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

The new series has stirred some backlash from the Kennedy family, including criticism from JFK Jr.'s nephew Jack Schlossberg.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The FX and Hulu series 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' attempts to chronicle the relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, from their early meeting to the 1999 plane crash that killed them and Bessette's sister Lauren. The show has faced criticism from JFK Jr.'s nephew Jack Schlossberg, who called the series 'grotesque' and accused the producers of cashing in on his family's legacy. 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 personal lives is bound to be controversial. This series explores the private relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, which has long been shrouded in legend, and the backlash highlights the sensitivity around portraying the lives of public figures, especially those who died tragically.

The details

The series follows Kennedy and Bessette from their initial meeting at a party to their private 1996 wedding and the 1999 plane crash that killed them and Bessette's sister Lauren. It details Bessette's ambition and rise at Calvin Klein, as well as Kennedy's struggles to keep his magazine George afloat. The show also features appearances by other Kennedy family members, including Caroline Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

  • The series premieres on FX and Hulu on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Kennedy and Bessette were married in 1996.
  • Kennedy, Bessette, and Bessette's sister Lauren 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 was a prominent figure in American society and media.

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. and a vocal critic of the 'Love Story' series, accusing the producers of profiting off his family's legacy.

Ryan Murphy

The executive producer of 'Love Story' who defended the series against Schlossberg's criticism.

Brad Simpson

A veteran producer of Ryan Murphy's 'American Crime Story' projects who also worked on 'Love Story'.

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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 (wbur.org)

“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. (wbur.org)

“We're fully aware that there are real people and real tragedies often at the heart of these stories.”

— Brad Simpson, Executive Producer (wbur.org)

What’s next

The series 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' will premiere on FX and Hulu on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This dramatized portrayal of the relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette has stirred up strong emotions and criticism from the Kennedy family, highlighting the challenges and sensitivities involved in depicting the lives of public figures, especially those who died tragically. The show's creators say they've tried to approach the story with integrity and sincerity, but the backlash underscores the fine line they must walk in turning real-life events into entertainment.