History Channel’s 8-part series examines the 46 years of John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Category: Television and Streaming

“Kennedy,” the new 8-part series on History Channel examines all aspects of the life of President John F. Kennedy, from birth to death, separating it into specific years and showing the formation of his personality and his views as he progressed through his life. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the event will air over three nights and coincides with the 60 year anniversary of his assassination.

“John F. Kennedy’s time as President of the United States serves as a timeless example of how empathetic leadership coupled with charisma, idealism, and the use of spoken word, transcends time,” said director and composer Ashton Gleckman. “I am excited to unveil this series on The HISTORY® Channel as a reminder of how JFK’s commitment to change bound a legacy that continues to inspire a new generation. I hope this intimate yet epic story about public service, personal growth, and leadership connects with young people, both this generation and future generations, as it did with me.”

During the hours examining the life and times of JFK, archival footage, new interviews, the use of extensive resources, and insights create a well-rounded picture of the 35th President of the United States. Yes, he was a flawed man, as every man is. He did have the capacity to look at a situation and adjust his views accordingly. He even defied his father (although not too often) when he felt something was worth doing or not worth doing. He grew into his own person as he grew up and perhaps the events just prior to and during World War II were many that helped form the man he became. 

The first episodes are dedicated to his childhood and schooling. They also stress the extent of his physical illnesses. As a matter of fact, he was given the Last Rites of the Catholic Church at least three times in his life. This man knew he would not live to a ripe old age and decided to use every day to its fullest extent to make a difference in the world. He traveled extensively and from those travels learned about people, history, cultures, and ideas. He read continually and absorbed books about history, philosophy, and more.

The Bay of Pigs in 1961 threw him into turmoil and he decided not to take others’ words any more and to rely on his internal ideas, feelings, understandings and notions. There are new facts about the Cuban Missile Crisis will have chills run down viewers’ backs. What we have known all these years is just the tip of the iceberg. Those 13 days were almost the end of the world, literally. 

The series briefly glances over his assassination, instead focusing on his life and words. “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it,” he said.

As he said during his Inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Today’s generation will undoubtedly think that is out of touch with life now, because so many people have grown up taking instead of giving. Perhaps this show will ignite a spark within the country that needs to be rekindled. 

 

photo courtesy History Channel