Naomi Watts' Controversial Jackie Kennedy Performance Divides Critics and Viewers
Naomi Watts' portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the debut season of Ryan Murphy's new anthology series, Love Story, has ignited a fierce and divisive debate among television critics and viewers alike. The series, which premiered its first three episodes on Thursday via Hulu and Disney+, focuses on the whirlwind romance and high-profile relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette before their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash.
Polarised Reactions to Watts' Vocal Performance
The British actress, who appears in all eight episodes of the limited series, has left audiences in stark disagreement over her vocal impressions of the iconic former First Lady. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian delivered a scathing two-star review, declaring Watts' performance and vocal impressions were "truly terrible." This sentiment was echoed across social media platforms, with one viewer writing on X: "The series' biggest disappointment was Naomi Watts. She did a horrible Jackie Kennedy. Very bad. I had to look away." Another described the portrayal as "unsettling," while a third commented: "I'm here for Naomi Watts doing an awful Jackie Kennedy impression on Love Story."
Supporters Defend Watts' Interpretation
However, not all reactions have been negative. Lacy Baugher Milas of the AV Club praised it as "another outstanding performance" from the Mulholland Drive star. Supporters on social media argued that while the casting might not have been what they initially expected, Watts' interpretation could work effectively. "I think Naomi Watts is a very good Jackie Kennedy," one viewer opined on X. "I really enjoy her interpretation." Another supporter declared: "Naomi Watts is EATING these Jackie Kennedy monologues," while a third noted: "Naomi Watts sounds just like his mother. The comparison stops there but she has the voice down sure." Some have even predicted award recognition, with one fan suggesting Watts "could secure her 1st win for playing the iconic Jackie Kennedy."
Series Cast and Controversial Backstory
The series features Paul Anthony Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette, with Grace Gummer appearing as Caroline Kennedy. This marks the fourth collaboration between Watts, 57, and Murphy, following her roles in The Watcher (2022), Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024), and the legal drama All's Fair. The nine-episode limited series has faced significant controversy and backlash from those who feel Murphy's dramatized adaptation of JFK Jr. and Bessette's relationship and untimely deaths is disrespectful.
Family Criticism and Murphy's Response
JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, initially slammed the series in a public statement, revealing: "For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with the new show being made about him, the answer is no, and there's really not much we can do." Schlossberg expressed concern that Murphy was "profiting off of it in a grotesque way." Murphy responded to these criticisms by stating: "I thought it was an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don't remember."
The first three episodes of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette are currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+, with new episodes scheduled for weekly release on Thursdays through March 26th. The polarising reception to Watts' performance ensures that discussions about her portrayal will likely continue throughout the series' run.
