Dennis Quaid is known for his charming roles and that megawatt smile. But get ready to see a completely different side of him. Quaid is diving deep into darkness to play a terrifying serial killer in the upcoming true crime series Happy Face . Yes you read that right serial killer Dennis Quaid. This is not your Parent Trap Dennis.
'Happy Face' Unveiled: Dennis Quaid Embodies Real-Life Killer Keith Jesperson in New Paramount+ Series
In Happy Face Quaid takes on the role of Keith Jesperson also infamously known as the Happy Face Killer. This Paramount+ series is based on a truly disturbing true story. Jesperson was a real life murderer who earned his nickname by drawing smiley faces on letters he sent to the media and authorities. Creepy right?
The show is not just about Jesperson though. It centers around his daughter Melissa Reed played by Annaleigh Ashford from American Crime Story. Melissa is living with the shocking secret that her own father is a notorious serial killer. She even changed her name to escape his shadow. But her past is about to catch up with her in a big way.
Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed: Daughter Confronts Father's Horrific Legacy in 'Happy Face'
Annaleigh Ashford’s Melissa is at the heart of this story. Imagine finding out your dad is a monster. Melissa discovered this awful truth when she was just 15 years old. Now as an adult she has built a new life trying to keep her dark family secret buried. But in Happy Face Keith Jesperson forces his way back into her life from prison after years of no contact.
The series synopsis reveals Melissa is thrown into a race against time. An innocent man is facing the death penalty for a crime Melissa suspects her father actually committed. To save this innocent person she must confront her father the Happy Face Killer. This journey forces Melissa to face the devastating impact of her father’s crimes on his victims’ families and confront her own identity in the process. It is a heavy intense premise for a true crime drama.
Behind the Scenes: True Story Podcast and A-List Team Power 'Happy Face' Series
Happy Face is not just another crime show. It is inspired by the real life experiences of Melissa G Moore. The series draws from her critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts. It also uses details from her autobiography Shattered Silence which she co-wrote with M Bridget Cook. This gives the series a deeply personal and authentic foundation.
Jennifer Cacicio known for Your Honor and Shooter is the showrunner and executive producer. Adding even more talent are executive producers Robert and Michelle King the creators of shows like The Good Wife and Evil. Michael Showalter of The Dropout and The Eyes of Tammy Faye fame directed the first episode adding his directing skills to the mix. This is a seriously skilled team bringing this story to the screen.
Mark Your Calendars: 'Happy Face' Premiere Date Streaming Details and Episode Schedule
Eager to watch? Happy Face Premieres Thursday March 20 exclusively on Paramount+ in the US and other international markets where Paramount+ is available. Get ready to binge the first two episodes right away on premiere day.
After the premiere new episodes will be released weekly every Thursday. The season will have eight episodes in total with the season finale set to air on May 1. So you have plenty of chilling Thursday nights ahead.
Dennis Quaid Trades Charm for Chills: Why 'Happy Face' is a Departure Role
For Dennis Quaid Happy Face is definitely a departure from his usual roles. He often plays likable heroes or charming characters. Stepping into the shoes of a notorious serial killer is a major change of pace. This role promises to showcase his range as an actor and offer audiences a glimpse of his ability to portray truly dark and disturbing characters. It is a chance to see Quaid in a way we have genuinely never seen before and that is exciting for fans of his work and true crime dramas.
'Happy Face' Series Key Details at a Glance:
- Starring: Dennis Quaid Annaleigh Ashford James Wolk Tamera Tomakili Khiyla Aynne Benjamin Mackey
- Premiere Date: Thursday March 20 2025 (first two episodes)
- Streaming Platform: Paramount+
- Episode Release: Weekly on Thursdays
- Season Finale: May 1 2025
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Based on: True story of Melissa G Moore and the Happy Face Killer
- Executive Producers: Jennifer Cacicio Robert and Michelle King Michael Showalter Melissa G Moore
Get Ready to be Hooked: 'Happy Face' Trailer Promises a Gripping True Crime Thriller
Want a sneak peek? A trailer for Happy Face is out and it looks incredibly intense and disturbing. The trailer offers glimpses into Melissa's troubled past and her chilling face-to-face confrontations with her father played with sinister intensity by Quaid. It definitely sets a dark and suspenseful tone for the series. If you are a fan of true crime thrillers and seeing actors push their limits Happy Face looks like a must-watch. Prepare to be chilled and captivated when it premieres on March 20.