Ryan Murphy’s latest project, the Ryan Murphy Kennedy series titled Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, is set to premiere its first three episodes on FX and Hulu on February 12. The upcoming nine-episode series explores the romance and tragic fate of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, capturing the attention of audiences while drawing criticism from the Kennedy family over its portrayal.
John F. Kennedy Jr., known as the heir to the Kennedy political legacy, built a career in law and later published George magazine. Carolyn Bessette, once a Calvin Klein executive and style icon, married John in 1996 before the couple’s life was cut short by a fatal plane crash in 1999. The show draws inspiration from Elizabeth Beller’s biography Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, promising drama and glamour typical of Murphy’s productions, featuring Paul Anthony Kelly as John and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn.
Controversy Surrounding the Series’ Depiction
Ryan Murphy has a history of creating dramatic adaptations of true events, often sparking debates over the accuracy and ethics of his work. His 2016 miniseries American Crime Story began this trend, with subsequent projects like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story facing condemnation by victims’ families for exploiting real-life tragedies. Similarly, Monster: The Menendez Murders was criticized for dramatizing facts, with convicted Erik Menendez labeling its narrative as
“rooted in horrible and blatant lies.”
The new Kennedy-focused series is encountering comparable disapproval from the family’s side. Jack Schlossberg, nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr., has publicly expressed concerns over the project, noting that the family was not consulted. Schlossberg voiced unease that the series profits from painful family history, saying,
“For the record, I think admiration for my uncle John is great,”
and adding,
“What I don’t think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way.”
Behind the Scenes: Production and Cast Details
Though Ryan Murphy is attached as a producer, the series was created by Connor Hines and features a notable cast alongside Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon. Grace Gummer portrays Caroline Kennedy, Alessandro Nivola takes on the role of Calvin Klein, and Leila George plays Kelly Klein. Other key cast members include Constance Zimmer as Ann Marie Messina, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Naomi Watts portraying Jackie Kennedy Onassis, further enriching the narrative with prominent figures from the Kennedy sphere and related personalities.
Expectations and Future Implications for the Series
Given Murphy’s track record prioritizing storytelling flair over strict factual accuracy, expectations are tempered regarding the show’s historical authenticity. Despite this, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is anticipated to engage viewers with its dramatic and glamorous portrayal of a beloved American couple. If well received, the show could launch a broader anthology series under the “Love Story” banner focusing on other public figures.
However, the show’s contentious reception suggests ongoing tensions between production liberties and respect for the families depicted, potentially leading to more public disputes as new content releases.
