80s Icon Transforms into America’s Most Notorious Serial Killer in 2025’s Must-See Stream Event!

Move over, tales of Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, a new serial killer story is set to captivate audiences soon. “Happy Face” is based on the true story of Melissa Moore who made a horrifying discovery at age 15: her father, Keith Jesperson, was the infamous Happy Face Killer.

He earned the nickname from the smiley faces he drew on letters sent to the media and authorities. Jesperson claimed to have killed 185 people, but only eight murders are definitively linked to him. His confession in the 1990s turned his family’s world upside down and stunned America.

In this eight-episode series, Annaleigh Ashford plays Melissa, a woman struggling to reconcile her past and her identity. Dennis Quaid stars as the eerie Keith Jesperson, as the series delves into the psychological and moral repercussions of this family revelation against the backdrop of a quest for justice.

A Series of Investigation and Self-Discovery

“Happy Face” delves into the complex relationship between Melissa and her father. After decades of estrangement, Keith forces his way back into his daughter’s life. Melissa is then faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma: an innocent man may be imprisoned for a crime her father committed. Her quest for the truth also becomes a journey into the scars left by her origins.

The series is inspired by Melissa Moore’s life, who had assumed a new identity for years, her subsequent “Happy Face” podcast, and her autobiography Shattered Silence, co-written with M. Bridget Cook.

A Strong Cast

Featuring Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford in leading roles, the series promises compelling performances. They are joined by the talented James Wolk and David Harewood. Directed by Michael Showalter (“The Dropout”) and produced by the esteemed Robert and Michelle King (“The Good Wife”), the series is set to be an immersive experience.

Scheduled to premiere on March 21 on Paramount+, this series is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and narratives based on true events.