Plot Synopsis

Narrated by Peter Coyote and directed by Ashton Gleckman, KENNEDY is an eight-part documentary that chronicles the life, legacy, and leadership of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. The story unfolds through a library of archival materials and over 70 new interviews from those well-versed in JFK's history including his niece Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, comedian and long-time member of the JFK Library Foundation's Board of Directors Conan O'Brien, actor Bruce Greenwood who previously portrayed Kennedy in film, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eileen McNamara. KENNEDY offers a comprehensive portrait of a man who left an indelible mark on the nation as the youngest president elected to office. From his early years to his tragic assassination in 1963, the docuseries covers JFK's personal life, political career and historic thousand-day presidency in meticulous detail. Viewers delve into the events, decisions, and challenges that shaped his policy, while also revealing intimate family moments and famous speeches that forged his iconic image. Pivotal events covered include JFK's experiences during World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race, the Civil Rights Movement and more. The docuseries also highlights his unique relationships with significant historical figures including his wife Jacqueline Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, his rival in the 1960 election Richard Nixon, his speechwriter and closest advisor Ted Sorensen, political and social leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others. Marking 60 years since JFK's assassination, KENNEDY premieres Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 8-11pm ET/PT with three back-to-back one-hour episodes on History Channel. The following three episodes air Sunday, November 19, 2023 and the final two air Monday, November 20, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT:

"Jack (1917-1940)" (Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 8pm): Kennedy navigates his formative years, including his time in school, relationship with his family, and early interests in history and politics.

"The World At War (1940-1946)" (Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9pm): When the United States joins the war against Nazi Germany and Japan, Kennedy volunteers for the Navy and is deployed to the Pacific.

"Into the Political Jungle (1946-1956)" (Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10pm): Coming home after the Second World War, Kennedy begins a career in politics, running for the House of Representatives in Massachusetts.

"The Kennedy Machine (1956-1960)" (Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 8pm): Kennedy embarks on an unprecedented 5-year campaign for the presidency, revolutionizing modern campaigning and the use of television.

"The Torch Has Passed (January 1961 - December 1961)" (Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 9pm): The youngest president ever elected, Kennedy faces the height of the Cold War and a national civil rights crisis.

"Crisis (January 1962 - October 1962)" (Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 10pm): After nuclear weapons are placed 90 miles from the Florida coast in Cuba, Kennedy faces his ultimate trial, the most dangerous moment in human history.

"The Brink of War (October 1962 - June 1963)" (Monday, November 20, 2023 at 8pm): Bringing the country back from the brink of nuclear war, Kennedy pursues diplomacy with the Soviets and decides to address civil rights in a way no president has before: as a moral issue.

"A Legacy (June 1963 - November 1963)" (Monday, November 20, 2023 at 9pm): The final months of John F. Kennedy's life and the legacy he left behind.