Eight reasons why ‘Love Story’ should be the number one TV phenomenon of 2026

5. Soundtrack

The series’ soundtrack was nothing short of a total hit for viewers. GQ rightly called it “the best ’90s mixtape on television.”

Stretching from 90s club tracks from the likes of CeCe Peniston and En Vogue to more personal and ethereal tracks from the Cocteau Twins and Björk, they immersed viewers in the energy and creativity of the time. And while it’s unlikely the pair actually danced in their underwear to Pulp’s Common People — as in one scene — viewers noticed how well the songs amplified the emotions of the story. “Fiona Apple’s needle drop in this week’s love story has me completely blown away,” one person on

6. Controversy

Ryan Murphy is no stranger to generating buzz with his shows – and proving the old adage that all publicity is good publicity. Love Story has sparked controversy – and made headlines – since its inception. In early June 2025, when Murphy posted first-look photos of Kelly and Pidgeon as the iconic couple in a now-deleted Instagram post, the fashion press was aghast at how cheap they looked.

Later that same month, Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, accused the production of “profiting off” his uncle’s life in a “grotesque way.” Then, once the series began airing, a firestorm arose over the portrayal of JFK Jr.’s ex-girlfriend, actor Daryl Hannah, who was variously portrayed as needy, insensitive, and with a penchant for cocaine. “I love this show, but I can’t defend the edit they gave her character,” Bonan says.

Hannah wrote a guest article for the New York Times titled “How Can a Love Story Get Away with This?” “The series is not even an accurate representation of my life, my behavior, or my relationship with John,” he said. She also revealed: “In the weeks since the series aired, I have received numerous hostile and even threatening messages from viewers who seem to believe the photo is real.” “Did Daryl Hannah’s article bring more people to the show?” says McNicol. “I don’t know. Controversy always sets our sights on something, but it helps her to speak up.”