Series synopsis
Happy Face is an American drama crime television series that premiered on Paramount+ on March 20, 2025. It ended on May 1, 2025. It was created by Jennifer Cacicio. It stars Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili.
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.
Premise
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.
Premise: Melissa, you can't hide forever.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed
- Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson aka 'Happy Face Killer'
- James Wolk as Ben Reed
- Tamera Tomakili as Ivy Campbell
- Khiyla Aynne as Hazel Reed
- Benjamin Mackey as Max Reed
Guest cast
- Momona Tamada as Eva
- Kathleen Duborg as June
- Jennifer Spence as Renee
- Charles Zuckermann as C.O. Bassett
- David Harewood as Dr. Greg
- Kate Sullivan as Teen Melissa
- Harrison Xu as Stewart
- Kiefer O'Reilly as Teen Shane
- Cammie Clarke as Young Becky
- Jenna Romanin as Tabitha
- Jillian Fargey as Kathy Weaver
- Gregory Greenwood as Joseph
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 8 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | March 20, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Confession Hazel receives a strange birthday card that ultimately forces her mother, Melissa, to face the dark truth of her past. |
March 20, 2025 |
| 2 |
Killing Shame Melissa and Ivy travel to Texas to learn everything about Heather Richmond's murder. Their discovery there pushes Melissa to step into the light. |
March 20, 2025 |
| 3 |
Was It Worth It? Melissa navigates the highs and lows of going public with her story. The team questions Elijah's innocence as Keith gets thrown into solitary. |
March 27, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Paramount+ |
|---|---|
| First aired | March 20, 2025 |
| Last aired | May 1, 2025 |
| Status | canceled |
| Schedule | Thursday |