The world is no stranger to ‘90s romantic scandal, with legends such as Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Monia Lewinsky and Bill Clinton and most recently revitalized in media John F. Kennedy Jr. (JFK Jr,) and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (CBK).
On February 12, the limited series Love Story released about the relationship between JFK Jr. and CBK, immediately gaining attention of 40 million viewing hours and becoming Hulu’s most streamed limited series.
At their initial meeting, Carolyn was working in publicity with VIP clientele at Calvin Klein while John was working as a practicing attorney and aspiring journalist. The media was extremely shocked by their relationship as she wasn’t notable in any means. The public didn’t understand why he chose her. As their relationship grew, it was at the center of the media’s attention, every interaction between the two was scrutinized.
Due to him being the son of the late president, the couple was viewed as American Royalty. A chaotic, tabloid-defining moment that exposed their high-tension relationship was a public fight between the couple in 1996, that highlighted a raw look into their life, contradictory to their private and public image.
Following their marriage, the attention only got worse. Reporters would stake out outside their home and follow them–especially CBK–everywhere they went. Many believed that they would end up divorced with Bessette falling under the pressure that came with being a Kennedy. In the summer of 1999, the couple was on their way to a wedding when their plane crashed, ending with the death of JFK Jr., CBK, and her sister Lauren Bessette.
Inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s biography Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the series highlights the glamorous and gruesome stages of their relationship, ultimately ending with their death. Aiming to provide a glimpse into their lives, Ryan Murphy produced a dramatized version of their romance. With actors, Sarah Pidgeon as CBK and Paul Anthony Kelly as JFK Jr., the show has a light, spring theme with the fresh actors.
The limited series has had a major impact on culture, reigniting 90s fashion and revitalizing nostalgic feelings of New York in the 90s. In Washington Square Park, JFK Jr. look alike contests. People went to C.O. Bigelow Chemists in Greenwich Village, New York City, in search for where she famously bought her French-made tortoise shell accessories.
“Love Story really revived a classic style that audiences crave from romantic dramas,” Junior Beatrice Totcherman shared. “Especially in a time when many romcoms are cringey and plagued with the same stale filters and poor actors, this was a breath of fresh air.”
