Happy Face showcases breathtaking performances from powerful actors in a story that holds itself back from digging deep into its raw potential.
Created by Jennifer Cacicio and co-produced by Robert and Michelle King, Paramount Plus's new true crime series is based on Melissa Moore's 2018 podcast of the same name and the 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, which she co-wrote with M. Bridget Cook. The series follows Melissa Reed (Annaleigh Ashford) doing everything she possibly can to keep her infamous sadistic father, Keith Jesperson (Dennis Quaid) out of her life. When she was a teenager he was arrested for assaulting and murdering eight women. Sadly her secret is exposed when Jesperson claims he will reveal what happened to his ninth victim under one condition; his daughter will be the only one he confesses to.
Happy Face is formulaic and does very little to forge its identity in the popular true crime genre, giving an impression of studio execs checking notes to ensure they have another hit on their hands instead of taking the time, allowing it to be a fully authentic story that needs to be told. What it lacks in the story it makes up for in the performances of the lead roles by Ashford and Quaid.
Familiar Faces in Front of Happy Face
Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid carry the show with their performances and chemistry. The scenes together are intentionally uncomfortable and depressing as they provide much-needed insight into their tragic relationship dynamic.
It is impossible not to feel sorry for Melissa. Her childhood died with her trust when she was a teen due to her father's sick deeds. The revelation of him being a monster forced her to grow up fast and always keep her guard up, especially from her most loved ones. She hides her despair from her friends, family, and colleagues until her secret is exposed. Now she is lost, vulnerable and everyone knows it. As for Keith, it is impossible not to feel provoked by him. He is as despicable as you can imagine. He preys on innocent helpless women and shows no signs of remorse. He claims he committed his horrible crimes for his daughter so that she can have the life she deserves. Whenever he sees her, he attempts to relive "the good old days" and gaslight her into thinking she should be grateful. Ashford's emotional depth and Quaid's narcissistic demeanor do all of the heavy lifting in the series.
Too Recognizable For Its Own Good
Most of the time Happy Face feels like it is going through the motions with its storytelling which often misses the landing. Beyond the performances by Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid, it is difficult to get fully invested in this true crime chronicle. Given how this is inspired by real events it is disappointing to see this series get carried recycling TV tropes at the expense of authenticity.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
About Happy Face
Premiere Date: March 20, 2025
Episode Count: 8
Executive Producer/Showrunner: Jennifer Cacicio
Writers: Adam Toltzis, Jennifer Cacicio, Andrew Gettens, Lauren MacKenzie, Sarah Beckett, Sal Calleros, Inda Craig-Galván, Tiffany Ezuma, Bam Johnson, Brandi Nicole, Erica Saleh, Michelle King, Robert King, Melissa G. Moore
Directors: Darren Grant, Jennifer Getzinger, Ramaa Mosley, Steven Piet, Michael Showalter
Producers: Jennifer Cacicio, Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa G. Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter, Jordana Mollick
Production: CBS Studios, iHeartPodcasts, King Size Productions, Semi-Formal Productions
Distribution: Paramount Plus
Cast: Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey
Synopsis: 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 changed her name and guarded her secret while her father served life in prison. HAPPY FACE for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa Reed’s (Annaleigh Ashford) 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.