If you're lamenting your current television options, we're about to turn your whole mood around. The beloved Ryan Murphy – genius of all things anthology series' – has finally found the actors up to the task of playing one of the most inimitable figures in history. Yep, Murphy's upcoming American Love Story, which places John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, has found its cast.
As the acclaimed television writer has done with his projects in the past, American Love Story will provide a deep-dive into yet another sensational cultural moment. No doubt there will be no detail left unturned; with Murphy planning on capturing everything from their courtship to the couple's untimely and tragic death.
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.
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.
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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?
While there's been no word yet of our onscreen JFK Jr. and CBK, we'll be the first to let you know once we hear more.
