Happy Face (TV series)

Happy Face is an upcoming American true crime drama television series. It is an adaptation of the iHeartPodcasts 2018 true-crime podcast Happy Face by Melissa Moore, and her 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, co-written with M. Bridget Cook.

It stars Dennis Quaid in the titular role, alongside Annaleigh Ashford, James Wolk and David Harewood. It is set to stream globally on Paramount+ in 2025.

Main

 * Dennis Quaid as the Happy Face killer
 * Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Moore, the killer's daughter and makeup artist on The Dr. Greg Show
 * James Wolk as Ben Moore, Melissa's husband
 * David Harewood as Dr. Greg, host of the daytime health and talk show, The Dr. Greg Show
 * Tamera Tomakili as Ivy, a producer on the show
 * Khiyla Aynne as Hazel, the Moore's 15-year-old daughter
 * Benjamin Mackey as Max, the Moore's 9-year-old son

Recurring

 * Damon Gupton as Elijah, a convict on death row in Texas for a 1995 murder
 * Momona Tamada as Eva, Hazel's best friend and a true crime fanatic

Production
In September 2020, it was reported that Jennifer Cacicio, Robert and Michelle King were developing for CBS All Access a series based on Melissa Moore's true-crime podcast Happy Face, and her autobiography Shattered Silence, co-written with M. Bridget Cook. Moore is the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, the Happy Face killer.

In October 2021, Paramount+ greenlit the series written by Jennifer Cacicio and produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. Michael Showalter also executive produced and directed the first episode.

In February 2024, Dennis Quaid signed on to play the Happy Face killer and Annaleigh Ashford to play his daughter Melissa Moore. The following month, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili were cast to play Melissa's husband and Ivy, respectively. David Harewood signed on to play Dr. Greg, star of the daytime health and talk show, The Dr. Greg Show.

Principal photography took place in Vancouver between March 19, 2024 and June 19. Some scenes were shot in May at New Westminster City Hall, in place of Texas.

Release
Happy Face is set to be released with eight episodes globally in 2025 on Paramount+ through Paramount Global Content Distribution.