New JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette Series Faces Early Criticism

A new television series is set to revisit one of history’s most enduring love stories – that between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette – under intense scrutiny from critics even as it premieres today on both FX and Hulu. The limited series, titled “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” dramatizes their early courtship through to the fateful plane crash that claimed both of their lives in 1999 off the coast of Massachusetts.

Carolyn’s sister, Lauren Bessette, also perished in the accident. The project has drawn swift criticism from John F. Kennedy Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, who previously spoke out against the series and accused its producers, including executive producer Ryan Murphy, of exploiting his uncle’s legacy for profit.

Schlossberg, now running for Congress in New York, took to social media recently to share personal memories with his uncle, adding fuel to the fire. However, Murphy responded defensively during an appearance on a podcast hosted by California Governor Gavin Newsom, dismissing Schlossberg’s claims as mere misinterpretations of art’s place in society.

Despite Murphy’s reluctance to engage directly, executive producer Brad Simpson confirmed that the creative team was acutely conscious of the real people and tragedies at the heart of their story. “We’re not pretending this isn’t an entertainment product,” Simpson explained to The Associated Press. “But we’ve tried to be as ethical and sincere as possible.”

The cast also included Sarah Pidgeon, who portrays Carolyn Bessette, and Paul Anthony Kelly, who plays John F. Kennedy Jr. Both actors acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the project, stating they respected Schlossberg’s right to voice his concerns. “I don’t know what it’s like to have a TV show or movie written about my family,” Pidgeon said. “But I understand his sensitivities and fully support him speaking out.”

Naomi Watts portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the series, while Grace Gummer portrayed Caroline Kennedy. The production also included scenes depicting John F. Jr.’s on-and-off relationship with Daryl Hannah.

Creator Connor Hines highlighted that the series is a product of extensive research, incorporating biographies, archival reporting, and contemporaneous media coverage to accurately depict Bessette’s rise in fashion at Calvin Klein alongside JFK’s struggles to keep his magazine Georgette alive. Despite its critical reception, “Love Story” stands as a significant new chapter in the ongoing dialogue about what constitutes legitimate storytelling regarding America’s most mythologized family.

As this latest iteration of the Kennedy love story premieres today, it raises again crucial questions surrounding privacy versus public remembrance and whose narrative is given voice within American history.