Netflix is preparing a new prestige drama titled Kennedy, tracing the rise of America’s most enduring political dynasty. Riding the wave of renewed fascination following J. Randy Taraborrelli’s biography JFK: Public, Private, Secret, the series promises to resurrect both the American dream—and its unraveling.
A Family Born for Power
Michael Fassbender steps into the role of patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr., in a show written by Manhattan creator Sam Shaw and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg (Another Round). Based on Fredrik Logevall’s Pulitzer-winning book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956, the series explores the family’s early ascent during the 1930s—the ambitions, rivalries, and ideals that forged a political legend.
As Shaw notes, “The Kennedys are America’s mythology—part Shakespeare, part Dynasty. It’s a story about power, sacrifice, and what it costs to chase perfection.”
The Crown, American-Style
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix envisions Kennedy as a long-running series in the vein of The Crown, chronicling each decade of the family’s influence. The first season follows Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including the restless young Jack, overshadowed by his golden-boy older brother.
Produced by Shaw, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and others for Chernin Entertainment, the series joins the company’s growing portfolio of Netflix hits, from Fear Street to Rez Ball.
A Myth That Still Haunts America
The Kennedy fascination shows no signs of fading. CNN’s American Prince: JFK Jr. premiered in August 2025, while Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story—centered on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—debuts in early 2026.
For Netflix, Kennedy could become the American counterpart to The Crown: less about monarchy and more about the illusion of democracy’s chosen royalty. If Vinterberg captures both the brilliance and the rot behind the dream, this saga might not just recount history—it might redefine the myth of America itself.
