The new Ryan Murphy new series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette, has recently launched its first episodes on Disney Plus, telling the tragic romance of American royalty and a fashion icon. Given Murphy’s mixed track record with recent projects receiving divided opinions, viewers are left wondering if this series is worth their attention this weekend.
Ryan Murphy, the prolific television writer and producer, has been exceptionally busy since 2025 with multiple works including Doctor Odyssey, Mid-Century Modern, and the spin-off 911 Nashville. His portfolio also includes shows such as All’s Fair, starring Kim Kardashian, and The Beauty, featuring Ashton Kutcher. However, this latest endeavor draws from a real-life heartbreaking story that has captivated the public for decades.
The Reality of Ryan Murphy’s Creative Role in This Series
Although Murphy’s name is heavily promoted, his actual creative involvement in Love Story is limited compared to his other recent shows. Unlike his direct role as writer and director for episodes in productions like All’s Fair and The Beauty, Murphy serves only as an executive producer here.
This distinction matters, as much of the prior criticism aimed at Murphy’s writing and directing styles does not apply. The series itself, crafted by creator and writer Connor Hines—whose previous credit was writing for the Netflix comedy Space Force starring Steve Carell—has been met with a notably higher Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%. This contrasts sharply with the polarizing 6% rating of All’s Fair and the moderate 70% for The Beauty. Hines’ promising work suggests viewers should watch his future projects closely.
The Risk of Finishing the Entire Series Too Quickly
Currently, only three episodes of Love Story have been released, each ranging from 44 to 59 minutes. While that amount offers a decent initial binge, fans might quickly consume all available content within a single weekend.
After this initial batch, the remaining six episodes out of the nine-part season will roll out weekly, meaning viewers could face a long wait for new installments every Friday. The abrupt shift to weekly releases can be frustrating for those eager to see the story unfold uninterrupted.
Constant Distractions from Wanting to Look Up Real-Life Figures
For those who dislike interruptions during viewing, this series presents a challenge. Love Story references numerous real events and prominent figures, including Calvin Klein and an actress from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. This might tempt watchers to frequently search for more information about the characters, affecting the immersive experience.
While researching the authenticity of portrayals is understandable, excessive phone use could cause viewers to miss subtle narrative elements and the nuanced performances of the lead actors, factors vital to appreciating the show’s depth compared to Murphy’s more overt storytelling in other works.
The Emotional Weight of the Story’s Historic Tragedy
The series centers on the deeply poignant and universally known fate of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, touching on what is often referenced as the Kennedy curse. Though spoilers are avoided here, the emotional tone is heavy, and early episodes already foreshadow the inevitable heartbreak that awaits.
Even during more uplifting scenes, viewers may find themselves drawn into sorrow or shedding tears, reflecting the real-life tragedy the story recounts. This emotional intensity might not be the ideal viewing experience for everyone this weekend.
The Nostalgic 1990s Soundtrack Requires Extra Effort
Set primarily between 1992 and 1999, Love Story superbly recreates the era’s aesthetics through set design, costumes, and notably its music. Fans will enjoy tracks from artists like Pulp, Sophie B. Hawkins, and The New Radicals, which enhance the nostalgia and atmosphere of the show.
Unfortunately, no official soundtrack or playlist has been released alongside the series, leaving viewers to piece together favorite songs and manually compile their own playlists. This extra task may detract from the viewing experience for those who enjoy sharing or revisiting a show’s music seamlessly.
What This Means for Audiences and Future Murphy Projects
With Ryan Murphy’s newest effort focusing on real-life tragedy and leaning on creative contributions from new writer Connor Hines, Love Story marks a departure from Murphy’s typical style. The limited involvement by Murphy himself may surprise fans expecting his usual direct influence, while the storytelling and production offer a different, more restrained tone.
The series’ high Rotten Tomatoes rating suggests it resonates well critically, though the weekly release schedule and emotional heaviness may test viewers’ patience and preferences. For anyone overwhelmed by Murphy’s recent diverse projects, this anthology demands a more careful, committed viewing rather than casual binge-watching.
Streaming on Disney Plus, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette continues to attract attention, and its unique angle in Murphy’s catalogue could shape how fans approach his future shows.
