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 has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the Paramount+ Original Series follows Melissa (Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact, he finally 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. (Courtesy Paramount+, 2025)
The Cast:
Annaleigh Ashford
Dennis Quaid
James Wolk
Tamera Tomakili
Khiyla Aynne
Benjamin Mackey
Production Credits:
Happy Face is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor, Shooter) serves as showrunner for the series and executive producer alongside Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa G. Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Michael Showalter (The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) also directed the first episode. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
The Episodes:
Season One Episode Guide (Paramount+)
1-01 The Confession--03/20/2025
Hazel receives a strange birthday card that ultimately forces her mother, Melissa, to face the dark truth of her past.
Directed by: Michael Showalter
Written by: Jennifer Cacicio
1-02 Killing Shame--03/20/2025
Melissa and Ivy travel to Texas to learn everything about Heather Richmond’s murder. What they find there pushes Melissa to step into the light.
Directed by: Jennifer Getzinger
Written by: Andrew Gettens & Lauren Mackenzie
1-03 Was It Worth It?-03/27/2025
Melissa navigates the highs and lows of going public with her story. A new lead makes the team question Elijah’s innocence as Keith gets thrown into solitary.
Written by: Adam Toltzis and Sal Calleros
Directed by: Steven Piet
1-04 Controlled Burn--04/03/2025
Melissa reconnects with her brother and confronts her father, who finally offers a clue about the case. Ben tries to keep his family safe as Hazel receives an unexpected invitation.
Written by: Sarah Beckett
Directed by: Laurel Parmet
1-05 Don't Dream--04/10/2025
When crucial evidence goes missing, Melissa creates an unlikely alliance to solve the problem. Elijah weighs a plea deal. Hazel begins a secret correspondence.
1-06 Lorelei--04/17/2025
Melissa and Ivy find unknown footage of Heather performing that changes everything. Elijah gets his day in court. Ben gets bad news at work, and worse news at home. Joyce’s secret is revealed.
1-07 My Jesperson Girls--04/24/2025
Melissa faces a dark family secret that leads her back to Ash. Ben takes drastic measures to protect his family. The case takes yet another turn.
1-08 The Star--05/01/2025
Melissa solves the case. Keith suffers an attack. Ben faces consequences for his actions.
Show Guide: 'Happy Face'
- Details
- By Rick Ellis
