Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story has sparked a frenzy with its first glimpse into the tragic romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The FX anthology series, now filming in New York City, dropped its initial photos in June 2025, showcasing actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as the iconic ‘90s couple. Set to premiere in February 2026, the show promises to dive deep into their whirlwind love, relentless media scrutiny, and heartbreaking end. Fans are buzzing, but not without controversy—here’s the latest on this highly anticipated project.
Who Were JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy?
John F. Kennedy Jr., often called “John-John,” was the son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Born into America’s political royalty, he grew up under a public microscope. A lawyer and publisher of George magazine, JFK Jr. was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1988. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a fashion publicist at Calvin Klein, was a style icon whose minimalist ‘90s looks still inspire today. The couple met in 1992, married in 1996, and tragically died in a 1999 plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard, alongside Carolyn’s sister, Lauren.
Their romance captivated the world, blending glamour with intense tabloid pressure. American Love Story aims to capture this dynamic, but recent developments show the project is already stirring debate.
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First Look at American Love Story Sparks Excitement
In June 2025, Ryan Murphy shared camera test photos on Instagram, revealing Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon in character. Kelly, a newcomer, channels JFK Jr.’s charm in tailored suits and casual looks, while Pidgeon embodies Carolyn’s elegance in a mustard leather trench and black ensemble. Filming began in New York, with Murphy touting the casting after auditioning over 1,000 actors for each role. The series, directed by Max Winkler, is slated for a Valentine’s Day week 2026 debut on FX and Hulu.
Social media lit up with reactions. Fans praised the actors’ resemblance to the couple, but some questioned the costume choices. The buzz reflects the enduring fascination with JFK Jr. and Carolyn’s story.
Key Point Summary
- Series Announcement: American Love Story focuses on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s romance.
- Cast: Paul Kelly as JFK Jr., Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn, Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy.
- Premiere: Set for February 2026 on FX and Hulu.
- Filming: Began June 2025 in New York City.
- Controversy: Costume critiques and Kennedy family disapproval.
Costume Controversy Steals the Spotlight
The American Love Story costume choices have ignited fierce debate. Fans of Carolyn’s iconic style slammed Pidgeon’s looks as “fast fashion” knockoffs. Critics pointed to a lifeless Hermès Birkin bag, stiff leather jackets, and Converse sneakers—items Carolyn rarely, if ever, wore. Fashion outlets like The Cut called the outfits “Zara-like,” lacking the lived-in elegance of Carolyn’s wardrobe. Even her former hair colorist, Brad Johns, criticized Pidgeon’s platinum blonde locks as “too 2024,” missing Carolyn’s sun-kissed ‘90s hue.
Murphy fired back, defending his team’s efforts. He revealed a 10-person style advisory board and authentic pieces, including some of Carolyn’s actual clothing. A replica of her 1996 Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress is also in progress. Murphy argues the backlash mirrors the media scrutiny Carolyn faced in life, calling it unfair to Pidgeon.
Kennedy Family Disapproval Adds Drama
JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, voiced strong objections to American Love Story. In a June 2025 Instagram video, he called the series “grotesque,” noting the Kennedy family wasn’t consulted. Schlossberg, son of Caroline Kennedy, urged Murphy to donate profits to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. Murphy agreed to contribute but defended the project, emphasizing its focus on Carolyn’s struggles under fame’s weight.
The family’s stance highlights tensions over public portrayals of their legacy. Schlossberg’s comments have fueled online debates about privacy and artistic license, amplifying interest in the series.
Stellar Cast Elevates Expectations
Beyond Kelly and Pidgeon, American Love Story boasts a powerhouse cast. Naomi Watts plays Jackie Kennedy Onassis, bringing gravitas to the role. Grace Gummer portrays Caroline Kennedy, while Sydney Lemmon takes on Lauren Bessette. Alessandro Nivola stars as Calvin Klein, Carolyn’s former boss. Noah Fearnley joins as Michael Bergin, a Calvin Klein model rumored to have had a relationship with Carolyn, hinting at a possible love triangle plot.
The ensemble, packed with Murphy regulars and fresh faces, promises a layered depiction of the couple’s world. Fans are eager to see how these actors navigate the complex dynamics of fame, love, and tragedy.
Why American Love Story Resonates Today
The fascination with JFK Jr. and Carolyn endures 25 years after their deaths. Carolyn’s minimalist style remains a fashion benchmark, with Instagram accounts dedicated to her aesthetic. Books like Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (2024) keep her story alive. JFK Jr.’s charm and Kennedy legacy continue to captivate, making American Love Story a timely exploration of their mythos.
Murphy’s knack for dramatizing cultural moments—seen in American Crime Story and Feud—positions the series to resonate with audiences. Yet, the costume and family controversies underscore the challenge of portraying such iconic figures authentically.
What’s Next for American Love Story?
Filming continues in New York through fall 2025, with set photos showing Kelly and Pidgeon recreating iconic moments, like JFK Jr.’s 1990 People magazine cover. Murphy’s team is refining costumes to address critiques, aiming to honor Carolyn’s style legacy. The series will explore the couple’s courtship, marriage pressures, and tragic end, offering a mix of romance and heartbreak.
As anticipation builds, fans are divided between excitement and skepticism. Will American Love Story capture the couple’s magic, or fall short of their legend? Only time will tell.
A Story Worth Watching
American Love Story is shaping up as a must-watch, blending glamour, tragedy, and controversy. Murphy’s bold vision, paired with a stellar cast, promises to rekindle fascination with JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Despite costume missteps and family pushback, the series taps into a timeless tale of love under pressure. As filming progresses, expect more buzz—and debates—to keep this project in the spotlight.
Stay tuned for updates on American Love Story. Share your thoughts on the casting and costumes below, and mark your calendars for February 2026!