Netflix has announced the principal cast for its upcoming series 'Kennedy,' a drama exploring the triumphs and tragedies of the Kennedy dynasty. Based on Fredrik Logevall's biography, the show stars Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr. and Laura Donnelly as Rose Kennedy. Production is set to begin, with a likely premiere in 2027.
In October 2025, Netflix revealed plans for 'Kennedy,' a family drama series drawing from Fredrik Logevall’s book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. The eight-episode first season will delve into the intimate lives, loves, rivalries, and tragedies that shaped the Kennedy family, beginning in the 1930s. It charts the ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, highlighting the rebellious second son Jack's struggle to emerge from the shadow of his older brother, Joe Jr.
Casting announcements came in January 2026, with Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender tapped to play the patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr. Laura Donnelly will portray the matriarch Rose Kennedy. Nick Robinson, known for his role in Netflix's The Abandons, takes on the eldest son Joe Kennedy Jr., while newcomer Joshuah Melnick will embody young John F. “Jack” Kennedy. Both actors are series regulars.
Recurring roles include Ben Miles as Joe Sr.'s aide Eddie Moore, Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy, Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Kick Kennedy, Cole Doman as Jack's friend Lem Billings, and Imogen Poots as Gloria Swanson.
Sam Shaw serves as showrunner and executive producer, joined by producers from Chernin Entertainment—Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Kaitlin Dahill—as well as Eric Roth, Fredrik Logevall, Lila Byock, Anya Epstein, Dustin Thomason, Thomas Vinterberg, and Anna O’Malley. Vinterberg will also direct.
Shaw described the project in a statement: “The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology—somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful. But Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth, revealing as much about our present moment, how we got here, and where we’re going, as about the Kennedys themselves. I’m thrilled to be able to explore this saga of a family and a world in transition with Eric Roth, Thomas Vinterberg, and our incredible band of artists and partners, at a moment when our past feels urgently present.”
No premiere date has been set, as production has not yet started, pointing to a 2027 debut. It remains unclear if future seasons will extend beyond 1956 to cover events like JFK's presidency and assassinations.
