If your current television lineup feels uninspired, Ryan Murphy is once again stepping in to raise the bar — this time with a high-profile love story that’s already generating major buzz (and some backlash). The ever-provocative creator behind some of TV’s most addictive anthologies has shared an early peek at American Love Story, his latest FX project centred on the glamorous, tragic romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
But what was meant as a teaser has sparked intense online debate, especially from fashion critics and Bessette-Kennedy’s devoted followers, who blasted the initial wardrobe glimpses as unworthy imitations of her iconic style. In response, Murphy clarified that the shared photos—labeled “camera tests”—were never meant to represent the final costume design. He’s now enlisted a 10-person style advisory board and even sourced original and replicated designer pieces, including Bessette-Kennedy’s famed Narciso Rodriguez wedding gown.
Despite the early controversy, anticipation is high. As Murphy has done with his past true-crime and biopic anthologies, American Love Story promises a meticulous and emotionally charged retelling—from the couple’s whirlwind courtship to their devastating end.
Naturally, we would give our first born child to finally see this iconic love story play out on screen (love and scandal are such a wonderful mix). Interested in finding out more? Everything you need to know, below.
See a first look at American Love Story
Murphy initially took to Instagram sharing stills and camera tests of the two leads, writing, "We started shooting this week in New York City and can’t wait until you see the romantic and tragic love story between America’s prince, JFK Jr., and fashion icon Carolyn Bessette." Speaking to Deadline, he shared the decision to share the photos was to get ahead of paparazzi who would inevitably swarm the set on the streets of NYC. He continued the post, "I am thrilled to introduce you to Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn and Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. Over a thousand actors auditioned for each of these roles, and we absolutely found the perfect choices."
View this post on Instagram
We've also been treated to a camera test:
View this post on Instagram
Who has been cast in American Love Story?
While Jackie Kennedy might be firmly engrained in American history, it's an English actress who will play this part. Naomi Watts has been cast as the former first lady, and mother to series lead character, John F. Kennedy Jr. It's Watts' second time collaborating with Ryan Murphy, having just recently starred as Barbara “Babe” Paley in his creation, The Swans, and wowed us all in his thriller The Watcher.
As for the part of JFK Jr, it's gone to new actor Paul Kelly. And arguably one of the most sought-after roles in the industry, the role of Connecticut-raised, model-turned-fashion-publicist Bessette has also been cast. 28-year-old Sarah Pidgeon has been awarded the part — who you might recognise from her work in The Wilds and Tiny Beautiful Things, as well as on Broadway in the Tony-winning Stereophonic.
View this post on Instagram
What will American Love Story be about?
As detailed in the official synopsis; "What started out as a beautiful union for the young couple, widely regarded as American royalty, began to fray under the stress of the relentless microscope and navel gaze of tabloid media. The pressures of their careers and rumoured family discord ended with their tragic deaths when his private plane crashed into the ocean on a hazy summer night off the coast of Massachusetts."
In true Murphy style, American Love Story will be a complete deep-dive into JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's relationship and the internal and external influence and opinion that surrounded it. Not only will the series draw the attention of audiences who lived through the couple's relationship in real time, but the pair's signature style and icon status continues to span across generations.
Who will produce the series?
The show is coming to FX. This announcement was made by executive producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. Murphy and long time collaborator Brad Falchuk join Jacobson and Simpson as executive producers.
What other Ryan Murphy series have already been released?
Obviously, this isn't Murphy's first rodeo. He begun his anthology series deal with FX by debuting The People v. OJ Simpson in 2016; followed by The Assassination of Gianni Versace and most recently, Impeachment – starring Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky.
When will the series go live?
Murphy has now confirmed that the series has a release date of Valentine's Day week, 2026. We'll be keeping a close eye out.
