This romantic short series is currently six episodes in and has already claimed the title of the most streamed TV series in FX’s viewing history. Starring handsome rookie actor Paul Anthony Kelly and seasoned actress Sarah Pidgeon, the series begins in New York with the classic boy-meets-girl narrative.  Simultaneously, the pilot episode opens with a visually striking scene that foreshadows how boy-and-girl meet their ultimate fate. 

The casting choices appear to have been a no-brainer, as revealed in behind-the-scenes footage by the casting director Nicole Daniels. With the same lush, full head of hair and broad physique, Paul’s charming resemblance to John F. Kennedy Jr. in his era as America’s most sought after bachelor has certainly resparked the JFK Jr. aesthetic amongst the younger generations. Last week, a Kennedy lookalike contest took place in New York (though many of the contestants should have stayed home). 

Sarah’s resemblance to Carolyn is less uncanny, yet is still marvellous casting — she encompasses the slim, tall, blonde silhouette that is very much runway friendly. Her long, dark blonde hair steals the show (I am almost certain that all those hair flicks have caused Sarah whiplash at some point). Despite embodying the model profile, Carolyn was known for her work behind-the-scenes at Calvin Klein. She is a fashion publicist/stylist, working closely with Calvin to birth the stardom of Kate Moss and styling other famous faces seen in the show.  John and Carolyn’s paths cross one summer evening at a glamorous, high-profile event, changing the course of their lives forever. 

Carolyn embodies the cool, reserved, hard-to-get persona, initially rejecting John’s advances when they meet.  To the audience this is quite the taboo move, as the show portrays John as the golden lottery ticket of all bachelor men in America. From her lifestyle, Carolyn appears reserved and camera shy — the complete opposite to John who would in today’s terms be coined a nepo baby. Nevertheless, their relationship soon solidifies, with Carolyn meeting the rest of the Kennedy clan and eventually becoming engaged to and marrying John in a very intimate wedding in the latest episode.

Throughout their relationship, Caroyln struggles with the pressure of paparazzi and the press whilst John struggles to make a name for himself by launching his political magazine George. On the surface, their lives appear full of fame and glitz, yet their inner struggles clearly drown out their lives in the spotlight, making the audience sympathize with them, rather than fuel any specks of envy. This is why we are so captivated — and yes, I subscribed to Disney+ purely for this series. 

For a TV series with the romantic (dare I say cheesy?) title of Love Story, at times it diverges from the core emotion of love and into grief and isolation. The relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette is certainly no ordinary love story.

Image sourced via TV Fanatic on Pinterest.