Variety reports that Netflix and Chernin Entertainment have given the green light to produce a drama series centered on the life of the influential Kennedy family.
The show, titled “Kennedy,” is based on Fredrik Logevall’s book “JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956.” Michael Fassbender has been cast as Kennedy family patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr., and Netflix has commissioned eight episodes of the first season.
News of the series pickup comes nearly two years ago, the day Variety exclusively reported that a series was in production on the streamer. People familiar with the matter said at the time that Netflix is considering the show as an American version of “The Crown,” which will span multiple seasons and chart the rise of the Kennedy family in American politics.
The official logline for the series states:
“‘Kennedy’ reveals the intimate lives, loves, conflicts and tragedies that formed one of the most iconic dynasties in modern history and helped create the world we live in today. The first season, beginning in the 1930s, charts the unlikely coming of age of Joe (Fassbender) and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including their rebellious younger son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden brother.”
Sam Shaw will serve as showrunner and executive producer of the series. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and Caitlin Dahill will serve as executive producers for Chernin Entertainment. Eric Roth will also executive produce alongside Rogevall, Laila Bjok, Anya Epstein, Dustin Thomason, Thomas Vinterberg and Anna O’Malley. Vinterberg will also direct.
This is Fassbender’s second lead role on television in recent years. He also stars in the Paramount+ premium series “The Agency,” which is currently preparing for season two. Fassbender is primarily known for his film work, appearing in feature films such as the Academy Award-nominated films “The Night Is Over” and “Steve Jobs,” as well as multiple appearances in “Inglourious Basterds,” “Shame,” “Frank,” and both the “Alien” and “X-Men” franchises.
Shaw is known for creating shows such as the acclaimed historical drama “Manhattan,” and for co-creating “Castle Rock,” based on the work of Stephen King, with Thomason. His other credits include “Masters of Sex” on Showtime. He is also an accomplished fiction writer and journalist, whose work has appeared in publications such as Harper’s and This American Life.
Fassbender is repped by Range Media Partners, Conor McCaughan, Sloan Offer and Tapestry London. Shaw is repped by CAA. Mr. Ross is repped by CAA, Lenoir Entertainment Group and Jackoway Austin. Mr. Thomasson is repped by CAA and Jackoway Austin.
