Despite drawing plenty of conversations and debates, Ryan Murphy’s ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’ remains memorable. Its exploration of historical figures, family feuds, political power struggles, and, at its heart, spellbinding romance makes it one of a kind.
But if you want more shows that document the ups and downs of relationships over a long period of time, especially with the added element of fame and public scrutiny, here are the 10 shows you must watch next.
10. The Kennedys (2011)
If you want to dive deeper into the Kennedy family’s lives, this historical miniseries is the starting point. It examines the origins of the dynasty and the lives of the upper-class society filled with love, betrayal, triumphs, and tragedies.
The series revolves around Joseph Kennedy Sr., who pursues his political ambitions at the expense of his sons, who learn to stand their ground against him. It stars Katie Holmes as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Gregory Buck Kinnear as John F. Kennedy.
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9. Daisy Jones and The Six (2023)
Set in the Los Angeles music scene in the 1970s, it charts the rise and fall of the fictional titular rock band inspired by Fleetwood Mac. Years after the band stops performing, the former members revisit their past, telling the story of their journey to fame through a documentary-style series of interviews, concert footage, and recording sessions.
At the center of this is the love story of lead singer Billy Dunne and female lead and songwriter Daisy Jones. The cast includes Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Camila Morrone, Suki Waterhouse, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse, and Sebastian Chacon.
8. Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)
Created by Ryan Murphy along with Jaffe Cohen and Michael Zam, ‘Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans‘ is an exposé like no other. Set in the 70s, the series revolves around the lives of New York’s most glamorous ladies, known as The Swans, including Lee Radziwill, Jackie Kennedy’s younger sister.
When their friend, the esteemed author of the time, Truman Capote, publishes a thinly veiled, fictionalized account of their scandalous and hedonistic lives, they vow to ruin his life in revenge.
7. The Crown (2016-2023)
Over the span of its six-season run, ‘The Crown‘ chronicles the lives of the British royal family. It starts with Queen Elizabeth II succeeding to the throne and ends with the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, with the principal lead changing every two seasons.
The show’s monied aesthetics, themes of royal dynasty, high-profile marriage, and politics of elite circles connect it spiritually with ‘Love Story.’ Moreover, the fact that Carolyn and Diana actually knew each other in life makes it worth watching next.
6. A Very British Scandal (2021)
This three-part British historical series dramatizes the turbulent marriage and explosive divorce of Margaret Whigham Sweeny and Ian Campbell, the 11th Duke of Argyll, in the 1960s. It stars Claire Foy and Paul Bettany.
The public and the press heavily scrutinized their divorce at the time. The case became the most notorious and brutal court battle of the 20th century. ‘A Very British Scandal’ turns this scandal inside out to explore the social and political climate of post-war Britain.
In case you missed it: What Is The Kennedy Family Curse? Tragedies Revisited
5. George & Tammy (2022-23)
This biographical drama chronicles the complex marriage of country musicians Tammy Wynette and George Jones, who were known for their iconic, timeless songs. A revered power couple of their time, despite having different ideas of happiness and ambitions.
Tammy and Wynette fall in love hard and support one another in their musical pursuits. Their relationship and career go through ups and downs over the course of the series. Just like ‘Love Story’, ‘George & Tammy‘ is also a poignant journey through the various stages of a couple’s life, marked by fame and legacy.
4. Fosse/Verdon (2019)
This biographical drama charts the troubled marriage and professional relationship of legendary Broadway pair Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. It chronicles the highs and lows of their bond as they create some of the most iconic Broadway shows together.
The series features Sam Rockwell as director-choreographer Bob Fosse and Michelle Williams as dancer-singer Gwen Verdon. Though their marriage ends due to Bob’s infidelity, Gwen remains his professional partner. They continue their professional collaboration while navigating the consequences of such a fragile relationship.
3. Halston (2021)
This is another biographical drama by Ryan Murphy following the life of the famous designer Roy Halston Frowick, portrayed by Ewan McGregor. The series recounts his rise to fame, his personal struggles, and his impact on the fashion industry.
From when Halston burst onto the scene after First Lady Jackie O. wore one of his hats to the inauguration to when he lost control of his empire, the focus remains on his rise and fall in the industry. So, fans of ‘Love Story’ will enjoy the series for its dramatization of Halston’s relationship with his fashion muses and their scandalous lifestyle.
2. Scenes From A Marriage (2021)
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain come together in this series that strips down everything to focus on two people navigating the ups and downs of their relationship. It is a remake of the 1973 Swedish miniseries of the same name by Ingmar Bergman.
The five-part miniseries follows Mira, a tech executive, and Jonathan, a philosophy professor, as their seemingly stable marriage falls apart. They struggle to properly separate or stay together and work out a relationship. The series follows them as they try to find a way to exist amid the consequences of their relationship.
1. So Long, Marianne (2024)
This series is a deep cut exploration of the tumults of relationships, especially in the shadows of fame and ambition. It follows the intense love story between Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and his muse, Marianne Ihlen.
Though they meet at a difficult phase in their lives, they soon develop a deep romantic relationship. But the uncertainties of their future and their own insecurities create many challenges. The name of this Norwegian series is a direct reference to Cohen’s original song “So Long, Marianne.”
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