Three reasons we’re super-hyped for ITV’s “phenomenal” Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy

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Okay, so if you’re into true crime stuff, there’s a new docuseries coming out that looks really interesting. I’ve seen some criticism of shows like the Netflix one about Ed Gein – people felt it focused too much on the crimes themselves. But this one, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, sounds like it’s going to approach things differently. It’s promising a deeper look beyond just the awful acts, which I’m hoping will be a more thoughtful experience.

Honestly, what I really appreciate about this show isn’t the typical crime stuff. It’s not about the violence itself, but why Gacy was able to get away with things for so long. It really focuses on the young guys he hurt, and tells their story, which is super important. It’s more about the system failing them than just the crimes themselves.

When I first started working on the show, Patrick Macmanus, the showrunner, made it clear that it wasn’t going to be about shocking, graphic violence or even show any murders happening on screen. That’s a big difference from shows like Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer or The Ed Gein Story, which really leaned into that kind of stuff.

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There are lots of reasons to be excited about this upcoming ITV show, so let’s dive in.

Who was John Wayne Gacy?

Often considered one of the most infamous serial killers of the 20th century, he – like Ed Gein – significantly influenced popular culture. This impact stemmed from the disturbing difference between his seemingly normal public persona and his horrific crimes.

During the 1970s, John Gacy was a successful businessman. He owned a painting and decorating company and also worked as a supervisor for a shopfitting business. He was actively involved in the Loyal Order of Moose, a well-known charity, and often entertained children in hospitals as a clown.

His exposure as a dangerous criminal significantly intensified the existing fear of clowns and led to their frequent appearance in horror films. However, his use of a clown disguise was simply a way to blend in, and reports at the time linking his crimes to a ‘killer clown’ persona were inaccurate; his violence wasn’t connected to the clown image itself.

John Wayne Gacy sexually assaulted and murdered more than thirty young men and boys. He lured them to his home with false promises, tortured them, and then strangled them. He disposed of their bodies by dumping them from bridges or burying them in a hidden area beneath his house.

Why we’re excited about Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy

First, initial reviews of the show in the US were overwhelmingly positive, coming from well-respected publications. For example, Variety praised it as a thoughtful and nuanced approach to the often sensationalized topic of serial killers. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that the show gives equal attention to the victims, the difficulties faced by law enforcement, and a complex exploration of the genre, rather than just focusing on the violence.

Secondly, Devil in Disguise seems to have taken cues from other popular dramas and successfully focuses on the experiences of the victims, instead of simply showcasing shocking and over-the-top violence – a common mistake, as seen in Monster.

After John Wayne Gacy’s arrest, the public became intensely interested in rumors about his sexuality. This also unfortunately helped him continue his crimes for so long. Many of his victims were young men who had run away from home or were involved in sex work, which meant police didn’t prioritize investigating their disappearances – a common issue in cases involving serial killers where victims are seen as less deserving of attention.

Another reason the series is compelling is Michael Chernus’s incredible performance as John Wayne Gacy. While he’s usually known for comedic roles in shows like Severance and movies like Men in Black 3 and Werewolves Within, he takes on a very different and disturbing character here. According to RogerEbert.com, Chernus brilliantly portrays Gacy’s outwardly friendly demeanor while subtly hinting at the darkness and depravity within.

With so much existing content – films, documentaries, books, and podcasts – already covering the subject, Chernus told The Hollywood Reporter that he felt compelled to create something truly ambitious.

When can I see Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy?

All eight episodes of the series will be available to stream on ITVX starting January 30th. You can watch the trailer here:

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What other serial-killer dramas should I watch?

You have plenty of options, but we don’t suggest picking one at random. There are important things to consider first.

If you’re not easily disturbed and like true crime stories told in a dramatic, scary way, you might enjoy Ryan Murphy’s Monster series on Netflix. It covers the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein across three seasons. However, be aware that the show focuses heavily on shocking details.

If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of psychopathy and how serial killers are able to operate, consider watching Des, a compelling drama on Netflix, ITVX, and Disney+ featuring a strong performance by David Tennant as Dennis Nilsen.

We also suggest watching Manhunt on ITVX. It features Martin Clunes as DI Colin Sutton, a detective based on a real person, and details the case that resulted in the arrest of Levi Bellfield.

Enjoy the holidays with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s packed with 14 days of listings to help you plan your festive viewing, and it’s available now for just £4.75 at Morrisons, TG Jones, and other magazine shops.

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2025-12-19 16:20