Peacock is expanding its true-crime drama universe with an exciting shift: the recently launched Devil in Disguise series, initially focused on John Wayne Gacy, is slated to become an anthology. Its highly anticipated second season is now in discussions to tackle the chilling story of Richard Ramirez, the infamous “Night Stalker,” promising fans a deep dive into another one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
For fans of true crime and gripping psychological dramas, Peacock’s Devil in Disguise series is already generating significant buzz. While the first installment, focusing on the horrifying deeds of John Wayne Gacy, is set to captivate audiences, exclusive reports reveal that the series is already planning an ambitious transition into an anthology format for its second season, with discussions centered on exploring the reign of terror perpetrated by Richard Ramirez, infamously known as “The Night Stalker.”
This development signifies Peacock’s commitment to delivering compelling, high-quality true-crime narratives, moving beyond singular docuseries to create a broader dramatic universe around notorious figures in criminal history. The decision to pivot to an anthology after the Gacy series’ debut suggests a strategic long-term vision for the franchise.
The Evolution of ‘Devil in Disguise’: From Docuseries to Drama Anthology
It’s crucial for enthusiasts to understand that Peacock has hosted two distinct projects under the “Devil in Disguise” umbrella, which can lead to some confusion regarding “Season 2” discussions.
- The Docuseries: Originally, John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise premiered on Peacock on March 25, 2021. This six-episode documentary series, produced by NBC News Studios, delved into the life and crimes of Gacy through interviews and archive footage, earning a 7.3 rating from viewers. As of October 2024, a second season for this docuseries had not been officially confirmed, leaving fans wondering about its future.
- The Drama Series: The current news, however, pertains to a new, fictionalized drama series titled Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. This limited drama, starring Michael Chernus as the titular serial killer, explores Gacy’s heinous crimes and the investigation that brought him down, with a focus on the victims and their families. TVLine previously confirmed Chernus’s casting, emphasizing the drama’s harrowing portrayal. This new series is set to premiere on Peacock in October 2025.
It is this latter drama series that executive producer Patrick Macmanus (known for his work on Dr. Death and The Girl From Plainville) is reportedly developing into an anthology. The proposed “Season 2” would shift its focus entirely to a new subject, ushering in the story of Richard Ramirez.
Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Steps into the Spotlight
The selection of Richard Ramirez for the second installment of the Devil in Disguise anthology underscores the series’ commitment to exploring the darkest chapters of American true crime. Variety exclusively reported on the ongoing discussions to bring Ramirez’s story to the forefront. Known as “The Night Stalker,” Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles and Southern California between 1984 and 1985, a period marked by a chilling spree of murders, rapes, and burglaries.
Ramirez’s crimes were particularly terrifying due to their unpredictable nature; his victims varied widely in age, gender, and background, making it incredibly difficult for law enforcement to establish a pattern. He is believed to have claimed at least 15 lives before his eventual capture in August 1985. Convicted on all 43 charges against him, Ramirez died in prison in 2013 while serving on death row, leaving behind a legacy of fear that continues to resonate.
Patrick Macmanus and the Anthology Vision
Patrick Macmanus, who serves as showrunner and executive producer for the Gacy installment, is expected to helm the Ramirez season, bringing his proven expertise in crafting intense psychological thrillers to this new chapter. His team at Littleton Road Prods., based at Universal Studio Group’s UCP, is at the heart of this anthology development.
Peacock has a history with the “Night Stalker” narrative, having previously featured the two-part NBC News Studios docuseries Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes. This existing familiarity, coupled with the critical success of Netflix’s 2021 documentary Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, demonstrates the enduring public fascination with Ramirez’s case, setting the stage for a compelling dramatic retelling.
What This Means for True Crime Aficionados
The move to an anthology format for Devil in Disguise offers several exciting prospects for true-crime enthusiasts:
- Diverse Narratives: Each season can delve into a completely new case, offering fresh perspectives on different killers and investigations without being tied to a single ongoing storyline.
- Focused Storytelling: The limited series format allows for in-depth exploration of specific crimes and their societal impacts, ensuring a comprehensive and respectful portrayal of the events and victims.
- High-Caliber Talent: Attracting acclaimed showrunners and actors, as seen with Macmanus and the cast of the Gacy series (including Michael Chernus, Gabriel Luna, and James Badge Dale), ensures a consistently high production standard.
As the Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy drama prepares for its premiere, the anticipation for a season dedicated to Richard Ramirez marks an exciting new chapter for Peacock’s true-crime offerings, promising to unmask the complex and terrifying realities of these infamous figures for a dedicated audience.
