New Special Examines John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Love Story

Close friends and contemporaries share insights into the couple's volatile relationship and tragic deaths.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new ABC special, "John and Carolyn | Love, Beauty and Loss," will examine the love story and lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The special features interviews with the couple's close friends and contemporaries, as well as journalists who covered their lives. It will also go behind the scenes of a new scripted series about the Kennedys produced by Ryan Murphy. The special airs on February 17 and will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Why it matters

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were one of the most famous and closely watched couples of their time. Their lives and tragic deaths at a young age continue to captivate the public's interest, and this new special aims to provide fresh insights and perspectives on their relationship and its impact.

The details

The new ABC special "John and Carolyn | Love, Beauty and Loss" will feature interviews with close friends and contemporaries of the late couple, as well as the journalists who covered their lives. The special will also go behind the scenes of a new scripted series about the Kennedys produced by Ryan Murphy. The special promises to reveal new details and previously unseen footage, including rare footage from the couple's 1996 wedding.

  • The special airs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10 p.m. ET.
  • The special will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The players

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who died in a plane crash in 1999 along with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., who died in the same plane crash as her husband in 1999.

Ryan Murphy

The executive producer of a new scripted series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy that is set to air on FX.

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What’s next

The new scripted series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy produced by Ryan Murphy is set to air on FX in the coming months.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy at a young age continue to captivate the public's interest, and this new special aims to provide fresh insights and perspectives on their relationship and its lasting impact.