FX's limited series 'Love Story' premieres on February 12, 2026, offering a heartfelt portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's relationship. Starring Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, the Ryan Murphy production highlights their love amid public scrutiny and family tensions. Drawing from recent research, it aims to humanize Bessette Kennedy beyond her iconic image.
The production of 'Love Story' faced significant challenges, particularly in casting John F. Kennedy Jr. In April 2025, with filming imminent, executive producer Brad Simpson and his team scoured Australia, England, and even street auditions for a suitable actor aged 25 to 40. Paul Anthony Kelly, a former model over six feet tall with a square jaw, ultimately secured the role after readings, praised by a hairdresser on set. Sarah Pidgeon, a Tony nominee from 'Stereophonic,' was cast earlier as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, her blonde Photoshopped image convincing producers of her fit.
Filming wrapped by December 2025 in New York locations like Tribeca, capturing the 1990s era's music, style, and club culture. The series begins on the couple's final day, July 16, 1999, before rewinding to their meeting and marriage struggles. Writer Connor Hines, inspired by 'The Crown,' emphasized Bessette Kennedy's humor, emotional intelligence, and firecracker personality, countering past misogynistic portrayals. Hines pitched the story from her 'commoner' perspective entering the Kennedy 'palace.'
Inspired by the 2024 book 'Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,' the show waited for its release before advancing. Costume designer Rudy Mance meticulously recreated outfits, distressing items like a Birkin bag and sourcing exact Prada pieces from Etsy, responding to online criticism of early set photos. Pidgeon noted the wardrobe's role as 'armor,' reflecting Bessette Kennedy's evolving confidence.
Backlash came from Kennedy nephew Jack Schlossberg, who criticized Murphy online and in interviews as obsessed with the couple's sexuality. Producers Jacobson and Simpson stressed the earnest romance focus, not scandal. Other cast includes Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, and Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein. FX chairman John Landgraf highlighted later episodes exploring their core love amid troubles, positioning the series for global streaming on Disney+.
Pidgeon and Kelly built chemistry off-set, with Pidgeon recalling driving home from Kelly's test. Kelly, preparing his first child in 2026, drew from Kennedy audiobooks for cadence. The penultimate episode, set in their loft, captures intense marital tension like a three-act play.
