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FX's 'Love Story' Struggles With Uneven Lead Performances
Sarah Pidgeon shines as Carolyn Bessette, while Paul Anthony Kelly falters as JFK Jr. in the new limited series.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:06am
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The glamorous textures and lighting of 'Love Story' capture the allure and challenges of dating one of the most famous men in America.Manhattan TodayFX's new limited series 'Love Story' follows the romance between Carolyn Bessette, a relatively unknown sales associate at Calvin Klein, and John F. Kennedy Jr., America's most famous bachelor in the 1990s. While the series features strong writing, excellent production design, and a star-making turn from Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette, Paul Anthony Kelly's underwhelming performance as Kennedy holds the show back from reaching its full potential.
Why it matters
The series explores themes of fame, duty, and romance, as Bessette navigates the challenges of dating one of the most recognizable men in the country. However, the uneven lead performances prevent the show from fully realizing these themes and delivering a truly compelling love story.
The details
Set in 1992 New York City, 'Love Story' follows Bessette as she is pursued by the charismatic and instantly recognizable Kennedy. Despite constant paparazzi attention and the pressure of his famous last name, Kennedy feels lost until his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, pushes him to find a 'real' relationship. He soon meets and becomes infatuated with the more guarded and cautious Bessette. Pidgeon's nuanced performance as Bessette, with her lip bites, graceful physicality, and emotive eyes, crafts a rich and compelling character. In contrast, Kelly's lack of range and emotion in his portrayal of Kennedy is a major weakness, as he struggles to convey the character's vulnerability and complexity.
- The series is set in 1992 in New York City.
- Production of 'Love Story' almost got delayed because they could not find someone to play Kennedy.
The players
Carolyn Bessette
A relatively unknown sales associate at Calvin Klein who is pursued by the charismatic and famous John F. Kennedy Jr. Played by actress Sarah Pidgeon, who delivers a star-making performance.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
America's most famous bachelor in the 1990s, who feels lost despite his charisma and famous last name. Played by actor Paul Anthony Kelly, whose underwhelming performance is a major weakness of the series.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Kennedy's mother, who pushes him to find a 'real' relationship.
Calvin Klein
Bessette's boss at Calvin Klein.
Kelly Klein
Calvin Klein's wife, who becomes friends with Bessette and helps her see the challenges of marrying someone famous.
The takeaway
While 'Love Story' features strong writing, excellent production values, and a star-making turn from Sarah Pidgeon, the series is held back by Paul Anthony Kelly's underwhelming performance as John F. Kennedy Jr. The uneven lead performances prevent the show from fully realizing its themes and delivering a truly compelling love story.
