In the realm of Ryan Murphy, the 1990s are never far away. Since the debut of “American Crime Story” Season 1, which focused on the sensational 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial, Murphy has continually explored the scandals and tabloid sensations that marked that era through various anthology series. His latest offering, “Love Story,” delves into one of the decade’s most captivating celebrity romances: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. FX has unveiled the first trailer for the series, which captures the essence of this iconic relationship.
The trailer, set to a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels” by the contemporary indie pop artist Japanese Breakfast, highlights many of Murphy’s recurring themes, including the allure of fame, the glamour of celebrity culture, and the hidden struggles that come with such notoriety. It begins with the moment Kennedy and Bessette first cross paths, showcasing their quick ascent into a media frenzy. While their life appears idyllic, the trailer reveals Bessette grappling with the immense pressure of marrying into the storied Kennedy family and the invasive spotlight that comes with it.
Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon take the lead roles as JFK Jr. and Bessette, respectively. The series features an impressive cast, including Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Leila George as Kelly Klein, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Constance Zimmer as Ann Marie Messina.
Upon the announcement of “Love Story,” Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, expressed criticism, claiming the series did not consult the Kennedy family during its production and accused it of exploiting the family’s legacy in a “grotesque” manner. Murphy has defended the project in light of these allegations.
Inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” “Love Story” is the brainchild of Connor Hines and boasts Murphy among its executive producers. The series is produced by 20th Television, with various other talents including Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Max Winkler contributing to its development.
The anticipation builds as “Love Story” is set to debut three episodes simultaneously on FX and Hulu on February 12, with subsequent weekly releases every Thursday. This new series follows closely on the heels of Murphy’s sci-fi thriller “The Beauty,” which recently premiered on FX, and paves the way for his upcoming adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s horror novel “The Shards.” With a focus on the glamorous yet tumultuous lives of its characters, “Love Story” promises to be another riveting addition to Murphy’s portfolio.