Just briefly, yes I agree that it was a little drug out and could have been 4 episodes, but the prison interviews with Gacy, which were quite in depth at times, make this well worth watching. Like a real life Mindhunter episode. Stay til the end...the stuff in the last 2 episodes makes you go HUH?
21 Reviews
An in-depth retelling of a horrible time for every Parent.
malakia296628 March 2021
While there were NO NEW bombshells revealed in this docu-series it definitely held our interest for the entire 6 episodes, so much so we binge watched over two nights.
As I was a young kid when these events occurred, I had only passing knowledge of the details of the 10yrs that Gacy was terrorizing Chicago.
Even if you think you know everything about John Wayne Gacy, I predict this series will introduce facts, questions and then out-right-confusion regarding the lack of follow-up by then agents of the Police and even CURRENT Police/DA's. There definitely seems to be a general LACK of will to answer, explore or investigate fact, details or questions regard the still UNKNOWN victims of this monster. Sadly, this series reenforces the often-held negative view of the Chicago Police Dept (Suffolk County to be precise).
The Love of a Mom is on full display as are the still-fresh wounds the Family members continue to suffer from.
I would definitely recommend this for any history buffs or those enamored by the realities of the 70's & 80's, specifically the innocence and naivety of that generation; as well as anyone interested in a case-study of how the "forgettable" can become UN-forgettable.
As I was a young kid when these events occurred, I had only passing knowledge of the details of the 10yrs that Gacy was terrorizing Chicago.
Even if you think you know everything about John Wayne Gacy, I predict this series will introduce facts, questions and then out-right-confusion regarding the lack of follow-up by then agents of the Police and even CURRENT Police/DA's. There definitely seems to be a general LACK of will to answer, explore or investigate fact, details or questions regard the still UNKNOWN victims of this monster. Sadly, this series reenforces the often-held negative view of the Chicago Police Dept (Suffolk County to be precise).
The Love of a Mom is on full display as are the still-fresh wounds the Family members continue to suffer from.
I would definitely recommend this for any history buffs or those enamored by the realities of the 70's & 80's, specifically the innocence and naivety of that generation; as well as anyone interested in a case-study of how the "forgettable" can become UN-forgettable.
Great Documentary Series....until
tmdarby17 February 2022
Great documentary series. Well paced I thought even though it was 6 episodes. The interviews are great to see. It was very good up until the conspiracy stuff in the last episode. Are there some questions about others involved, perhaps, but Gacy was as guilty as they come. Everyone is so obsessed with child trafficking ring conspiracies.
Good, but overstays it's welcome.
OdinsRagnarok26 January 2022
Much like Gacy overstayed his welcome after receiving the death sentence, so does this documentary. It starts off good, both speaking with investigators and the '92 interview with Gacy himself to go through the events leading up the discovery, investigation and trial.
However, after 4th episode, when the trial is concluded, it all comes crashing down to a snails pace. All investigators and original interviewees are no longer part of the doc, it's sporting an all new cast which focus a lot of inconclusive rumors and talking in circles on some specific evidence which should have been a smaller footnote in the story. All the content of episode 5 & 6 could have been condensed down and put in the prior 4 episodes and leave it at that. It really didn't need to go on for 2 hours.
That being said, it's still a good doc I would recommend watching the 4 first episodes. Then watch the last 2 only if you want some extra speculation.
However, after 4th episode, when the trial is concluded, it all comes crashing down to a snails pace. All investigators and original interviewees are no longer part of the doc, it's sporting an all new cast which focus a lot of inconclusive rumors and talking in circles on some specific evidence which should have been a smaller footnote in the story. All the content of episode 5 & 6 could have been condensed down and put in the prior 4 episodes and leave it at that. It really didn't need to go on for 2 hours.
That being said, it's still a good doc I would recommend watching the 4 first episodes. Then watch the last 2 only if you want some extra speculation.
EXCELLENT
smcar28 March 2021
This is not the same as reading the book Killer Clown written by Terry Sullivan lead prosecutor in the Gacy case, which I have.
This documentary offers never before seen interviews with Gacy from prison. It also includes interviews with families of the victims. I grew up in Northwest suburban Chicago still live here , so this case is of most interest to me I was 18 years old when John Gacy was arrested and the case unfolded I remember it very well. I've read several books on this case i've read several books on this case Killer Clown was by far the best Even after reading books on the case I recommend this. It is an excellent documentary that offers information I have never read and is worth watching!
This documentary offers never before seen interviews with Gacy from prison. It also includes interviews with families of the victims. I grew up in Northwest suburban Chicago still live here , so this case is of most interest to me I was 18 years old when John Gacy was arrested and the case unfolded I remember it very well. I've read several books on this case i've read several books on this case Killer Clown was by far the best Even after reading books on the case I recommend this. It is an excellent documentary that offers information I have never read and is worth watching!
So far so good!
carnagecarney28 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ive read alot about Gacy over the years but this docuseries is intriguing in that you actually hear Gacy's side along with his reasons for denial (which are crazy and absurd - "rotten clay" so I used "700-800 pounds of Lyme" to "sweeten the clay"!!!!)
If you enjoy true crime and find serial killers intriguing this is a gem of a limited series.
Well put together production, fascinating story & it moves at a good clip - recommend.
If you enjoy true crime and find serial killers intriguing this is a gem of a limited series.
Well put together production, fascinating story & it moves at a good clip - recommend.
Well done documentary...brought back a lot of memories
lp-2743429 June 2021
My wife and I watched the six episodes over 2 nights and thought it was very good. It brought back memories of watching the evening news with our parents to get an update on what they found at "Gacy's house" each evening.
We were both 12 years old when these crimes were discovered and obviously confused by some of the news updates. Though we will never forget the Gacy story, this documentary reminded each of us of information we had forgotten and 1-2 we were unaware of. Most of the show we recalled everything but the back stories made it very interesting, especially what the Des Plaines police officers shared. Great job by each of them.
Jay Levine should keep his mouth shut. He always tried to sensationalize every bit of information he shared when he was a reporter and he still tried in this show...yawn!
We were both 12 years old when these crimes were discovered and obviously confused by some of the news updates. Though we will never forget the Gacy story, this documentary reminded each of us of information we had forgotten and 1-2 we were unaware of. Most of the show we recalled everything but the back stories made it very interesting, especially what the Des Plaines police officers shared. Great job by each of them.
Jay Levine should keep his mouth shut. He always tried to sensationalize every bit of information he shared when he was a reporter and he still tried in this show...yawn!
You have to dig
mweinandt-043733 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So may things to say. The gory details of the crimes are not what you will find in this documentary. You will find out who Gacy was, the arrest, trial, aftermath, and shocking discoveries. Why did the police ignore so many facts? Did Gacy have help? How many more victims are there? This is chilling, terrifying, and shocking. If you want to see the devil's face, watch this. Locking the doors wont keep the devil out. Hes already been in your home and he lives next door.
Very well done.
TalulaGrey30 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
If you are looking for gory details as to what he did with each of his victims you will not find it here. What you will find is an investigation as to what was going on at the time. There are interviews with some family members of the victims. They told a story of how many of the families thought the police did a terrible job looking for the young men that had disappeared. I can't imagine how 33 young men could go missing from the same city, and the only people to ever notice were the families. Many of the victims even worked for Gacy, yet the police did nothing. The last episode was truly heartbreaking because one of the mothers had her dna compared to the bones the police gave her, saying they were the bones of her son. When the results came back, it showed that there was no relation between the bones and the mother. The police would not accept this and have kept saying that those are his bones. Gacy was interviewed as well but all he did was deny that he had killed any of the young men and adolescents found under and around his house. I do wish we had heard more of the tapes that Craig Bowley had received from Gacy but for whatever reason, they only played a bit of one where Gacy confessed to killing Robert Piest. There was so much more to this series than what I have stated here. If you are not familiar with Gacy and his crimes, I do recommend this series. It wasn't perfect but over-all it was very well done.
Disappointing and Boring
francesredmond23 April 2021
This was billed as "hear Gacy speak for the first time", and yes he does and it is fascinating - but the complete interview seems to be only 30 - 40 minutes long and for 5 of the 6 episodes it is just padding. I was actually starting to fall asleep in places as the constant repetition over 5 episodes was so monotonous. The 6th episode "It Never Ends" was very good and did demonstrate that there was possibly more investigating that could have been done - and how arrogant the authorities are when it comes to others shining a light on this case. It would have made a good 3 part series.
Highly enjoyable and very intriguing
fraserkieran21 May 2021
Wow
hanna-410-6582364 July 2021
Hope they release this outside of the US! Because unless you live there one has to stream this online for free to see it. I hope Netflix or someone else would buy it from Peacock because it's def worth watching for everyone.
Ruined clowns for everybody
lucifer_over_tinseltown31 March 2021
Gacy ostensibly voiced by Mel Blanc. Once you get past that, it is an eerily engaging doc done better than the recent Bundy or Ramirez docs from NetFlops. I enjoyed the interviews with the hardboiled detectives; firm-nerved storytellers and straight shooters that come across as characters from those great James Ellroy novels.
the absoulutly best...
ops-5253530 April 2021
True crime documentary i believe ive ever seen, and the name gacy mustve passed me by in silence( im ashamed but im norwegian) .because ive heard, seen and read alot about these specimens of humankind that due to some obvious reason go ahead and kill people, like todays kids does with the nintendo 3ds hunting for pokemons in every crook and nanny on the street sidewalks or on the city market square.
Well now i know and we are still waiting for more to come due to an humble piece of garden turf that seemingly has got something sinister looming over it making it impossible to excavate , a dig that may, if complete and done under the surveillance of objective parties, give rest and closure to the many 10's of thousands that still waits for an answer to the unidentified 8,7 or 6 thats left unidentified in the gacy case...
its a terrible thought that true crime becomes highly addictive entertainment, but tracy ullman, and alison true has made a serie thats filled with twists and surprises, and a superdynamical plotting to make everyone go to the binge counter, and definately ask for more if so happens. Its the 8th wonder of true crime productions thinks the grumpy old man.
Well now i know and we are still waiting for more to come due to an humble piece of garden turf that seemingly has got something sinister looming over it making it impossible to excavate , a dig that may, if complete and done under the surveillance of objective parties, give rest and closure to the many 10's of thousands that still waits for an answer to the unidentified 8,7 or 6 thats left unidentified in the gacy case...
its a terrible thought that true crime becomes highly addictive entertainment, but tracy ullman, and alison true has made a serie thats filled with twists and surprises, and a superdynamical plotting to make everyone go to the binge counter, and definately ask for more if so happens. Its the 8th wonder of true crime productions thinks the grumpy old man.
Not A True Crime Doc!!!
wyldrozez-8918629 March 2021
It was okay..... Dateline goes more in depth about murders. Sure we got a deeper look into Gacy's life. We only got Gacy's retellings on maybe 3 victims? This wasn't anything like a true crime documentary. It was very disappointing overall. It only got a four star from me, because there isn't much out there about him. So I find it a bit of a novelty. This was more of a profile on Gacy, not a true crime documentary. If you came for a true crime documentaries, don't waste your time....
All Filler - 6 hour long shows, maybe 20 mins of Gacy talking
Xavier_Stone3 April 2021
Within 20 minutes any viewer will be quickly disappointed. To say that this drags on and on is an understatement . It's all filler and speculation and the throw in 20 seconds of Gacy talking to maintain interest.
Most everyone will start skipping ahead after a while and I found myself wondering why this project was even created. Nothing happens, nothing new is explained or uncovered. Mostly it's just victim interviews and a sad attempt at creating closure for them. Not at all what any viewer expected or wanted to see. Especially for 6 hours.
Most everyone will start skipping ahead after a while and I found myself wondering why this project was even created. Nothing happens, nothing new is explained or uncovered. Mostly it's just victim interviews and a sad attempt at creating closure for them. Not at all what any viewer expected or wanted to see. Especially for 6 hours.
What did I just watch?
gertster2210 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The absolutely unthinkable things he did to so many was left out. Not necessarily graphic details but solemn description of horror makes people feel empathy and a desire for justice. There was a lot to unfold but, in my opinion, it was shocking to watch a six hour love letter to one of the most psychopathic minds in modern history. The amount of asses they put in those interview chairs to sit and blab on about how important, successful, and beloved he was was nauseating, truly. I felt embarrassed for Peacock. The relationships he had with self-proclaimed "journalists" and notoriety-seeking attorneys was astonishing. Why would you give these pieces of crap a platform to tell us all how well they got to know him and shower him with kindness, loyalty, and attention until he died? How sick are these programs going to get with the glorification of these monsters? Stop telling stories this way! Gacy did unspeakable acts and then snuffed the lives of dozens of young men - Too much of this program was a big fat disgusting tribute to him and his fans. I did learn a lot about the case, wasn't all bad. But other sick minds watch this stuff and would certainly enjoy terrorizing people thinking the rest of their lives they'll have support and be cared for when it's presented this way. Didn't they make that point very clearly in the show? "Gacy loved pornography", he promoted "stag films" and then he acted them out. We gonna blow right past that parallel of thought? If we normalize it, it will become normal. What is happening?? You have to feign respect to make him trust you to get his story, don't actually respect him! Anyway, idk I think a narrator might have helped? Someone to remind us that the creators of this show do not respect Gacy's fans, or maybe don't give them 3 hours to ramble about how cool he was? Worth the watch, but do not be swayed in the direction these shows swing, people. Just a reminder, this was a seriously sick man, not a celeb. Someone please produce a docuseries about the friendships that other sick people form with prolific psychos and the shows that showcase that behavior.
Jay Levine is looking for a " come back"
kmyra829 March 2021
Another docuseries for those to lazy to read, but have hours to watch this dribble!
cdeanroane26 March 2021
Once again a docuseries were decrepit and senile old cops and reporters get to drool on and on about a once great crime they were part of from 1978. Why the pay networks think there stores are worth the time they took to make is beyond me. This poor offering was from the Peacock. NBC version of the now defunct CBS All Access that is now called Paramount Plus! What they take 6 episodes or 5 hours and 8 minutes to get across you can read in less then 45 minutes!
Glorifying a serial killer like many other true crime documentaries
tamarapopovicbg6 June 2021
Does this monster really deserve not one documentary but a a whole series? Why? To convince us that he was just like any other hard-working guy who had a wife and children who loved him, a job, friends? He was a monster, his victims deserve a documentary, not him! I watched 2 episodes and that was enough.
Could have been a 20 minute YouTube video
matthew-allan-jones25 December 2021
Wayyyyy too drawn out with basically the same stuff over and over. I love crime documentaries but this was terrible. I stopped truly watching after one episode and just read the wiki article, which had more info in less time. Boring.
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