Hey there, I’m Angelina, the heart behind usacouples.com, where I love sharing ways for couples to connect—whether it’s a romantic getaway or curling up for a gripping TV night. Enter Happy Face, a new true crime drama from The Good Wife creators Robert and Michelle King that’s got my husband and me hooked. Starring Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed, daughter of the infamous Happy Face Killer (played by a chilling Dennis Quaid), this Paramount+ series premiered at SXSW 2025 and drops its first two episodes globally on March 20. If you’re true crime fans like us, this is your next must-watch—perfect for a date night that’ll spark deep talks long after the credits roll.
A Daughter’s Dilemma Meets a Killer’s Charm
Imagine trying to understand your parents across a generational gap—tough, right? Now picture your dad as Keith Jesperson, the Happy Face Killer, a truck driver who strangled eight women in the ’90s and taunted the press with smiley-face-signed letters. That’s Melissa’s reality. A wife, mom, and
Dennis Quaid’s Jesperson is the stuff of nightmares—jolly one minute, menacing the next. In present-day scenes, he’s all dad-jokes and disarming grins despite his orange jumpsuit, but flashbacks reveal a plaid-clad everyman with a vicious edge. The show’s jaunty “happy face” tunes—like “Put on a Happy Face”—add an eerie layer, mocking Melissa’s struggle to mask her pain. For us, it sparked a late-night chat about how we all wear masks sometimes, even in our closest relationships.
True Story, Real Stakes
Happy Face pulls from the real-life story of Melissa G. Moore, Jesperson’s daughter, who explored her trauma in a podcast and book, Shattered Silence. Here, Melissa’s on a mission to free a man she believes was wrongly convicted of one of her dad’s murders—a redemption arc that’s as gripping as it is gut-wrenching. But it’s not just about crime-solving; it’s about her wrestling with guilt, identity, and what she owes the world. My husband pointed out how her sacrifices—risking her family’s peace to face her past—mirror the compromises we make for those we love.
The show doubles down with Melissa’s job at a Dr. Phil-style talk show, where her producer Ivy (Tamera Tomakili) pushes for killer interviews while wrestling with the ethics of true crime hype. Their chats about society’s obsession with these stories—and who gets cast as hero or villain—gave us plenty to unpack over coffee the next morning.
Family Ties That Bind and Break
What sets Happy Face apart is its heart. Showrunner Jennifer Cacicio balances the whodunit with family drama that feels achingly real. Melissa’s juggling everyday mom moments—like scolding her teen daughter Hazel (Khiyla Aynne)—with digging through childhood relics for clues. Flashbacks of her teen years echo Hazel’s struggles, while her mom’s despair over Jesperson’s crimes hits hard. Sure, most of us don’t have a serial killer in the family, but who hasn’t felt that sting of misunderstanding a parent? My partner and I found ourselves nodding at the little touches—awkward dinner talks, impulsive treat-buying to smooth a rough day—that make Melissa’s world so relatable.
Annaleigh Ashford is the glue, her eyes flashing with agony and grit. She’s no-nonsense yet raw, making every twist—from gnarly reveals to quiet breakdowns—addictive. Four episodes in (thanks, critics’ screener!), and we’re still guessing where this rollercoaster’s headed. It’s based on truth, but the unpredictability? That’s the thrill.
Why Couples Will Love It
For us at usacouples.com, Happy Face is more than a true crime fix—it’s a shared experience that deepens your bond. Watching Melissa navigate her dad’s darkness and her family’s future got us talking about trust, legacy, and how we face tough truths together. It’s heavy, yes, but the witty moments (Ashford’s quips are gold) and emotional payoff make it a perfect pick for a night in. Pair it with a cozy blanket and some popcorn, and you’ve got a date that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking.
Happy Face debuts March 20 on Paramount+, with new episodes Thursdays. Trust me, you’ll be counting down the days. What’s your go-to true crime watch as a couple? Drop it below—I’d love to hear!
