Monster: The John Wayne Gacy Story

Monster: The John Wayne Gacy Story
Genre	Crime drama True crime Biographical drama
Based on	Crimes of John Wayne Gacy
Developed by	Jane Holloway
Written by	Jane Holloway
Directed by	Lena Ortega
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of episodes	8
Production
Production company	Horizon Television Studios
Original release
Network	HBO
Release	February 8 (2026-02-08) – March 29, 2026 (2026-03-29)

Monster: The John Wayne Gacey Story is an American crime drama television miniseries created by Jane Holloway for HBO. Initially announced under the working title Dark Pursuit, the project was rebranded in September 2025 to align with the Monster anthology franchise. The eight-episode series is directed by Lena Ortega and dramatizes the life and crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy.

The show premiered on February 8, 2026, and airs weekly on HBO, with episodes available for streaming on Max. Billed as one of HBO’s darkest limited series to date, it blends dramatized events with an examination of the institutional failures that allowed Gacy’s crimes to remain hidden for years.

The miniseries emphasizes psychological tension over graphic violence, exploring Gacy’s public persona as a community figure alongside the investigators, families, and neighbors who were drawn into his orbit.

Premise

Set in suburban Illinois during the 1970s, the series portrays the double life of John Wayne Gacy, who balanced a public image as a businessman and volunteer with secret acts of violence. Each episode traces both his growing boldness and the gradual shift in public awareness as law enforcement and local families begin to connect the disappearances of young men to his home.

Episodes

No.	Title	Original air date
1	"The Clown"	February 8, 2026 (2026-02-08)
In 1972, contractor and part-time entertainer John Wayne Gacy (portrayed by [actor]) appears at a suburban street fair in Illinois, dressed as "Pogo the Clown" while mingling with neighbors and local officials. His cheerful public demeanor contrasts with ominous scenes inside his home, where a locked basement door hints at hidden horrors. Gacy expands his reputation by volunteering at Democratic Party events and offering work through his contracting company, drawing in vulnerable young men such as Tim Kelly, a teenager seeking part-time employment. When Tim vanishes after attending one of Gacy’s gatherings, police dismiss the family’s report as another runaway case. The narrative underscores institutional blind spots and missed warnings. In the closing sequence, Gacy silently removes his makeup at a bathroom mirror, his reflection vacant as muffled cries seep from beneath the floorboards.
2	"House of Secrets"	February 15, 2026 (2026-02-15)
TBA
3	"Missing Boys"	February 22, 2026 (2026-02-22)
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4	"The Double Life"	March 1, 2026 (2026-03-01)
TBA
5	"Buried Beneath"	March 8, 2026 (2026-03-08)
TBA
6	"The Search Tightens"	March 15, 2026 (2026-03-15)
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7	"Confessions"	March 22, 2026 (2026-03-22)
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8	"The Crawl Space"	March 29, 2026 (2026-03-29)
TBA

Production

The project was first announced by HBO in September 2025 under the title Dark Pursuit. Jane Holloway was set as creator and writer, with Lena Ortega attached to direct all episodes.

Later that month, the project was retitled Monster: The John Wayne Gacey Story to align with the Monster brand of dramatized true-crime anthology series.

In September 2025, HBO confirmed an eight-episode order, episode titles, and release schedule. Filming began in early 2025 in Chicago, with a reported budget of $85 million.

Reception

Critical response

The premiere episode, "The Clown," received strong reviews from critics, who praised its restrained tension and unsettling authenticity. Reviewers noted that the production avoided sensationalism, instead focusing on the social and institutional failures surrounding Gacy’s crimes.

External links

• Monster: The John Wayne Gacey Story at IMDbTemplate:EditAtWikidataTemplate:WikidataCheck