Des

Synopsis

The story of one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, that of serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Told through the prism of three men, the series explores the personal and professional consequences of coming into contact with a man like Nilsen.

First Air Date: 2020-09-14

Last Air Date: 2020-09-16

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 3

Created By: Lewis Arnold, Luke Neal

Networks: ITV1

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

David Tennant as Dennis Nilsen
Daniel Mays as DCI Peter Jay
Jason Watkins as Brian Masters
Ron Cook as DSI Chambers
Faye McKeever as Linda Jay
Barry Ward as DI Steve McCusker
Ben Bailey Smith as DC Brian Lodge
Alex Bhat as DS Jones
Jay Simpson as DS Chris Healey
Bronagh Waugh as Charlotte Proctor

Seasons

Miniseries (2020)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Episode 1 (2020-09-14)

On 9 February 1983, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay discovers a drain clogged with rotting flesh and bones. The culprit, Dennis Nilsen, freely admits to the police that it's not just one or two bodies, but "15 or 16, I think".
Ep. 2: Episode 2 (2020-09-15)

With limited resources, Jay and the police continue to dig into Nilsen's memories in an effort to convict him for the murder of every one of his victims. But when Des withdraws his cooperation and stops talking, Jay fears justice will be lost.
Ep. 3: Episode 3 (2020-09-16)

Reeling from Des' change in plea, Jay and the police throw themselves into proving premeditation. If they can show the court that Des was undoubtedly of sound mind when he committed his crimes, he will go down and never be released.