Ryan Murphy's nine-part melodrama Love Story, chronicling the lives and deaths of Carolyn Bessette and John F Kennedy Jr, has become the most-streamed drama in Disney+ history, the platform confirmed this week. The series, described as 'unapologetically schmaltzy', saw later episodes draw 50% more global viewers than its February pilot, boosted by social media buzz.
According to FX, the show's creator, social media searches for JFK Jr and Bessette surged by over 9,100% in the past month. The success has sparked speculation about Murphy's next project, with names including Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Liz Taylor and Richard Burton being floated online.
TV critic Scott Bryan attributed the show's appeal to its blend of camp nostalgia and cultural symbolism, noting that 'forget historical accuracy – no one can turn controversy into a way to publicise their show like Ryan Murphy'. He added that tragic backstories and legal margins favouring deceased subjects are key factors.
For British audiences, the series functions as a modern fairytale with universal dating themes, stylish fashion, and relatable moments such as arguments over household chores. Comparisons to Diana, Princess of Wales, are longstanding, with one viewer noting parallels to the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry.
Bryan also highlighted the weekly release strategy as effective, saying it prevents the show from dropping out of cultural conversation quickly. Despite the known tragic ending, he said, 'the suspense lies in how we get there', calling it 'prestige television without the usual weight'.
