Our Enduring Fascination With the Kennedys

About this episode

<p>“Love Story,” the FX limited series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s relationship, has taken audiences by storm. Its unstoppable wave of ’90s nostalgia has swept through the world of fashion, revitalized iconic New York landmarks and set off a yearning for simpler days before smartphones and dating apps. The series has also drawn significant backlash, with criticism ranging from bad reviews to accusations of inaccuracy and even harm.</p> <p>Today, Rachel Abrams talks to Alexandra Jacobs, a critic for The New York Times Book Review, about why America can’t seem to look away from “Love Story.”</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/alexandra-jacobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Alexandra Jacobs</strong></a>, a critic for The New York Times Book Review and occasional features writer.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Background Reading:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/style/jfk-jr-cnn-ryan-murphy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Lasting Appeal of John F. Kennedy Jr.</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/opinion/daryl-hannah-love-story-jfk-jr.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daryl Hannah: How Can ‘Love Story’ Get Away With This?</a></p> <p><p>Subscribe today at <a href="http://nytimes.com/podcasts">nytimes.com/podcasts</a> or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher">https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher</a>. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.</p></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>