After the much hyped uncertainty related to its broadcasting, ‘The Kennedys', a controversial mini-series, finally premiered on ReelzChannel. The original broadcaster of the mini-series, History Channel canceled the show and later many networks rejected the broadcasting rights which include Showtime, DirecTV, 101 Network, Starz and FX. The broadcasting rights were finally purchased by ReelzChannel in February 2011 and the series was aired on April 3, 2011. The premiere of the mini-series was held at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills and was even attended by Tom Cruise who came out to support his wife, Katie Holmes.

The eight-hour ‘made for TV’ series, directed by Jon Cassar, is a political drama focusing on the lives of the most famous political family in American history, the Kennedys. The Kennedys has Greg Kinnear portraying the role of John F. Kennedy and Katie Holmes as Jackie Kennedy. Other members of the cast include Tom Wilkinson as Joe Kennedy Sr. and Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy. The series recreates the events that John Kennedy dealt with during his days as president and includes the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the mob connection, the Civil Rights struggle, personal stories as well as his assassination.

The Kennedys stirred controversy and received negative responses from critics including Theodore C. Sorensen, a former Kennedy adviser who had issues with the accuracy of historic facts of the series. Earlier this year, the show was also dropped by the original broadcaster, History Channel who said that the series was not fit for its brand and image. Some reports also suggest that it was members of the Kennedy family who pressured the channel and prevented it from being shown. Even after becoming the subject of debate, The Kennedys became the most watched show in the history of ReelzChannel.