The rising popularity of the true crime genre is raising ethical questions, especially regarding the portrayal of victims and their stories. Series like Paramount+’s ‘Happy Face’ present a distorted version of true events, focusing primarily on sensationalism while trying to moralize the genre’s trends. Featuring a protagonist whose father is a notorious serial killer, the narrative often strays into fictive territory, causing confusion and a lack of connection for viewers. This trend signals a potential shift in audience engagement with true crime narratives that prioritize sensational stories over the real-life impacts on victims and families.
‘Happy Face’ presents a heavily fictionalized account of a real serial killer, combining melodrama with a narrative that revolves around the family dynamics of the murderer’s daughter.
The show attempts to moralize about the true crime genre while delivering a confusing storyline that often blurs the lines between fact and fiction, leading to viewer disconnect.
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