Netflix Announces Family Drama Series “Kennedy” Illuminating the Untold Story of America’s Most Iconic Dynasty

Today Netflix and Chernin Entertainment (“CE”), the flagship scripted film and television label of The North Road Company, announced a new drama series based on Fredrik Logevall’s book, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956, which will explore the triumphs and tragedies of the Kennedy family.

Format: Eight episodes

KENNEDY reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today. Beginning in the 1930s, the first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.

Showrunner/Executive Producer: Sam Shaw (Manhattan, Castle Rock, Masters of Sex)

Executive Producers: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and Kaitlin Dahill for Chernin Entertainment, Eric Roth, Fredrik Logevall, Lila Byock, Anya Epstein, Dustin Thomason, Thomas Vinterberg, Anna O’Malley

Director: Thomas Vinterberg (Festen, The Hunt, Another Round)

Cast: Michael Fassbender (The Agency, Black Bag) as Joe Kennedy, Sr.

As Sam Shaw Told Tudum.com:

“The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology – somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful. But Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth, revealing as much about our present moment, how we got here and where we’re going, as about the Kennedys themselves. I’m thrilled to be able to explore this saga of a family and a world in transition with Eric Roth, Thomas Vinterberg and our incredible band of artists and partners, at a moment when our past feels urgently present.”

Netflix has a proven track record of bringing compelling stories about iconic figures to the screen. Critically acclaimed shows like The Crown and The Empress have captivated audiences worldwide with their intimate portrayals of influential characters that bring history to life.

Chernin Entertainment is behind critically acclaimed films including the Academy Award-nominated feature FORD V FERRARI, Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated HIDDEN FIGURES, and Golden Globe-winner THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, as well as SPY, THE HEAT, and the PLANET OF THE APES franchise. The company also most recently produced Netflix’s biggest movie debut in years BACK IN ACTION. Chernin Entertainment produced the Apple TV+ drama series CHIEF OF WAR, TRUTH BE TOLD and SEE, and the hit Fox comedy series NEW GIRL. The company also produced the FEAR STREET Trilogy, THE MADNESS, SLUMBERLAND, LUTHER: THE FALLEN SUN, all with Netflix. Its upcoming series include AGE OF INNOCENCE and MAN ON FIRE, both for Netflix.