Netflix has officially announced the production of a new drama series centered on the Kennedy family, featuring Michael Fassbender in the role of Joseph Kennedy Sr. The series, titled Kennedy, adapts Fredrik Logevall’s biography JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956, and aims to offer an intimate look at the influential family’s rise starting in the 1930s.
Series Overview: Exploring the Kennedy Family Legacy
As reported by Variety, the show’s first season will cover the trajectory of Joe and Rose Kennedy’s lives alongside their nine children, focusing on their personal struggles and family dynamics. According to the official logline, the series
“reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today.”
Within this narrative, the rebellious second son Jack attempts to escape the shadow cast by his brother, often referred to as the golden boy.
Fassbender will embody Joseph Kennedy Sr., the patriarch whose ambitions and decisions heavily influenced the family’s path. The project will run for eight episodes in its debut season.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Thomas Vinterberg, known for directing Far from the Madding Crowd, will direct the new Netflix series. Sam Shaw serves as showrunner and executive producer. Shaw commented on the adaptation, highlighting the depth of Logevall’s work:
“Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth, revealing as much about our present moment, how we got here and where we’re going, as about the Kennedys themselves.”
Historical Context and Legacy of the Kennedys
The Kennedy family remains one of the most significant figures in American political and cultural history, with their influence extending beyond John F. Kennedy’s iconic presidency and eventual assassination. Over decades, various family members have continued to serve in federal government roles, maintaining the family’s political presence. This series aims to capture not only their public achievements but also their private challenges and relationships.
Michael Fassbender’s Career and Role in the Project
This new role marks Fassbender’s second major television series, following his appearance in the Paramount+ show The Agency, which is preparing for a second season. Though predominantly known for his film work, including roles in 12 Years a Slave, the X-Men franchise, and Inglourious Basterds, Fassbender’s casting in Kennedy signals his expanding presence in serialized storytelling.
Anticipated Developments and Future Prospects
While Netflix has yet to announce an official release date or additional casting details for the series, expectations point toward an American television event potentially modeled after The Crown, with multiple seasons charting the family’s scandals, political triumphs, and tragedies. Fans can anticipate further announcements about the actors portraying Rose Kennedy and the Kennedy children as production progresses.
