True crime fans have a new must-watch series in Happy Face, a dark and gripping drama inspired by Melissa Moore’s 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence and her podcast Happy Face. This Paramount+ original series tells a chilling yet deeply human story about the daughter of a serial killer navigating the devastating legacy of her father’s crimes. Based on the real-life experiences of Melissa Moore—daughter of notorious murderer Keith Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face Killer—the show blends psychological thriller with emotional family drama.
As anticipation builds, many viewers are asking: How many episodes are in Happy Face Season 1, and when do new episodes air? Below is everything you need to know about the series debut season—from episode counts and release dates to where to stream it.
How Many Episodes Are in Happy Face Season 1?
Total Episode Count
Season 1 of Happy Face will consist of 8 episodes in total. The structure offers just enough time to explore the depths of this dark and emotional true story without overstaying its welcome. Each episode is expected to run around 45–60 minutes, delivering a tightly woven narrative that spans the trauma of a broken childhood, the burden of a notorious last name, and the desperate fight for justice.
Dual Episode Premiere
The series is set to premiere with a two-episode debut on Thursday, March 20, 2025, giving viewers an immersive introduction into Melissa Reed’s harrowing world. After that, one new episode will drop weekly, maintaining a regular Thursday release schedule on Paramount.
Happy Face Season 1: Full Episode Release Schedule
Below is a complete breakdown of all eight episodes, including their titles and release dates.
Episode 1 – “The Confession”
Release Date: March 20, 2025
The series opens with Melissa Reed’s carefully constructed world beginning to unravel when her estranged father, Keith Jesperson, contacts her out of the blue. In parallel, a death row case emerges that may connect to his earlier crimes.
Episode 2 – “Killing Shame”
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Melissa begins to dig into her father’s past and finds disturbing clues that an innocent man may be about to pay for a crime Keith actually committed. Her nightmare begins as her life starts to spiral.
Episode 3 – “Was It Worth It?”
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Melissa faces growing pressure from investigators and media outlets. Meanwhile, flashbacks to her childhood reveal red flags she ignored—or never wanted to acknowledge.
Episode 4 – “Controlled Burn”
Release Date: April 3, 2025
An emotional confrontation with her mother pushes Melissa further toward unraveling Keith’s manipulations. She contemplates going public with her story, risking her anonymity and safety.
Episode 5 – “Don’t Dream”
Release Date: April 10, 2025
As Melissa becomes more involved in the death row case, legal walls begin to close in. A new threat emerges that could endanger her family. The episode blurs the line between past and present trauma.
Episode 6 – “Lorelai”
Release Date: April 17, 2025
A woman from Keith’s past—Lorelai—comes forward with new information that could crack the case wide open. Melissa must decide who to trust while juggling the fallout of her father’s manipulations.
Episode 7 – “My Jesperson Girls”
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Melissa learns of other women claiming ties to Keith and his past crimes. The episode shifts focus to the broader psychological toll of being associated with a serial killer.
Episode 8 – “The Star”
Release Date: May 1, 2025
In a cathartic and high-stakes finale, Melissa confronts her father face-to-face. Truths are revealed, justice takes its course, and Melissa takes her first steps toward reclaiming her identity.
What Is Happy Face About?
The Premise
Happy Face follows Melissa Reed, a woman living under an assumed name, trying to lead a normal life. But everything changes when her estranged father, Keith Jesperson, also known as the Happy Face Killer, tries to reinsert himself into her life.
Keith, responsible for at least eight known murders during the 1990s, signed his anonymous confessions with smiley faces—hence his gruesome nickname. The series examines how Melissa’s life is thrown into turmoil when she learns that an innocent man may be executed for one of Keith’s crimes. In her search for justice, she’s forced to confront her own buried trauma and take ownership of her past.
Where to Watch Happy Face Season 1
Paramount Plus Streaming Details
All episodes of Happy Face will be available to stream on Paramount Plus, with new episodes dropping every Thursday following the dual-episode premiere.
Paramount Plus is home to a wide range of content from major networks and studios, including:
- CBS
- Showtime
- Nickelodeon
- Comedy Central
- MTV
- BET
- Smithsonian Channel
- Paramount Pictures
- In addition to Happy Face, other exclusive titles on the platform include:
- Landman
- Dexter: Original Sin
- Watson
- 1923
- Tulsa King
How to Subscribe to Paramount Plus
To watch Happy Face, users will need a Paramount+ subscription. The service offers multiple tiers, including:
- Paramount+ Essential – Ad-supported, access to most content except live CBS.
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME – Ad-free, includes Showtime programming and live CBS.
You can stream via web browser, mobile app, smart TVs, or devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
The Real Story Behind Happy Face
Who Was Keith Jesperson?
Keith Hunter Jesperson is one of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history. Active in the early 1990s, he claimed responsibility for multiple murders across several states. Known for signing anonymous letters to law enforcement and media with smiley faces, Jesperson relished public attention and psychological control.
Unlike many killers, he was not caught through a careful investigation, but rather turned himself in—fearing an innocent man might face the death penalty for one of his crimes.
Melissa Moore’s Courageous Journey
Melissa Moore (fictionalized as Melissa Reed in the series) has spent years advocating for the victims of violent crimes and raising awareness about the family members left behind. In her autobiography Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter, she details the internal struggle of loving a father who turned out to be a monster.
Her podcast, Happy Face, co-created with iHeartMedia, dives deeper into the psychological torment and search for identity after discovering her father’s crimes. The show has resonated with audiences worldwide, offering a rare, first-person view of trauma survival.
Why Happy Face Is Unlike Other True Crime Dramas
A Story of Survivor Perspective
What sets Happy Face apart from typical true crime offerings is that it’s told through the eyes of the perpetrator’s daughter, not detectives or victims’ families. The story doesn’t glorify the killer. Instead, it explores the painful and complex journey of someone caught in the aftermath, trying to balance love, shame, and the truth.
Emotional Depth Over Shock Value
While many crime dramas lean into sensationalism, Happy Face focuses on emotional authenticity. It doesn’t shy away from horror, but it centers Melissa’s internal conflict — making the show as much about identity and healing as it is about justice.
Who Stars in Happy Face?
Though the full cast lineup is yet to be officially revealed, early production announcements have highlighted a powerful performance from:
- Actress playing Melissa Reed – A complex role requiring vulnerability and quiet strength.
- Actor portraying Keith Jesperson – A chilling but restrained performance that avoids glamorizing violence.
Additional supporting roles include journalists, law enforcement figures, Melissa’s mother, and other survivors of Jesperson’s manipulation.
What Viewers Are Saying About the Show
Early screenings and critic previews have described Happy Face as:
- “Emotionally shattering in the best way.”
- “A psychological thriller that doesn’t exploit, but enlightens.”
- “The most human true crime series since Mindhunter.”
- With its focus on survivor narrative and layered storytelling, the show is poised to become one of the most impactful dramas of 2025.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Happy Face?
If you’re a fan of true crime with emotional weight and character-driven narratives, Happy Face is a must-watch. Unlike typical procedurals or sensationalist documentaries, it’s a portrait of psychological endurance, focusing on how someone rebuilds their life after discovering unimaginable truths.
With just 8 carefully crafted episodes, an experienced production team, and a story rooted in raw truth, Happy Face offers more than entertainment — it offers understanding.
Whether you’re familiar with Melissa Moore’s story or stepping into this chilling world for the first time, Happy Face promises to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
