This February, FX will debut a new anthology series from Ryan Murphy that tells a romantic and emotional story. The first season, called “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” centers on the famous couple whose relationship once fascinated the nation.
The series premieres Thursday, February 12, right before Valentine’s Day. The first three episodes will be available that night on FX and Hulu in the US, and on Disney+ for international viewers. Afterwards, new episodes will come out weekly.
Inspired by a Popular Book
The show is based on Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Paul Anthony Kelly stars as John F. Kennedy Jr., and Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette.
The series explores how JFK Jr., often called American royalty, and Carolyn Bessette, a successful Calvin Klein fashion executive, fell in love amid constant media attention.
Their relationship was admired but also strained by fame and public attention. The show highlights both the beauty of their love and the challenges they faced as one of the country’s most watched couples.
FX says the story follows their emotional journey as their private romance became a national obsession.
In 1999, JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette died when JFK Jr.’s small plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard.
Investigators later said the crash occurred due to spatial disorientation, a condition in which pilots lose their sense of direction while flying at night over water.
Strong Supporting Cast
The series also features:
- Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy Onassis
- Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy
- Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein
- Leila George as Kelly Klein
- Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette
- Constance Zimmer as Ann Marie Messina
Connor Hines created the show with Ryan Murphy and a team of experienced producers as executive producers. Max Winkler directed the pilot, and 20th Television produces the series.
FX describes the show as a story of deep love, fame, pressure, and tragedy. It tells of a couple whose romance inspired millions but ended too soon.
With its Valentine’s Day release and emotional story, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” is expected to appeal to both romance fans and history enthusiasts.