Paramount+ Sets March Premiere for True Crime Thriller ‘Happy Face’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Paramount+ announced Tuesday that its highly anticipated true crime thriller series “Happy Face” will premiere on March 20. The show, based on the real-life story of Melissa G. Moore, whose father was a notorious serial killer, stars Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid.

The series follows Melissa, played by Ashford, as she grapples with her father’s dark legacy. After decades of no contact, her father finds a way to re-enter her life, forcing her to confront the ripple effects of his crimes. Melissa must race against time to determine whether an innocent man is facing execution for a crime her father committed.

“Every violent act is a rock dropped in water,” Ashford’s Melissa says in the newly released teaser. “If you stay silent, the ripples of trauma just keep pulling everyone they touch underneath.”

The show is executive produced by Robert and Michelle King, known for their work on “Evil” and “Elsbeth.” Jennifer Cacicio, who has worked on “Your Honor” and “Shooter,” serves as showrunner. The series is a collaboration between CBS Studios, King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions.

“Happy Face” also stars James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey. The first episode is directed by Michael Showalter, who also executive produces alongside the Kings, Liz Glotzer, Melissa G. Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, and Jordana Mollick.

The series draws from Moore’s autobiography “Shattered Silence,” co-written with M. Bridget Cook, and the “Happy Face” podcast she hosts with iHeartPodcasts. Paramount+ initially greenlit the project in 2021, with Ashford and Quaid joining the cast early last year.

In addition to exploring Melissa’s personal journey, the series delves into the impact of her father’s crimes on the families of his victims. The show promises to blend true crime drama with a poignant exploration of identity and trauma.