‘Happy Face’ Canceled at Paramount+ After One Season

The crime thriller series “Happy Face,” created by Robert and Michelle King, has unfortunately been canceled by Paramount+ after just one season. The news of the cancellation comes shortly after the conclusion of Season 1 on May 1. The show is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered in 1995 that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the notorious Happy Face Killer. The series is based on the “Happy Face” podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore’s autobiography “Shattered Silence,” co-written by M. Bridget Cook.

In the eight-episode series, which premiered on March 20, Melissa chooses to change her name and distance herself from her father as an adult. Despite her efforts, Keith, who is serving a life sentence in prison, attempts to reconnect with her. As Melissa confronts her past, she learns about the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must come to terms with her own identity.

The lead roles in “Happy Face” are portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa and Dennis Quaid as her criminal father Keith. The supporting cast includes James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey, Connor Paton, and David Harewood.

The real Keith Hunter Jesperson is currently incarcerated in an Oregon penitentiary, serving a life sentence for the murders of at least eight women. He earned the nickname Happy Face Killer for drawing smiley faces on his letters to the authorities and media.

The series was produced by CBS Studios in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, King Size Productions, and Semi-Formal Productions. Jennifer Cacicio served as the showrunner and executive producer alongside Robert and Michelle King, Michael Showalter, Conal Byre, Melissa G. Moore, Will Pearson, and Liz Glotzer. Jordana Mollick served as an executive producer and directed the first episode. Paramount Global Content Distribution handled the distribution of the series.

It is unfortunate that “Happy Face” will not continue for a second season, as the show has garnered praise for its gripping storytelling and compelling performances. Fans of the series will have to cherish the one season that was produced and hope for future projects from the talented team behind the show.