True crime fans won’t be able to resist this ‘riveting’ 8-part serial-killer drama

The series has already proved a hit with viewers across the pond, earning a 95% critics score and an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer penned: “I absolutely loved it. Tough real-life story but the directors and writers did an excellent job telling the stories from the point of view of the families, law enforcement and victims. I’m so glad it wasn’t full of gore and clowns! And it didn’t sensationalise John Wayne. The actors were all absolutely amazing portraying their role. Thank you to the writers and directors for providing a riveting series. Bravo!!”

Another added: “Absolutely riveting from the very first episode. Every actor involved so far (two episodes in) has been top tier. Thoroughly impressed.”

A third praised the show’s structure, writing: “I was immediately hooked from the start. The way the show dives into each episode while breaking down each victim’s story and simultaneously following the investigation, how Gacy was caught, and maybe even more important – how he was able to get away with his crimes for so long, is incredibly intriguing and well done. Certainly a fresh take on the true crime genre that sets the bar high for future shows focusing on prolific cases such as this one. Looking forward to more seasons!”

The series explores the kidnapping and murders of 33 young men killed between 1972 and 1978, many of whom were buried beneath the house of their captor. Outwardly, Gacy presented himself as a charming, all-American man who volunteered in his community and entertained children dressed as a clown, allowing him to evade suspicion for years.

The synopsis continues: “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy peels back the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims – it explores the grief, guilt and trauma of their families and friends and exposes the systemic failures, missed opportunities and societal prejudices that fuelled his reign of terror.”

Michael Chernus (Severance) brings the heart-wrenching story to life as John Wayne Gacy. He’s joined by Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us), James Badge Dale (Savant, 1923), Michael Angarano (Oppenheimer), Chris Sullivan (This is Us) and Marin Ireland (The Irishman).

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Michael Chernus explained why it was important that the murders were not shown on screen.

“One of the first things [showrunner Patrick Macmanus] told me was that there wouldn’t be any graphic violence onscreen or any murder shown,” he said. “That was not only a relief, but it aligned with my artistic impulses around telling this story. It felt like it would be wrong to show that and not be in alignment with the larger purpose of what we were trying to do.”