True crime fans you are going to want to hear about this. There's a new series coming to Paramount+ called "Happy Face" and it is not your typical serial killer show. This one dives into the incredibly personal and intense story of Melissa Moore the real-life daughter of the infamous "Happy Face Killer" Keith Hunter Jesperson. Get ready for a drama that mixes fact and fiction and explores some seriously heavy stuff.
Paramount+'s 'Happy Face': More Than Just Another Serial Killer Story It's a Daughter's Journey
“Happy Face” is based on Melissa Moore's own memoir and podcast and it looks like it is going to be intense. The series stars Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa and Dennis Quaid as her father Keith Hunter Jesperson. It is not just about the gruesome details of Jesperson's crimes. Instead it really focuses on Melissa's experience growing up with this secret and the aftermath of finding out her dad was a monster.
The show starts with Melissa living a seemingly normal life with her husband kids and a secret she has kept hidden. When a creepy birthday card shows up Melissa knows exactly who it is from: her estranged father Keith Jesperson. He is the "Happy Face Killer" notorious for murdering at least eight women in the 90s and leaving smiley faces on his letters to the media.
From there things get complicated. Jesperson starts hinting at another possible murder one that could get an innocent man off death row. Melissa gets pulled into this dark world trying to figure out the truth and dealing with the fallout on her own family and life. It is described as part procedural part family drama and all kinds of gripping.
The Real Melissa Moore: Growing Up Unaware and Rebuilding a Life After Shocking Discovery
Melissa Moore's real story is honestly mind-blowing. She actually lived with Keith Hunter Jesperson as a child completely unaware of the darkness he was hiding. She grew up in rural Washington and remembers him as her dad going camping riding ATVs doing normal family stuff. But there were glimpses of something else. She recalls him torturing kittens and feeling uneasy around him.
It wasn't until she was 16 that her mom told her the truth: her father had been arrested for murder. Suddenly those childhood memories were tainted and she had to grapple with the fact that her dad was this "stone-cold killer". Imagine trying to reconcile those two images of the same person.
After Jesperson's arrest Melissa distanced herself changed her name and kept her past a secret for years. But eventually she decided to speak out writing a memoir doing podcasts and now this series. She has become an advocate for families of serial killers connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences. Her story is about trauma resilience and finding a way to live your own life even with this dark shadow in your past.
Dennis Quaid as the Happy Face Killer? Casting Choices and Tone of the New Series
Dennis Quaid taking on the role of Keith Hunter Jesperson is definitely a choice that grabs your attention. Known for more heroic or charming roles Quaid playing a serial killer adds a layer of unsettling intrigue. Early reviews mention he portrays Jesperson as wily and even strangely charismatic which might be disturbing but perhaps also accurate to how manipulative serial killers can be.
Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Moore is also getting praise for her performance. She is known for her Broadway work and is said to capture Melissa's vulnerability and emotional strength really well. David Harewood plays Dr. Greg a fictional talk show host and Tamera Tomakili plays Ivy the producer.
Some critics are pointing out that the series has a bit of an odd tone . While dealing with heavy subject matter it sometimes veers into soapy or light-hearted territory which might feel jarring considering the real-life horror at its core. It will be interesting to see how viewers react to this mix of true crime and fictional drama.
True Crime and Beyond: What to Expect from 'Happy Face' and Melissa Moore's Story
“Happy Face” is definitely jumping into the crowded true crime genre but it's trying to do something different. It's not just about sensationalizing the killer or the crimes. It wants to explore the impact on the victims' families yes but especially on the killer's own family specifically his daughter. Melissa Moore's story is unique and heartbreaking and the series is aiming to put her experience front and center.
Melissa Moore herself is an executive producer on the show so she has been involved in bringing her story to the screen. She has said she wanted to share her experience to connect with other families of serial killers who often feel unseen and alone. So while “Happy Face” will likely have thriller elements and mystery it also seems to have a deeper purpose exploring themes of family trauma identity and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Key Facts About the Happy Face Killer and the New Series:
- Based on a True Story: "Happy Face" is inspired by the real life story of Melissa Moore daughter of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson.
- Melissa Moore's Perspective: The series focuses on Melissa's experience and trauma not just the killer's crimes.
- Dennis Quaid as Keith Jesperson: Quaid plays the infamous "Happy Face Killer".
- Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Moore: Ashford portrays Melissa as she grapples with her father's dark secret.
- Mix of Genres: The show blends true crime drama with procedural and family elements.
- Explores True Crime Tropes: "Happy Face" aims to critique and subvert some common tropes of the true crime genre.
- Based on Podcast and Memoir: The series is based on Melissa Moore's "Happy Face" podcast and her memoir "Shattered Silence".
- Paramount+ Release: "Happy Face" premieres on Paramount+ on March 20.
Will You Watch? 'Happy Face' Promises a Different Kind of True Crime Story
If you are looking for a true crime series that goes beyond the typical formula "Happy Face" might be worth checking out. It's diving into some dark territory but from a fresh perspective focusing on the daughter of a serial killer and her struggle for identity and healing. With a strong cast and a compelling real-life story at its core "Happy Face" could be a series that both grips you and makes you think. Will you be tuning in on March 20th?