Annaleigh Ashford Stars in True Crime Series ‘Happy Face’ Premiering Soon

LOS ANGELES, CA — Annaleigh Ashford takes center stage in Paramount+’s upcoming true crime series “Happy Face,” debuting on March 20, 2025. This gripping show explores the complex relationship between Ashford’s character, Melissa G. Moore, and her father, Keith Jesperson, infamously known as the Happy Face Killer, portrayed by Dennis Quaid.

Moore’s harrowing journey began at 15 when she discovered her father’s dark legacy as a prolific serial killer. Now, decades later, she grapples with her identity and the trauma inflicted by his heinous actions. “After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way 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,” reads the official synopsis.

The eight-episode series, inspired by Moore’s life and her well-received podcast “Happy Face,” aims to shed light on the ripple effects of crime on families. Alongside Ashford and Quaid, the cast includes James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey.

“Happy Face” draws from Moore’s autobiography “Shattered Silence,” co-written with M. Bridget Cook, and portrays her traumatic journey to uncover the truth about her father while seeking justice for his victims. The series explores the emotional turmoil Melissa faces as she communicates with Jesperson while trying to maintain her own sense of self.

Jennifer Cacicio serves as the showrunner, with Robert and Michelle King as executive producers, showcasing their previous success with series like “The Good Wife” and “Evil.” Michael Showalter, known for his work on “The Dropout,” directs the first episode.

“Happy Face” is set to premiere with two episodes, with additional episodes releasing weekly every Thursday, culminating in a finale on May 1, 2025. The show’s production is a collaboration involving CBS Studios, iHeartPodcasts, and the creative team behind the podcast itself, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the story.

With the series premiering shortly, anticipation is building as viewers prepare to watch the unsettling yet compelling narrative of Melissa Moore unravel on screens across the globe.