The Kennedy family is about as close to royalty as the US has, and now, Netflix announced via Tudum that they'll be digging into American history with a glossy new drama called Kennedy that puts one of the most famous political families ever under the microscope. Between its star power, historical intrigue, and prestige pedigree, Kennedy promises an intimate, dramatic look at how a legendary American dynasty was forged. Here's everything we know so far...
What is Kennedy about?
Kennedy explores the rise of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, tracing the family’s power, ambition, rivalries, and private heartbreaks. The story begins in the 1930s and focuses heavily on the early years of John F. Kennedy, known to most as Jack, as he struggles to step out of his older brother’s shadow.
Who is in the cast?
Michael Fassbender leads the series as patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr., with Laura Donnelly starring opposite him as Rose Kennedy. Nick Robinson plays eldest son Joe Kennedy Jr., while newcomer Joshuah Melnick takes on the role of Jack Kennedy.
The supporting cast is equally stacked, including Imogen Poots as Hollywood icon Gloria Swanson, Ben Miles as trusted aide Eddie Moore, Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy, Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Kick Kennedy, and Cole Doman as JFK’s close friend Lem Billings.
We'd love to see them explore in subsequent seasons some of the family's most pertinent names – from JFK Jr and his ever-stylish wife Jackie O, or maybe even the endlessly Pinterest-boarded Caroline Bessette-Kennedy.
Who is behind the scenes?
The series comes from show-runner Sam Shaw, with acclaimed filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg directing. It is produced by Chernin Entertainment and is based on historian Fredrik Logevall’s book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956, giving the show strong historical foundations.
When will it be released?
Netflix has not announced an official release date yet. The first season will consist of eight episodes, and given the scale of the production, a late 2026 or early 2027 debut seems likely.
