TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 3, 2026
Des is available to stream on AMC+, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Britbox, Britbox (Via Amazon Prime), DirecTV On Demand, Philo, Prime Video, Shout! Factory TV (Via Amazon Prime), Spectrum On Demand, Sundance, SundanceNow Doc Club, SundanceNow Doc Club (Via Amazon Prime), The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Fawesome, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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".
Directed by Lewis ArnoldWritten by Luke NealGuest stars Laura Elphinstone, Tony Way, Stuart McQuarrie, Pauline Turner, Beth Goddard, Cal MacAninch, Oscar Salem, Jonathan Coy
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Lewis ArnoldWritten by Luke NealGuest stars Chanel Cresswell, Oscar Salem, Silas Carson, Jonathan Coy, Gerard Horan, Neil Edmond
Episode 3
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.
Directed by Lewis ArnoldWritten by Kelly JonesGuest stars Pip Torrens, Tor Clark, Ross Anderson, Cal MacAninch, Andrew Woodall, Ken Bones, Neil Edmond, Amaka Okafor
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
David TennantDennis Nilsen
Daniel MaysDCI Peter Jay
Jason WatkinsBrian Masters
Ron CookDSI Chambers
Faye McKeeverLinda Jay
Barry WardDI Steve McCusker
Ben Bailey SmithDC Brian Lodge
ITV1United Kingdom
New PicturesUnited Kingdom
