All the Latest on Who’s Starring and What to Expect From the Series
The love story cast at the heart of the new FX anthology series has quickly become one of the most talked-about topics in entertainment this month, as audiences across the U.S. tune in to see how Hollywood reimagines an iconic real-life romance for television.
Catch up on who’s playing whom and why viewers are hooked — scroll for full cast details and character breakdowns.
Don’t miss the latest character reveals and episode highlights that fans are buzzing about.
A Historic Romance Recreated: What This Series Is About
FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette dramatizes the whirlwind relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of a U.S. president, and Carolyn Bessette, a fashion industry figure whose marriage and tragic end with Kennedy captivated the world. The show premiered on February 12, 2026, and airs weekly on FX and streams on Hulu.
This series is part of creator Ryan Murphy’s expanding anthology universe and has drawn attention both for its high-profile subject matter and its carefully selected cast.
Central Cast Members and Their Roles
Paul Anthony Kelly — John F. Kennedy Jr.
Canadian actor Paul Anthony Kelly delivers a breakout performance as JFK Jr., embodying the elegance and charisma of the late public figure. This role marks his first major acting credit after an extensive audition process that spanned months and more than 1,000 candidates.
Sarah Pidgeon — Carolyn Bessette
Sarah Pidgeon portrays Carolyn Bessette, the fashion industry professional who married Kennedy in a media-sensationalized wedding. Pidgeon’s portrayal highlights Bessette’s poise, complexity, and resilience under intense public scrutiny.
Naomi Watts — Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis
Veteran actress Naomi Watts plays Jackie Kennedy Onassis, JFK Jr.’s mother and an enduring American icon. Her role brings emotional depth to the Kennedy family dynamics following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.
Grace Gummer — Caroline Kennedy
Grace Gummer steps into the shoes of Caroline Kennedy, JFK Jr.’s older sister, whose supportive role in the family adds context to the story’s emotional landscape.
Sydney Lemmon — Lauren Bessette
Sydney Lemmon portrays Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s sister, who was with the couple during their fatal plane crash in 1999.
Alessandro Nivola — Calvin Klein
Alessandro Nivola appears as fashion designer Calvin Klein, reflecting Carolyn Bessette’s professional world and its influence on her life and identity.
Leila George — Kelly Klein
Leila George plays Kelly Klein, a friend to Carolyn and wife of Calvin Klein.
How the Series Balances History and Drama
The show provides a dramatized view of John and Carolyn’s relationship, taking viewers from their first meeting and whirlwind courtship to marriage and the intense media attention that followed. Storylines highlight personal challenges alongside cultural pressures of fame and family expectations.
Actors Kelly and Pidgeon have spoken about approaching their roles with respect for the real people behind them. Pidgeon has emphasized portraying Carolyn Bessette beyond her public image as a fashion icon, aiming to reveal emotional authenticity and strength.
Meanwhile, Kelly, embracing his first leading role, focused on balancing Kennedy’s public mythos with a believable, humanized performance.
The series also touches on sensitive reactions from members of the Kennedy family and the broader question of how personal stories are adapted for entertainment, though this does not change the cast’s commitment to storytelling.
Episode Structure and Where to Watch
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette debuted with its first episodes on FX on February 12, 2026, and additional episodes continue to release weekly. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu shortly after airing on television.
Each installment explores a different chapter of the couple’s life, blending period details with dramatic scenes that highlight both public and private moments. The cast’s performances have helped anchor the show’s emotional resonance with audiences.
Audience Interest and Cultural Impact
Viewers are particularly drawn to the series for its combination of historical intrigue, high-production values, and a cast that brings real depth to complex characters. As journalists and critics discuss each character’s interpretation, social media and fan reactions continue to grow, especially around key cast members like Kelly and Pidgeon.
Interest spikes around episodes featuring major turning points in the Kennedy family saga, which often prompt renewed attention to the actors portraying these figures.
Looking Ahead
With its cast firmly established and episodes rolling out, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is poised to become a defining television event of the year. As each character’s arc unfolds, audiences in the U.S. are getting a blend of romance, drama, history, and personal storytelling through a fresh lens.
If you’re watching the series, share which character performance has stood out to you in the comments — we’re eager to hear your thoughts.