‘Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ Exclusive Clip Teases ‘Severance’ Star Michael Chernus’ Chilling Performance As The Serial Killer

Looking for a gripping new crime drama based on harrowing real-life events? Peacock‘s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is almost here, and Decider’s got an exclusive look at Severance star Michael Chernus as the titular serial killer.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Peacock’s official Devil in Disguise synopsis is as follows: “From 1972-1978, thirty-three young men were kidnapped, murdered, and buried in a crawl space beneath their killer’s house. And no one was the wiser. Not for all those years. Why? He was charming and funny. Had a good, All-American job. Was a community leader. He even volunteered to entertain sick kids… while dressed as a clown.”

Per Peacock, over the course of eight hour-long episodes, which premiere on October 16, Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy will explore “the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims; exploring the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends; and exposing the systemic failures, missed opportunities, and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror.”

In Decider’s exclusive peek at Patrick Macmanus’ series, located at the top of this article, you can get an early look at Chernus’ chilling performance alongside Oppenheimer and This is Us star Michael Angarano.

The clip, which lasts 1:20, shows a frustrated Gacy in a jail cell suggesting he should defend himself. In response, Gacy’s lawyer, Sam Amirante (Angarano), replies, “That’s a great idea. The last time I let you run your mouth, you talked your way out of a plea deal.”

When Gacy tells Amirante to “think outside the box,” Amirante responds with a flustered, “You told me you killed 33 boys,” which prompts an on-the-spot explanation.

“I was drunk and high. Cops were chasing me, and you gave me more to drink. I would have confessed to the St Valentine’s Day Massacre if it was put to me,” Gacy argues. When his lawyer responds with a sigh, Gacy dials up the heat, asking, “What the fuck? Why are you mad at me? I’m mad at you! You’ve let me down at every turn. I’m in here because of you, and you won’t let me talk to the prosecutor, the press now, now the shrink.”

As Angarano’s character takes a moment to process, Gacy grabs a pile of letters and begins sharing testimonies from his fans. “Mitch from North Dakota thinks I’m innocent. Jimmy from Tallahassee doesn’t think I’m crazy. There’s a whole bunch more. I could keep reading them out to you,” he says. When Amirante reminds Gacy that Mitch and Jimmy won’t be in his jury pool, the tension rises, until the lawyer finally puts his foot down and says, “Stop calling anybody but your mother and your sister. Do you hear me? Do you hear me, John?! Start listening before it’s too fucking late, because we are almost there.”

What happens next? You’ll have to tune in to Peacock to find out. In addition to Chernus and Angarano, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy stars Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us, Terminator: Dark Fate), James Badge Dale (Savant, 1923), Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Mercy), Marin Ireland (The Irishman, The Umbrella Academy), and more.

Stay tuned for more Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy coverage from Decider, and get ready for your next crime drama binge.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy premieres on Peacock October 16, 2025