Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy Premieres on ITV with Gripping True Crime Story
A brand new crime drama series that delves into the terrifying life of one of America's most notorious serial killers is set to captivate television audiences across the UK. Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy makes its highly anticipated debut on ITV and ITVX today, January 30, offering viewers a chilling exploration of the killer's twisted psyche and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to go undetected for years.
Start Time and Viewing Details for the Harrowing Series
The eight-part mini-series will air weekly at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, starting from Friday, January 30. For those who prefer to immerse themselves in the entire story at once, all eight episodes will be available to stream via ITVX and STV Player from the same day, allowing for a binge-watching experience of this critically acclaimed production.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Chilling Story to Life
Leading the ensemble cast is Michael Chernus, known for his role in Severance, who takes on the challenging portrayal of John Wayne Gacy. He is joined by an impressive lineup of talent including:
- Gabriel Luna from The Last of Us
- James Badge Dale of Savant and 1923 fame
- Michael Angarano from This Is Us and Oppenheimer
- Chris Sullivan, also from This Is Us
- Marin Ireland of The Irishman and The Umbrella Academy
This talented cast brings depth and authenticity to the harrowing narrative, ensuring a compelling viewing experience.
Filming Locations That Recreate 1970s Chicago
The production team meticulously recreated the atmosphere of 1970s Chicago by filming in various locations across Ontario, Canada. Key filming sites included New Toronto, Hamilton, and Kingston, which were transformed to authentically represent the era and setting of Gacy's crimes, adding to the series' atmospheric authenticity.
The Disturbing True Story Behind the Drama
Yes, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is based on the true and horrifying story of John Wayne Gacy, an American serial killer who became infamously known as the "killer clown." Between 1972 and 1978, Gacy kidnapped, murdered, and buried thirty-three young men in a crawl space beneath his house while maintaining a facade of normalcy as a charming community leader who even entertained sick children while dressed as a clown.
The series not only explores Gacy's twisted life but also weaves in heartrending stories of his victims, examining the grief, guilt, and trauma experienced by their families and friends. It critically examines the systemic failures, missed opportunities, and societal prejudices that enabled his reign of terror to continue unchecked for years.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
First released last year, the series has already garnered significant praise from both critics and viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer described it as "phenomenal" in both story and acting, while another called it "one of the most harrowing and distressing things I've ever seen," noting how each episode honours the victims. Additional reviews have praised the series as "absolutely riveting from the very first episode" and "one of the best true crime series that I have ever seen," highlighting its powerful impact and quality production values.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy represents a significant addition to the true crime genre on British television, offering a thought-provoking examination of one of history's most disturbing criminal cases while maintaining respect for the victims and their families. The series premieres tonight on ITV at 9pm, with streaming available on ITVX for those who wish to watch all episodes immediately.
