Picture: Joe Kennedy (left) will be played by Michael Fassbender (right)
Based on the award-winning book, Netflix is making a drama series all about the life, tragedies, and ultimate legacy of the Kennedy family.
The Kennedys are the closest equivalent that the United States of America has had to a royal family. Much like The Crown, which documented the life of Queen Elizabeth II, Netflix and Chernin Entertainment’s new series, KENNEDY, will focus on the Kennedy family’s lives, careers, and tragedies. Filming is underway in London, England. Here’s everything we know about the KENNEDY series.
Who is behind KENEDDY?
The series is created by Sam Shaw (Manhattan, Castle Rock, Masters of Sex), helmed by Thomas Vinterberg (Festen, The Hunt, Another Round). Esteemed screenwriter Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Killers of the Flower Moon) is on board as an executive producer. The writer of the original novel, Fredrik Logevall, is also producing.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall’s novel, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956, documents the first 39 years of JFK’s life. It chronicles his rise, relationships, and experiences during the Second World War. Released in 2019 to great critical acclaim, the book was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
Picture: JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (left) and author Fredrik Logevall (right)
The series is now officially underway at Netflix. Showrunner Sam Shaw weighed in on the project and its importance and relevance in today’s world:
“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. I’m thrilled to be able to explore this saga of a family and a world in transition with Eric Roth, Thomas Vinterberg and our incredible band of artists and partners, at a moment when our past feels urgently present.”
Picture: The Kennedy family pictured in 1938 at Bronxville, New York. – AP Photo/Boston Globe
The series was first announced by Variety two years ago, but activity has since been quiet. Set to document the life, family, trials, and tribulations of the thirty-fifth U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, the Variety report stated that the series could become an American version of the beloved British series The Crown—the story of a legendary family told over several decades.
What is the plot of KENNEDY?
The series takes place long before John F. Kennedy set foot inside the White House. It begins in the 1930s, when Joe Sr., his wife Rose, and their nine children put themselves on the nation’s radar.
The official logline reads: KENNEDY reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today. Beginning in the 1930s, the first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.
First behind-the-scenes look at KENNEDY
With filming underway, Netflix has offered a first behind-the-scenes look at KENNEDY, featuring Michael Fassbender, Take a look:
Who are the cast members of KENNEDY?
Picture: Michael Fassbender will play Joe Sr. Kennedy (right) in KENNEDY
KENNEDY is headlined by two-time Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender. He is best known for starring as Eric Lehnsherr (Magneto) in multiple X-Men films, as Steve Jobs in the Biopic Steve Jobs, as David in the Alien franchise, and as Edwin Epps in 12 Years a Slave. He also starred in the leading role in David Fincher’s 2023 Netflix film The Killer, his only other Netflix project to date. Fassbender will play the role of Joe Sr. Kennedy.
Picture (TL to TR): Laura Donnelly, Nick Robinson, and Joshuah Melnick
Other lead stars are Laura Donnelly (The Nevers, Sugar) as Rose Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family, Nick Robinson (A Teacher, Maid) as Joe Kennedy Jr., the eldest child and first son of Joe Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy, and newcomer Joshuah Melnick as Jack Kennedy (better known as John F. Kennedy), the second child of Joe Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy, who served as a commander in the U.S. Navy before his eventual election as the 35th President of the United States.
Per Netflix, other recurring cast members announced for KENNEDY are:
Picture (TL to TR): Georgina Bitmead, Miley Locke, Tipper Seifert-Cleveland, Hera Hilmar, Wyatt Russell
- Georgina Bitmead (The Assassin, Sex Education) plays Eunice Kennedy. The fifth child of Joe Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy.
- Miley Locke (Amandaland and There She Goes) plays younger Kick Kennedy. The fourth child of Joe Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy.
- Tipper Seifert-Cleveland (Crookhaven, Cruella) plays younger Rosemary Kennedy. The third child of Joe Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy.
- Hera Hilmar (See, Reykavik Fusion) plays Inga Arvad. A Danish journalist and former motion picture star who was a close associate of Jack Kennedy during the early 1940s.
- Wyatt Russell (Monarch, Thunderbolts) plays Charles Lindbergh. The American aviator who achieved international fame for the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in 1927.
Picture (TL to TR): Patrick Fischler, Caitlin Fitzgerald, Louis Landau, Robin Soans, Denis O’Hare
- Patrick Fischler (Barry, Paradise) plays Arthur Krock. An influential American journalist who served as the Washington Bureau Chief for The New York Times from 1932 to 1953.
- Caitlin FitzGerald (Succession, Station Eleven) plays Clare Boothe Luce. A prominent American writer and socialite in the Kennedy circle during the late 1930s, who went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947.
- Louis Landau (Rivals, Butterfly) plays Billy Cavendish. The Marquess of Hartington and a member of the British aristocracy.
- Robin Soans (Victoria & Abdul, The Queen) plays Neville Chamberlain. The British Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940, known for his leadership during the years leading up to World War II.
- Denis O’Hare (The Boroughs, American Horror Story) plays Raymond Furness. A career official within the U.S. State Department who served at the U.S. Embassy in London during the late 1930s.
Picture (TL to TR): Albert Welling, Toby Huss and Eddie Marsan
- Albert Welling (Succession, Mr Bates Vs The Postman) plays Winston Churchill. The British statesman and First Lord of the Admiralty, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955.
- Toby Huss (Weapons, Halt & Catch Fire) plays Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 32nd President of the United States who served from 1933 until his death in 1945.
- Eddie Marsan (No Ordinary Heist, Ray Donovan) plays J. Edgar Hoover. The first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who led the agency from its inception in 1935 until 1972.
What is the production status of KENNEDY?
Filming is officially underway for KENNEDY. Filming began in London, UK, on January 5, 2026, and is scheduled to run for six months, ending by June 5, 2026.
What is the episode count?
It has been confirmed that KENNEDY will feature 8 episodes.
When will KENNEDY be released on Netflix?
We expect KENNEDY to be released on Netflix in 2027.
We’ll keep you updated on all the latest developments. Are you excited for KENNEDY? Tell us in the comments down below!
