©The Hollywood Reporter - Brooke Palmer/PEACOCKThe series focuses on the harrowing stories of Gacy's victims and the immense grief and trauma their families endured for years while his crimes went unnoticed.
Chernus said he initially hesitated about taking on the role. "I didn't want to participate in anything that would glorify John Gacy in any way," he told Vanity Fair. He pointed out that victims in true-crime series often receive little attention or are only mentioned in relation to the perpetrator.
It was showrunner Patrick Macmanus who ultimately convinced him: "Gacy isn't the central focus of this series; you won't be in every scene." In fact, no murders are shown.
Besides Chernus, the series stars Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us), Michael Angarano (This Is Us), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), and Marin Ireland (Dope Thief).
The series' official description reads: "From 1972 to 1978, 33 young men were kidnapped, murdered, and buried beneath their killer's house. And no one noticed. How? He was charming, funny, had a respectable job, was active in the community, and even performed as a clown for sick children.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy exposes the dark layers of Gacy's life, interwoven with the heartbreaking stories of his victims. The series explores the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends, and reveals the systemic flaws, missed signals, and biases that made Gacy's terror possible."
Gacy was sentenced to death in 1980 and executed by lethal injection in 1994.
All eight episodes air on Thursday, October 16th on Peacock. Watch the teaser below.
