FX and Hulu's 'Love Story' Revisits JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette

The new series details the couple's romance and tragic deaths, but faces backlash from the Kennedy family

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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FX and Hulu's new series 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' attempts to chronicle the relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, from their meet-cute to their deaths in a 1999 plane crash. The series, based on the book 'Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,' has faced criticism from JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, who accused the producers of 'profiting off his family's legacy in a grotesque way.' The show's creators say they've tried to be 'ethical' and 'sincere' in their approach.

Why it matters

The Kennedy family is one of the most famous and mythologized in American history, and any dramatization of their lives is bound to be controversial. This series aims to shed light on the private relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, which was largely shrouded in mystery, but has faced pushback from the family who feel their legacy is being exploited.

The details

The series details the couple's meet-cute at a party, their courtship, and the challenges they faced, including Bessette's ambition and Kennedy's struggles to keep his magazine George afloat. It also features portrayals of other Kennedy family members, including Caroline Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who disapproved of the relationship. The show's creators say they conducted extensive research, including reading 'every single newspaper article' about the couple, to try to present an accurate portrayal.

  • The series premiered on FX and Hulu on February 13, 2026.
  • JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette died in a plane crash on July 16, 1999.

The players

John F. Kennedy Jr.

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

Carolyn Bessette

A fashion publicist who married John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996 and died with him in a plane crash in 1999.

Jack Schlossberg

The nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr. who has spoken out against the series, accusing the producers of 'profiting off his family's legacy in a grotesque way.'

Ryan Murphy

The executive producer of the 'Love Story' series, who responded to Schlossberg's criticism by saying it was an 'odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don't remember.'

Brad Simpson

The executive producer of the 'Love Story' series, who said the creative team has 'tried to be ethical and we've tried to be incredibly sincere' in their approach.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what it's like to have a TV show or a movie or a book written about my family, and I understand his sensitivities, and I fully support him speaking his mind.”

— Sarah Pidgeon, Actress portraying Carolyn Bessette (Associated Press)

“We tried to have as much integrity and love going into this and retelling that I hope that people see that.”

— Paul Anthony Kelly, Actor portraying John F. Kennedy Jr. (Associated Press)

“I'm not going to pretend like on some level we're not making an entertainment product out of it, but we've tried to be ethical and we've tried to be incredibly sincere.”

— Brad Simpson, Executive Producer (Associated Press)

What’s next

The series is expected to generate continued discussion and debate around the Kennedy family's legacy and the ethics of dramatizing their personal lives.

The takeaway

This series highlights the ongoing fascination with the Kennedy family and the challenges of portraying their lives on screen, as the creators must balance artistic license with respect for the family's privacy and legacy.