For fans of heartfelt coming-of-age stories, Netflix’s Forever is the perfect binge-worthy escape. Based on Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel, the eight-episode series—premiering May 8—reimagines the classic tale of first love, sexual exploration, and youthful heartbreak with a contemporary Black love story at its core.
Created by Mara Brock Akil, the visionary behind hits like Girlfriends and The Game, Forever delivers the same emotional honesty that made Blume’s book a cultural touchstone—but with a fresh perspective that feels undeniably modern.
A Love Story for a New Generation
Set in 2018 Los Angeles, Forever follows Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone), a driven track star with dreams of attending Howard University, and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), a sensitive, introspective young man navigating family expectations and his own ambitions. When the two reconnect at a New Year’s Eve party, their instant chemistry sparks a whirlwind romance filled with passion, miscommunication, and the kind of grand romantic gestures that make teen love so intoxicating.
But this isn’t just another fluffy teen drama. Against the backdrop of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, Forever explores what it means to be young, Black, and in love—while also dealing with real-world pressures. From leaked sex tapes to college acceptance letters, summer trips to Martha’s Vineyard, and the looming question of whether first love can truly last, the series captures the messy, beautiful chaos of adolescence.
Why This Adaptation Stands Out
Akil, who grew up sneaking reads of Blume’s novel under hallway lights, infuses the adaptation with nostalgia while making it feel entirely new. “I used to read it by the light of the hallway and I would have to position my book a certain way,” she recalls. “To this day, I think that’s when I messed up my neck.”
What makes Forever particularly special is its casting. Both leads are dark-skinned Black actors—a rarity in mainstream teen romances—and their chemistry is electric. Simone’s Keisha is confident, ambitious, and unapologetic about her desires, while Cooper’s Justin is a refreshing portrayal of a young Black man who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.
The Stars on Chemistry, Blocking Exes, and Why Vulnerability Matters
In a recent interview, Simone and Cooper opened up about bringing their characters to life—and the real-life dating habits that influenced their performances.
On Building Chemistry
Cooper admits they bonded off-camera before filming, hanging out in each other’s rooms, running lines, and eating Wendy’s. But when it came to their characters’ initial tension, they leaned into the distance. “We didn’t talk too much at first,” Simone says. “There was a lot of tension because we wanted to speak to each other.”
To Block or Not to Block?
One of the show’s most relatable moments? Keisha and Justin’s habit of blocking each other post-breakup. So, do the actors believe in the digital cold shoulder?
“I’m not a blocker, but if I need to block, I will block,” Cooper says with a laugh.
Simone, on the other hand, takes a different approach: “I don’t block—I mentally block. I’m like, Watch all of this.”
Why Stories Like Forever Matter
Both stars emphasized the importance of showing healthy, emotional Black male leads in teen romances.
“I was nervous to step into Justin,” Cooper admits. “He’s so vulnerable. I thought, My guys are going to make fun of me for sure. But Mara wrote him with one foot in confidence and the other in insecurity—that’s so real.”
Simone agrees, adding, “It’s important to show awkward, intimate firsts because that’s reality. Judy Blume’s book was a guide for so many of us. Hopefully, this show can be too.”
The Verdict? A Must-Watch
With its irresistible romance, sharp writing, and standout performances, Forever is more than just an adaptation—it’s a love letter to every teenager who’s ever wondered if first love can last. And in true Judy Blume fashion, it doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated, and sometimes painful answer.
Forever is now streaming on Netflix.
