This November, Shaw Media marks an iconic moment in American history with a robust line-up of programming exploring the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. With new specials across two of Canada’s most trusted specialty brands, HISTORY and National Geographic Channel, Shaw Media’s line-up includes: the docu-drama Killing Kennedy, four revealing new documentaries and an encore presentation of the Emmy Award-winning mini-series The Kennedys. Beginning November 10, each special looks at this moment in history from a different perspective, giving viewers the most complete analysis of JFK’s life and death.
Based on the best-selling book by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, Killing Kennedy begins in 1959, at major turning points for both the future president and his assassin. John F. Kennedy is in Washington, D.C., announcing his presidential candidacy, while Lee Harvey Oswald finds himself in the U.S. embassy in Moscow, renouncing his U.S. citizenship. These two events start both men – one a member of one of the United States’ most wealthy and powerful families, the other a disillusioned former Marine and Marxist – on a cataclysmic track that would alter the course of history. Throughout we see their highs and lows, culminating in not one but two shocking deaths that stunned the nation. Starring Rob Lowe, Ginnifer Goodwin, Michelle Trachtenberg and Will Rothhaar, Killing Kennedy premieres on Sunday, November 10 on National Geographic Channel.
Leading into the premiere of Killing Kennedy on Sunday, November 10 are two new documentaries exclusive to National Geographic Channel. JFK: Seven Days that Made a President captures specific events that forever altered Kennedy, from a mysterious illness that nearly claimed his life at 16 to his tremendous act of heroism saving the lives of ten fellow soldiers in World War II, and his infamous encounter with an unforgettable Hollywood starlet. Revealing commentary from Kennedy’s family, aides and close confidants pieces together the formidable character of one of the most enduring and renowned political figures.
National Geographic channel premieres JFK: The Day That Changed Everything, which takes an in-depth look at the final day of Kennedy’s life through first-hand accounts from people who were among the last to interact with him. The film is narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy-nominee Bill Paxton, who encountered Kennedy shortly before his death as a member of the crowd in the parking lot of Fort Worth’s Hotel Texas where Kennedy gave one of his last public speeches just three hours before his death. To help bring this last day to life, the creative team behind JFK: The Day That Changed Everything has also restored an extraordinary colour film, shot by a professional White House film crew, that documented the Kennedys movements during that day – all the way to Dealey Plaza.
HISTORY marks the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death on Friday, November 22 with a full day of programming. The day begins with an encore presentation of the Emmy Award-winning four-part mini-series The Kennedys, starring Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Katie Holmes and Tom Wilkinson.
Following The Kennedys, the broadcast premiere of JFK Assassination: The Definitive Guide asks the question: who do Americans suspect was really responsible for JFK’s death? HISTORY conducted a survey to learn exactly what Americans believe, and in this special premiere experts in the field break down why each leading theory has captured American imaginations, where the evidence supports it and where it comes up short. The entire range of conspiracy theories are examined to discover who America thinks really killed JFK and why. Lee Harvey Oswald: 48 Hours to Live traces Oswald’s actions in the minutes, hours and days following the events in Dallas. Providing a new perspective on Oswald himself, as well as on the Kennedy assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald: 48 Hours to Live explores the suspect’s final two days, revealing why the Dallas police were convinced they had Kennedy’s killer.