A brand-new podcast mini-series is set to reignite global fascination with one of America’s most discussed political families — the Kennedys.
Popular history podcast Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things has officially launched a special run of episodes examining the rise, power, tragedies, and long-lasting political influence of the Kennedy dynasty, often linked to what many call “the Kennedy curse.”
The first episode is now available, and it wastes no time diving into the family’s dramatic legacy — a story filled with ambition, secrecy, personal suffering, and national upheaval.
Hosted by historian Kate Lister and royal biographer Robert Hardman, the podcast has built a loyal following for its sharp storytelling and deep dives into families that shaped world history.
While previous episodes have explored royals and political figures across Europe, the hosts are now shifting focus across the Atlantic, taking listeners into the private world of the Kennedys — a family that rose from wealth and influence to become an American political powerhouse.
The mini-series promises an unfiltered examination of the choices made behind closed doors and the real cost of power.
The Kennedys remain one of the most written-about and discussed families in modern history. Their name is instantly associated with:
Even decades after their peak influence, the Kennedy family story continues to generate fascination across generations — especially as renewed interest grows through documentaries, streaming series, and now, podcasts.
The opening episode introduces the major themes that will shape the mini-series, exploring how the Kennedy family’s rise was built not only on public charisma but also on deeply private struggles.
According to the podcast’s outline, the first installment addresses:
The episode paints the Kennedys not just as political figures, but as individuals shaped by trauma, expectation, and an almost royal-like pressure to preserve reputation at any cost.
One of the most striking elements of the opening episode is its focus on Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the family patriarch whose political and social ambition helped shape the Kennedy name into a national brand.
The mini-series describes him as a father determined to see one of his sons reach the Oval Office, and willing to build a political machine capable of delivering that outcome.
Listeners are introduced to a world where family loyalty, strategy, and image were not just personal values — they were political weapons.
The phrase “Kennedy curse” has long been used to describe the family’s tragic history of untimely deaths, assassinations, accidents, and personal struggles.
While some dismiss the idea as myth-making, the podcast appears to treat the topic as an important cultural narrative — exploring how the public has come to view the Kennedys as a family destined for heartbreak.
The mini-series aims to unpack whether these tragedies were simply misfortune — or the consequence of power, pressure, and the dangers of political life.
No exploration of the Kennedy dynasty is complete without addressing the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, one of the most defining moments in American history.
The first episode reportedly touches on the circumstances surrounding JFK’s death — a moment that remains the subject of:
Even today, JFK’s assassination continues to generate enormous interest, especially as new generations revisit Cold War politics and the secrets of American intelligence history.
The podcast is expected to handle the topic in a narrative style, while acknowledging the unanswered questions that keep the story alive in modern culture.
The series description makes it clear that Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things is not aiming for a glossy retelling of political history.
Instead, it promises to “draw back the curtain” on the realities behind the Kennedy image — examining how secrecy and responsibility shaped their personal lives and public decisions.
This approach aligns with what has made the podcast popular: exploring history through the lens of human behaviour, ambition, and hidden consequences.
The Kennedy-focused mini-series is being released as part of the podcast’s wider feed.
More episodes are expected in the following weeks, with Kate Lister and Robert Hardman continuing their deep dive into the family’s legacy.
Kate Lister is widely known as a historian with a sharp focus on human stories, cultural history, and the private realities behind famous public figures.
Robert Hardman is a respected royal biographer, known for his expertise in monarchy, leadership, and the behind-the-scenes workings of elite institutions.
Together, their combination of political storytelling and historical detail creates a format well-suited to exploring a family often described as America’s closest equivalent to royalty.
With podcasts now dominating how younger audiences consume history and politics, this Kennedy mini-series is arriving at the perfect time.
Interest in American political dynasties has surged again in recent years due to:
The Kennedys, with their mix of glamour, power, tragedy, and mystery, remain one of the strongest topics for long-form audio storytelling.
This mini-series may quickly become one of the podcast’s most talked-about releases.
While the first episode sets the foundation, upcoming episodes are expected to explore the wider Kennedy legacy in greater depth.
Potential areas likely to be covered include:
As the hosts continue, the podcast is likely to balance historical context with emotional storytelling — making the series accessible to both history enthusiasts and casual listeners.
The Kennedys are more than just a political family — they are a symbol of American ambition, tragedy, and myth-making.
By dedicating a mini-series to their story, Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things is tapping into one of the richest narratives in modern political history.
With experienced hosts, dramatic source material, and a release schedule designed to build momentum, the podcast’s Kennedy run could become one of the standout history podcast events of early 2026.
It focuses on the Kennedy family’s rise to political power, their private struggles, and the tragedies that shaped their public image.
The podcast is hosted by historian Kate Lister and royal biographer Robert Hardman.
Episode 2 releases on 23 February 2026, and Episode 3 releases on 2 March 2026.
Yes, the first episode reportedly addresses JFK’s assassination and the continuing debate surrounding it.
