Key Highlights
- New Netflix series “Kennedy” will focus on the early years of America’s first family.
- The series stars two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr.
- The show is inspired by Fredrik Logevall’s book and covers the 1930s before any Kennedys reached the White House.
- It will feature the nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., including John F. Kennedy, who would later become president.
New Netflix Series “Kennedy” to Bring America’s First Family to Screen
Nestled among the glamor and scandal of postwar America, the Kennedy family stands as a beacon of political and cultural influence. Now, their story is set to be chronicled on screen in an upcoming Netflix series titled “Kennedy.” The show will delve into the early years of this storied family, focusing on the 1930s when they were far from the White House but already shaping America’s future.
The series, starring two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr., is a testament to the Kennedys’ enduring legacy. “The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology,” says executive producer am Shaw. “Somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful, their journey is both compelling and complex.”
From Ambition to Tragedy
The series will follow Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., a businessman, politician, and one-time Ambassador to the UK, alongside his wife Rose, who was known for her domineering presence and philanthropic efforts. Their nine children—Joseph Jr., John, Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, and Edward—are set to be featured prominently in the narrative.
Among these offspring, it is John F.
Kennedy who has captured the most attention. As a “rebellious second son,” Jack struggles to escape the shadow of his older brother Joseph Jr., who was once seen as the golden boy of the family and had plans for a presidential nomination. However, fate dealt a cruel hand when Joe Jr. was killed in action during World War II, leaving John F. Kennedy to carry on the legacy.
Historical Accuracy and Inspiration
“Kennedy” is inspired by Fredrik Logevall’s book “JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956,” which provides a detailed account of the Kennedy family’s rise. The first series will cover their early years, setting the stage for John F. Kennedy’s eventual presidency and his significant impact on American history.
“But Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth,” continues am Shaw. “It reveals as much about our present moment, how we got here, and where we’re going, as it does about the Kennedys themselves.”
Expanding the Kennedy Saga
As of now, the series will focus on these early years, but there is no shortage of material to explore. The Kennedys’ story is a rich tapestry woven with political intrigue, personal trials, and the pursuit of greatness. Future seasons could delve deeper into their lives, revealing more about the people behind the myths.
The debutante and the daredevil!
Introducing Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill and handsome skier Gabriel Gledhill as they light up the December issue of Tatler’s Little Black Book. The magazine features young, eligible contenders who are making waves in society and sport, much like the Kennedys once did. Their story is one of ambition, passion, and the quest for recognition.
The “Kennedy” series promises to be a gripping exploration of America’s first family, bringing their trials and tribulations to life on screen. As we look back at these early years, it becomes clear that their legacy extends far beyond the White House, shaping the very fabric of modern American history.