Hollywood, California – Actress Annaleigh Ashford has been announced as the lead in a new true crime drama series titled “Happy Face.” The show, which will be available on Paramount+, is based on the podcast of the same name and tells the story of Melissa Moore, who discovered as a teenager that her father was a notorious serial killer. The series will explore Melissa’s journey as she grapples with her father’s crimes and the impact they had on the victims’ families.
“Happy Face” has been in development for over three years and was recently ordered straight to series. The first season, consisting of eight episodes, will begin production this year and is set to premiere in 2025. Jennifer Cacicio will serve as the showrunner, while Robert and Michelle King, creators of “The Good Fight” and “Evil,” will serve as executive producers.
Ashford, known for her Emmy-nominated work in Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales,” will take on the role of Melissa in the series. This is another exciting project for the actress, who has gained recognition for her performances in various stage and screen productions. Ashford’s versatility and talent have earned her a Tony Award and critical acclaim in shows like “You Can’t Take it With You” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
The series promises to deliver a gripping and thought-provoking narrative, exploring the psychological impact of Melissa’s horrifying discovery and her subsequent journey towards self-discovery. As Melissa grapples with her father’s request to take credit for another victim, she is drawn into an investigation of his crimes, leading to a confrontation with her own identity.
“Happy Face” is a collaboration between CBS Studios, King Size Productions, and iHeartPodcasts. It reflects the growing trend of adapting popular podcasts into compelling television series. With its talented cast and experienced production team, the show is poised to captivate audiences when it debuts on Paramount+ in 2025.