Ryan Murphy Sparks Drama with JFK Jr.'s Nephew Over 'American Love Story' Preview
EXCLUSIVE SCOOP: Ryan Murphy's Upcoming Anthology Series "American Love Story" Takes Us Back to the Tragic Romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
Get ready for a drama-filled journey into the tumultuous romance between two American royalty, as Ryan Murphy brings us his latest anthology series, "American Love Story." The show, set to premiere on FX and Hulu in February 2026, will delve into the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, whose fairytale-like love story ended in tragedy.
Murphy, known for his hit shows like "American Horror Story" and "Pose," has finally given us a glimpse into the making of this highly anticipated series with a camera test featuring Paul Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette. The two leads have already stolen the hearts of fans and critics alike, with some even calling their casting "dead on."
The photos shared by Murphy on his Ryan Murphy Productions Instagram account showed Kelly and Pidgeon posing in a spacious studio, dressed to the nines as the young couple. We couldn't help but feel like we were transported back to the 90s, when JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's romance was the talk of the town.
But what exactly can we expect from "American Love Story"? The series will take us on a wild ride, exploring the pressures that led to the couple's tragic deaths in a plane crash off the coast of Massachusetts in 1999. Their love story began in 1992, when JFK Jr. was still in a relationship with actress Daryl Hannah. However, it wasn't until two years later that he started dating Bessette, who was then working as a fashion publicist for Calvin Klein.
Their romance was heavily publicized, and the couple's love story became a fairytale-like tale of true love. They were often spotted together in New York City, attending events, and their relationship was seen as a beautiful union between two American royalty. However, as their careers took off, so did the stress and pressure that came with it.
Murphy has promised us an epic love story, one that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. "What started out as a beautiful union for the young couple... began to fray under the stress of the relentless microscope and navel gaze of tabloid media," he wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.
The series will also explore the family dynamics that played a significant role in the couple's lives, including JFK Jr.'s parents, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy. Naomi Watts will play Jacqueline Kennedy, while Grace Gummer takes on the role of Caroline Kennedy. Alessandro Nivola will star as Calvin Klein, and Sydney Lemmon will play Lauren Bessette.
Fans were quick to respond to Murphy's post, with some sharing their admiration for the casting choices. "Amazing casting," wrote one fan. Another typed, "Wow, I knew who they were before even reading the caption." Marc Jacobs, a close friend of the late Carolyn Bessette, commented, "Can't wait."
As for JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, he took to the comments to suggest that Murphy consider donating profits from the show to the Kennedy Library. Murphy responded with a simple, "Absolutely will," leaving fans wondering if this was more than just a gesture.
Murphy also took the opportunity to address fan questions about his other projects, including the 13th season of "American Horror Story." "Sarah Paulson and I are cooking up something cool!" he teased.
The anticipation is building, folks! Will Murphy's latest anthology series deliver on its promise of an epic love story? Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the premiere date in February 2026.