“Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” the new limited series from producer Ryan Murphy, premiered on12 February 2026, on FX and Hulu, dramatizing the romance of one of America’s most famous couples of the 1990s. The series opens on the day of the couple’s deaths in a plane crash near Martha’s Vineyard and then flashes back to trace their courtship, marriage, and the intense public scrutiny they faced.
The show, executive produced by Murphy and created by Connor Hines, is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 biography, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. It explores Bessette’s life before meeting JFK Jr., highlighting her career at Calvin Klein and rise in fashion, as well as the couple’s personal struggles, including rumored family tensions and paparazzi harassment.
Despite the show’s intent to honor the couple, early production images sparked criticism. Fans and style writers objected to Sarah Pidgeon’s hair color and wardrobe as Bessette, questioning the authenticity of the 1990s style recreation. The backlash prompted the producers to bring on costume designer Rudy Mance, replace Pidgeon’s wig with dyed blonde hair, and meticulously source clothing worn by Bessette during her lifetime.
The Kennedy family also weighed in. Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, publicly criticized the series on social media, calling it a “grotesque” way to profit from his uncle’s life. Murphy responded by saying it was “an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember.” The production team maintained that their approach was respectful and rooted in extensive research, with no direct involvement from the family.
Casting for the titular roles was exhaustive. Over 1,000 actors auditioned for JFK Jr., with Paul Anthony Kelly eventually cast for his resemblance, presence, and charisma. Sarah Pidgeon was chosen as Bessette for her ability to capture the character’s guarded yet accessible persona. Naomi Watts plays Jackie Kennedy Onassis, bringing depth to the Kennedy family dynamic depicted in the series.
The production faced real-world parallels to the couple’s public scrutiny. Filming in New York City attracted paparazzi, echoing the relentless attention Bessette and JFK Jr. endured in the 1990s. Actors described the experience as challenging, particularly during outdoor shoots in public spaces.
Showrunners emphasized that every private moment portrayed, from first dates to wedding preparations, was reconstructed through careful research, aiming for emotional and character truth rather than sensationalism. Early critiques of costume and styling were treated as opportunities to refine the series, not deter it. Executive producers stated the adjustments ensured the show respected Bessette’s legacy and the couple’s enduring public appeal.
“Love Story” will air with three episodes initially, followed by weekly installments of a nine-episode series on Thursdays, and is also available internationally on Disney+. While reactions remain mixed, the show highlights ongoing interest in the Kennedys, their private lives, and the ethical considerations of dramatizing historical figures for modern audiences.