Paramount+ has just released the trailer for its upcoming drama series, Happy Face, and it’s already generating buzz. The show, which premieres with two episodes on Thursday, March 20, follows the chilling story of the infamous Happy Face Killer and his estranged daughter.
Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the infamous Happy Face Killer, Keith Jesperson. Melissa, played by Broadway star Annaleigh Ashford, is a real person—which means, sadly, her father’s crimes are real too.
Jesperson murdered at least eight women in the 1990s, earning his nickname by drawing smiley faces on letters he sent to the media, boasting about his crimes. Melissa grew up terrified of her father, especially after witnessing his cruelty firsthand, like the time he tortured a litter of kittens.
Years later, she revealed her family’s dark secret on Dr. Phil, which eventually led her to a career in true crime storytelling. This series brings her shocking life story to the screen, based on her 2009 memoir and a 2018 podcast.
The cast also includes James Wolk as Melissa’s husband, a bank manager who believes they’ve moved on from the trauma of her past. But when her father re-enters her life, he worries she’s being pulled back into his manipulative web.
Melissa also serves as an executive producer, making this a deeply personal project. The eight-episode series will air weekly after its debut, promising a gripping mix of crime, family drama, and suspense.
Happy Face has already made a strong impression, earning a fresh debut score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics have pointed out issues with the show’s presentation, most praise how the mystery unfolds over its eight episodes. This early buzz suggests that more positive reviews could roll in as the premiere date approaches.
Paramount+ has seen plenty of success with its original shows and Paramount+ with Showtime titles, like Mayor of Kingstown and The Agency. But Happy Face stands out by tackling a real-life story about the aftermath of serial murders.
This means the show has to balance gripping drama with respect for the victims and their families. Early reviews indicate that it’s doing just that, with Dennis Quaid’s performance as the chilling Keith Jesperson earning particular praise. If the positive reception continues, Happy Face could become another standout in Quaid’s impressive career, adding to the list of memorable roles he’s taken on in recent years.