The first season of FX’s new anthology series Love Story focuses on the romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The series will premiere on Thursday, February 12, 2026, on FX and FX on Hulu. The first three episodes will be available at launch, with new episodes releasing weekly on Thursdays. The season finale is scheduled for March 26, 2026. The nine-episode season aims to explore the couple’s highly publicized courtship, marriage, and the pressures that surrounded them.
Love Story Plot Details and Series Source Material
The series will chart the “whirlwind courtship and marriage” of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. It follows their initial meeting, engagement, and secret 1996 wedding, which made Carolyn’s Narciso Rodriguez dress famous overnight. The show will also depict the intense media scrutiny the couple faced as their private life became a public obsession, examining the stress this placed on their relationship. The story is inspired by the 2024 book “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy” by Elizabeth Beller.
The official logline states the series will “explore the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century”.
Love Story Main Cast and Character Roles
The lead roles feature newcomers and established actors. Sarah Pidgeon will portray Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the fashion icon and former Calvin Klein executive. Paul Kelly will play John F. Kennedy Jr., the attorney, publisher, and son of President John F. Kennedy. The role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John Jr.’s mother, will be played by Naomi Watts.
Other key cast members include:
- Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, John Jr.’s older sister.
- Alessandro Nivola as fashion designer Calvin Klein.
- Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s sister.
- Leila George as Kelly Klein, Calvin Klein’s ex-wife.
- Constance Zimmer as Ann Messina Freeman, Carolyn’s mother.
How to Watch Love Story and Global Streaming Details
Love Story will be available to watch in the United States on the FX cable network and streaming the next day on Hulu via the FX on Hulu hub. The premiere episode will air on February 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.
For international viewers, the series will be available to stream on Disney+ in markets where the service is available. This global release strategy is similar to other FX series produced in partnership with Disney.
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Background on the Love Story Series Production
The series, initially announced as American Love Story, is the fifth installment in producer Ryan Murphy‘s “American Story” franchise, which includes American Horror Story and American Crime Story. It is created by Connor Hines and executive produced by Murphy, Hines, Nina Jacobson, and Brad Simpson. Filming began in June 2025 in New York City.
The project has faced public criticism from Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr. In June 2025, Schlossberg stated the Kennedy family was not consulted and accused the production of exploiting family tragedy. In response, Ryan Murphy stated he intended to make a donation to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
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