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Ryan Murphy brings fashion icon Carolyn Bessette back to life
Prolific director and screenwriter Ryan Murphy is about to revive the love story of fashion icon Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. in a new series titled American Love Story. Let’s take a first glance at this promising new project…
Ryan Murphy’s upcoming show will focus on Carolyn Bessette’s life
Just a few months after the release of Grotesquerie (2024), which questions our relationship with violence, the prolific American director, producer, and screenwriter Ryan Murphy is back. He is the creative force behind hit series like American Horror Story (since 2011) and American Crime Story (since 2016), which explored the assassination of Italian designer Gianni Versace and the affair between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
With American Love Story (produced by the platform FX), the Indianapolis native carries on exploring the scandals that have shaped America. This time, he turns his attention to one of the most captivating and tragic romances of the 1990s. The first season of the show will follow the life of Carolyn Bessette and premiere in February 2026.
A fashion icon with a tragic fate
The young New Yorker was working as a publicist at Calvin Klein when she married John F. Kennedy Jr., son of the 35th President of the United States. Their romance was closely documented by the tabloids throughout the 1990s.
Much like Lady Diana, she became a fascinating figure both for her style and tragic life. Well-known for her minimalist, refined looks, socialite Carolyn Bessette became a fashion icon. She championed the quiet luxury aesthetic long before it became a trend. Her style is still inspiring fashion fans on Instagram and Pinterest to this day.
Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly to star in American Love Story
According to Deadline, Ryan Murphy chose actress Sarah Pidgeon to portray the young woman. The latter tragically died in plane crash off the Atlantic coast in 1999 at just 33 years old. Actor Paul Kelly is expected to play the fallen golden boy, JFK Jr.
Although she is not well known to the general public, Sarah Pidgeon gained attention for her role in the TV show The Wilds (2020–2022). Her performance in the play Stereophonic (2024) also earned her a nomination at the Tony Awards.
On Instagram, director Ryan Murphy has recently given a glimpse of this highly-anticipated project. Some early details regarding the the release date have been revealed: “We started shooting this week in New York City and can’t wait until you see the romantic and tragic love story between America’s prince, JFK Jr., and fashion icon Carolyn Bessette – out Valentine’s Day week of 2026.”
American Love Story by Ryan Murphy will be released in February 2026.
