The new FX and Hulu series, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” arrives steeped in controversy and nostalgia, attempting to chronicle the intensely private romance of a couple relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. While the series has sparked debate – including criticism from JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg – it ultimately feels less like a revealing portrait and more like a wistful, if somewhat shallow, elegy for a bygone era, particularly for those who came of age alongside the couple. The demonstrate, which premiered on February 12, 2026, has ignited a conversation about the ethics of dramatizing real tragedy and the enduring fascination with the Kennedy family.
The series’ production was not without its hurdles. Schlossberg publicly criticized the show in June 2025, expressing concern that it was exploiting his uncle’s life for profit, stating via Instagram, according to Entertainment Weekly, that his family had not been consulted and “there’s really not much we can do.” Ryan Murphy, the series’ executive producer, responded to the criticism, calling it “an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember” during an appearance on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast. This exchange highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the project and the deep emotional connection many feel to the Kennedy legacy.
The Weight of Myth and Image
Much of the pre-release attention focused on the show’s attempt to recreate Carolyn Bessette’s iconic style. Observers, including Bessette’s former hair colorist and fashion stylists, scrutinized early images of actress Sarah Pidgeon, questioning the accuracy of her portrayal. The primary complaint centered on Pidgeon’s hair color, deemed too yellow compared to Bessette’s signature ice-blonde shade. Murphy ultimately directed a change, with Pidgeon bleaching her hair after initial criticism, as he told Newsom. This incident underscores the intense scrutiny and the almost reverential way Bessette’s image is guarded by a dedicated following, described as “custodians of the myth.” These admirers, many of whom never knew Bessette personally, meticulously analyze her photographs, dissecting her fashion choices – from the proportion of her pencil skirts to the wear on her handbags – as a means of understanding her perceived intelligence and savvy.
The show’s premiere party in New York City, covered by The New York Times Styles section, reflected a desire to recapture the aesthetic of the 1990s, a period characterized by a clash of high and low culture and the early stages of downtown gentrification. The event featured prop copies of George, the magazine founded by JFK Jr., a publication that has since been acquired by a conspiracy theorist, a detail that was notably absent from the party’s curated atmosphere.
A Narrow Focus on Romance
Having reviewed eight of the nine episodes, the series largely focuses on the central romance, often to the exclusion of broader historical context. The narrative begins with a flash-forward to July 16, 1999, the day of the plane crash that claimed the lives of JFK Jr., Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette. The early episodes detail Bessette’s life and career at Calvin Klein, where she is portrayed as a rising star in the fashion world, played by Alessandro Nivola. The show leans heavily into the fashion aspect, adopting a tone that some might perceive as defensively self-important, reflecting the perceived status of the fashion industry as “service work” compared to the arts or politics.
What’s missing, and what ultimately makes “Love Story” feel somewhat incomplete, is a deeper exploration of the cultural and political landscape surrounding the Kennedys. The series largely omits significant events like President Bill Clinton invoking JFK Jr. As a political heir, or Ted Kennedy’s recovery from the Chappaquiddick scandal and his subsequent rise as a powerful senator. This narrow focus on the romantic relationship diminishes the broader significance of the Kennedy story and its connection to American culture.
it is Sarah Pidgeon’s portrayal of Bessette that leaves the most lasting impression. The creators, Connor Hines and Murphy, imbue the character with a distinct physicality – a dramatic hair toss, a concave hip, a raspy voice – creating an “invention” rather than a simple imitation. The show suggests that Bessette’s marriage ultimately contributed to her unhappiness, a tragic undercurrent that resonates throughout the series.
Looking Ahead
The success of “Love Story” will likely hinge on how it handles the depiction of the plane crash, an event often attributed to both inclement weather and a potential sense of inherited arrogance. The series, positioned as an elegy for Generation X, offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, but its limited scope prevents it from fully capturing the complexity of the Kennedy story. As audiences continue to engage with the series, the conversation surrounding its portrayal of these iconic figures is sure to continue.
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