Just when we thought the Kennedy mythology had been dissected enough, here come another couple of projects dredging it back up—this time with a dramatic twist and a lot of fashion critiques.
It seems the American media just can’t let go of the so-called “Camelot” legacy, even if that legacy is hanging by its last well-tailored thread.
First, there’s a new CNN docuseries about JFK Jr., and then there’s Ryan Murphy’s fictionalized love story series starring a pair of actors trying their best to resemble John and Carolyn. The response? Not great.
JFK Jr. Gets the “Legacy Treatment” Yet Again
CNN recently teased a trailer for their upcoming three-part docuseries called America’s Prince: JFK Jr., which is now mysteriously hard to find.
They’re positioning it as a serious look at his “remarkable life and enduring legacy.”
But critics are wondering—what legacy?
Let’s not forget: JFK Jr.’s life, while glamorous, wasn’t exactly packed with accomplishments.
And his tragic death—along with that of his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren—was the result of him piloting a small plane against expert advice.
Many have pointed out that it was less a heroic accident and more an avoidable tragedy caused by recklessness.
Ryan Murphy’s Series Sparks a Fashion Backlash
Then there’s American Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s latest series dramatizing the courtship and marriage of JFK Jr. and Carolyn.
The project is already under fire, but not for the acting—people are coming for the fashion.
Social media and fashion outlets have been roasting actress Sarah Pidgeon’s wardrobe, saying it looks nothing like the iconic and minimal aesthetic Carolyn was known for.
One Vogue-recognized hair colorist even chimed in to critique the actress’s “flat, all-one-color” hair, calling it totally wrong. Ouch.
The Real Carolyn Bessette: An Icon Without a Cause?
Much of the coverage has shifted from JFK Jr.’s lack of accomplishments to Carolyn’s.
While she became a fashion icon, she didn’t use her platform for philanthropy or cultural impact. She wasn’t out giving interviews or taking on causes.
Critics argue that aside from her sense of style, she didn’t leave behind a meaningful legacy—especially compared to her mother-in-law Jackie Kennedy.
Critics Slam Murphy’s Casting and Vision
Fashion writers are describing Murphy’s on-screen couple as the “Temu version” of JFK Jr. and Carolyn—cheap knockoffs with none of the polish.
The wardrobe has been slammed for using thin, fast-fashion fabrics and missing the mark completely on iconic silhouettes.
Murphy, clearly aware of the heat, gave a last-minute interview defending the show.
He claimed a ten-person “style advisory board” is in place to make sure they get the fashion right—but conveniently didn’t name any of them.
Ryan Murphy Plays the Victim While Playing the Game
Murphy also tried to flip the narrative, accusing the media of bullying the actress playing Carolyn just like they did the real woman. But critics weren’t buying it.
As many pointed out, Murphy is part of the same machine he’s now complaining about.
If you’re going to profit off a famous name, you’re also responsible for how you portray it.
JFK Jr.’s Nephew Joins the Chat—And Makes It Worse
Just to stir the pot even more, JFK Jr.’s nephew Jack Schlossberg posted an Instagram video criticizing Murphy for not consulting the Kennedy family.
He called out the producers for profiting from his uncle’s legacy and asked them to donate money to the JFK Library.
But Schlossberg’s comments didn’t land well either.
He’s often been mocked for riding the family name, having no clear career path, and for his short stint at Vogue as a “political reporter.” People were quick to call him out for hypocrisy.
When Legacy Turns Into Tabloid Fodder
In the end, both projects—CNN’s docuseries and Murphy’s drama—are turning into more noise than tribute.
Whether it’s misplaced nostalgia or just the irresistible pull of a famous surname, the Kennedy obsession continues, even if it’s more spectacle than substance.
At this point, maybe it’s time to let JFK Jr. and Carolyn rest, both literally and culturally.