan starts at $7.99/month, while Premium Plus (ad-free) costs $16.99/month. Promotional offers may allow limited free viewing.
8. Is the new “Devil in Disguise” connected to the 2021 docuseries of the same name?
Yes, the 2025 series shares its title and one executive producer with the 2021 Peacock docuseries John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise. However, this new version is a dramatized retelling with scripted performances, not a documentary.
9. What lessons does “Devil in Disguise” highlight about the Gacy case?
The show underscores how bias, homophobia, and police oversight contributed to the delayed capture of Gacy. Many victims were marginalized young men whose disappearances were not taken seriously. The series reexamines these systemic failures through modern understanding of justice and empathy.
10. Why is John Wayne Gacy still discussed today?
Gacy’s crimes continue to haunt American culture due to their brutality and the unsettling contrast between his public image as a cheerful clown and his secret life as a serial killer. His story shaped the archetype of the “killer clown” and remains a cautionary tale about deception, trust, and evil hiding in plain sight.