The latest Ryan Murphy series, Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette, is a nine-episode disappointment. The show, which chronicles the short-lived relationship between JFK Jr and his wife Carolyn, is dull and uninspired, lacking Murphy’s trademark flair. The Kennedys, once America’s royal family, fail to captivate UK audiences, making this project unlikely to be a triumph.
The series, based on the book Once Upon a Time, explores class warfare, celebrity culture, and glamour in the Kennedy’s high-society world. However, instead of a compelling narrative, it becomes an endless slog, delving into every mundane detail of their pre-relationship life. The show relies too heavily on dry dialogue, making for painful viewing.
Naomi Watts’ performance as Jackie Onassis and Dree Hemingway’s portrayal of Darryl Hannah are notable missteps, adding to the overall disappointment. With Murphy’s name attached, fans may be expecting a memorable story, but this one is unlikely to resonate with audiences in the UK.
The show’s dullness is perhaps most evident in its reliance on tired tropes and clichés, which fail to elevate the Kennedy family drama beyond a forgettable miniseries.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/13/love-story-john-f-kennedy-jr-carolyn-bessette-review-disney-plus