CNN Debuts New Docuseries on JFK Jr.
CNN has launched a new docuseries titled American Prince: JFK Jr., which premiered on Saturday, August 9. This three-part series delves into the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. The show features interviews with friends and historians, alongside rare footage and photographs, highlighting the complexities of his life.
The first episode, “The Boy Who Would Be King,” examines the early years of JFK Jr., born just weeks after his father’s presidential election on November 25, 1960. Historian Steve Gillon emphasizes that John was a major celebrity even before he was born, capturing headlines as the “biggest celebrity in America.”
John enjoyed a brief childhood in the “Camelot” era, playfully crawling under his father’s desk in the Oval Office. However, his life took a drastic turn just before his third birthday when President Kennedy was tragically assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. This event not only altered history but also deeply impacted the young Kennedy’s future.
Dr. Joseph G. Ponterotto, a psychologist, highlights that John became a symbol for many, evolving from the son of an assassinated president to a figure that Americans emotionally adopted as their own. In a touching moment from the docuseries, a young John is asked about his father, and he innocently states, “He’s going to heaven,” showcasing the innocence and burden he carried.
The docuseries explores how the pressures of living up to his father’s legacy began early. Cultural experts discuss how the Kennedy family embodied the American Dream, adored for their charm and success. When President Kennedy was assassinated, the public projected their hopes and dreams onto young John, intensifying scrutiny on him.
John’s name itself often tied him to this legacy. He was frequently referred to as “John-John,” a name he didn’t receive from his family. The episode depicts John’s lifetime struggle to cope with the expectations and burdens placed on him, particularly by his mother, who was determined to uphold the legacy of Camelot.
Friends recall a humorous moment where young John expressed his desire to become a chef, only to receive an incredulous response from his uncle Bobby Kennedy.
Future episodes of American Prince: JFK Jr. are set to explore John’s journey toward individuality, detailing his life in New York City and his relationship with his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The couple’s love story ended in tragedy in July 1999 when they lost their lives in a plane crash, leaving behind a legacy of love and loss.
The second episode of this insightful series is scheduled to air on Saturday, August 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CNN.
