Happy Face

Synopsis

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.

First Air Date: 2025-03-20

Last Air Date: 2025-05-01

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 8

Created By: Jennifer Cacicio

Networks: Paramount+

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top 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
Connor Paton as Tyler
David Harewood as Dr. Greg
Momona Tamada as Eva
Michael O'Neill as D.A. Craig Calloway

Seasons

Season 1 (2025)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Confession (2025-03-20)

Hazel receives a strange birthday card that ultimately forces her mother, Melissa, to face the dark truth of her past.
Ep. 2: Killing Shame (2025-03-20)

Melissa and Ivy travel to Texas to learn everything about Heather Richmond's murder. Their discovery there pushes Melissa to step into the light.
Ep. 3: Was It Worth It? (2025-03-27)

Melissa navigates the highs and lows of going public with her story. The team questions Elijah's innocence as Keith gets thrown into solitary.
Ep. 4: Controlled Burn (2025-04-03)

Melissa reconnects with her brother and confronts her father, who finally offers a clue about the case. Hazel receives an unexpected invitation.
Ep. 5: Don't Dream (2025-04-10)

Melissa forms an unlikely alliance to recover missing key evidence. Elijah weighs a plea deal. Hazel begins a secret correspondence.
Ep. 6: Lorelai (2025-04-17)

Melissa and Ivy find unknown footage of Heather that changes everything. Elijah has his day in court. Ben gets bad news at work and worse news at home; Joyce's secret is revealed.
Ep. 7: My Jesperson Girls (2025-04-24)

Melissa faces a dark family secret that leads her back to Ash.
Ep. 8: The Star (2025-05-01)

Melissa solves the case. Keith suffers an attack. Ben faces consequences for his actions.