Inside Paramount+’s Happy Face: Annaleigh Ashford & Dennis Quaid Shine in Gripping True-Crime Drama
Paramount+ is home to many amazing shows, movies, and series, and now adding to their list of incredible offerings is the exciting and gripping Happy Face. I got to go to the Toronto stop of the press tour to discover and celebrate this incredible show. Paramount+ knows how to celebrate a launch, this one taking place quietly on the 3rd floor of the Shangri-la Hotel in Downtown Toronto.
The evening began with the flowing of wine and themed cocktails, all top shelf. We sampled themed drinks like the “Missy”, a delicious raspberry and lemon mix that was light and refreshing.
The food was outstanding as well! Passed apps including mushroom stuffed Arancini, sliders, falafel bites, and more.
Then, the highlight of our evening, an intimate conversation with Annaleigh Ashford and Khiyla Aynne who plays her daughter in the show. The two, clearly demonstrating lots of love and respect towards each other as they say giving insight towards their process and character development. They shared the blessings and challenges of depicting characters who are based on real life, living people, and how this show differs from other true crime shows: no explicit violence, and not giving focus to the killer himself.
After the talk, we were treated to desserts and wonderful little swag bags to finish the night. This was an incredibly fun event for a very deserving show!
Happy Face on Paramount+ is a gripping true-crime drama starring Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid. The show follows Melissa Reed (Ashford) as she reconnects with her estranged father, serial killer Keith Jesperson (Quaid), to uncover whether an innocent man is on death row for a crime Jesperaon committed.
This show blends together mystery with emotional depth, deliveringe strong performances across the cast, but especially from Ashford and Quaid, whose dynamic keeps the tension high. It’s a compelling watch for true-crime fans looking for a fresh perspective, one that doesn’t glorify the real life killer, but focuses on the people affected by him.
Watch the trailer for Happy Face below
The first two episodes of HAPPY FACE are now streaming on Paramount+ with new episodes dropping weekly.
[Review by Shan Fernando]