The Kennedys on ReelzChannel

November 22, 1963. JFK is in Texas to mend fences between the liberal and conservative wings of the state's Democratic Party prior to beginning his re-election campaign. Lee Harvey Oswald assembles a rifle in his Dallas home. All that follows plays out against the backdrop of this, the last day of Jack's life. A flashback to three months earlier reveals Jack and Jackie bonding in a way they never have before, united by mutual grief over the loss of their newborn child. Meanwhile, Bobby is informed of evidence romantically linking Jack to the late Marilyn Monroe who, a year earlier, sung JFK "Happy Birthday" at Madison Square Garden, then told Bobby she wanted to have John's baby. Now it's up to Bobby to deal with the incriminating evidence - which prompts a heated argument between him and Ethel. As we return to present day, the countdown to tragedy continues. Jack and Jackie depart Fort Worth for Dallas, while Oswald quietly hides the rifle on the sixth floor of the Texas Schoolbook Depository, overlooking Dealey Plaza.

Jackie leaves JFK after one too many infidelities; with his marriage in shambles, Jack has to deal with the Cuban missile crisis.

Joe Sr. suffers a stroke from which he may never fully recover. When Joe is sent home, Rose tries to care for him, but he only responds to Michelle, his secretary (and former lover). Amid flashbacks involving their severely learning-disabled daughter, Rosemary, it is revealed that in 1941 Joe had secretly ordered a lobotomy to be performed on Rosemary, leaving her catatonic for life. Fast-forward 20 years later, and Rose fires Michelle. Though it's never spoken, her intent to punish Joe for what he did to Rosemary is clear. Meanwhile civil rights demonstrators are protesting in the South, where black student James Meredith is attempting to gain admission to the University of Mississippi. JFK declares that the White House will enforce the desegregation order of the court. Governor Ross Barnett concedes, but riots ensue and JFK sends in the National Guard. The next day, Meredith is admitted; Jack recognizes that civil rights are a moral issue for which his administration must stand. At home he fights another battle: Jackie's use of amphetamines.

Bobby announces the formation of the Organized Crime Division, making a virulent enemy in Sam Giancana, who was assured by Frank Sinatra that a Kennedy administration would give the mob a free ride in return for its support. Jackie becomes increasingly busy as First Lady, forcing her to spend more time away from the kids; the time away from her family is taking its toll. Suffering from severe back pain and debilitating fatigue brought on by the chemical cocktail of legitimate medications he's taking for a variety of illnesses, Jack calls in New York physician Max Jacobson, whose elixir (essentially amphetamines) instantly energizes the president. Meanwhile, reports are emerging of Khruschev's intentions to build a wall between East and West Germany. John knows it would be disastrous for East Germans, but isn't prepared to step in and fight a war he may not be able to win. He decides to release footage of the killings of East Berliners trying to cross the barrier to the media, but his advisors want him to do more.

When the Bay of Pigs invasion proves disastrous, JFK sends Jackie and the kids away, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions.

As the 1960 presidential election comes down to the wire, Bobby Kennedy tells Joe Sr. he's leaving politics.

It is the eve of the 1960 presidential election, and John F. Kennedy is poised to become the youngest man ever elected to office. As the Kennedys - particularly the imposing and power-hungry Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. - rally to put Jack in the White House, their difficult past illuminates a deeper struggle.