Filmmaker Ryan Murphy has shifted his focus from true crime to true romance with the new series Love Story, which debuted recently to strong viewer interest. The show, centering on the iconic romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, has quickly become a standout in American television, highlighting its appeal through notable rankings on major streaming platforms.
Following Ryan Murphy’s earlier successes with series like Glee, Nip/Tuck, and American Horror Story, as well as more recent true crime projects like American Crime Story and the controversial Netflix anthology Monster, Love Story marks a significant turn toward biographical romance. Its arrival on platforms including Apple TV and Disney+ has placed it among the most-watched series in multiple countries.
Strong Debut Performance Across Multiple Platforms
Love Story premiered to impressive chart positions, securing second place among the Top 10 shows in the United States according to FlixPatrol, just behind Tell Me Lies. On Apple TV, it ranked fourth in the U.S. and tenth in Canada, while on Disney+, where it is available globally, it holds fourth place overall. Although it did not reach the number one spot on Disney+, the show attained second place in various countries such as Romania, Iceland, and Austria.
The Series Explores a Legendary American Romance
Season 1 of Love Story is an anthology’s opening chapter, spotlighting one of the 20th century’s most memorable couples: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The nine-episode limited series unveils their intense attraction, rapid courtship, and widely publicized marriage, bringing a modern retelling of their lives to audiences.
Created by Connor Hines and based on Elizabeth Beller’s biography Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the series benefits from Ryan Murphy’s role as an executive producer. Its narrative draws on the detailed real-life account of the couple’s personal and public challenges.
Sarah Pidgeon portrays Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, with Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. The ensemble cast also features Naomi Watts and Grace Gummer, frequent collaborators with Murphy. Alessandro Nivola appears as Calvin Klein, with Sydney Lemmon playing Lauren Bassette, Carolyn’s sister.
Inside the Story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
The dramatized series description captures the essence of their public and private lives:
“He was the closest thing to American royalty. The country watched him grow from a boy to a beloved bachelor and media sensation. She was a star in her own right. Fiercely independent and with a singular style, she rose from being a sales assistant to an executive at Calvin Klein, and became a trusted confidante of its eponymous founder.”
– Description of Love Story
The show further delves into the pressures the couple faced under constant media scrutiny:
“As their love story unfolded on a national stage, the intense fame and media attention that came along with it threatened to rip them apart. The series charts the complex and heartbreaking journey of a couple whose private love became a national obsession.”
– Description of Love Story
Reception and Ongoing Anticipation
Despite Ryan Murphy’s recent controversies surrounding Monster, which provoked criticism from the families of portrayed serial killers, early responses to Love Story have been largely positive. The series holds an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a Certified Fresh designation from critics.
Although audience scores were not yet available, several reviews have expressed encouragement for the show’s fresh direction. The favorable reception signals strong potential for the series’ continuation, though no renewal for a second season has been confirmed.
Upcoming Projects and Production Insights
Alongside Love Story’s success, Murphy is advancing the Monster franchise with a new installment centered on Lizzie Borden, the first female serial killer featured in the anthology. This upcoming season was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, with notable shoots in Italy.
Cinematographer Michael Bauman shared,
“There are lots of castles here, and that’s mainly the reason we’re here.”
– Michael Bauman, Cinematographer
This production detail hints at the atmospheric and historical settings expected to appear in the forthcoming season. Meanwhile, Love Story continues releasing new episodes weekly, scheduled to conclude its first season on March 26.
