Michael Fassbender to lead Netflix’s ‘Kennedy’ drama series on America’s most iconic political family

Netflix has officially greenlit Kennedy, an eight-episode drama series chronicling the rise of America’s most storied political dynasty. Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Fassbender is set to headline the series as Joseph Kennedy Sr., the ambitious patriarch whose influence shaped generations of the Kennedy family.

The show, produced by Chernin Entertainment, is adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall’s book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956. The first season will explore the Kennedys’ ascent during the 1930s, tracing Joe and Rose Kennedy’s growing political and social ambitions as they raise nine children — including the young Jack Kennedy, who would go on to become one of the most transformative U.S. Presidents.

According to the series synopsis, Kennedy will delve into “the intimate lives, loves, rivalries, and tragedies” that shaped the family’s legacy and, in turn, modern American history.

Thomas Vinterberg, the Oscar-nominated director of Another Round, will direct the series and executive produce alongside Eric Roth (Forrest Gump), Fredrik Logevall, Sam Shaw, and Dustin Thomason. Shaw, best known for Manhattan and Castle Rock, will serve as showrunner.

Industry insiders describe Kennedy as Netflix’s answer to The Crown, blending sweeping historical storytelling with an exploration of family, power, and legacy.

For Fassbender, Kennedy marks his second major television role in recent years, following his turn in Paramount+’s The Agency. The actor is best known for his performances in 12 Years a Slave, Steve Jobs, and Shame; and was recently seen in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag.

Production on Kennedy is expected to begin in early 2026, with Netflix eyeing the project as one of its next major prestige dramas.