At a Glance
- Netflix’s new Kennedy series will follow Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the family patriarch who served as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain.
- The show is based on Fredrik Logevall’s book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956.
- Michael Fassbender leads a cast that includes Laura Donnelly, Nick Robinson, and Imogen Poots.
- Why it matters: The series promises an inside look at the origins of one of America’s most influential families.
Netflix’s latest drama venture is set to transport viewers back to the 1930s, focusing on the Kennedy family’s rise to prominence. The production, still awaiting a release date, will center on Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the man who guided nine children-including future President John F. Kennedy-into the spotlight.
Netflix Announces the Series
Netflix officially unveiled the project on its companion site Tudum. The announcement highlighted Michael Fassbender’s casting as Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., a two-time Oscar nominee known for roles in 12 Years a Slave and Shutter Island. The network described the series as a “deep dive into the birth of the Kennedys as we know them.”
Story Focus and Source Material
The narrative will draw heavily from Fredrik Logevall’s 2014 book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. Logevall’s work charts the early years of the Kennedy family, tracing how Joseph Sr. leveraged politics, money, and media to elevate his children. Pamela Keogh, Kennedy biographer and author of Jackie Style, said the book “captures the whole thing in one generation, which is wild.”
Key Dates
- 1938-1940: Joseph Sr. served as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain.
- 1914: Joseph Sr. married Rose Kennedy.
- 1925: A portrait of the family shows the elder Kennedy.
Cast and Characters
Fassbender will portray the ambitious patriarch. The ensemble includes:
- Laura Donnelly as Rose Kennedy, Joseph’s wife.
- Nick Robinson as Joseph Kennedy Jr., the family’s leading heir.
- Joshuah Melnick as John F. Kennedy.
- Ben Miles as Eddie Moore.
- Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy.
- Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Kick Kennedy.
- Cole Doman as Lem Billings.
- Imogen Poots as Gloria Swanson.
The casting choices underscore the series’ intent to portray the family’s complex dynamics. Keogh noted that the “inner machinations” of the family will be highlighted, with particular emphasis on the ambassador’s role in shaping the children’s destinies.
Family Dynamics and Legacy
Joseph Sr. and Rose’s nine children ranged from the charismatic Joseph Jr. to the more reserved John F. Kennedy. Keogh explained that “JFK was really not the top guy” at first; it was Joseph Jr. who was groomed as the family’s face. However, JFK’s intellectual curiosity and resilience ultimately carried him to the presidency.
The trio of the eldest children-Joe Jr., JFK, and Kick-formed what Keogh described as a “triumvirate.” Kick’s life ended tragically at 28 in a plane crash, a detail that the series may explore to illustrate the family’s vulnerability.
Behind the Scenes Insights
Keogh’s research involved interviewing older relatives who knew Joseph Sr. She said they remembered him as “the guy because it was his vision and his anger, desire, whatever it was that got especially those two boys right up to the top.” Her perspective adds depth to the series’ portrayal of the ambassador’s ambition.
The series is positioned as part of a resurgence in Kennedy interest. Keogh added that “the Kennedys are a perennial, and people are interested in them.” This sentiment aligns with the network’s strategy to tap into a nostalgic audience while offering fresh narrative angles.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix’s new Kennedy series offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of America’s most iconic families.
- The story is anchored in Fredrik Logevall’s detailed biography, providing a factual backbone.
- Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. promises to illuminate the man who set the stage for his children’s future.
- The ensemble cast ensures a multi-perspective look at the family’s rise and challenges.
- The series’ focus on the 1930s and the ambassador’s tenure in Great Britain offers a historical lens that has not been widely explored in television.
With the release date still pending, fans of historical drama and Kennedy lore should keep an eye on Netflix’s announcements. The series promises to blend political intrigue, family drama, and a deep dive into the early American century.
