Saagar Kote
Created by Connor Hines, ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ revolves around the passionate romantic adventures of John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon). It is the first season of ‘Love Story,’ the FX romantic anthology series, and focuses on the ups and downs in the relationship between John and Carolyn as they endure insecurities and issues related to legacy. Inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book ‘Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,’ the series, based on true events, delves into key moments in the lives of the two lovers as they navigate the early phases of romance and the complexities of marriage.
While John deals with his social standing, Carolyn encounters media obsession and aggressive paparazzi as she comes to terms with the nature of her marriage into the famous family. These shows, like ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ delve into the complications of love, status, and fame.
12. The Tudors (2007-2010)
‘The Tudors’ depicts the puzzling life of King Henry VIII of England (Johnathan Rhys Meyers)and his desperate need for a male heir. He grows obsessed with a woman named Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), leading to his distance from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy). When Anne refuses to yield to his demands to marry him, Henry seeks an annulment of his first marriage from the Church, sparking religious and social turmoil. As Henry faces an unprecedented conflict of ideas and interests with the Church, he must make choices that may alter the future of his country forever and determine his royal legacy.
Created by Michael Hirst and inspired by true events, the British historical drama series is a tale of deception and romance. Like ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ it is set in an elite world and chronicles a layered love story between complex characters who are socially significant.
11. The Empress (2022-)
Netflix’s ‘The Empress’ or ‘Die Kaiserin’ centers on Bavarian Duchess Elisabeth “Sisi” von Wittelsbach (Devrim Lingnau), a teenager who marries Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria (Philip Froissant) after falling in love with him. Inspired by real history, the German drama show, created by Katharina Eyssen, follows the marriage that begins in chaos, as the emperor was originally the fiancé of Elisabeth’s older sister, Duchess Helene (Elisa Schlott). As Elisabeth becomes the empress of Austria through marriage, she is challenged by the demanding nature of her new role in life.
In the royal halls of Vienna, she has to deal with familial politics, court issues, and the unpredictability of royal life. Elisabeth’s journey is spiritually connected to Carolyn’s struggles in ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ as both women face changing realities, roles, and expectations after marriage.
10. A Very Royal Scandal (2024)
Amazon Prime Video’s ‘A Very Royal Scandal’ delves into the efforts of Emily Maitlis (Ruth Wilson), a journalist who investigates Prince Andrew’s (Michael Sheen) alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. She works hard to get an interview with him and hopes to ask him difficult questions. As the interview leads to chaos and panic, Andrew seeks to keep his image clean and also faces legal complications. With his past and present taking the media by storm, he must come to terms with the consequences of his views on Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Emily has her own battles to fight, as she must be ready for the challenges of taking on a member of the royal family.
Based on real events and Emily Maitlis’ book ‘Airhead: The Imperfect Art of Making News,’ the British drama series, directed by Julian Jarrold, is a riveting narrative of journalistic spirit. Akin to ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ it chronicles the enigma of the political elite, the secrets they hold, and the role the media plays in their lives.
9. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)
‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ is set in the ‘Bridgerton’ universe and follows the rise of Young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and her marriage to King George (Corey Mylchreest). Simultaneously, the Netflix drama series also sheds light on Charlotte’s fate in old age. The young Charlotte faces uphill battles as she builds trust and confidence with her husband. However, the social and political realities of the time challenge her in unexpected ways. As Charlotte is caught between royal duties and her own insecurities, she must forge her own legacy as a queen.
Created by Shonda Rhimes and loosely based on an alternate history take on the rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the show is a grand story of several layers. Due to its focus on elite society, marital complications, and the experiences of a strong female character, it complements the world of ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.’
8. Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)
‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ centers on the turbulent story of a music band from the 70s, featuring core members Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin). Based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s eponymous novel, the Amazon Prime Video drama series focuses on the band’s struggles and triumphs. Billy faces a puzzling situation as he is married to Camila Alvarez (Camila Morrone), but also has an emotional connection to Daisy. Years after the band stops performing, the former members revisit their past, embarking on a difficult journey of revelations. Created by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the show shares similarities with ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ as it explores the ideas of fame, love, and media coverage in elite settings.
7. So Long, Marianne (2024)
‘So Long, Marianne’ revolves around the lives of Leonard Cohen (Alex Wolff) and Marianne Ihlen (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). They meet each other during a difficult phase of their lives and develop a deep romantic relationship. However, their uncertainties about themselves and the future ahead of them challenge them mysteriously. Leonard’s talents as a musician and poet seem to take him to unknown destinations, and Marianne deals with the weight of her own insecurities and conflicting feelings. Based on true events, the drama series, created by
Øystein Karlsen, Ingeborg Klyve, and Tony Wood is a touching love story. The Canadian-Norwegian show, akin to ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ is about a tumultuous relationship, set in the shadow of fame and ambition.
6. Fosse/Verdon (2019)
FX’s ‘Fosse/Verdon,’ created by unravels the complex professional and personal relationship between Broadway dancer and singer Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams) and director and choreographer Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell), spanning from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. Though their marriage ends due to Bob’s infidelity, Gwen remains his professional partner in the journey of achieving his artistic vision. They continue their crucial professional collaboration despite their personal issues, but also deal with the consequences of such a fragile relationship. Based on true events and the biography ‘Fosse’ by Sam Wasson, the Steven Levenson and Thomas Kail creation is a layered story. It resonates with the themes of marriage, the weight of fame, and the unpredictability of the characters of ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.’
5. American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018)
‘American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ is the second season of ‘American Crime Story’ and follows the life of serial killer Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), a man obsessed with the life of legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace (Édgar Ramírez). Andrew stalks Gianni and befriends him through the social circles of Miami. As the media reports that Gianni has been assassinated in broad daylight, the cops start investigating the case. The FX crime-drama show, based on real events and Maureen Orth’s book ‘Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History,’ is an engaging narrative. Developed by Tom Rob Smith, it delves into elite circles, romantic entanglements, complex relationships, and the consequences of fate and popularity like ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ does.
4. Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024)
In ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,’ Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) writes a story about his group of friends in the elite circle of New York socialites, whom he collectively calls “the swans.” This group includes Barbara “Babe” Paley (Naomi Watts), Slim Keith (Diane Lane), C.Z. Guest (Chloë Sevigny), and Lee Radziwill (Calista Flockhart). The publication of this story, which talks about the secrets of the swans, destroys his relationships with them. Overwhelmed by this seeming betrayal, the swans vow to take revenge against him. Based on the book ‘Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era’ by Laurence Leamer, the FX drama series is the second season of ‘Feud.’ It resembles ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ through its visual themes, the idea of secrets in elite circles, and the enigma of media stories.
3. George & Tammy (2022-2023)
Created by Abe Sylvia, Showtime’s ‘George & Tammy’ is the story of country musicians Tammy Wynette (Jessica Chastain) and George Jones (Michael Shannon). They fall in love with each other and support one another in their musical pursuits. However, they also have different ideas of happiness and ambition. Their relationship and careers go through ups and downs, as they come to terms with the weight of their emotional equation. Based on Georgette Jones’ book ‘The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George,’ the drama series is a poignant navigation of the various stages of the life of a couple. Like ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ it is based on true happenings and focuses on marital differences and the convergence of love and ambition.
2. The Crown (2016-2023)
Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ centers on the life of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) of England. The British drama show picks up with the death of King George VI (Jared Harris), which leads to Elizabeth ascending the throne at a young age. Along with royal duties, she must also navigate her relationship with her husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Matt Smith). As Elizabeth deals with familial secrets, royal protocols, and strained relationships, she faces the uphill battle of reinventing the monarchy for a Britain that is stuck between traditional and modern values.
Created by Peter Morgan, who developed the series from his film ‘The Queen’ and his stage play ‘The Audience,’ the narrative is inspired by important moments in the life of Queen Elizabeth II. It is spiritually connected to ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,’ as it explores a high-profile marriage, paparazzi attention, powerful families, and the politics of elite circles.
1. Pam & Tommy (2022)
‘Pam & Tommy,’ created by Robert Siegel, is the story of Pamela Anderson (Lily James) and Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan), who fall in love and get married. Their relationship becomes a major point of public and media obsession when their sex tape is stolen and leaked. As the tape gives birth to controversy, the marriage goes through a tumultuous phase of accusations and trust issues. Based on the article ‘Pam and Tommy: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Infamous Sex Tape’ by Amanda Chicago Lewis, the Hulu drama series is based on true events and is an unpredictable tale of misfortune.
Pamela and Tommy must go through great challenges to overcome the ordeal. Pamela and Tommy’s relationship reflects the paparazzi invasion and lack of privacy that John and Carolyn face in ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.’ Both stories feature a similar visual tone and focus on intense marital conversations of a celebrity couple.
Read More: Shows Like The Gilded Age You Must See
