Netflix is set to premiere “FOREVER,” a new series starring Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. It adapts Judy Blume’s iconic and often controversial 1975 novel, “Forever…”.
Yet, “FOREVER” isn’t a typical adaptation. It moves the action from the 1970s to the present day while retaining the spirit of the novel. This bold update works well, successfully connecting with today’s youth and maintaining the youthful essence with which the literary work was conceived.
“FOREVER” is a series that constantly strives for realism and truthfulness. Don’t expect your typical romantic comedy; “FOREVER” takes the original text very seriously and, above all, deeply respects its protagonists and the story it aims to tell.
The Genesis of Akil’s FOREVER
Judy Blume’s “Forever…” first entered the literary world in 1975, immediately becoming a touchstone for its frank depiction of adolescent sexuality—a frankness that also led it to be frequently challenged and earn a spot on “banned books” lists.
Can Judy Blume’s story be brought into the present day? The skepticism soon faded, and the author herself joined the project as an executive producer for the series.
A key element of this reimagining is the deliberate change of setting from 1970s New Jersey to Los Angeles in 2018. This imbues the city with thematic weight, transforming it into more than just a backdrop. The production’s commitment to authenticity is evident in its filming in real Los Angeles neighborhoods like Crenshaw (Keisha’s home) and the affluent Black enclave of Park-Windsor Hills (Justin’s family’s home), as well as the Fairfax District where the characters shop.
Keisha and Justin: FOREVER’s Couple for a New Generation
At the heart of this reimagined “FOREVER” are Keisha Clark, played by Lovie Simone, and Justin Edwards, played by newcomer Michael Cooper Jr. Keisha is a confident, intelligent, and passionate track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Justin Edwards is depicted as a “nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body,” who dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents. True to the novel, the pair, who knew each other as children, reconnect at a New Year’s Eve party, igniting romantic sparks.
The series delves into significant character depths and modern dilemmas. Lovie Simone emphasizes that Keisha is not simply a love interest but possesses her own compelling story. A fundamental part of this is Keisha grappling with the betrayal of an ex-boyfriend who shared an intimate video of her—an act that led to harassment and her changing schools. This plot point, a significant and distinctly modern addition absent in Blume’s original, grounds the story in contemporary adolescent realities, particularly the dangerous intersection of digital life and reputation for young women. It introduces a layer of vulnerability in Keisha, allowing the series to explore themes beyond first love, such as recovering from betrayal and navigating social judgment.
Keisha’s ambition is another defining trait; she is determined to achieve perfection to secure her spot at Howard University and make her mother, Shelly (played by Xosha Roquemore), proud. This intense pressure to meet high standards is a familiar experience for many teenagers. Justin’s world is shaped by his family, with his parents played by Wood Harris and Karen Pittman, and their residence in the affluent African American neighborhood of Park-Windsor Hills. This contrasts with Keisha’s upbringing in Crenshaw, potentially setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of class and aspiration within the Black community—themes often present in Akil’s previous work. These specific neighborhood details and Keisha’s drive for an HBCU are not just background elements; they are markers of identity, community, and the potential social dynamics that can add greater depth to the central romance.
To foster an authentic connection on screen, Simone and Cooper Jr. made a conscious decision early in filming to maintain some distance off-screen, allowing their characters’ reunion to feel genuine. This commitment to their craft appears to have paid off, as Kirkus Review praised their dynamic, noting Simone’s “engaging intensity” pairs well with Cooper Jr.’s “laid-back style.”
Initial Perspectives
The series also embraces the complexities of modern love in the digital age. It tackles contemporary challenges such as the impact of social media, the often on-again, off-again nature of teenage dating, the act of blocking phone numbers, and the crucial importance of consent, with Justin frequently seeking Keisha’s affirmation. Lovie Simone has commented on today’s “peer pressure” and how the show authentically captures “so much insecurity and love and heartbreak and relationships.”
In navigating the adaptation, Akil has made significant changes while retaining certain core elements. One of the most notable shifts, as pointed out by Kirkus Reviews, is in the narrative perspective. Blume’s novel is narrated in the first person by Katherine, offering an intimate view into her optimistic perception of her relationship with Michael, whom she barely knows. The series, however, gives equal time to both Keisha and Justin, transforming it into a “story of a young couple.” Keisha’s backstory involving a leaked intimate video is another significant addition.
The Village Behind ‘FOREVER’: Creators, Cast, and Craft
The making of “FOREVER” is supported by a team that blends Black Hollywood professionalism with new and emerging talents, signifying a commitment to authentic storytelling that resonates across generations. Creator Mara Brock Akil brings her extensive and impactful career, having created iconic Black stories like “Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “The Game.”
Adding to the series’ prestige, acclaimed actress and director Regina King directs the first episode and serves as an executive producer, ensuring a strong directorial vision from the outset. The importance of Judy Blume’s involvement as an executive producer cannot be overstated, granting her imprimatur to this reimagining. The world of Keisha and Justin is further shaped by a talented supporting cast, including respected actors like Wood Harris as Justin’s father, Eric, Karen Pittman as his mother, Dawn, and Xosha Roquemore as Keisha’s mother, Shelly.
The commitment to authenticity extends deeply into the show’s craft. The decision to film in real Los Angeles neighborhoods like Crenshaw, the Fairfax District, and Park-Windsor Hills grounds the series in a tangible reality.
Costume design plays a pivotal role in this visual storytelling, with costume designer Tanja Caldwell. Justin’s style is defined as a low-key LA type, fond of sneakers and skateboarding, incorporating vintage music tees, flannels, Dickies, and classic Vans or Converse. Keisha, the “born and raised LA ‘girl next door’,” embodies a “timeless beauty with a natural style: athletic, modern, tomboy, sexy.” Her look, influenced by icons like Aaliyah, TLC, and Janet Jackson, evolves as she matures throughout the series.
The soundscape of “FOREVER” is equally considered, featuring an original score composed by Gary Gunn, known for his work on “A Thousand and One” and “David Makes Man.”
Where to Watch “FOREVER”
