New TV Show About JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Causes Talk

A new TV show tells the story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It explores their life together and why people are still so interested in the Kennedy family's story.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, US History |

The release of a new television series focusing on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette has brought to the forefront America's persistent interest in the Kennedy family. This renewed attention, amplified by media reviews and public reactions, underscores a fascination that has spanned decades, often marked by both admiration and controversy. The series itself has become a focal point, not just for its narrative but for the discussions it ignites regarding historical portrayal and family legacy.

The Kennedy Allure and the "American Love Story" Series

The series, titled "American Love Story" (though some reports refer to it as "Love Story" or "Kennedy"), explores the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Media coverage suggests the show aims to capture the public imagination, much like the enduring narrative of John F. Kennedy's presidency, often termed "Camelot," and its tragic conclusion. The show's creators appear to be tapping into a vein of public interest that remains potent, despite many of today's audience not having direct memories of the events.

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  • Narrative Focus: The series delves into the complexities of their relationship, highlighting Bessette's awareness of the public scrutiny she would face, contrasted with Kennedy Jr.'s upbringing within the glare of the spotlight.

  • Career Aspirations: Reports indicate the show addresses Bessette's professional ambitions and her perceived challenges in pursuing her career due to her relationship with Kennedy Jr., particularly concerning his magazine, George.

  • Stylistic Depiction: Bessette's fashion sense is noted as a significant element, with the show attempting to recreate her "meticulously simple elegance."

Public and Familial Reception: A Divided Response

The series has not been universally welcomed, with notable criticism emerging from within the Kennedy family and among some segments of the public. This backlash suggests a delicate balance is required when portraying well-known public figures and their personal lives.

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  • Family Objections: Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s nephew, has publicly denounced the series, calling it "grotesque" in social media posts. This indicates a level of family concern over the depiction of their relatives.

  • Fan Criticism: Early visual materials from the production, such as costume tests, have drawn criticism from fans who reportedly find the recreations of Bessette's style to be unsatisfactory.

  • "Trying Too Hard" Critique: Some reviews suggest the series endeavors to emulate the success of "The Crown," a popular historical drama, potentially leading to accusations of imitation rather than original storytelling.

The Persistent Pull of the Kennedy Legacy

The enduring public fascination with the Kennedys is a recurring theme in media analysis. This "obsession," as some articles term it, appears to stem from a combination of historical significance, perceived glamour, and the dramatic arc of the family's public life.

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  • Historical Resonance: The Kennedy presidency and its associated tragedies have cemented a place in American history and collective memory, inspiring multiple artistic and journalistic endeavors.

  • Mythic Allure: Despite the passage of time and the availability of historical records, the Kennedy name continues to carry a "near-mythic allure," according to some commentators.

  • Contemporary Parallels: Even political figures like Donald Trump have drawn parallels between their own families and the Kennedys, suggesting the legacy's continued influence on contemporary public discourse.

Methodological Considerations in Portraying the Kennedys

The creation of media that reinterprets the lives of prominent figures like the Kennedys involves complex choices regarding historical accuracy, dramatic license, and the ethical considerations of depicting real individuals and their experiences.

  • Balancing Fact and Fiction: Reviews indicate that "American Love Story" aims to capture the essence of the couple's life, even as it explores intimate aspects. This raises questions about the extent to which personal narratives can be extrapolated and dramatized.

  • Influence of Public Relations: Carolyn Bessette's background in public relations is noted as a point of contrast with John F. Kennedy Jr.'s inherited public profile, suggesting the series might explore themes of public image versus private reality.

  • Re-examination of Tragedy: The show, like other portrayals of the Kennedys, appears to re-engage with the public's memory of tragic events, prompting reflection on how these moments are understood and retold.

Expert and Media Insights

Commentators observe that the Kennedy narrative continues to resonate due to a confluence of factors, including their perceived connection to an "American dream" and their complex, often tragic, history.

"The envy of every woman—and gay man, as Kennedy jokes to her—in America?"(Slate)

"The real tragedy, we’re made to understand through endless reiteration, is that Carolyn thinks she understands what she’s getting into—that she plans and hesitates and analyzes and forces John to have hard conversations before she’ll even consider his marriage proposal."(TIME)

Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, slammed the show on social media earlier this week, calling it “grotesque.”(The National Desk)

"Netflix insiders see Kennedy as the natural successor to The Crown — not a copy, but a continuation."(Instinct Magazine)

"Trump’s engagement with the Kennedy legacy is multifaceted."(Advocate)

"Most Americans can no longer say where they were when Kennedy was shot, because almost three out of four were not born."(The Times)

Conclusion

The ongoing media coverage and public discourse surrounding the "American Love Story" series underscore the persistent cultural significance of the Kennedy family. While the series aims to explore the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, it has also reopened debates about the portrayal of public figures and the ethics of historical dramatization. The strong reactions, both positive and negative, highlight a public that remains deeply invested in the Kennedy legacy, engaging with their stories through various media platforms. The controversy generated suggests that the depiction of this prominent family continues to be a sensitive and complex undertaking, eliciting passionate responses and maintaining a significant place in the American cultural landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new TV show about?
The show is about the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It looks at their life and the public attention they received.
Q: Is the Kennedy family happy about the show?
No, some family members, like Jack Schlossberg, have spoken out against the show. They feel it is not a good way to show their family.
Q: Why are people still interested in the Kennedys?
The Kennedy family has a long history in America. Their lives had important events, glamour, and sadness, which keeps people interested.