The Kennedy legacy is back in the cultural spotlight this week as February 12, 2026, marks the high-profile debut of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The FX and Hulu limited series, helmed by Ryan Murphy, has reignited fascination—and significant controversy—surrounding the life and tragic 1999 death of the man once dubbed “America’s Prince.”
The “American Fairy Tale” Returns to Screens
The new series aims to provide an “elegiac portrait” of the iconic 1990s couple, tracing their relationship from their first meeting to the 1996 secret wedding on Cumberland Island, and ultimately their fatal plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard. While the show has been marketed as a glamorous look at Manhattan royalty, early reviews from major outlets have been polarizing. Critics have described the production as everything from a “skillful portrait” to “tragedy porn,” with some accusing the series of leaning too heavily into tabloid-style dramatization.
Family Friction and Public Backlash
The dramatization of JFK Jr.’s life has not sat well with all members of the storied dynasty. Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of JFK Jr. and son of Caroline Kennedy, has previously voiced his opposition to the project. This week, lead actors in the series have had to publicly address Schlossberg’s criticisms, defending the show as a tribute while acknowledging the sensitivity of portraying real-life trauma for a family still in the public eye.
Adding to the family’s difficult week, reports surfaced that Tatiana Schlossberg, another of Caroline Kennedy’s children, recently revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis in a poignant essay, further grounding the “Kennedy Curse” narrative in a somber modern reality.
The RFK Jr. Connection
While his cousin is the subject of television drama, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains a central figure in the political sphere. Currently serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), RFK Jr. continues to face scrutiny over his public health policies. Recent reports have highlighted a “running list” of controversies during his first year in office, specifically regarding his dual stance on vaccines—publicly backing them as tools while taking administrative steps that critics argue undermine their efficacy.
Furthermore, RFK Jr. recently broke his silence on President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to rebrand the Kennedy Center, which was originally named in honour of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. The move has been viewed by many as a symbolic distancing from the traditional Democratic roots of the Kennedy name.
How to Watch in Canada
For Canadian viewers looking to catch the premiere of Love Story, the series is available for streaming via Disney+ (under the Star banner) and FX Canada. The show’s release has also sparked a resurgence in sales for the biographical books that served as source material, as a new generation discovers the enduring allure of the JFK Jr. era.