The series' cancellation isn't entirely surprising. Happy Face failed to attract a large audience during its run and didn't make the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10. Moreover, it was an exception within the Paramount+ offerings, as it wasn't part of existing IP (such as Star Trek or NCIS) and wasn't part of Taylor Sheridan's universe (Yellowstone (2018), Tulsa King).
The series was based on the true story of Melissa Moore, daughter of the infamous Happy Face Killer. In the series, Melissa (played by Ashford) tries to reconnect with her father (Quaid), who is trying to regain control of her from prison, after years of silence. While investigating whether an innocent man is facing death row for a crime her father committed, she is confronted with the consequences of his actions and her own identity.
The first season's cast also included James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, and Benjamin Mackey.
Although Happy Face is ending, the Kings will remain active at CBS Studios. Their other series, such as Elsbeth (which returns for season three on CBS) and the new legal drama Cupertino, will continue. Meanwhile, Paramount+ will continue to focus on larger brands like Star Trek, Criminal Minds: Evolution, and the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
