A chilling and critically acclaimed US crime drama that delves into one of America's most infamous murder cases is set to premiere for UK audiences this month. The eight-part miniseries 'Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy' will begin airing on ITV1 and ITVX on Friday, January 30.
A Harrowing Dive into a Notorious Case
The series provides a deep and unsettling exploration of the life and crimes of John Wayne Gacy, who murdered thirty-three young men between 1972 and 1978. The drama meticulously peels back the layers of Gacy's double life, revealing how he maintained a facade of normalcy as a charming community figure and children's entertainer while committing atrocities.
The show boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by Michael Chernus, known for 'Severance', in the role of Gacy. He is supported by Gabriel Luna from 'The Last of Us', James Badge Dale, Michael Angarano, Chris Sullivan, and Marin Ireland. The narrative not only focuses on the killer but also weaves in the heartrending stories of his victims and their grieving families, while examining the systemic failures that allowed his reign of terror to continue for years.
Critical Acclaim and UK Broadcast Details
The series has already garnered significant praise following its US release on the Peacock streaming service in October last year. It holds a formidable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 7.4 on IMDb. Critics and audiences have described it as "phenomenal," "harrowing," and "absolutely riveting," with particular commendation for its respectful handling of the victims' stories and the powerful performances from the cast. The drama was also recently nominated at the Critics Choice Awards.
For viewers in the UK, the series will be available weekly on ITV1 at 9pm. Alternatively, all eight episodes will be released at once for binge-watching on ITVX from the same launch date, January 30.
Audience and Critical Reception
Early reviews highlight the emotional impact and quality of the production. One viewer noted the phenomenal acting and the moving tribute to victim Rob Piest, while another called it one of the most distressing yet honouring things they had seen, praising how each episode dedicates time to memorialise the victims. A third review commended the top-tier performances from the entire cast, stating the show was riveting from the very first episode.
This arrival marks a major addition to ITV's true crime offering, bringing a meticulously crafted and critically endorsed drama to a British audience. 'Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy' promises to be a compelling, if deeply unsettling, examination of a dark chapter in criminal history.
