Parents' Guide to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

TV FX Drama 2026
Love Story TV show poster: Paul Anthony Kelly holds onto Sarah Pidgeon. Kelly wears a black tux, and Pidgeon a strappy black dress.

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Sex, drug use, swears in rousing romance drama series.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 3 kid reviews

What's the Story?

LOVE STORY follows the magnetic and push and pull romance between fashion publicist Carolyn Besette (Sarah Pidgeon) and John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly), who's trying to establish his identity outside of being known as the former president's son. While Carolyn works her way up at Calvin Klein, she meets John, fresh from failing his bar exam, at an industry event. As the two easily hit it off, they're undeniably drawn to each other. But the road to romance is wrought with strife, scrutiny, the pressures of upholding a legacy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 3 ):

This series is magnetic and moving. Love Story weaves swoony romance, harrowing history, and intriguing character dynamics into a classic love story where we know the tragic ending. Pidgeon's performance is arresting yet unpredictably cautious. Paired with the charmingly vulnerable performance from Kelly, the two have palpable chemistry. The surrounding history and tragedy are balanced well through their individual stories. The smoking, drug use, sexual content, and language make this suitable for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how sex is portrayed in media. Do you think many real people are as sexually active as many movie and TV show characters? What are the consequences of sexual habits dramatized in Love Story?

  • How does this show communicate how Carolyn and John feel about their marriage? How is the inner life of characters revealed without it being said literally? What external forces influence their dynamic?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Love Story TV show poster: Paul Anthony Kelly holds onto Sarah Pidgeon. Kelly wears a black tux, and Pidgeon a strappy black dress.

What to Watch Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate