For the careful observer, it shows what the Kennedy's were really like I have watched this series through nearly to the end and have found it quite entertaining - especially the character of Bobby Kennedy played very well by Barry Pepper. However, I come away feeling that the show tries to 'whitewash' the rampant sexual immorality that has become synonymous with the Kennedy name and this affects things in a number of ways in this series, in some ways realistically and in others very unrealistically.
Joe Kennedy, Sr. brazenly and ghoulishly commits adultery in front of his wife and has no concern for her feelings and I think the series at least somewhat realistic in the way it captures this mean-spirited oppression. However, JFK is just as sleazy as his dad, yet the series portrays him almost sympathetically. He was a HORRIBLE husband who apparently missed no opportunities to cheat on Jackie with any bimbo that came along. While a man can make mistakes, it is simply not right to portray such vile behavior in a sympathetic light. If you don't believe me, think of how a normal family would deal with this. I don't think most wives would stand by and be humiliated repeatedly by such behavior. I suppose they decided that the fame and fortune was better than fidelity.
And that's where some of the show's realism comes in. I was struck by the intense weakness of character of both Rose and Jackie Kennedy. I don't know if it was intentional but Katie Holmes' portrayal of Jackie came off as a pretty simple-minded First Lady who was never willing or strong enough to elicit any promises of change from her wayward husband. He just sort of had a 'this is the way I am so you have to accept it'. It's really gross and I don't see why we have to have leaders like that.
Surely a good president can be a good family man, too? All in all, it's an interesting watch but read between the lines!