Paramount+'s 'Happy Face' Faces Criticism for Sensationalism and Missed Opportunities

The new true crime drama explores the impact of serial killer Keith Jesperson's crimes on his daughter Melissa Moore but has drawn mixed reviews for its execution.

The series portrays Melissa Moore's struggle to reconcile her father's crimes with her identity, focusing on the emotional toll on her family.
Critics have noted the show's sensationalist tone and lack of depth in addressing systemic issues like racism and true crime exploitation.
Dennis Quaid plays Keith Jesperson, emphasizing his manipulative and emotionless nature, while Annaleigh Ashford stars as Melissa Moore.
While based on true events, the series takes significant creative liberties, including fictionalizing Moore's role as a talk show makeup artist.
The show has received mixed reviews, with some praising its performances but others finding it overly drawn-out and thematically shallow.