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 on revealing details only to Melissa. Reluctantly, she confronts her father in prison, embarking on a journey to uncover the truth about his crimes and grappling with the impact on her own identity.
Cast & Characters of Happy Face:
The series features a talented ensemble cast:
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- Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed: A makeup artist confronting her father’s dark past.
- Dennis Quaid as Keith Hunter Jesperson: The infamous “Happy Face Killer” and Melissa’s father.
- James Wolk as Ben Moore: Melissa’s supportive husband.
- David Harewood as Dr. Greg: Host of a true crime television show.
- Tamera Tomakili as Ivy Campbell: A producer on Dr. Greg’s show.
- Khiyla Aynne as Hazel Moore: Melissa and Ben’s 15-year-old daughter.
- Benjamin Mackey as Max Moore: Melissa and Ben’s 9-year-old son.
Complete Release Schedule of Happy Face:
Happy Face Season 1 consists of eight episodes, releasing as follows:
- Episode 1: “The Confession” – March 20, 2025
- Episode 2: “Killing Shame” – March 20, 2025
- Episode 3: “Was it Worth It?” – March 27, 2025
- Episode 4: “Controlled Burn” – April 3, 2025
- Episode 5: “Don’t Dream” – April 10, 2025
- Episode 6: “Lorelai” – April 17, 2025
- Episode 7: “My Jesperson Girls” – April 24, 2025
- Episode 8: “The Star” – May 1, 2025
The first two episodes premiere simultaneously, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly on Thursdays.
Where to Watch?
Happy Face is available exclusively on Paramount+. Subscribers can stream new episodes weekly, following the release schedule outlined above.
