By Irshad Khan 
Netflix is diving into one of America’s most iconic dynasties with its newly announced historical drama, Kennedy. Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender will headline the series as Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the ambitious and controversial patriarch of the Kennedy family. Drawing inspiration from Fredrik Logevall’s acclaimed biography “JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956”, the show will explore the family’s early years, their unimaginable influence on U.S. politics, and the rivalries and tragedies that made the Kennedys a defining force in 20th-century America.
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The Drama at a Glance
The new Netflix original series Kennedy shines a cinematic spotlight on one of America’s most influential families. It’s being described as Netflix’s answer to The Crown — a sweeping, decade-spanning family epic that will trace the Kennedy dynasty’s rise to prominence in U.S. politics, wealth, and culture. The first season will consist of eight episodes set in the 1930s, beginning with Joe and Rose Kennedy’s early ambitions and ending with the growing tension among their nine children.
Cast and Creative Team
Leading the ensemble is Michael Fassbender, portraying Joe Kennedy Sr., a man whose vision, ambition, and ruthlessness shaped the foundations of the Kennedy legacy. The series also features Rose Kennedy as the family’s matriarch, and though casting for other family members like John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy has yet to be announced, producers have teased that “several Academy and Emmy winners” are attached.
The series is showrun by Sam Shaw (Manhattan, Masters of Sex) and directed by Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt, Another Round). Both serve as executive producers alongside Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Dune) and Chernin Entertainment, indicating Netflix’s commitment to making Kennedy a prestige-level production.
Storyline and Themes
Kennedy will chronicle the patriarch Joe’s climb from a risk-taking Wall Street mogul to the political powerhouse behind one of America’s most enduring families. As the story unfolds, viewers will witness his ironfisted parenting, complex marriage with Rose, and the formative years of their children — particularly Jack (John F. Kennedy), who struggles under the shadow of his favored older brother Joe Jr.
The show promises to blend grandeur and intimacy, rivalries and romance, power and pain — placing the Kennedy family’s private conflicts against the backdrop of America’s transformation through war, wealth, and politics.
Production and Direction
Filming is expected to begin in early 2026 across multiple international locations including Massachusetts, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Production will emphasize historical authenticity — from Depression-era estates to early political campaign scenes — marking one of the largest-scale historical recreations for a Netflix drama since The Crown. Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg brings his grounded, humanistic style to the series, ensuring realism within cinematic scope.
Release Details and Expectations
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for Kennedy, though the eight-episode first season is expected to arrive in late 2026. Insiders describe the project as “ambitious, emotional, and distinctly cinematic,” with multiple seasons already being planned if the debut is successful. Given Fassbender’s involvement and the high-profile creative lineup, Kennedy is poised to join Netflix’s elite lineup of prestige historical dramas.
Source: Variety, Netflix Tudum, Deadline, IGN, The Hollywood Reporter.