Peacock's 'Devil in Disguise' Takes on The Night Stalker for Season 2

Get ready for more chilling true crime! Peacock is reportedly lining up infamous serial killer Richard "The Night Stalker" Ramirez for the second season of its new anthology series, Devil In Disguise.

TL;DR

• Peacock's new true-crime anthology, Devil in Disguise, is set to feature Richard Ramirez, "The Night Stalker," for Season 2.
• This exciting news drops just as the first season, focusing on John Wayne Gacy, premieres on Peacock this Thursday, October 16.
• Patrick Macmanus will continue as showrunner, aiming to make Devil in Disguise Peacock's compelling answer to Netflix's popular Monster series.

Peacock Is Doubling Down on True Crime with a New Horrifying Chapter

True crime fans, clear your schedules! While we're all gearing up for the premiere of Peacock's new limited series, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, hitting screens this Thursday, October 16, the streamer is already making big moves for what's next. According to reports, Peacock is deep in discussions with executive producer Patrick Macmanus to focus the second installment of this chilling anthology on none other than the notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez, famously known as "The Night Stalker."

This early greenlight for Season 2, even before the first season officially drops, signals Peacock's serious ambition in the true crime genre. It looks like they're ready to create their own powerhouse anthology, much like Netflix found massive success with its Monster series, which kicked off with Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer.

Diving into Darkness: Who Was Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker?

For those who might not be familiar with his terrifying legacy, Richard Ramirez was a serial killer, rapist, and burglar who unleashed a wave of fear across Los Angeles and Southern California between 1984 and 1985. His crimes were particularly terrifying because they were so random and unpredictable. Unlike some killers who target specific demographics, Ramirez's victims varied wildly in age, gender, and background, making it incredibly difficult for law enforcement and the public to anticipate his next move.

His brutal home invasions often occurred at night, with victims frequently attacked while they slept. Ramirez's crimes included rape, torture, and murder, often accompanied by satanic symbols left at the scenes, adding another layer of horror to his already gruesome acts. He was believed to have killed at least 15 people, though some investigations have linked him to as many as 25 victims across various cities, all sharing his distinct pattern of nighttime home invasions.

The entire region breathed a sigh of relief when Ramirez was finally captured in August 1985. His arrest was a dramatic event, with citizens recognizing him from his published photo and holding him until police arrived. He was ultimately convicted of 43 charges, including 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. Ramirez spent the remainder of his life on death row, where he died in prison in 2013 from complications related to B-cell lymphoma. His story is a dark chapter in California's history, and a stark reminder of the terror he inflicted.

The Creative Force Behind the Chills: Unpacking Patrick Macmanus's Vision

The decision to put Richard Ramirez at the center of the next season clearly shows the direction Peacock wants to take its true crime brand. Leading the charge for both the Gacy and the potential Ramirez seasons is Patrick Macmanus, serving as showrunner and executive producer through his team at Littleton Road Productions. Macmanus is no stranger to delving into the dark corners of real-life crimes, having previously helmed other acclaimed series like Dr. Death and The Girl From Plainville.

Macmanus has a particular interest in exploring stories "driven by some semblance of systemic failure." This philosophy shines through in the Gacy season's logline, which promises to examine not just Gacy's twisted life and his victims' stories, but also the "systemic failures, missed opportunities and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror." It's this commitment to looking beyond just the killer, and understanding the broader societal context and impact, that could set Devil in Disguise apart.

"I'm interested in exploring stories driven by some semblance of systemic failure, as how the Chicago police were blinded and clouded by prejudice in the Gacy case."

— Patrick Macmanus, Showrunner & Executive Producer

With Universal Studio Group's UCP as the studio behind the series, and Macmanus's strong track record, the groundwork is certainly there for a thoughtful yet gripping exploration of these infamous cases. His involvement suggests that the Ramirez season, if it moves forward, will likely adopt a similar nuanced approach, focusing on the victims and the broader context of the crimes, rather than simply sensationalizing the killer.

What to Expect from Peacock's Growing True Crime Anthology

The first season, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, which premieres this Thursday, October 16, offers a glimpse into the series' style and tone. It features a talented cast, including Michael Chernus as John Wayne Gacy, Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us) as Det. Rafael Tovar, James Badge Dale, Michael Angarano, Chris Sullivan (This Is Us), and Marin Ireland. The show promises to "peel back 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."

This focus on the victims and systemic issues is crucial in the often-debated landscape of true crime narratives. Many shows in this genre face criticism for potentially glorifying murderers or re-traumatizing victims' families. If Devil in Disguise can maintain its stated goal of honoring victims and exploring societal failures, it could strike a balance that resonates strongly with audiences who crave both compelling storytelling and ethical responsibility.

Peacock has already dipped its toes into the Richard Ramirez story with its 2022 two-part docuseries, Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes. This earlier project featured never-before-heard audio recordings of Ramirez alongside interviews with his family, victims' relatives, and admirers. This existing foundation means Peacock and Macmanus have a clear understanding of the case's complexities and the public interest surrounding it, which should inform their approach to a fictionalized, dramatized version.

The streaming world is hungry for compelling true crime, as evidenced by the massive viewership for Netflix's Monster. Peacock's move to establish Devil in Disguise as its own signature true crime brand positions it strongly in this competitive landscape. By focusing on highly recognizable, terrifying figures like Gacy and Ramirez, and entrusting the narrative to an experienced showrunner like Macmanus, Peacock seems determined to deliver gripping, thought-provoking television that aims to be both engaging and respectful.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About 'Devil in Disguise' Season 2

When Does 'Devil in Disguise' Season 2 Premiere on Peacock?

Currently, there is no set premiere date for Devil in Disguise Season 2. Talks with Patrick Macmanus regarding the Richard Ramirez story are still in the early stages, so it will be some time before we get concrete details on production or a release schedule. Stay tuned for updates!

Where Can I Watch 'Devil in Disguise' When It Releases?

Both the upcoming Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy season and the planned Richard Ramirez installment for Season 2 will be exclusive to Peacock. You'll need a Peacock subscription to dive into these chilling true crime stories.

Who Will Be in the Cast for 'Devil in Disguise' Season 2?

Since the second season is still in very early discussions, no casting decisions have been made yet. The series is expected to be an anthology, meaning a new cast would likely be brought in to portray Richard Ramirez and the other key figures involved in his story. We'll be sure to share casting news as soon as it's announced!

Has Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker, Been Portrayed on TV Before?

Yes, Richard Ramirez's horrifying story has been the subject of numerous portrayals and documentaries over the years. Some notable examples include:

• Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker (1989, NBC TV Movie) – A dramatization of the police hunt.
• The Night Stalker (2000s, NBC) – While not directly about Ramirez, the title nods to his infamous nickname.
• American Horror Story: Hotel (2015, FX) – Ramirez (played by Anthony Ruivivar) appears as one of several infamous serial killers at James March's Devil's Night dinner.
• The Night Stalker (2016, Lifetime) – A fictionalized psychological thriller featuring a defense attorney interviewing Ramirez (played by Lou Diamond Phillips) decades after his arrest.
• American Horror Story: 1984 (2019, FX) – Ramirez (played by Zach Villa) is a recurring character in this slasher-inspired season set at Camp Redwood.
• Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021, Netflix) – A popular four-part docuseries detailing his crimes and the investigation.
• Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes (2022, Peacock) – A two-part documentary featuring never-before-heard audio recordings and interviews.

Sources

• Variety: ‘Devil in Disguise’ Season 2 in the Works at Peacock, Focused on Richard Ramirez, aka ‘The Night Stalker’ (EXCLUSIVE)
• ScreenRant: Peacock's Devil in Disguise Season 2 In Works Focused On The Night Stalker
• ComingSoon.net: Peacock Renews New TV Show for Season 2 Before Series Premiere
• The A.V. Club: Peacock wants Devil In Disguise to be its Monster
• TV Insider: 'Devil in Disguise' Showrunner Says Gacy Series Reveals How Prejudice Leads to Violence & Systemic Failure