Peacock True Crime Serial Killer Series Gives Voices Back To Victims

First landing on the streamer back in 2021, John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise can be considered one of Peacock’s first true crime original offerings. Over six episodes, the miniseries tells the horrifying truth about convicted serial killer John Wayne Gacy, also known as the Killer Clown. Using first-hand accounts from the lucky few who got away, as well as members of the police department, journalists, and more, audiences learned about Gacy’s atrocious crimes.

And, while the docuseries does cover some of John Wayne Gacy’s backstory including his childhood and certain other points of interest, it largely focuses on the families whose lives he changed forever with his horrific actions. In this respect, Peacock’s production is a step above others that simply focus on the how, what, where, when, and why behind a serial killer’s drive. 

While many know the infamous murderer’s name, many wouldn’t recognize names like Timothy Jack McCoy, Darrel Samson, Michael Bonnin, and dozens more. This is something the folks behind John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise took into account when striking out with their work. They knew they wanted to illuminate the people at the core of the killer’s crimes, which can clearly be seen during every minute of the miniseries.

For those who may not know, John Wayne Gacy is one of the most infamous serial killers in the United States. Active in Illinois largely during the ‘70s, Gacy is known to be responsible for the murders of at least 33 young men and boys. The words “at least” are used because we’ll never know just how many victims Gacy had although it’s believed the number is much greater than what law enforcement caught him on.

So, how was he able to get away with his crimes for so long? Like many other serial killers, John Wayne Gacy was a chameleon and master manipulator who could easily blend in and charm whomever he pleased. Because of this, he was in tight with the police department, a beloved member of the community, and easily flew under the radar when boys started to go missing.

But, John Wayne Gacy’s luck would change and one of his victims would lead police straight to his home where, after obtaining a search warrant, they discovered 26 bodies buried in the crawl space under his home. Gacy was ultimately arrested and confessed to his crimes, later taking back his confession and maintaining his innocence until his death by lethal injection.

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To us, John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise is a must-watch for any true crime fan out there. This docuseries makes for a unique viewing experience because of the attention it brings to the victims’ families, as well as the discussion and possible evidence they include about the likelihood that Gacy had one or more accomplices working with him. As one of the streamer’s first original true crime productions, you can find the title now streaming on Peacock.