Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Ryan Murphy Sparks Drama with JFK Jr.'s Nephew Over 'American Love Story' Preview

Ryan Murphy offered a first glimpse into his upcoming anthology series American Love Story - which will follow the publicized romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette

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."

Paul Kelly has taken on the role of JFK Jr. while Sarah Pidgeon is playing Bessette in the series - which is set to begin airing on FX and streaming on Hulu next year in February 2026; seen in 1999 in Boston

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.

A number of fans jumped to the comment section to share their thoughts on the first look - as well as JFK Jr.'s nephew Jack Schlossberg; Murphy seen in 2019 in NYC

Ryan had uploaded a carousel of images as Kelly and Pidgeon dressed as Kennedy Jr. as well as Bessette

The two stars posed inside a spacious studio as they did a camera test as production officially kicked off this week

'FIRST LOOK! Here are some stills from our LOVE STORY camera test,' the TV writer wrote in the caption of the post

He added, '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. Congratulations Sarah and Paul!'

She slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black pumps and allowed her platinum blonde locks to flow down straight past her shoulders

Paul wore a double-breasted, gray suit which was paired with a white dress shirt and red-patterned tie

Kelly further channeled the late JFK Jr. in a pair of jeans, green shirt and black vest - similar to a look worn by the attorney

Kelly flashed a smile wearing a tan suit jacket which was paired with dark trousers as well as a pale blue dress shirt

Carolyn and John Jr. - who was the son of late 35th President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy - first crossed paths in 1992, when he was in a relationship with actress Daryl Hannah; Kennedy and Hannah seen in 1993 in Rhode Island

Two years later, Bessette and Kennedy began dating and their romance was heavily publicized. The pair were often pictured out in NYC together or attending events

In 1995, Carolyn and John became engaged and secretly tied the knot in a romantic ceremony the following year in September 1996; seen in 1999 in Washington D.C.

Executive producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson told Variety last year that Bessette and Kennedy's story 'really resonates right now. It's amazing'; seen in 1997