Happy Face
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Happy Face is a uniquely courageous podcast — Melissa Moore refuses to be defined by her father's crimes, and in examining that relationship she illuminates something profound about violence, family, and survival."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team — exceptional across all dimensions
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
- −Must listen in order — cannot dip in and out between episodes
About this podcast
Melissa Moore — daughter of Keith Jesperson, the 'Happy Face Killer' who murdered at least eight women across America and taunted authorities with smiley-face letters — explores what it means to grow up as a serial killer's child, to love and forgive a monster, and to find purpose in the aftermath of inherited darkness.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1 — start from the beginning for full emotional impact
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Face
What is Happy Face about?
Melissa Moore — daughter of Keith Jesperson, the 'Happy Face Killer' who murdered at least eight women across America and taunted authorities with smiley-face letters — explores what it means to grow up as a serial killer's child, to love and forgive a monster, and to find purpose in the aftermath of inherited darkness.
Is Happy Face worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. True crime fans interested in the impact of crime on perpetrators' families; listeners who want to understand the psychology of survival and the ripple effects that extend far beyond the killers themselves.
Who is Happy Face for?
Happy Face is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of Happy Face to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1 — start from the beginning for full emotional impact. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Happy Face?
Happy Face is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Happy Face?
If you enjoy Happy Face, you might also like: Root of Evil, Someone Knows Something, Uncover (CBC), Wisecrack. See our full "Podcasts Like Happy Face" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Personal, reflective, profound
- Episode length
- Multiple seasons; episodes ~30-45 min; bingeable across a weekend
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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