April airdate for Netflix’s RFK series

Robert F Kennedy in 1968

Global streaming giant Netflix has set an April airdate for its ambitious docuseries on the life of Robert F Kennedy, which is to be titled Bobby Kennedy for President.

C21 revealed last July that the streamer had commissioned Peabody-winning documentarian Dawn Porter (Trapped, Gideon’s Army) to make a four-part series on the life and work of the famed US politician. It was originally slated to air in June this year, marking the 50th anniversary of his assassination on June 6, 1968.

The series launch has now been bought forward to April 27, tied to the anniversary of RFK’s presidential run, which began in March of ’68 and ended with his death three months later.

The show promises never-before-seen archival footage – much of it digitised for the first time – and interviews with those who knew Kennedy well, including Harry Belafonte, Rep John Lewis, Rep Neil Gallagher, Dolores Huerta and Franklin A Thomas.

“Bobby Kennedy remains one of the most important and influential figures in American political history,” said Porter, “and we all felt that there was no better time to study his life and legacy.

“We take care to closely examine his transformation from law-and-order leader to a trailblazer with a progressive focus on civil rights and social justice in a tumultuous time for the country. I gravitate to making films that shed a light on truth and justice, and RFK’s story inspires me personally, and has helped me grow as a filmmaker and a citizen.”

Bobby Kennedy for President is being made by RadicalMedia, Trilogy Films and LooksFilm, with Laura Michalchyshyn exec producing for the filmmaking team, alongside Porter, Dave Sirulnick, Justin Wilkes, Jon Kamen, Nestan Behrans and Gunnar Deddio.

Lisa Nishimura is exec producing for Netflix, as previously reported, along with Ben Cotner and Adam Del Deo.