Disney+ is set to premiere American Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, the first installment of Ryan Murphy’s new anthology series produced by FX and 20th Television. The show will debut in Italy on February 13, launching with three episodes followed by weekly releases for a total of nine episodes.
Following the global success of American Horror Story and American Crime Story, Murphy expands his anthology universe with a franchise dedicated to legendary romances that shaped cultural history. The inaugural season focuses on one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
A modern American fairy tale under global scrutiny
Played by Paul Anthony Kelly, John F. Kennedy Jr. was widely regarded as America’s closest thing to royalty. Watched by the nation from childhood to adulthood, he became a beloved public figure, symbolizing charm, privilege, and the legacy of a political dynasty.
Sarah Pidgeon portrays Carolyn Bessette, a fiercely private and independent fashion executive who rose from sales associate to Calvin Klein executive, ultimately becoming a global style icon. Their connection was immediate and electric, but their relationship unfolded under relentless media attention, turning their private love into a public spectacle.
A star-studded cast and an intimate narrative
The series features Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, Leila George as Kelly Klein, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Constance Zimmeras Ann Marie Messina.
Inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the show aims to offer a nuanced and human portrayal, moving beyond the tabloid mythology that surrounded the couple.
Love, obsession, and the cost of fame
American Love Story explores how love can be amplified—and distorted—by celebrity, media obsession, and public expectations. With its cinematic aesthetic and emotionally driven storytelling, the series is poised to become one of Disney+’s most talked-about releases of the year, revisiting a romance that defined a generation.