New FX and Hulu Series Dramatizes Love Story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette

The show has sparked both fascination and controversy among fans and the Kennedy family

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new FX and Hulu series titled "American Love Story" dramatizes the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette. The show has drawn both interest and criticism, with some fans praising the portrayal of the iconic couple while others, including Kennedy's nephew Jack Schlossberg, have expressed concerns about profiting off their legacy. The series has also sparked renewed fascination with Bessette's fashion sense, leading to an upcoming auction of pieces from her actual wardrobe.

Why it matters

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were two of the most famous and photographed public figures of the 1990s, and their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash have continued to captivate the public imagination. This new dramatized series taps into that enduring fascination, but has also faced scrutiny from the Kennedy family about the appropriateness of profiting off their story.

The details

The series, titled "American Love Story," stars Paul Anthony Kelly as Kennedy Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette. With just one month to prepare, Kelly immersed himself in Kennedy Jr.'s life, studying his mannerisms and listening to his narration of his father's book "Profiles in Courage." However, the show's depiction of Bessette's fashion has drawn criticism from some fans, who felt the costumes did not accurately capture her signature minimalist style. The show's creator, Ryan Murphy, has defended the creative choices, saying the initial costume photos were just for lighting and color tests.

  • The series premiered in 2026.
  • The finale is scheduled to air on March 26, 2026.

The players

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who was known as the "Prince of Camelot" and died in a 1999 plane crash.

Carolyn Bessette

Kennedy Jr.'s wife, who was known for her minimalist fashion sense and became a posthumous style icon.

Jack Schlossberg

Kennedy Jr.'s nephew, who has a large online following and is running for office in New York. He criticized the show's existence before its release.

Ryan Murphy

The creator of the FX and Hulu series "American Love Story," which dramatizes the relationship between Kennedy Jr. and Bessette.

Sarah Pidgeon

The actress who portrays Carolyn Bessette in the FX and Hulu series.

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What they’re saying

“To play America's Prince, it has some weight to it. When playing a real life individual, you have to take the utmost care and love and honesty into it.”

— Paul Anthony Kelly, Actor portraying John F. Kennedy Jr.

“Lately, my news feed has been filled with pictures of my uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., a great man. For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with the new show being made about him, the answer is no, and there's really not much we can do.”

— Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy Jr.'s nephew (Entertainment Weekly)

“The details matter here as she used her image to control the narrative. They could have rummaged eBay for a month or two to find references & originals to make recreations for Sarah.”

— Jack Sehnert, Vice President of International Design at Steve Madden, creator of @carolynbessette Instagram account (NBC News)

“The days of civil discourse are over, and it's very hard. And you kind of either get into the muck or you try and rise above it.”

— Ryan Murphy, Creator of "American Love Story" (Gavin Newsom's podcast)

What’s next

The series finale of "American Love Story" is scheduled to air on March 26, 2026, which is expected to draw significant attention and viewership.

The takeaway

The dramatized story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette has reignited public fascination with the iconic couple, but also sparked controversy over the appropriateness of profiting off their legacy. The show's portrayal of Bessette's fashion has been a particular point of contention, highlighting the enduring impact of her style on popular culture.