Exclusive: Happy Face has rounded out its series regular cast, adding Khiyla Aynne (Circuit Breakers) and Benjamin Mackey (The Morning Show) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, James Wolk and Tamera Tomakili. David Harewood (Homeland) also joins the upcoming Paramount+ drama series in a recurring role. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King. Filming began this week in Vancouver. See Ashford’s Instagram announcement below.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life.
- 3/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Happy Face is rounding out its series regular cast, adding Tamera Tomakili (Winning Time) alongside Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid and James Wolk to Paramount+’s upcoming drama series. The series hails from creator and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio and executive producers Robert and Michelle King.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: James Wolk (Ordinary Joe) has been tapped as a lead opposite Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man...
- 3/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Dennis Quaid (Photo credit: Derrek Kupish / Provided by Paramount+)
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
Dennis Quaid (Lawmen: Bass Reeves) is slipping into the world of a serial killer who used a smiley face as his calling card for Paramount+’s Happy Face. Emmy nominee Quaid will star as the Happy Face Killer in the streamer’s new drama, inspired by the killer’s daughter Melissa Moore’s autobiography, Shattered Silence, and her Happy Face podcast.
Emmy nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Welcome to Chippendales) was previously announced to play Melissa. Filming is expected to get underway this spring, with Paramount+ targeting a 2025 premiere for the eight-episode season.
“Happy Face for Paramount+ jumps off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis.
- 2/16/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Last month, it was announced that Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, which previously inspired the podcast Happy Face, is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation that’s also titled Happy Face. Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – had already signed on to star in the series at that time, and now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Dennis Quaid, whose long lists of credits includes the likes of The Day After Tomorrow, Innerspace, Frequency, and Jaws 3D, will be playing a serial killer on the show.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison. Melissa is drawn back into her...
- 2/16/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Dennis Quaid, seen above channeling his inner Randy Quaid in Deon Taylor’s The Intruder, will play a madman once more in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face.”
Variety reports this morning that Quaid will play the real-life serial killer known as “Happy Face” in the upcoming series, which also stars Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”).
The website details, “The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.”
Here’s the official plot synopsis for the show: “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is...
Variety reports this morning that Quaid will play the real-life serial killer known as “Happy Face” in the upcoming series, which also stars Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”).
The website details, “The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.”
Here’s the official plot synopsis for the show: “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is...
- 2/16/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Paramount+’s drama Happy Face has found its title star.
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
Dennis Quaid will star with Annaleigh Ashford in the series and will play very much against type in the role of a notorious serial killer nicknamed “Happy Face” because he drew smiley faces on evidence in boasting about his crimes. The series, from executive producers Robert and Michelle King (Evil, The Good Fight) and showrunner Jennifer Cacicio, is based on the real-life story of Melissa Moore, the daughter of the killer; the true-crime podcast Happy Face, from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence, written with M. Bridget Cook.
The show will use Moore’s story as a jumping-off point to tell a story of how Melissa (Ashford) is drawn back into her father’s world after decades of not having contact with him. Happy Face (Quaid), in prison for his crimes, finds a way to force himself...
- 2/16/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dennis Quaid has signed on for a leading role in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” Variety has learned.
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
Quaid will appear alongside previously announced star Annaleigh Ashford. The series is inspired by the podcast of the same name from iHeartMedia and Melissa Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Moore’s true-life story.
In real life, Moore discovered at 15 that her father was the serial killer known as “Happy Face,” due to the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
The official description for the series states that it jumps off from Moore’s real life story. “Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father,” the description reads. “After decades of no contact,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Dennis Quaid is set to star opposite Annaleigh Ashford in Paramount+ upcoming drama series Happy Face. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called “Happy Face” because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence where he bragged about his crimes. Ashford stars as his daughter, Melissa.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
In the series, jumping off from Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa’s (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed.
- 2/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A prequel television series to classic crime drama Sexy Beast will stream on Paramount+. Here’s the trailer…
Writer and director Jonathan Glazer is currently enjoying a plaudits for his Holocaust drama The Zone Of Interest. Based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis, it follows Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hess and his wife as they try to build a life living next door to the concentration camp.
Chosen as the British entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, the film is due to be released in UK cinemas on the 2nd February.
Astonishingly, Glazer has only made four feature films in his career thus far – Sexy Beast in 2000, Birth in 2004, Under The Skin in 2013 and Zone Of Interest. Sexy Beast continues to have notable impact too, staying in the cultural conversation long after it was released. The film followed Ray Winstone as Gary ‘Gal’ Dove, a criminal...
Writer and director Jonathan Glazer is currently enjoying a plaudits for his Holocaust drama The Zone Of Interest. Based on the 2014 novel by Martin Amis, it follows Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hess and his wife as they try to build a life living next door to the concentration camp.
Chosen as the British entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, the film is due to be released in UK cinemas on the 2nd February.
Astonishingly, Glazer has only made four feature films in his career thus far – Sexy Beast in 2000, Birth in 2004, Under The Skin in 2013 and Zone Of Interest. Sexy Beast continues to have notable impact too, staying in the cultural conversation long after it was released. The film followed Ray Winstone as Gary ‘Gal’ Dove, a criminal...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Happy Face television series is finally moving forward. Paramount+ ordered the series in November 2021 and it's heading into production later this year with Annaleigh Ashford (B Positive) as the star.
Inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence written by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, the series will revolve around Melissa (Ashford) who discovers her father is a serial killer. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor) and Robert and Michelle King are behind the series.
Read More…...
Inspired by the Happy Face podcast and the book Shattered Silence written by Melissa Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, the series will revolve around Melissa (Ashford) who discovers her father is a serial killer. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor) and Robert and Michelle King are behind the series.
Read More…...
- 1/9/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Paramount+ today announced that Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford will star in the new original drama series Happy Face. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode. The eight-episode first season will begin production this year and premiere exclusively on Paramount+ in 2025. Happy Face is executive produced by Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Ashford will play the lead role of Melissa in the series, which is inspired ... Read more...
- 1/9/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
As she nears the end of her run in Broadway’s Sweeney Todd, Annaleigh Ashford has nabbed another bloody good gig.
The B Positive star will lead Happy Face, a Paramount+ drama about the daughter of a convicted serial killer. The series is based on the true story of Melissa Moore, who was 15 when she learned her father was a murderer known as “Happy Face.” Moore chronicled her story in the autobiography Shattered Silence and iHeartPodcasts’ Happy Face podcast.
More from TVLineHow to Watch the 2024 Golden Globes Livestream OnlineGet Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial - Binge The Curse, Frasier, Fellow Travelers,...
The B Positive star will lead Happy Face, a Paramount+ drama about the daughter of a convicted serial killer. The series is based on the true story of Melissa Moore, who was 15 when she learned her father was a murderer known as “Happy Face.” Moore chronicled her story in the autobiography Shattered Silence and iHeartPodcasts’ Happy Face podcast.
More from TVLineHow to Watch the 2024 Golden Globes Livestream OnlineGet Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial - Binge The Curse, Frasier, Fellow Travelers,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Melissa Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence inspired the podcast Happy Face, and now the podcast is getting a Paramount+ streaming series adaptation! Annaleigh Ashford – whose credits include B Positive, American Crime Story, and Masters of Sex – has signed on to star in the series, with Michael Showalter on board to direct the first episode.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
I mainly know Showalter from an actor in projects like The State and Wet Hot American Summer, but his TV directing credits include episodes of Search Party, Love, Grace and Frankie, In the Dark, The Shrink Next Door, The Dropout, and I Love That for You. He has also directed the feature films Spoiler Alert, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Lovebirds, The Big Sick; Hello, My Name Is Doris; and The Baxter.
Happy Face will see Ashford taking on the role of Melissa, who at age 15, discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.
- 1/8/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Paramount+’s long-in-the-works crime drama series Happy Face is headed to production with Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor Annaleigh Ashford set as the lead. Michael Showalter has been tapped to direct the first episode of the the CBS Studios-produced series, from executive producers Jennifer Cacicio – who also serves as showrunner – and Robert and Michelle King. Filming on the eight-episode first season is slated to begin production this year for a 2025 premiere on Paramount+.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
Happy Face reunites Ashford with the Kings having guest starred on their other two Paramount+/CBS Studios original series, the current hit Evil the recently wrapped The Good Fight.
The CBS Studios-produced Happy Face is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
- 1/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mentorship Matters, an initiative aimed at boosting opportunities for emerging writers of color, has announced 25 writer mentees for its 2023 program, along with participating showrunner/executive producers.
Now in its second year, Mentorship Matters was developed by showrunners committed to using their positions to advocate for and help create opportunities for writers of color. With sponsorship from Amazon and AMC Networks, the program includes a year of consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. It also includes guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample along with panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals. Each mentee will be paired with a participating showrunner/executive producer mentor.
In the program’s inaugural year, 14 out of 23 mentees found representation, 8 were staffed on shows including Billions (Showtime), Criminal Minds: Evolution (Paramount+), Walker: Independence (The CW), and The Power (Amazon), and 1 signed an overall deal with Sony TV Studios.
Showrunners...
Now in its second year, Mentorship Matters was developed by showrunners committed to using their positions to advocate for and help create opportunities for writers of color. With sponsorship from Amazon and AMC Networks, the program includes a year of consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. It also includes guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample along with panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals. Each mentee will be paired with a participating showrunner/executive producer mentor.
In the program’s inaugural year, 14 out of 23 mentees found representation, 8 were staffed on shows including Billions (Showtime), Criminal Minds: Evolution (Paramount+), Walker: Independence (The CW), and The Power (Amazon), and 1 signed an overall deal with Sony TV Studios.
Showrunners...
- 2/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 400 prominent female writers and showrunners sent a letter today to the heads of the major studios expressing their “grave concerns” about the companies’ “lack of specific production protocols” to protect their workers in anti-abortion states.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
The letters, which state that “it is unacceptable to ask any person to choose between their human rights and their employment,” also demanded that the companies “pledge to discontinue all political donations to anti-abortion candidates and political action committees immediately.”
Deadline has obtained a copy of the letter to Netflix, which organizers say was sent to top executives at Amazon Studios, AMC Networks, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, , and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letters, whose signers include Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Amy Schumer, Marta Kauffman, Callie Khouri, WGA West vice president Michele Mulroney and WGA West secretary-treasurer Betsy Thomas, said that “this situation raises basic matters of equality, health, and safety in the workplace.
- 7/28/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Face is headed to Paramount+. The streaming series has ordered the new drama from Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor) and Robert and Michelle King, which is based on the Happy Face podcast and the life of Melissa Jesperson-Moore. As a teenager, Jesperson-Moore discovered that her father was a serial killer known as Happy Face. Years after separating from him, he contacts her from prison and she gets pulled into a new investigation.
Read More…...
Read More…...
- 11/12/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Paramount Plus has ordered the series adaptation of the true crime podcast “Happy Face.”
The show was first announced as being in development at the streamer in September 2020, when it was still known as CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio will serve as writer, showrunner, and executive produce, with Robert and Michelle King also executive producing under their King Size Productions banner.
The series is inspired by the podcast from iHeartMedia and Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Jesperson-Moore’s true-life story. At age 15, she discovered her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison. Jumping off from her true-life story, in the series version, her father contacts her to take credit for another victim,...
The show was first announced as being in development at the streamer in September 2020, when it was still known as CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio will serve as writer, showrunner, and executive produce, with Robert and Michelle King also executive producing under their King Size Productions banner.
The series is inspired by the podcast from iHeartMedia and Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book “Shattered Silence” written by Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Jesperson-Moore’s true-life story. At age 15, she discovered her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison. Jumping off from her true-life story, in the series version, her father contacts her to take credit for another victim,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Robert and Michelle King are going to have another show on Paramount+. The streaming service has ordered Happy Face to series. This new drama is inspired by the podcast of the same name by iHeartMedia and Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book Shattered Silence written by Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Jesperson-Moore’s true-life story. It will be produced by CBS Studios, in association with King Size Productions and iHeartMedia. Robert and Michelle King will executive produce alongside writer Jennifer Cacicio. When Melissa was 15, she discovered her father, Keith Jesperson, was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father. He is currently serving life in prison after killing eight women. The series jumps off from her true-life story. In Happy Face, “her father contacts her to take credit for another victim, and Melissa...
- 11/10/2021
- TV Insider
Paramount+ has given a series order to an adaptation of the Happy Face true crime podcast, to be exec-produced by Evil creators Robert and Michelle King and writer Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor).
The series is inspired by the highly rated eponymous podcast hosted by Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book Shattered Silence written by Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Jesperson-Moore’s true-life story. (At age 15, Melissa discovered that her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father,...
The series is inspired by the highly rated eponymous podcast hosted by Melissa Jesperson-Moore, the book Shattered Silence written by Jesperson-Moore with M. Bridget Cook, and Jesperson-Moore’s true-life story. (At age 15, Melissa discovered that her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Paramount+ has handed a series order to Happy Face, a crime drama series, based on a hit podcast, that tells the story of a notorious serial killer who was infamous for drawing smiley faces on letters to the media and prosecutors.
The project, which had previously been in development at Paramount+ precursor CBS All Access, comes from Your Honor writer Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Fight’s Robert and Michelle King.
Happy Face is based on the eponymous iHeartMedia podcast, which tells the story of Melissa Jesperson-Moore, a contributor to the Dr. Oz show, who at age 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the serial murderer, known as the Happy Face Killer. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison.
The scripted series will tell Melissa’s true-life story and will...
The project, which had previously been in development at Paramount+ precursor CBS All Access, comes from Your Honor writer Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Fight’s Robert and Michelle King.
Happy Face is based on the eponymous iHeartMedia podcast, which tells the story of Melissa Jesperson-Moore, a contributor to the Dr. Oz show, who at age 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the serial murderer, known as the Happy Face Killer. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret, and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison.
The scripted series will tell Melissa’s true-life story and will...
- 11/10/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mentorship Matters, an initiative aimed at boosting opportunities for emerging writers of color, has been officially unveiled, along with the participants in its inaugural 2021-22 cycle.
Developed by executive producers/showrunners, including Aaron Rahsaan Thomas (S.W.A.T.), Raelle Tucker, Gianna Sobol (Counterpart) and Melinda Hsu Taylor with sponsorship by AMC Networks, Amazon, The Walter Kaitz Foundation and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the year-long mentorship program provides consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. The first set of pairings will connect 23 leading showrunners with promising mentees to foster growth and build invaluable industry contacts.
The program includes meeting at least monthly in addition to offering guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample, panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals, and opportunities to meet agents, managers, and executives.
Mentees were selected from over 1,200 applicants throughout the U.S., with varying experiences and backgrounds.
Developed by executive producers/showrunners, including Aaron Rahsaan Thomas (S.W.A.T.), Raelle Tucker, Gianna Sobol (Counterpart) and Melinda Hsu Taylor with sponsorship by AMC Networks, Amazon, The Walter Kaitz Foundation and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the year-long mentorship program provides consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. The first set of pairings will connect 23 leading showrunners with promising mentees to foster growth and build invaluable industry contacts.
The program includes meeting at least monthly in addition to offering guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample, panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals, and opportunities to meet agents, managers, and executives.
Mentees were selected from over 1,200 applicants throughout the U.S., with varying experiences and backgrounds.
- 4/29/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Podcasting is becoming big business and as such the Hollywood agencies are building up their talent books. The latest move is CAA signing Lauren Bright Pacheco, host of the true crime podcast Happy Face, which is in development at CBS All Access.
Bright Pacheco hosts and produces the show, which tells the story of Dr. Oz contributor Melissa Moore, whose father was a notorious serial killer. Produced by iHeart Media, the show is being adapted for a scripted television series by Your Honor writer Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Fight creators Robert and Michelle King.
She also hosts podcast Murder in Oregon, which looks at the case of the murder of Oregon’s Department of Corrections director Michael Francke, who was brutally stabbed to death outside his office in Salem, and a companion podcast to The Murders at the White House Farm, the ITV drama that airs on HBO Max in the U.
Bright Pacheco hosts and produces the show, which tells the story of Dr. Oz contributor Melissa Moore, whose father was a notorious serial killer. Produced by iHeart Media, the show is being adapted for a scripted television series by Your Honor writer Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Fight creators Robert and Michelle King.
She also hosts podcast Murder in Oregon, which looks at the case of the murder of Oregon’s Department of Corrections director Michael Francke, who was brutally stabbed to death outside his office in Salem, and a companion podcast to The Murders at the White House Farm, the ITV drama that airs on HBO Max in the U.
- 12/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Desus & Mero will continue to bring the laughs at Showtime: The late-night talk show has been renewed for Season 3, to air in 2021.
The second season is currently airing weekly on Sunday and Thursday nights at 11/10c from the hosts’ homes.
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“All of us at Showtime are so proud to have Desus & Mero as our signature late-night series,” Showtime entertainment president...
The second season is currently airing weekly on Sunday and Thursday nights at 11/10c from the hosts’ homes.
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“All of us at Showtime are so proud to have Desus & Mero as our signature late-night series,” Showtime entertainment president...
- 9/16/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Michelle and Robert King, the creators and showrunners of “Evil” and “The Good Fight,” typically start each season of every show they run with dinner and drinks with the writers. One of the best things about having a writers’ room, says Robert King, is getting together to “chat about everything and anything.”
But this year, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such outings have not been taking place. The industry has been upended and that includes television staffing season, which arrived not only as the WGA and ATA were attempting to repair their relationship, but also against the backdrop of the deadly pandemic that has idled production and forced writers’ rooms to connect remotely.
Last year the feud between the Writers Guild and the agencies meant that showrunners had to start searching for new staff members in nontraditional ways. In lieu of receiving scripts and resumes from agents, they began relying...
But this year, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such outings have not been taking place. The industry has been upended and that includes television staffing season, which arrived not only as the WGA and ATA were attempting to repair their relationship, but also against the backdrop of the deadly pandemic that has idled production and forced writers’ rooms to connect remotely.
Last year the feud between the Writers Guild and the agencies meant that showrunners had to start searching for new staff members in nontraditional ways. In lieu of receiving scripts and resumes from agents, they began relying...
- 9/16/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
“The Good Fight” creators Robert and Michelle King will adapt iHeartMedia’s “Happy Face” podcast into a TV series for CBS All Access.
The series, which will be written by Jennifer Cacicio, centers on the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face.
As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison. But when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, she is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families and into a reckoning with her own identity.
The streamer has opened a writers room that will be overseen by Cacicio, who worked with the Kings on the upcoming Showtime drama “Your Honor.” Cacicio will executive produce alongside...
The series, which will be written by Jennifer Cacicio, centers on the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face.
As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father, who is currently serving life in prison. But when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, she is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families and into a reckoning with her own identity.
The streamer has opened a writers room that will be overseen by Cacicio, who worked with the Kings on the upcoming Showtime drama “Your Honor.” Cacicio will executive produce alongside...
- 9/16/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Happy Face, the podcast about Dr. Oz contributor Melissa Moore, whose father was a notorious serial killer, is the latest audio series to be adapted for television. CBS All Access is developing the adaptation with Your Honor writer Jennifer Cacicio and The Good Fight creators Robert and Michelle King.
The podcast, produced by iHeart Media, tells the story of Moore, who at age 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial murderer, known as the Happy Face Killer because he drew smiley faces on his letters to the media and prosecutors.
As an adult, Moore has changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father who is currently serving life in prison. But when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, she is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families...
The podcast, produced by iHeart Media, tells the story of Moore, who at age 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial murderer, known as the Happy Face Killer because he drew smiley faces on his letters to the media and prosecutors.
As an adult, Moore has changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father who is currently serving life in prison. But when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, she is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families...
- 9/16/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert and Michelle King are attached to executive produce a series adaptation of the iHeart Media true crime podcast “Happy Face” currently in development at CBS All Access, Variety has learned.
“Happy Face” is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult Melissa has changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father who is currently serving life in prison, but when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, Melissa is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families and ultimately into reckoning with her own identity.
Jennifer Cacicio will lead the writers room and serve as executive producer. Cacicio previously worked with the Kings on the upcoming Showtime limited series “Your Honor.
“Happy Face” is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father, whom she loved dearly, was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult Melissa has changed her name, guarded her secret and cut off all ties to her father who is currently serving life in prison, but when he contacts her to take credit for more victims, Melissa is pulled into an extraordinary investigation into her father’s crimes, the impact they had on his victims’ families and ultimately into reckoning with her own identity.
Jennifer Cacicio will lead the writers room and serve as executive producer. Cacicio previously worked with the Kings on the upcoming Showtime limited series “Your Honor.
- 9/16/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Robert and Michelle King are turning to a podcast for their next TV series.
The Good Fight creators are developing a drama based on the 2019 Happy Face podcast for CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio, who previously worked with the Kings on their forthcoming Showtime drama Your Honor, will pen the script for the potential series.
Based on the iHeartMedia podcast, the potential series is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut ...
The Good Fight creators are developing a drama based on the 2019 Happy Face podcast for CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio, who previously worked with the Kings on their forthcoming Showtime drama Your Honor, will pen the script for the potential series.
Based on the iHeartMedia podcast, the potential series is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut ...
- 9/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert and Michelle King are turning to a podcast for their next TV series.
The Good Fight creators are developing a drama based on the 2019 Happy Face podcast for CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio, who previously worked with the Kings on their forthcoming Showtime drama Your Honor, will pen the script for the potential series.
Based on the iHeartMedia podcast, the potential series is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut ...
The Good Fight creators are developing a drama based on the 2019 Happy Face podcast for CBS All Access. Jennifer Cacicio, who previously worked with the Kings on their forthcoming Showtime drama Your Honor, will pen the script for the potential series.
Based on the iHeartMedia podcast, the potential series is inspired by the true story of Melissa Moore, who discovered at age 15 that her father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, Melissa changed her name, guarded her secret and cut ...
- 9/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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