Inspired by the True-Crime Podcast, the Star-Studded Series Explores a Daughter’s Haunting Connection to a Notorious Serial Killer
Paramount+ has just dropped the highly anticipated teaser trailer and premiere date for its upcoming original drama series, ‘Happy Face’. The eight-episode season, produced by CBS Studios, is set to debut with two episodes on Thursday, March 20, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international markets. New episodes will roll out weekly, culminating in a season finale on May 1.
Inspired by the critically acclaimed Happy Face true-crime podcast and Melissa G. Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, the series delves into the chilling real-life story of a woman who discovered her father was the infamous “Happy Face Killer.” At just 15 years old, Melissa Moore’s life was shattered when she learned that her beloved father was a prolific serial killer. As an adult, she changed her name and buried the secret, only to have her past resurface in the most terrifying way.
The series stars Annaleigh Ashford (B Positive, Masters of Sex) as Melissa, a woman forced to confront her father’s dark legacy when he re-enters her life from behind bars. Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow, Far from Heaven) takes on the role of the enigmatic and menacing “Happy Face Killer,” whose crimes continue to haunt his daughter and the families of his victims. The ensemble cast also includes James Wolk (Watchmen, Mad Men), Tamera Tomakili (The Last of Us), Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey, promising a powerhouse performance from start to finish.
The teaser trailer offers a glimpse into the series’ tense and emotional narrative. Melissa, now living under a new identity, is thrust into a race against time when her father manipulates her into investigating whether an innocent man is about to be executed for one of his crimes. As she digs deeper, Melissa is forced to confront the devastating impact her father’s actions had on his victims’ families—and grapple with her own identity in the process.
Happy Face is executive produced by a stellar team, including Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor, Shooter), who also serves as showrunner, and powerhouse duo Robert and Michelle King (The Good Wife, Evil). The series is directed by Michael Showalter (The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye), who helms the first episode, ensuring a gripping and cinematic experience.
The series is a collaboration between CBS Studios, King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts, and Semi-Formal Productions, with distribution by Paramount Global Content Distribution. It joins Paramount+’s growing slate of premium original content, further solidifying the platform as a destination for compelling storytelling.
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt are back. And the past is deadly. I Know What We Did Last Summer —Out Now
In a thrilling new film directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, I Know What We Did Last Summer explores the devastating impact of secrets, guilt, and the heavy burden of past errors. After five lifelong friends inadvertently trigger a fatal car accident, they choose to conceal the incident, making a pact to keep their dark secret hidden. However, a year later, their past catches up with them. Someone is aware of their actions—and they are seeking revenge.
The movie features Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders, showcasing the friends as they are stalked one by one by a merciless killer. As the fear intensifies, they must face the terrifying reality: this is not just a simple act of vengeance. It’s a mystery linked to the infamous Southport Massacre of 1997, a tragedy that left lasting wounds on both the survivors and the friends themselves.
In a frantic effort to end the cycle of violence, the group seeks the help of two survivors from the notorious massacre (portrayed by Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt), hoping that their traumatic experiences can aid them in escaping the impending doom. Yet, as the killer draws nearer, the friends start to doubt: can they rely on their instincts, or is the real horror still lurking in the shadows?
The narrative, crafted by Leah McKendrick, Sam Lamsky and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, delves into the chilling theme of vengeance. In this gripping tale, the friends must hurry to reveal the identity of their unyielding stalker—and confront the grim repercussions of their fateful evening.
Featuring a cast that includes Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, and Billy Campbell, What We Did Last Summer offers a novel take on the traditional thriller genre, merging suspense, horror, and emotional intensity. Enthusiasts of psychological thrillers and slasher films will find themselves captivated, as the past intertwines with the present in the most horrifying manner.
Produced by Neal H. Moritz, with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson also taking on the role of executive producer alongside Jackie Shenoo and Karina Rahardja, this film is must-see. As the truth unfolds and the body count escalates, viewers will be left pondering just how far someone will go to safeguard their deepest secrets.