Love Story (2026 TV series)
| Love Story | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | FX |
| Related | |
Love Story is an upcoming American romance anthology television series executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, D.V. DeVincentis, Kim Rosenstock, and Connor Hines.[1] The fifth installment in the American Story media franchise, it will air on FX. The first season charts the whirlwind courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.[2]
Cast
Main
- Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
- Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline
- Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John Jr.'s mother
- Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, John Jr's older sister
- Leila George as Kelly Klein
- Noah Fearnley as Michael Bergin
Recurring
- Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette
- Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein
- Omari K. Chancellor as Gordon Henderson
- Constance Zimmer as Ann Messina Freeman
Production
Development
On August 13, 2021, it was announced that FX had ordered a new spin-off series American Love Story. The first installment will depict the whirlwind courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.[2] Specifically, the series will explore the fall of what was originally a beautiful union for the young couple, as the pressures of their careers and rumored family discord ended with their tragic deaths when Kennedy's private plane crashed.[3]
In June 2025, Jack Schlossberg, nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr., criticized the series for not consulting the Kennedy family during development and accused the production of "profiting off" his uncle's life "in a grotesque way."[4][5] He urged the show's creators to donate part of its proceeds to the John F. Kennedy Library. Murphy later stated he intended to make a donation.[6] In July 2025, Murphy remarked that it was an "odd choice to be mad about your relative that you don't remember," prompting Schlossberg to share personal memories of his uncle on Instagram and reiterate his criticism that the project was exploiting his family's history for profit.[7]
Casting
In March 2025, it was reported that Sarah Pidgeon will be Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.[8] In May 2025, it was reported that Naomi Watts would play Jackie Kennedy, while newcomer Paul Kelly would lead the series as John F. Kennedy Jr.[9] In June 2025, Grace Gummer, Sydney Lemmon, and Alessandro Nivola joined the cast. In a series regular role, Gummer would portray Caroline Kennedy. In recurring roles, Lemmon would portray Lauren Bessette and Nivola would play Calvin Klein.[10] On June 13, 2025, Ryan Murphy shared a first look at Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette on his Instagram. The same day, it was announced by Murphy that Leila George and Noah Fearnley had joined the cast as Kelly Klein and Michael Bergin.[11] In July 2025, Omari K. Chancellor joined the cast of the series, now titled Love Story, in a recurring role as Gordon Henderson.[12] In November 2025, Constance Zimmer joined the cast in a recurring role as Carolyn’s mother Ann Messina Freeman.[1]
Filming
The series began filming in June 2025.[13]
Release
Love Story will be released on FX in February 2026.[2][11]
References
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (November 14, 2025). "Constance Zimmer Joins FX's 'Love Story' In Key Recurring Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Petski, Denise (August 13, 2021). "'FX Orders 'American Sports Story' & 'American Love Story' Spinoffs From Ryan Murphy". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (August 13, 2021). "Ryan Murphy Sets 'American Sports Story,' 'American Love Story' Anthologies at FX". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ Parkel, Inga (June 20, 2025). "JFK Jr's nephew Jack Schlossberg blasts Ryan Murphy's American Love Story for 'profiting off' family's tragedy". The Independent. United Kingdom: Independent Digital News & Media Ltd. ISSN 1741-9743. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Kessel Odom, Dani (June 20, 2025). ""Profiting Off [JFK Jr's Admiration] In A Grotesque Way": John F. Kennedy's Grandson Criticizes Ryan Murphy's American Love Story Series & Clarifies Family Involvement". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on October 12, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Malkin, Marc (June 19, 2025). "Ryan Murphy Blasts 'Inflammatory' Backlash Over Camera Test Images of 'American Love Story' Star Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette: 'It's Not Fair'". Variety. ISSN 0042-2738. OCLC 60626328. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Tinoco, Armando (June 23, 2025). "Jack Schlossberg Calls Out Ryan Murphy For "Making Millions" Off Of JFK Jr. With 'Love Story' Series: "Say It To My Face"". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 12, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (March 21, 2025). "Ryan Murphy's 'American Love Story' Casts Sarah Pidgeon as JFK Jr.'s Wife Carolyn Bessette". Variety. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ Hailu, Selome (May 13, 2025). "'American Love Story' Casts Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy and Newcomer Paul Kelly as JFK Jr". Variety. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (June 6, 2025). "Ryan Murphy's 'American Love Story' Casts Grace Gummer, Sydney Lemmon & Alessandro Nivola". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ a b Nemetz, Dave (June 13, 2025). "'American Love Story' Sets February 2026 Premiere; Ryan Murphy Shares First Look Photos Of Paul Kelly & Sarah Pidgeon As JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette". TV Line. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (July 14, 2025). "Ryan Murphy's 'Love Story' Casts Omari K. Chancellor As Fashion Designer Gordon Henderson". Deadline. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
- ^ "'American Love Story' Starts Filming in New York City". Town & Country. June 18, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.