Director Ryan Murphy has released a first look at American Love Story, along with the series' official release date. The show will explore the real-life whirlwind love story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
Paul Anthony Kelly will play the late John F. Kennedy Jr., with Sarah Pidgeon starring as his wife, publicist, and fashion icon, Carolyn Bessette. Further casting announcements include Allesandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, Leila George as Kelly Klein, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Noah Fearnley as Michael Bergin. Naomi Watts will also play Jackie Kennedy, the former First Lady of the United States and mother of JFK Jr.
Murphy took to Instagram to congratulate Kelly and Pidgeon, sharing a series of stills, post-production images, and a short camera test. They showcased the couple in full costume, including some of their most ‘standout' and recognisable outfits.
American Love Story will tell the story of the real-life romance between the son of President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Carolyn. In July 1999, the couple were involved in a plane crash, unfortunately resulting in their death. As America mourned, the couple caught the world's attention, their passionate and tragic love story becoming a topic of intrigue for the ages.
Murphy's first look has garnered some controversy, with debates surrounding both the accuracy of Bessette's costuming, the involvement of Michael Bergin (who is said to have been intimately involved with Bessette), and comments from JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg.
Ryan Murphy's previous television projects include Hollywood, American Horror Story, and The Politician. The writer/director found himself in public discussions again in 2024 following the release of his miniseries Monsters, which told the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.
American Love Story is set to be released on Hulu on the week of Valentine's Day, 2026.
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