Kennedy Curse: TV's Fascination with Glamour and Tragedy

Prestige television is finally capturing the glamorous and tragic saga of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy through Ryan Murphy's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette." The series chronicles their romance and marriage, acknowledging the immense expectations tied to JFK Jr.'s political lineage and culminating in the 1999 plane crash that claimed their lives, along with Bessette's sister Lauren. This event further fueled the persistent 'Kennedy curse' narrative shadowing the famous dynasty.

The Kennedy family's story, rich with public service, private sorrow, and aspirational figures, proves a natural fit for television. Another project announced by Netflix aims to cover different generations of the family. Earlier, Michael Fassbender was slated to star as patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr. in a series focusing on his early life and that of his nine children, including John, who would later enter the White House.

The Kennedys' mastery of media, particularly television, was crucial in crafting their image. They expertly leveraged their photogenic families as symbols of the American dream. This era saw a significant rise in television ownership, from 20% in 1952 to 80% by 1960, coinciding with JFK's election. However, behind the polished facade lay complex realities, including John's affairs, which contrasted sharply with his seemingly perfect marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy.

Both John and Robert Kennedy met tragic ends through assassination, plunging the nation into grief, their young families becoming avatars of that sadness. This widespread exposure on television amplified national emotions. The family's timeless aesthetic, particularly their "off duty" image at Hyannis Port, continues to captivate. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's minimalist style, influenced by her work with Calvin Klein, epitomizes a "quiet luxury" trend, though wardrobe choices in the "Love Story" series sparked controversy among devoted fans.

The fascination with the Kennedy legacy also extends to public scrutiny and controversy surrounding portrayals. The History Channel's planned miniseries, "The Kennedys," faced backlash from family supporters and historians, leading to its eventual cancellation. Similarly, JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, publicly distanced himself from the "Love Story" series, questioning the ethics of profiting from family tragedies.

This resurgence of Kennedy narratives on television reflects a broader pop culture trend of deconstructing images of wealth and privilege. In an age where American politics can seem bleak, the Kennedys' blend of idealism, glamour, and high drama offers a compelling, almost mythological, counterpoint. However, the ongoing legacy of figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with his controversial public stances, adds another layer of complexity to the family's enduring presence in the national consciousness.