DEVIL IN DISGUISE: JOHN WAYNE GACY - THE 411 ON THIS TERRFYING MINI SERIES

Recounting True Crime stories is never easy and telling the story of one of America’s most notorious serial killers was a challenge in many ways for the cast and crew of the limited series, Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.

From 1972-1978, thirty-three young men were kidnapped, murdered, and buried in a crawl space beneath their killer's house. And no one was the wiser. Not for all those years. Why? He was charming and funny. Had a good, All-American job. Was a community leader. He even volunteered to entertain sick kids... while dressed as a clown.

Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy peels back the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims; exploring the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends; and exposing the systemic failures, missed opportunities, and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror.

The limited series, created by Patrick Macmanus stars Michael Chernus in the lead role. Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, shot entirely in and around Toronto, is based on the similarly named 2021 Peacock docuseries John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise. The 2025 series shifts focus from the killer himself to the impact on his victims and the investigation that brought him to justice. Showrunner Patrick Macmanus emphasized the importance of highlighting the victims rather than sensationalizing Gacy.

Also giving notable performances in the series are, Gabriel Luna as ‘Detective Rafael Tovar’, James Badge Dale as ‘Chief of Detectives Joe Kozenczak’, Michael Angarano as ‘Sam Amirante’, Chris Sullivan as ‘Lead Prosecutor Bill Kunkle’, Marin Ireland as ‘Elizabeth Piest’

I spoke with star Michael Chernus and series creator Patrick Macmanus about this chilling series and the challenges they faced making it.