'Happy Face' TV Series Faces Criticism Over True Crime Adaptation

Paramount+'s new drama explores the life of Melissa Moore, daughter of the 'Happy Face Killer,' but reviewers question its ethical approach and storytelling choices.

The series, based on Melissa Moore's memoir and podcast, dramatizes her experience as the daughter of serial killer Keith Jesperson and her investigation into a possible wrongful conviction tied to his crimes.
Critics have highlighted the show's uneven pacing, excessive fictionalization, and lack of depth in addressing systemic issues like racism and media exploitation.
Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Jesperson and Annaleigh Ashford's performance as Moore received mixed feedback, with some finding the characters underdeveloped or overly caricatured.
The ethical implications of blending fact and fiction have been a major point of contention, with concerns about sensationalizing real-life tragedies and overshadowing victims' stories.
Despite its flaws, the series has sparked renewed interest in the true crime genre and Melissa Moore's advocacy for victims' families and survivors of violent crimes.