This week, the prolific producer Ryan Murphy expands his docudrama empire with a new anthology series titled “Love Story.”
Known for hit series like “American Crime Story,” “Feud,” and “Monster,” Murphy’s latest venture will delve into the lives of famous couples. Its inaugural season, debuting Thursday on FX and Hulu, explores the profound connection between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, a couple who married in 1996 and met a tragic end just a few years later in 1999.
As a presidential scion, Kennedy embodied American royalty, while Bessette, a stylish fashion professional, captivated both the public and tabloids with her undeniable charm. Today, their enduring allure is inextricably linked to their poignant and untimely demise.
Executive produced by Murphy and brought to life by creator Connor Hines, “Love Story” meticulously charts their courtship, marriage, and the challenges they faced. The series assumes a certain level of viewer familiarity with the Kennedy family, as well as the vibrant media, fashion, and social landscape of 1990s Manhattan. For those needing a refresher, here’s an essential guide.
What is ‘Love Story’ About?
Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Beller’s book “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” the series sets out to portray the journey of Kennedy and Bessette, from their blossoming romance and marriage to the intense media scrutiny they endured. Intriguingly, it begins on the very day of their tragic deaths.
The series opens with a poignant prologue, showing Carolyn (played by Sarah Pidgeon) meeting her sister Lauren (Sydney Lemmon) and John (Paul Anthony Kelly) at a small airport. John, an experienced pilot, plans to fly them to the wedding of his cousin Rory Elizabeth Kennedy at the family’s Hyannis Port compound in Massachusetts. A lingering shot of their aircraft ascending carries a powerful weight for viewers aware that Kennedy’s Piper Saratoga later crashed off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
From this somber opening, the narrative flashes back to 1992, the year John and Carolyn first crossed paths, largely bypassing their individual histories. Kennedy, barely three years old when his father was assassinated, lived a life relentlessly documented by the public and media, earning him the nickname “John-John.” One notable headline from 1966 in The New York Times, for instance, read: “John F. Kennedy Jr. Burned by Hot Coals.”
Even in adulthood, Kennedy remained a media darling. Voted “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1988 by People magazine, he also frequently made tabloid headlines, notably for failing the bar exam twice during his time as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. After passing on his third attempt, he transitioned from law to co-found and edit George, a political magazine whose inaugural issue famously featured supermodel Cindy Crawford reimagined as George Washington.
In contrast, Bessette was not a public figure. Raised in Greenwich, Conn., by her mother, Ann (portrayed by Constance Zimmer), and her stepfather, she built her career from the ground up. Starting as a saleswoman at a Calvin Klein store, Bessette steadily climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the director of public relations and later, the director of show production for the prestigious brand.
Why Did They Captivate the Nation?
The couple held a unique fascination for Americans, a magnetism that persisted even after their tragic passing.
John F. Kennedy Jr. spent his entire life in the public eye, widely recognized as America’s most sought-after bachelor for many years. (His appeal was even famously parodied in the classic 1992 “Seinfeld” episode “The Contest,” where Elaine expressed her ardent desire for him.) Carolyn, on the other hand, became a focal point of public interest not only because she was the woman who finally captured his heart, but also for her impeccable, effortlessly chic style. Her signature look often featured elegant black and white pieces from designers like Prada and Yohji Yamamoto, and her inherent grace often drew comparisons to his iconic mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Their understated wedding only amplified their mystique, especially Bessette’s strikingly sleek and unconventional bridal gown. This memorable dress was a creation by her friend, designer Narciso Rodriguez, and was reportedly valued at an estimated $40,000.
Meet the Supporting Cast
Bessette’s professional life centered largely around her role at Calvin Klein. Alessandro Nivola takes on the role of the renowned designer, celebrated for his minimalist basics and memorable, provocative underwear campaigns, while Leila George portrays his then-wife, Kelly.
The series, which blends historical events with fictionalized elements, depicts Calvin Klein as the person who introduces Carolyn to John at a fundraising event. (However, various sources, including Elizabeth Beller, suggest the couple actually met at the Calvin Klein headquarters.)
At the time of their initial meeting in the series, Carolyn is involved in an on-again, off-again relationship with model Michael Bergin (played by Noah Fearnley), famous for his appearances in Calvin Klein’s underwear advertisements alongside Mark Wahlberg. (Bergin later found fame on “Baywatch.”) Carolyn’s close circle includes several Calvin Klein colleagues who would eventually become renowned designers themselves: Narciso Rodriguez (Tonatiuh) and Gordon Henderson (Omari K. Chancellor).
Kennedy’s inner circle, conversely, is composed primarily of family members, such as his mother (Naomi Watts), his sister Caroline (Grace Gummer), and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg (Ben Shenkman). His trusted confidant is Anthony Radziwill (Erich Bergen), the son of his aunt Lee Radziwill, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s sister. Kennedy also co-founded George magazine with Michael Berman (Michael Nathanson), a public relations professional.
Before settling down with Bessette, Kennedy had a string of high-profile relationships with famous women, including Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker. The series particularly highlights his romance with actress Daryl Hannah, celebrated for her roles in films like “Splash” (1984) and “Roxanne” (1987). Dree Hemingway, daughter of Mariel and great-granddaughter of Ernest, delivers a remarkably accurate portrayal of Hannah’s distinctive, breathy voice.
Why is the Series Stirring Controversy?
Initial cast photos shared by Murphy on social media ignited a wave of criticism from style writers and other commentators, many asserting that the production had missed the mark on accuracy. This public outcry prompted the show’s creators to implement several changes, including hiring a new costume designer. Creator Connor Hines acknowledged to USA Today that the intense public feedback provided a crucial opportunity to “course correct or make any necessary adjustments.”
Further controversy arose from criticism voiced by Jack Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy’s son, who is currently campaigning for Congress. He expressed his sentiments on Instagram, stating, “I think admiration for my Uncle John is great. What I don’t think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way.” Murphy later commented on a podcast, suggesting it was an “odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember.” In response, Schlossberg shared several cherished memories of his uncle, including details from Kennedy and Bessette’s wedding ceremony.
“I remember being the ring bearer at his wedding,” Schlossberg recounted, “and the day he died.”