Happy Face (2025)
A gripping true crime drama about the daughter of a serial killer, forced to confront her father's dark legacy to save an innocent life.
Happy Face - Series Information
- Original Title: Happy Face
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Jennifer Cacicio
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 20, 2025 (United States - TV-MA), March 20, 2025 (Germany - 12), March 20, 2025 (Brazil - 16), March 20, 2025 (Spain - 16), March 20, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Paramount+
- Production Companies: CBS Studios, King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, Semi-Formal Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Happy Face - Plot
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.
Happy Face - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the haunting story of Melissa Reed unfold:
Melissa, you can't hide forever.
Where to Watch Happy Face
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Happy Face - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jennifer Cacicio
Main Cast
- Annaleigh Ashford
- Dennis Quaid
- James Wolk
- Tamera Tomakili
- Khiyla Aynne
- Benjamin Mackey
- Connor Paton
- David Harewood
- Momona Tamada
- Michael O'Neill
Writers
- Bam Johnson
Executive Producers
- Liz Glotzer
- Melissa Moore
- Conal Byrne
- Will Pearson
- Michael Showalter
Happy Face - FAQs
Is Happy Face based on a true story?
Yes. Happy Face is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, daughter of Keith Jesperson — the serial killer known as the Happy Face Killer. The series draws from Moore's memoir and a podcast she created, exploring her journey confronting her father's crimes and her own identity.
Who plays the Happy Face Killer in the series?
Dennis Quaid portrays Keith Jesperson, the real-life serial killer nicknamed the Happy Face Killer, in the series. His performance as the manipulative, menacing father who forces his way back into his daughter's life has been noted as one of the show's most compelling elements.
Where can you stream Happy Face?
Happy Face is available to stream on Paramount Plus (both Premium and Essential tiers), fuboTV, and Spectrum On Demand. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Paramount+ is available via Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku channels as well.
Was Happy Face cancelled after one season?
Yes. Happy Face was cancelled by Paramount+ after its first and only season. The series aired its 8-episode run in 2025 and was not renewed for a second season, making it a limited, self-contained story based on Melissa Moore's real-life experiences.
Who are the main actors in Happy Face?
Happy Face stars Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed and Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson. The cast also includes James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey, Connor Paton, David Harewood, Momona Tamada, and Michael O'Neill.
What is Happy Face about?
Happy Face follows Melissa Reed, the daughter of notorious serial killer Keith Jesperson — the Happy Face Killer. When her estranged father re-enters her life, Melissa must investigate whether an innocent man is about to be executed for one of his crimes, while confronting a profound crisis of identity and shame.
How was Happy Face received by critics?
Happy Face earned largely positive reviews, with critics praising Annaleigh Ashford's nuanced lead performance and the series' emotionally grounded approach to true crime storytelling. Reviewers highlighted its focus on trauma, identity, and moral complexity rather than sensationalizing the crimes themselves.
What is the content rating for Happy Face?
Happy Face is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains content related to serial murder, manipulation, trauma, and themes of shame and identity that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
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