History Channel Cancels Kennedy Miniseries

Apparently the History Channel didn’t like this version of the Kennedy saga.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, A&E Television Networks will not be broadcasting the eight-part miniseries, "The Kennedys," which would have aired this spring on the History Channel.

The drama stars Greg Kinnear as John F. Kennedy, Barry Pepper as Robert F. Kennedy, Tom Wilkinson as Joe Kennedy, and Katie Holmes as Jacqueline Kennedy.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a representative for the network said: “While the film is produced and acted with the highest quality, after viewing the final product in its totality, we have concluded this dramatic interpretation is not a fit for the History brand.”

The project has garnered controversy from the time it was announced in December 2009, according to the story, with criticism from some Kennedy historians and the political left. A&E said that the script was revised and that the final version was substantiated for veracity by History historians.

“We recognize historical fiction is an important medium for storytelling and commend all the hard work and passion that has gone into the making of the series, but ultimately deem this as the right programming decision for our network,” according to a representative’s statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

While the broadcast domestically have been cancelled, "The Kennedys" will still air in Canada this March and outside of the U.S.

In response to the cancellation, Muse Entertainment and Asylum Entertainment said in statement that they are proud of the work involved in creating the miniseries, E! News reported. "Although we regret this does not fit into the History Channel's plans, we are confident that television viewers in the United States will join viewers from around the world in having an opportunity to watch this series in the near future."

Selected Readings: The Hollywood Reporter, E! Online
 

Contact Us