Renowned actor Dennis Quaid is set to captivate audiences in the upcoming Paramount+ drama 'Happy Face,' a chilling series that delves into the gripping narrative of a notorious serial killer. The show, produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions, is created by executive producers Robert and Michelle King, known for their work on 'Evil' and 'The Good Fight,' along with showrunner Jennifer Cacicio.
In a departure from his usual roles, Quaid will take on the title role as a notorious serial killer nicknamed 'Happy Face.' The character earned this moniker due to his unsettling habit of drawing smiley faces on evidence while boasting about his heinous crimes.
'Happy Face' draws inspiration from the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford. The series also explores the story behind the true-crime podcast 'Happy Face,' developed in collaboration with Moore, and Moore's autobiography 'Shattered Silence,' co-authored by M. Bridget Cook.
The narrative unfolds as Melissa (Ashford) is reluctantly drawn back into her father's world after decades of severed ties. Her father, 'Happy Face' (Quaid), incarcerated for his crimes, ingeniously finds a way to insert himself back into Melissa's life. The plot intensifies as Melissa grapples with discovering the truth about a potential wrongful execution and unravels the profound impact her father had on the families of his victims.
Melissa embarks on a journey to determine if an innocent man is facing execution for a crime her father committed. Simultaneously, she confronts the harrowing effects her father's actions had on the families of the victims and navigates a profound reckoning with her own identity.
The series boasts a stellar ensemble, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid, Annaleigh Ashford, and a talented supporting cast.
'Happy Face' is produced by CBS Studios in collaboration with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions. The show is helmed by showrunner Jennifer Cacicio and features the creative input of Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter (director of the first episode), and Jordana Mollick.