Be terrified of The Devil in Disguise: John Gacy

For those of my readers with a stronger disposition, I came across this docuseries that may be worth giving a watch. Beware, though, it can be horrific at times.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is an eight-episode, American true crime drama miniseries that premiered on October 16, 2025, on Peacock. You can currently watch it on RTE Player for those in Ireland. It dramatizes the life and crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who murdered dozens of young men and boys during the 1970s.

is a gripping and deeply unsettling docuseries that stands out for its thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth. Rather than simply recounting shocking crimes, the series carefully explores how John Gacy was able to hide behind a façade of normalcy, offering a chilling insight into the psychology of deception and the failures that allowed his crimes to go unnoticed for so long.

The pacing is excellent, balancing suspense with clarity, and the use of archival footage, interviews, and expert commentary feels both respectful and impactful. Particularly powerful are the perspectives of investigators and those affected by Gacy’s actions, which add a human dimension that elevates the series beyond typical true-crime narratives.

Michael Churnus gives a great performance as John Gacy, displaying all the traits that helped him evade capture. I was particularly fascinated by how he could talk himself out of getting caught.

I give it four stars out of five. You have been warned.

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