Happy Face (TV series)

Last updated

Happy Face
Genre
Inspired by
  • Happy Face
    by Melissa Moore
  • Shattered Silence
    by
    • Moore
    • M. Bridget Cook
Developed by
ShowrunnerJennifer Cacicio
Written byJennifer Cacicio
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
Production locationCanada
Production companies
Original release
Network Paramount+

Happy Face is an upcoming American true crime drama television series. It is an adaptation of the iHeartPodcasts 2018 true-crime podcast Happy Face by Melissa Moore, and her 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, co-written with M. Bridget Cook.

Contents

It stars Dennis Quaid in the titular role, alongside Annaleigh Ashford, James Wolk and David Harewood. It is set to stream globally on Paramount+ in 2025.

Cast

Main

Recurring

Production

In September 2020, it was reported that Jennifer Cacicio, Robert and Michelle King were developing for CBS All Access a series based on Melissa Moore's true-crime podcast Happy Face, and her autobiography Shattered Silence, co-written with M. Bridget Cook. Moore is the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, the Happy Face killer. [3]

In October 2021, Paramount+ greenlit the series written by Jennifer Cacicio and produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. [4] Michael Showalter also executive produced and directed the first episode. [5]

In February 2024, Dennis Quaid signed on to play the Happy Face killer and Annaleigh Ashford to play his daughter Melissa Moore. [5] The following month, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili were cast to play Melissa's husband and Ivy, respectively. [6] [7] David Harewood signed on to play Dr. Greg, star of the daytime health and talk show, The Dr. Greg Show. [1]

Principal photography took place in Vancouver between March 19, 2024 and June 19. [8] [1] Some scenes were shot in May at New Westminster City Hall, in place of Texas. [9]

Release

Happy Face is set to be released with eight episodes globally in 2025 on Paramount+ through Paramount Global Content Distribution. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Petski, Denise (March 20, 2024). "Happy Face: Khiyla Aynne & Benjamin Mackey Round Out Series Regular Cast As Production Begins; David Harewood To Recur". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Petski, Denise (May 9, 2024). "Happy Face Adds Damon Gupton & Momona Tamada As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  3. Otterson, Joe (September 16, 2020). "CBS All Access to Develop Happy Face True Crime Podcast as Series, Robert and Michelle King to Produce". Variety . Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  4. Goldberg, Lesley (November 10, 2021). "Robert and Michelle King Set Happy Face Drama at Paramount+". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 Andreeva, Nellie (February 16, 2024). "Happy Face: Dennis Quaid To Play Titular Character In Paramount+ Series From Robert & Michelle King". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  6. Andreeva, Nellie (March 8, 2024). "Happy Face: James Wolk Joins Paramount+ Series From Robert & Michelle King". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  7. Petski, Denise (March 14, 2024). "Happy Face: Tamera Tomakili Joins Paramount+ Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  8. "In Production". Creative BC Film Commission . February 12, 2024. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  9. McManus, Theresa (May 10, 2024). "Protesters and police at New West city hall — for filming". New West Record. Glacier Media . Retrieved June 20, 2024.