Forget what you think you know about the Kennedys. While countless films and miniseries have explored the triumphs and tragedies of John F. Kennedy and his siblings, Netflix is going back to where it all began. The streamer has officially greenlit ‘Kennedy’, a major new series chronicling the origin story of America’s most powerful political dynasty.
In a move that signals serious prestige, Michael Fassbender has been cast in the crucial lead role. But he’s not playing Jack or Bobby. He’s taking on the complex, ambitious, and controversial patriarch who started it all: Joseph Kennedy Sr.
This isn’t just another historical biopic. The project, led by showrunner Sam Shaw (Castle Rock), is being described as a sprawling, Shakespearean-level epic about the family’s improbable rise.
What Is Netflix’s ‘Kennedy’ Series Really About?
This new series promises to pull back the curtain on the myth. It’s based on the acclaimed biography JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 by Fredrik Logevall, focusing on a period often glossed over.
The first season will be set in the 1930s, a crucial decade where Joseph Kennedy Sr. amassed his fortune and political power, including his tumultuous time as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain during the lead-up to World War II.
According to the show’s official logline, it will follow the “improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children.” This includes a deep dive into the internal family dynamics, such as the story of a “rebellious second son, Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.” This focus on the early, formative years of JFK, his siblings, and the immense pressure exerted by their father is fresh territory for a major series.
Michael Fassbender Leads a Powerhouse Creative Team
Casting Michael Fassbender as Joe Sr. is a significant statement. Fassbender is an actor known for his intense, complex, and often morally gray characters (Steve Jobs, Macbeth, X-Men). He has the gravity to portray a man as brilliant, driven, and deeply flawed as the Kennedy patriarch. This isn’t stunt casting; it’s a sign that the show is digging deep into the psychological drama of the family.
The talent isn’t just in front of the camera. The series is being helmed by showrunner Sam Shaw, who has experience blending genre and drama. He’ll be joined by acclaimed director Thomas Vinterberg (Another Round), who is attached to direct.
This combination of talent, paired with production from Chernin Entertainment (Ford v Ferrari), positions Kennedy as a major awards contender for Netflix, potentially filling the void left by prestige historical dramas like The Crown.
“Between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful”
The most intriguing detail comes from showrunner Sam Shaw himself. In a statement, he perfectly captured the show’s ambitious tone.
“The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology—somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful,” Shaw said.
That single quote says everything. It promises a series that won’t shy away from the high-stakes political maneuvering and historical weight (the “Shakespeare”) while also embracing the messy, dramatic, and intensely human relationships (the “soap opera”) that defined the family. It’s this blend of grand ambition and personal striving that makes the Kennedy story so endlessly fascinating.
By focusing on Joe Sr. and the 1930s, the series can explore the very foundation of the family’s legacy—the immense wealth, the ruthless drive, and the burdens placed on the children that would shape American history for decades.
The Next Great Prestige Drama?
While no release date has been set, Kennedy has instantly become one of the most anticipated series in development. Netflix is clearly aiming for a sprawling, multi-season saga that re-examines a foundational American story.
By starting at the beginning, with a complex patriarch rather than the sainted sons, this show has the potential to be a fresh, nuanced, and utterly compelling look at the price of building a dynasty. This is the story behind the myth, and we’ll be watching closely.
What do you think of Michael Fassbender taking on this iconic role? Let us know if this just jumped to the top of your must-watch list.
