The latest series from producer Ryan Murphy has finally arrived, and it is already sparking conversations everywhere. Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette premiered on February 12, 2026, on FX and Hulu, bringing the romance between American royalty and a sharp fashion publicist back into the spotlight .
The nine-episode limited series dives into the relationship that began in 1992 and ended tragically in a 1999 plane crash. But with any project about real people, especially the intensely private Kennedy family, the big question for viewers is simple: should you press play, or is this a skip? Here is a breakdown of what the show offers, the performances, and the controversies surrounding it to help you decide.
What is ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ Really About?
Based on Elizabeth Beller’s book, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, the series does not just focus on the fairy tale . Created by Connor Hines, the show opens with a difficult scene—the day of the plane crash—before flashing back to tell the full story .
Viewers see how Carolyn Bessette (played by Sarah Pidgeon), a fiercely independent Calvin Klein executive, met John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly), a man trying to build his own life under the weight of his family name. The series chronicles their secret wedding and the suffocating media attention that defined their lives . The showrunners have stated they aimed for sincerity over sensationalism. Creator Connor Hines mentioned the team conducted extensive research, reading numerous articles and accounts to build an accurate portrayal .
Meet the Cast: Bringing Icons to Life
The casting choices are a major talking point, featuring a mix of a complete newcomer and seasoned actors.
Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. : Kelly is a relative unknown, with his only previous credit being a brief modeling stint on a game show years ago . Taking on the role of such an iconic figure is a massive risk, but early reviews suggest he brings a “nervy charm” to the role .
Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Known for her work in I Know What You Did Last Summer, Pidgeon portrays Carolyn with a “pragmatic coolness” . She admitted she was initially worried the project would be too sensational, but after joining, she found the approach to be respectful and sincere .
Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Watts takes on the role of John’s mother. This is her fourth time working with Ryan Murphy, following projects like The Watcher and Feud . However, her performance has become one of the most divisive aspects of the series.
The supporting cast also includes Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, and Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette .
The Big Debate: Naomi Watts’ Performance as Jackie O
Almost immediately after the first three episodes dropped, social media lit up with opinions about Naomi Watts‘ portrayal of Jackie Kennedy Onassis .
Some critics and viewers are finding it hard to accept. The Guardian’s review described her vocal impressions as “truly terrible” . On social media, reactions ranged from harsh to humorous. One person posted, “She did a horrible Jackie Kennedy. Very bad. I had to look away.” Another viewer admitted they needed “a minute to adjust” to the performance .
On the other side of the argument, many fans are defending Watts strongly. Some are already predicting the performance could land her first major acting award. Supporters claim she has “the voice down sure” and that she is delivering “another outstanding performance” . One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote enthusiastically, “Naomi Watts is EATING these Jackie Kennedy monologues” .
This split reaction means that for some viewers, Watts’ performance might be a reason to watch, while for others, it could be a distraction.
The Controversy: A Family’s Objections
Before the show even aired, it faced serious backlash from someone very close to the subject: Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of JFK Jr. and the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy .
Schlossberg publicly slammed the production, stating that the Kennedy family was never consulted. He accused Ryan Murphy of “profiting off of it in a grotesque way” . This is a significant point for viewers who care about respecting the legacy and privacy of real people involved in tragic events.
Ryan Murphy responded to the criticism on a podcast, questioning why someone would be angry about a relative they “really don’t remember” . Schlossberg later fired back on social media, sharing personal memories of his uncle and reiterating his stance against the show profiting from family tragedy .
The creative team behind Love Story has addressed this. Executive producer Brad Simpson acknowledged they are creating an entertainment product but stressed they tried to be “ethical and incredibly sincere” in their approach . Actors Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly also stated they respect Schlossberg’s right to speak his mind, with Pidgeon noting she understands his sensitivities .
Viewing Guide: How and When to Watch
If you decide to give the series a chance, here is the essential information on how to stream it.
The series premiered on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The release strategy is a mix of binge and weekly viewing. The first three episodes were released all at once on premiere day .
Streaming details for global audiences:
- USA (East Coast): 9:00 PM ET, February 12
- USA (West Coast): 6:00 PM PT, February 12
- UK: 4:00 AM GMT, February 13
- India: 9:30 AM IST, February 13
- Australia: 3:00 PM AEDT, February 13
- Canada: 9:00 PM ET, February 12
After the initial drop, new episodes will be released weekly every Thursday. The season consists of 9 episodes in total, with the finale scheduled for March 26, 2026 .
Episode Schedule:
- Feb 12: Episodes 1, 2, 3
- Feb 19: Episode 4 (“I Love You”)
- Feb 26: Episode 5 (“Battery Park”)
- Mar 5: Episode 6 (“The Wedding”)
- Mar 12: Episode 7 (“Obsession”)
- Mar 19: Episode 8
- Mar 26: Episode 9
You can watch the series on FX or stream it on Hulu. For those without a subscription, Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for new users. After that, plans start at $10.99 per month with ads or $18.99 per month ad-free. Disney+ bundles that include Hulu are also available starting at $12.99 per month .
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Final Thoughts for the Viewer
So, should you watch Love Story?
If you are fascinated by 1990s pop culture, the Kennedy mystique, or enjoy Ryan Murphy’s dramatic style, this series offers a glossy, well-researched look at a couple whose private lives were consumed by the public. The performances by the two leads, Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, are being praised for bringing heart to the story .
However, if you are sensitive to dramatizations of recent tragedies or find the voice portrayal by Naomi Watts unsettling based on early clips, it might not be for you. The shadow of the family’s real-life objections also hangs over the project, which might affect how some viewers receive it. The show attempts to critique the media circus that hounded the couple, even as it recreates it for modern audiences .
Ultimately, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is now available for streaming, and viewers can decide for themselves if it honors the memory of the couple or simply capitalizes on it.
Thank you for reading our in-depth review of the latest Hulu drama. Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates and honest opinions on all your favorite shows and movies.
