In a bold move to delve into the rich history of American political dynasties, Netflix has officially greenlit a new series titled Kennedy. This captivating show will focus on the origins and evolution of the longest-running political family dynasty in the United States: the Kennedys. Starring acclaimed actor Michael Fassbender as the patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr., the series promises to unravel the complexities and challenges faced by this iconic family.
The series is brought to life by Chernin Entertainment with Sam Shaw as the showrunner, known for his work on acclaimed projects like Castle Rock and Manhattan. Directing the series is Thomas Vinterberg, celebrated for his Oscar-winning film Another Round. The narrative will be based on the insightful biography JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 by Fredrik Logevall, which provides a nuanced view of the Kennedys and their impact on American history.
Sam Shaw expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology — somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful. But Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth, revealing as much about our present moment, how we got here and where we’re going, as about the Kennedys themselves.” This perspective will allow viewers to connect deeply with the family's journey amidst the backdrop of changing America.
Kennedy is envisioned as an ongoing series, with the first season set in the 1930s. The storyline will track the “improbable ascent” of Joe and Rose Kennedy along with their nine children, including the rebellious second son, Jack. The narrative will explore Jack's struggle to step out of the shadow cast by his golden boy older brother, providing a compelling look at family dynamics within this influential lineage.
Shaw will serve as an executive producer for Kennedy, alongside notable figures such as Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Kaitlin Dahill from Chernin Entertainment. Other executive producers include Eric Roth, Logevall, Lila Byock, Anya Epstein, Dustin Thomason, Vinterberg, and Anna O’Malley. Chernin Entertainment, now part of The North Road Company, has a successful track record with Netflix, having produced popular titles like the animated series Exploding Kittens, as well as the Fear Street films and features such as Back in Action and Rez Ball.
With its rich storytelling and historical depth, Kennedy is set to captivate audiences and spark conversations about one of America’s most legendary families. Stay tuned for more updates as the series progresses through its production stages.
