News

True-crime shows typically gain instant traction upon release, but unfortunately, Happy Face will now go down as one of the few exceptions. The show, based on the notorious serial killer known as the “Happy Face Killer,” has been cancelled after just one season. The news comes two months after the season finale premiered on Paramount+. Developed by Robert and Michelle King, the series told the chilling story largely from the perspective of the killer’s daughter, Melissa Moore, who previously shared her experience in the 2019 podcast of the same name and co-authored the memoir "Shattered Silence" with M. Bridget Cook.

Happy Face premiered in March with a modest 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its score soon dropped to 57%, reflecting a lukewarm critical response. Audience reactions were even less favorable, with the PopcornMeter at just 47%. That mixed reception cast doubt on the show’s future, so news of its cancellation comes as little surprise.

Happy Face, the serial killer drama starring Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford, just got a disappointing update for fans of the series. Paramount+ has revealed the fate of the divisive thriller after just one season.

According to Deadline, Paramount+ has decided to cancel Happy Face. The series, which follows a woman navigating her life after finding out her father is a serial killer, was based on a real-life story. As the report states, the news of its cancellation is not necessarily very surprising. Happy Face failed to put a smile on critics' faces, landing divisive reactions that garnered a 57% rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were even more critical with a 43%. The series also failed to rank high on the streaming charts, an indicator that audience retention was simply not there despite an intriguing concept and original story.

The cast of Happy Face features Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk,...

Robert and Michelle King’s crime thriller “Happy Face” has been canceled at Paramount+ after just one season, Variety has confirmed.

The news comes roughly two months after “Happy Face” wrapped Season 1 on May 1. The show tells the real story of Melissa Moore, who in 1995, learned that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the then-infamous Happy Face Killer. The series is based on the “Happy Face” podcast from iHeartPodcasts as well as Moore’s autobiography “Shattered Silence,” which was co-written by M. Bridget Cook.

In the eight-episode series, which premiered March 20, Melissa changes her name and distances herself from her father as an adult. Despite her best efforts, Keith, who is serving life in prison, tries to weasel his way back into her life. As she reconciles with her past, Melissa “discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity,...

It's one and done for Happy Face, the crime drama series based on true events that debuted two months ago on Paramount+. Amid middling reviews, the show's renewal fate has been revealed, and it's not good news for fans.

Per Deadline, Happy Face has been canceled at Paramount+ after just one season. The news comes less than three months after the series wrapped up its first season. It's not the surprise of the century, as Happy Face struggled with viewership, failing to crack Nielsen's Streaming Original Top 10 rankings. What also didn't help was the show's reception, as it has an approval rating of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score that's even lower at 43%.

The show was produced by CBS Studios in production with King Size Production, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions. It was one of the rare original shows on Paramount+ that is not part of an existing IP or Taylor Sheridan's Universe.

Exclusive: Paramount+ has opted not to proceed with a second season of Robert and Michelle King’s crime drama series Happy Face, starring Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid, Deadline has learned. The news comes almost two months after the Season 1 finale was released May 1.

The cancellation is not entirely surprising. Happy Face didn’t make much noise during its run and didn’t break into Nielsen’s Streaming Originals Top 10. Produced by CBS Studios, it was a rare Paramount+ original series not based on existing IP or part of Taylor Sheridan’s Universe.

The drama was inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.

Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face follows Melissa (Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact,...

The Happy Face season finale is finally here, and there’s one thing on my mind: When does season 2 arrive? I know it's billed as a limited series, but given how season 1 ends, I’d say the door is wide open to another season.

In episode 8, “The Star,” Keith (Dennis Quaid) suffers a heart attack while Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) solves the Heather Richmond case and almost loses her own life in the process. While she emerges as the real star and finally frees herself from her father’s grasp, Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) takes her power back at school, and Ben (James Wolk) faces unexpected consequences for his actions. Let’s break this season finale recap down in detail!

Keith Jesperson (Dennis Quaid), a.k.a. Happy Face, suffers a heart attack in episode 8. Photo credit: Ed Araquel/Paramount+ Keith has a heart attack

It’s a day full of excitement for Keith.

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+'s Happy Face episode 7, “My Jesperson Girls.”

We’ve reached the Happy Face penultimate episode, my friends, and it's a curveball we never saw coming (but that makes total sense). Bombshells have abounded throughout the Paramount+ series, but episode 7 drops earth-shattering revelations that change everything about our narrative and alter our characters’ lives on a much grander scale. In this penultimate recap, Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) unnervingly asserts his dominance, Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) is hit with revelations about her past that break her, and Ben (James Wolk) makes a risky move to protect his family.

Happy Face asserts his dominance

After discovering Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) and Keith’s relationship, Melissa and Ben take her phone away and relocate the family to an Oregon hotel room so they can confront Keith. While her mother watches the kids, Melissa and Ben head to the prison.

Ben is uncomfortable being there.

True crime adaptations remain ever so popular, and Happy Face on Paramount+ is doing a remarkable job of showing why. Based on the life of Melissa G. Moore, who is the daughter of the notorious Happy Face Killer, the adaptation is shocking and salacious, full of curiosity, secrets, and exposure. However, there’s a lot about Happy Face that allows it to stand out as different from other adaptations.

For example, the limited series does not follow the events of Happy Face Killer Keith Jesperson (Dennis Quaid) and his exploits, but instead jumps off from the true story of his arrest to follow his daughter Melissa as he tries to work his way back into her life. Furthermore, instead of focusing on the killer and his actions, the Paramount+ series focuses more on the effects of Jesperson’s actions on his own family, on his victims’ families, on surrounding communities,...

Annaleigh Ashford realizes there are many "fantastic crime shows" out there, but what makes Happy Face stand out is its point of view. "The majority are focused on the serial killer," she tells Gold Derby. "And it's always from a male perspective, a male gaze. So, one of the things that's unique about our show is it's from a female perspective, and we are also seeing the act of crime played out from a different perspective. What does it look like when it's the family member of somebody who commits the crime?"

The Paramount+ limited series debuted March 20 and concludes May 1. Ashford plays Melissa Reed, the daughter of Dennis Quaid's Keith Hunter Jesperson, aka the Happy Face killer who's in prison for murdering eight women. The main cast is rounded out by James Wolk as Melissa's husband, Tamera Tomakili as the producer of a fictitious talk show, and Khiyla Aynne...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+’s Happy Face episode 6, “Lorelai.”

On the heels of episode 5, everyone is panicking on top of feeling desperate. We all thought D.A. Calloway (Michael O'Neill) was going to release Elijah (Damon Gupton) from prison, but instead he charged him as a co-conspirator with Keith Jesperson, aka Happy Face (Dennis Quaid), in killing Heather Richmond. Episode 6 picks up right in the thicket of everyone’s panic, only to see more drama unfold and more bombshell revelations.

This recap finds Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and Ivy (Tamera Tomakili) making some crucial discoveries, even catching Joyce (Marci T. House) in a lie that could negate their efforts and destroy Elijah’s case, as Calloway offers Happy Face a deal. Elsewhere, Ben (James Wolk) loses his promotion at work due to his family drama, Happy Face rescues Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) after some cruel bullying, and Elijah’s fate is revealed.

Exclusive: Khiyla Aynne is ready for the spotlight, which she will have tonight on the Paramount+ series Happy Face when her character Hazel Reed does the forbidden.

Hazel is the granddaughter of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, better known as the titular Happy Face killer; both characters are based on real people. Aynne spoke to Deadline about her experience playing a real-life person and the lengths production went to make her first interaction with Dennis Quaid, who plays her imprisoned grandfather, be as authentic as possible.

Watch a clip from their characters’ first interaction above.

The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore, the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore, and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.

Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+’s Happy Face episode 5, “Don’t Dream.”

Finally, Happy Face gives us our first shocking plot twist that leaves our jaws on the floor. While Paramount+ has given us plenty of moments that have thickened the plot and layered our narrative, none have been as shocking as the moment that comes at the end of episode 5.

Now that the weapon used to kill Heather Richmond has been found and turned over to the police, Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford), Ivy (Tamera Tomakili), and Joyce (Marci T. House) are hopeful its discovery will be enough to set Elijah (Damon Gupton) free. However, an intentional mishap throws a monkey wrench into everything, reminding them not to get their hopes up while forcing them to find another way to prove Elijah’s innocence.

Meanwhile, Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) contacts Happy Face (Dennis Quaid), who’s extended his criminal reach outside of prison walls,...

Dennis Quaid es el asesino de la cara feliz. © SkyShowtime

SkyShowtime España ha presentado el tráiler oficial de su nueva serie Happy Face (Cara feliz: la historia de un asesino en serie), basada en una historia real.

Happy Face sigue a Melissa (Ashford) y a su padre encarcelado, conocido como el asesino de la cara feliz (Quaid). Después de décadas sin contacto, por fin encuentra la forma de volver a la vida de su hija. En una carrera contrarreloj, Melissa debe averiguar si un hombre inocente va a ser condenado a muerte por un crimen que cometió su padre. Al mismo tiempo, descubre el impacto que su padre tuvo en las familias de sus víctimas y debe enfrentarse a un ajuste de cuentas de su propia identidad.

La serie de ocho episodios se inspira en la historia real de Melissa G. Moore, que a los 15 años descubrió que su padre...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+'s Happy Face episode 4, "Controlled Burn."

One of the things I’m loving about Happy Face is how each episode ends: with a bombshell. We learned last week that Melissa’s (Annaleigh Ashford) brother was with their father in Texas when Heather Richmond was killed. In this episode 4 recap, Shane (Philip Ettinger) enters the picture, as does someone unexpected, Melissa confronts her ex, and Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) gets to Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) then drops some bombshells in his attempted controlled burn, which is a tactic firemen use to prevent bigger fires. Jesperson uses them to start them, though, so only he can control them.

With Happy Face now out of solitary, he’s free to do what he wants… mostly. So, he reaches out to his granddaughter again, this time at school. It’s fair to say Hazel, who did sell the drawing Happy Face sent her,...

True crime series are everywhere these days, so it can be easy to overlook new shows. The Paramount+ series Happy Face takes a unique approach to telling the true story of a serial killer and his daughter, who becomes an investigator in her own right. Using the books and podcast by Melissa G. Moore, Happy Face takes us through her journey from being victimized by her father’s crimes to becoming an advocate for those like her.

Happy Face is an incarcerated serial killer who is also Melissa Reed’s (Annaleigh Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, Keith (Dennis Quaid) finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on...

The Paramount+ series “Happy Face” changes a number of key details in the real-life story about serial killer Keith Jesperson and how his daughter, Melissa Moore, decides to go public with his identity.

“Everything is fictionalized except for Melissa and her real story,” Annaleigh Ashford, who plays Melissa, told TheWrap.

Moore, whose “Happy Face” podcast and book “Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter,” inspired the new TV series also spoke to TheWrap about some of the ways the show differs from the real story.

Melissa Moore, Annaleigh Ashford in “Happy Face” Melissa has a different last name on the series

In the series, the character’s last name is Reed and not Moore. The first names of her children and husband are also different.

Showrunner Jennifer Cacicio told TheWrap that the striking resemblance between the two women was not the primary consideration in casting Ashford,...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+'s Happy Face episode 3, "Was It Worth It?".

With each new episode, Happy Face gets more intense. Last week, Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) faced her fear and spoke out about her serial killer father on national television. This week, episode 3 explores the aftermath of her appearance not just for her family but also for the families of other Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) victims, and for Elijah Faust (Damon Gupton).

As a result, she finds herself in some pretty uncomfortable positions. Meanwhile, Hazel (Khiyla Aynne) gains popularity at school as the granddaughter of a serial killer, and Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) finds himself unnerved in prison. Our pace picks up this week, and there’s a lot to keep track of, so let’s break this recap down and get going!

(L-r) Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed, Benjamin Mackey as Max Reed, and Khiyla Aynne as Hazel Reed in "Happy Face,...

Paramount+'s Happy Faceis a new series based on the memoir Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer's Daughter, written by Melissa G. George, where she recounts discovering her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the real-life serial killer known as the Happy Face Killer. In her memoir and spinoff podcast, Happy Face, George explores the devastation she faced when she realized at 15 years old that her father was a murderer and how she came to terms with that reality.

Paramount+'s latest true-crime series doesn't focus too much on Jesperson committing the heinous acts or the events that led to his arrest in 1995 but starts with him already serving a life sentence. The series takes a different approach by honing in on how the victims' families are affected and doesn't lose focus like other true-crime series that subconsciously tap into one aspect of the overall story that viewers...

Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford star in the Paramount+ true-crime series “Happy Face,” about the real-life Happy Face killer Keith Jesperson, which premieres with two episodes this week.

Some of the names and details have been changed from the actual people — his daughter, Melissa Moore, who is an executive producer on the show is now Melissa Reed — but the story is essentially the same.

Here is who plays who in the cast and where you might have seen them before.

Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed (Credit: Bettina Strauss/Paramount+) Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed

The actress, who is known for “Masters of Sex” and “American Crime Story,” plays the lead character, Melissa Reed, a makeup artist who decides to come forward as the daughter of the Happy Face killer to save a man who is on death row for one of the crimes her father actually committed.

Dennis Quaid as...

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Happy Face is a true crime drama series created by Jennifer Cacicio. Based on the 2018 podcast of the same name by Meissa Moore and Moore’s 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, the Paramount+ series follows Melissa Jesperson-Moore, who discovered that her father is the notorious serial killer Happy Face Killer at the age of 15. Now, she is contacted by her father, who promises to tell her about his unknown victims. Happy Face stars Annaleigh Ashford, James Wolk, Dennis Quaid, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey. So, if you loved the psychologically thrilling mysteries, intense story, and compelling characters in Happy Face, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Mindhunter (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Mindhunter is a psychological crime thriller drama series created by Joe Penhall. Based on the 1995 true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+'s Happy Face episode 2, "Killing Shame."

There’s no doubt that Happy Face is already a creepy but curiously engaging true crime hit. Episode 1 ended with Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and Ivy (Tamera Tomakili) identifying Happy Face’s (Dennis Quaid) ninth victim, Heather Richmond, and getting a full confession from the killer himself. Episode 2 picks up right where we left off and follows Melissa and Ivy as they head to Texas to meet with Elijah Faust (Damon Gupton), the man convicted of murdering Heather and serving time on death row, and his lawyer.

While there, they encounter more than they planned. Meanwhile, in prison, Happy Face brags to his fellow inmates about his impending second round of fame. He’s quick to note, though, that he’s only doing it because “It’s the right thing to do. I’m gonna save a man’s life.

Like Hulu’s “Good American Family,” which also premieres this week, “Happy Face” is based on an unbelievable true story.

The new drama explores the collateral damage of human evil, and thanks to the involvement of “The Good Wife” and “Evil” creators Robert and Michelle King, it has all the potential to become your next true-crime TV binge. That is assuming, of course, you do not mind the narrative and thematic darkness, as well as the off-putting lead performance from Dennis Quaid, that “Happy Face” has to offer.

Here is how, when and where you can watch new episodes of the series.

When does “Happy Face” premiere?

The true-crime drama premieres Thursday, March 20.

How can I watch “Happy Face”?

“Happy Face” is available to stream only on Paramount+.

When are new “Happy Face” episodes released?

New episodes of “Happy Face” debut weekly on Thursdays.

When do new episodes come out?...

This post contains spoilers from Paramount+'s Happy Face episode 1, "The Confession."

It's been 15 years since Melissa Reed (Annaleigh Ashford) has seen her father, and as far as she’s concerned, the rest of her life could pass without ever seeing him again, and she’d be just fine. Why? Because he’s serving four life sentences at Oregon State Penitentiary for murdering at least eight women. Melissa is the daughter of Keith Jesperson (Dennis Quaid), the notorious Happy Face Killer who operated in the early 90s. New Paramount+ true crime series Happy Face picks up here and jumps off from Moore’s story to bring us face to face with a serial killer as time dwindles for an innocent man on death row.

A successful make-up artist on a true crime TV talk show, Melissa has gone to great lengths to hide her identity and protect her family secret not just from the public,...

Paramount+’s new crime drama series, Happy Face, delves into the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore, daughter of the notorious “Happy Face Killer,” Keith Hunter Jesperson. Premiering on March 20, 2025, the series explores Melissa’s struggle to reconcile her father’s gruesome legacy while seeking justice for his unknown victims. This article provides an overview of the Happy Face’s plot, introduces the main cast and characters, details the complete release schedule, and informs you where to watch this compelling narrative.

Plot Overview of Happy Face

Happy Face centers on Melissa Reed (Annaleigh Ashford), a makeup artist and daughter of incarcerated serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson (Dennis Quaid). Having concealed her father’s identity from her family and colleagues, Melissa’s past resurfaces when Jesperson contacts her employer, Dr. Greg (David Harewood), host of a true crime television show. Jesperson claims to have information about an additional murder but insists...

Stars of the highly anticipated limited series Happy Face, including Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford, walked the red carpet at an Emmys For Your Consideration event at The Metrograph in New York City on March 18.

Joining Quaid and Ashford were cast members James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey, Phillip Ettinger, and Jenn Lyon. The industry event also welcomed the creative team behind Happy Face: showrunner Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Melissa G. Moore, Robert King, Michelle King, and Liz Glotzer. The eight-episode series is adapted from Moore's 2018 podcast, Happy Face, and the 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, and cowritten by M. Bridget Cook.

Quaid (an Emmy nominee for The Special Relationship) portrays Keith Hunter Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. Ashford (an Emmy nominee for Welcome to Chippendales) plays Moore, Keith's daughter and a makeup artist on a television talk show who learns of her father's deadly secret.

See Does ‘Happy Face’ slay?...

True crime has long captivated audiences, but rarely has it been told through the eyes of those left to deal with the consequences.

Happy Face, the new Paramount+ series, breaks the mold by shifting the focus from the killer to his family — most notably, his daughter, Melissa Moore. The series dramatizes Melissa’s struggle to reclaim her identity from the shadow of her father, serial killer Keith Jesperson, played by Dennis Quaid.

Featuring a stellar cast and guided by Melissa herself, Happy Face offers a deeply personal and unprecedented look at the far-reaching impact of violent crime.

(Victoria Will/Paramount+) A Different Kind of True Crime Story

Annaleigh Ashford, who portrays Melissa, was drawn to the project because of its unique perspective. “When I got the script, I was totally overwhelmed by the inner struggle she experienced before she outed herself as being Keith Jesperson’s daughter,” she shared.

Happy Face...

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Dennis Quaid is putting on his Happy Face — and it’s more chilling than it sounds. Here’s everything you need to know for streaming the new drama series online.

More from TVLineSchool Spirits Renewed for Season 3; Paramount+ Eyes 2026 ReleaseAmazon Is Offering Audible for Just 99¢/Month - Here's How to Claim the OfferTulsa King Renewed for Season 3 at Paramount+ Courtesy of Paramount+Watch ‘Happy Face’ $7.99+/month...

If serial killers are your thing, Paramount+ has a true crime drama for you.

Happy Face, dubbed "your next TV obsession" by one critic, is adapted from Melissa Moore's 2018 podcast of the same name and the 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, cowritten by M. Bridget Cook. The eight-episode series, launching Friday, stars Emmy nominee Dennis Quaid (The Special Relationship) as Keith Hunter Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) stars as Melissa Moore, Keith's daughter and a makeup artist on a television talk show. The project also features James Wolk, David Harewood, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey.

Happy Face is developed by showrunner Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Wife universe creators Robert King and Michelle King. It currently has an 83 percent at Rotten Tomatoes (based on six reviews) and a 52 score on Metacritic (based on four reviews). And, as you can see from the reviews below,...

Taking eight episodes for what would, in more efficient hands, be a pilot — and setting up a second season that’s somehow even less necessary — Paramount+’s Happy Face vacillates between sanctimonious and hypocritical, lashing out at the exploitative tropes of true crime and then embodying the genre’s worst instincts, with nothing especially perceptive to offer as compensation.

It’s a show that’s at least paying lip service to doing something interesting, but there are too many intellectual hurdles it can’t clear.

Created by Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor), the series describes itself as “Inspired by a True Life Story.”

In this case, the story is that of Melissa Moore, who turned the ignominy of being the daughter of a notorious serial killer into an autobiography, podcast, crime correspondent gig with Dr. Phil and more additional TV appearances than a reasonable person could count.

The “inspiration” fueled by...

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Paramount+ is ready with an entertainment-packed January next year. The upcoming month will see the premiere of one of the most anticipated Paramount+ original shows, Happy Face, and the streaming release of the political horror comedy film Rumours. Just like every month, Paramount+ is ready to overload you with great content. So, we’re here to tell you about the 5 best movies and TV shows coming to Paramount+ in March 2025.

Titles with an * will only be available with Paramount+ With Showtime plan.

*Strange Darling (March 1) Credit – Magenta Light Studios

Strange Darling is a horror thriller film written and directed by Jt Mollner. The 2023 film is set in rural Oregon, and it follows a woman who discovers that the man she just had a one-night stand with is a serial killer, and now she must run to survive as the man chases her.

Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford pose for photos at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival premiere of their new series Happy Face on Monday (March 10) in Austin, Tex.

The two actors lead the cast of the upcoming Paramount+ drama, which is based on a true story, and they were also joined by some of their co-stars.

Also stepping out were fellow series regulars James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili and Khiyla Aynne.

While at the premiere screening, Dennis opened up about why he was hesitant to play serial killer Keith Jespersen.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I really had to think about this one for a long time, simply because I didn’t want him to feel any kind of glory about himself being out there, which is exactly what he wants,” Dennis said of the killer, via Variety, who is currently serving four consecutive life sentences at the Oregon State Penitentiary. “It’s entertaining for him,...

Plot: Happy Face is an incarcerated serial killer who is also Melissa Reed’s once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, Keith finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.

Review: The most common subjects for new drama series are podcasts or true crime stories. When a producer gets their hands on a podcast about true crime, you can guarantee a streaming service will give it a full series order. While big names like Jeffrey Dahmer or the Menendez Brothers get the most media exposure due to their lasting scars on the news cycle, there have been equally...

The series adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel “Forever” will premiere Thursday, May 8, on Netflix.

Showrunner and creator Mara Brock Akil is behind the new series, which is based on the 1975 book that follows teenagers and their experience of losing their virginity. The show takes a new angle, presenting “an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018,” according to the official logline.

The cast includes Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Marvin Winans III, Xosha Roquemore, Niles Fitch, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Xavier Mills, E’myri Crutchfield, Adriyan Rae and Paigion Walker.

Akil executive produces the drama with Blume, Susie Fitzgerald, Sara White, Erika Harrison, Regina King, Reina King, Anthony Hemingway and Shana C. Waterman.

First Looks/Trailers

“Love on the Spectrum” from Northern Pictures is returning to...

"He wasn't always a monster, he became one." Paramount Plus has debuted an official trailer for a series called Happy Face, a chilling thriller about a true crime story made into a new dramatic series. This will be streaming later in March in just a few weeks, for anyone curious to dive in. Inspired by actual events, Happy Face is about Melissa Moore, daughter of Keith Jesperson, also known as "the Happy Face Killer". After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter's life, and Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for one of her father's killings. During the process, she faces a reckoning of her own identity. Based on actual experiences with her father. He was known as the Happy Face Killer because he drew smiley faces on his many letters to the media and police.

All Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) wants is to leave her past, in the past. Unfortunately on Happy Face, a new drama coming to Paramount+, that’s impossible. The streaming service has released a trailer offering a look at the past and present for Melissa, as well as the tough position she is now in. Read on for more about that and everything else we know from Robert and Michelle King‘s latest series. When will Happy Face premiere? The first two episodes will begin streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday, March 20. Episodes will then drop weekly on Thursdays. When is the Happy Face Season 1 finale? The Season 1 finale will be available to stream on Thursday, May 1. Who’s in the Happy Face cast? In addition to Ashford and Quaid, Happy Face stars James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey. The drama is produced by CBS Studios in association with King...

Maintaining close connections with family can be difficult for some. Time, experiences, and bad blood tend to divide even the strongest bonds. In Paramount‘s Happy Face trailer, a daughter rediscovers her father’s horrific nature as another family’s peace and closure hangs in the balance. While there’s no escaping the past, Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) must come to grips with old scars as the life she tried to bury returns to taunt and dismantle everything she built atop a foundation of lies.

Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.

Paramount+ has released the official trailer and key art for its Happy Face series, which will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, March 20. The eight-episode season will stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international markets where the service is available.

Following the premiere, new episodes of the series will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the season finale debuting on May 1.

Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.

At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.

Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the Paramount+ Original Series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father,...

Fresh off last year’s The Substance, Dennis Quaid stars in the eight-episode series “Happy Face” for Paramount+, which will premiere on March 20 with the first two episodes.

Watch the new trailer for “Happy Face” below. The series will be streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international markets where the service is available. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the finale on May 1.

Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”) co-stars, with series regulars also including James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey.

“Happy Face” is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore, as well as the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.

At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed...

Don’t be fooled by its cheery name: Happy Face looks haunting.

Paramount+ has released a trailer for the forthcoming drama, which premieres with two episodes on Thursday, March 20; the eight-episode series will then follow a weekly release schedule. The footage sees Dennis Quaid don an orange jumpsuit as Keith Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer, who sits behind bars for his murderous crimes. He’s visited by his daughter, Melissa Moore (played by B Positive’s Annaleigh Ashford) — but the meeting doesn’t exactly radiate with familial love.

More from TVLineWhat to Watch in March: Your Guide to 100+ Premieres Across Broadcast,...

Paramount+ has had some recent hits, such as Landman and School Spirits Season 2, and the streaming platform is poised to keep that streak going with Happy Face.

The new crime drama premieres on Thursday, March 20, with a two-episode drop on Paramount+ territories around the globe.

New episodes will air each week through its May 1 season finale.

(Paramount+/Screenshot)

The “season” finale is interesting because the newly released Happy Face trailer reminds me of the many crime dramas that have invaded the small screen in the peak TV era.

More often than not, they’re limited series due to the cases having a clearly defined endpoint that didn’t call for more episodes.

(Paramount+/Screenshot)

It hasn’t stopped some shows from toying with the idea of more episodes, such as HBO’s Mare of Easttown.

Thankfully, Mare of Easttown has remained a miniseries thus far, but it’s unclear how...

Dennis Quaid is transforming into a haunting serial killer for the true crime series “Happy Face.” In the upcoming Paramount+ series, the actor portrays real-life murderer Keith Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face Killer. “Impeachment” actress Annaleigh Ashford stars as Jesperson’s daughter Melissa Reed Aka Melissa G. Moore, who is forced to confront the carnage caused by her father during the trial of another alleged killer.

At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. The official synopsis for the series reads: “After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.

Annaleigh Ashford is the daughter of the notorious Happy Face serial killer out to help save an innocent man facing death for a crime her father committed in the trailer for the Paramount+ dramatic thriller Happy Face.

Ashford plays Melissa Reed, who must get her father, convicted killer Keith Jerperson, and played by Dennis Quaid, to help save an innocent man before he goes to his death for a crime he committed. “If I don’t deal with him, there is a family who lost a daughter, who will never get answers,” Reed says at one point in the trailer for the drama inspired by a true-life story.

After decades of no contact, Jerperson forced his way back into his daughter’s life, and Reed, trying to solve the crime her imprisoned father committed, faces a reckoning of her own identity and the impact the Happy Face killer had on his victims’ families.

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This March, we are getting a ton of great shows on various streaming services. From the much-anticipated superhero action drama series Daredevil: Born Again series to an interesting murder mystery comedy-drama series, The Residence. So, we are here to sort out all of the brilliant upcoming shows that you might want to check out.

Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+) Release Date: March 4 Credit – Disney+

Daredevil: Born Again is a superhero action crime legal drama series created by Dario Scardapane, Matt Corman, and Chris Ord. The upcoming Disney+ series is the continuation of the Netflix series. It follows Matt Murdock as he struggles to deal with old enemies while fighting against some dangerous new ones. Daredevil: Born Again stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Wilson Bethel, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki M. James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan,...

Paramount+ has announced the premiere date and released a teaser trailer for its upcoming original drama series, “Happy Face.” The series, based on the true story of Melissa G. Moore, whose father was the notorious Happy Face Killer, boasts a cast that includes Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin […]

Paramount+ Announces “Happy Face” Premiere Date and Releases Teaser Trailer...

Dennis Quaid is once again stepping back out on the bad-guy limb and embracing another creepy character, this time taking on his darkest role yet. The actor, who is best known for his characters in action movies and as a charming, handsome lead in romcoms, is set to portray real-life serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson in the upcoming, Paramount+ original drama series Happy Face. The streaming giant recently released the teaser trailer for its new true-crime adaptation, and it is seriously twisted, folks. If you’re a fan of true crime, you’re gonna want to watch this.

Happy Face, which premieres Thursday, March 20 with the first two episodes on Paramount+, is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore, who, at 15 years of age, discovered her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. The series is based on her critically acclaimed podcast “Happy Face” and her autobiography “Shattered Silence,...

Paramount+ has debuted a new teaser trailer for the true-crime series ‘Happy Face’ featuring Dennis Quaid.

Inspired by a true-life story, Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Reed, daughter of Keith Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter’s life, and Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. In the process, she must face a reckoning of her own identity.

The series stars Annaleigh Ashford, James Wolk, David Harewood, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey.

Jennifer Cacicio serves as series showrunner and executive produces the show alongside ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Evil’ producers Robert & Michelle King.

Also in trailers – “He’s like cupid with a kink…” Trailer drops for Valentine’s Day horror ‘Heart Eyes’

The two-episode premiere of Happy Face is...

La historia del asesino en serie que aterrorizó los 90. © Paramount+

Paramount+ ha compartido el primer tráiler de su nueva serie true crime Happy Face, basada en una historia real.

Happy Face sigue a Melissa (Ashford) y a su padre encarcelado, conocido como el asesino de la cara feliz (Quaid). Después de décadas sin contacto, por fin encuentra la forma de volver a la vida de su hija. En una carrera contrarreloj, Melissa debe averiguar si un hombre inocente va a ser condenado a muerte por un crimen que cometió su padre. Al mismo tiempo, descubre el impacto que su padre tuvo en las familias de sus víctimas y debe enfrentarse a un ajuste de cuentas de su propia identidad.

La serie de ocho episodios se inspira en la historia real de Melissa G. Moore, que a los 15 años descubrió que su padre era el prolífico asesino de la cara feliz.

In the Nineties, Keith Hunter Jesperson murdered at least eight woman over a five-year time span. Soon he got the name Happy Face Killer, after sending law enforcement post-murder notes featuring the cheerful expression. Paramount+ released a trailer Monday for the true-crime series Happy Face, tracing the former truck driver’s murdering spree.

Happy Face catches up with Melissa Moore, played by Annaleigh Ashford, after a decade of no contact with her serial killer father, played by Dennis Quaid. With limited time, Melissa must determine if an innocent man will...

Dennis Quaid portrays an infamous real-life serial killer in the first official teaser trailer for Happy Face, an upcoming crime drama TV series for Paramount+.

Per Deadline, Happy Face is based on the podcast of the same name and the autobiography Shattered Silence by Melissa Moore, the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, better known as the Happy Face Killer. Annaleigh Ashford stars as Moore in the series alongside Quaid, James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey. The two-episode premiere will land on Paramount+ on March 20, with individual episodes dropping every Thursday after that. Check out the first official teaser trailer for Happy Face below.

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Dennis Quaid has starred in a variety of memorable roles that span several decades of cinema.

Happy Face follows, "Melissa (Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact, he...

Paramount+ has announced this week that the eight-episode series “Happy Face” will premiere on March 20 with two episodes, and they’ve also released the official trailer.

“Happy Face” starring Dennis Quaid (The Substance) will be streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international markets where the service is available. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the season finale on May 1.

Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”) co-stars, with series regulars also including James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey.

“Happy Face” is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore, as well as the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.

At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded...