Happy Face: Release date news, cast and streaming details, and more about CBS' upcoming true crime adaptation 

CBS Studios, in collaboration with King Size Productions and iHeartPodcasts, will be distributing the true-crime series Happy Face, which is based on real events. Happy Face is a narrative surrounding Melissa G. Moore, the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as the "Happy Face Killer."

Jesperson was so named because he used smiley faces in letters admitting to committing his crimes. The program is intended to depict the psychological and emotional effect of what he did to his family members and loved ones of his victims.

---

Happy Face Release Date and Streaming Details

The show will debut on March 20, 2025, on Paramount+. The first two episodes will be released on the aforementioned date, with the remaining episodes broadcast every Thursday. The season finale will debut on May 1, 2025.

Dennis Quaid's appearance as Jesperson has been particularly noteworthy, given the veteran actor's track record of playing morally ambiguous roles. Annaleigh Ashford, a stage and television actress, provides a nuanced performance as Melissa, deepening the emotional arc of her character.

---

Plot of Happy Face

Happy Face traces Melissa G. Moore as she finds out during her teenage years that her father was a serial killer and chronicles how she struggles to deal with this fact, as well as the aftermath of his deeds. One main conflict is set in motion by Jesperson as he attempts to rebuild his relationship with Melissa, sending her back in time. She also goes out of her way to clear an unfairly accused man.

The series, through Melissa's narrative, touches on themes of identity, trauma, and justice. It also captures the psychological manipulation and emotional distress the family members of criminals have to go through. The adaptation tries to shed some light on the wider societal effects of crime, not only for the criminals but also their immediate victims.

---

Cast Details of Happy Face

Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa G. Moore Dennis Quaid as Keith Hunter Jesperson James Wolk as Ben Moore, Melissa's husband Tamera Tomakili as Ivy, Khiyla Aynne as Hazel, Melissa's teenage daughter Benjamin Mackey as Max, Melissa's young son are sure to combine to make for a compelling watch.

---

Production Team of Happy Face

The series is being produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions.

The major members of the production crew are:

Jennifer Cacicio (Showrunner, Executive Producer),

Robert and Michelle King (Executive Producers)

Liz Glotzer (Executive Producer)

Melissa G. Moore (Executive Producer)

Conal Byrne and Will Pearson (Executive Producers)

Michael Showalter (Executive Producer, Director of the pilot episode)

Jordana Mollick (Executive Producer)

Melissa G. Moore's executive production involvement guarantees the show's true-to-life presentation of her life experiences. Also, Michael Showalter, an accomplished director with experience in various award-winning works, has directed the pilot episode, which sets the tone for the series.

---

Themes and Expectations of Happy Face

Happy Face is supposed to offer a closer examination of the psychological and personal impact of violent crimes on survivors and families. The series is not about the crimes themselves but rather about their long-term consequences, especially on those who have been left behind. The remake also looks into how the criminal justice system handles high-profile cases and the risks of wrongful convictions.

The true crime genre remains popular, and Happy Face stands out because it provides a personal account and not merely an investigative narrative. By exploring the emotional consequences of such crimes, the series gives a gripping narrative that goes beyond the headlines.

---

With its robust cast, suspenseful plot, and true-life origin, Happy Face is likely to find viewers drawn to crime drama and psychological thriller programming. The show features a true-to-life account of events taken from actual life and is projected to resonate with true crime enthusiasts. With the premiere approaching, further information about international distribution and reception can be expected to emerge.

Also read: 10 Shows where we see organized crime in action