Judy Blume’s Coming Of Age Romance, Forever, Has A TV Adaptation
Netflix has had some big successes with romantic dramas in the past few years (like Nobody Wants This and One Day), and they’re looking to continue that streak with Forever, an adaptation of the book by Judy Blume. Starring newcomers Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr, it follows the lives of two high schoolers in LA trying to navigate the often confusing world of first love and societal pressures. It’s just released on streaming- here’s everything you need to know:
What is Forever about?
Based on the 70s novel by Judy Blume (whose novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret was also adapted recently), the new series is set in 2018, and focuses on two young students: Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr). Both are athletes, and both attend the same high school in Los Angeles. Keisha has already established herself as a star of the track, and has firm ambitions to go further after school and turning her hobby into a career. Justin, meanwhile, is described as “nerdy at heart” but also a talented athlete- he has dreams of escaping his parents’ shadow and becoming a pro basketball player. When they first meet, there’s an immediate spark and chemistry between them, but love is never easy, especially when parental and societal pressures hang over you.
Justin’s parents are high achievers, and can be strict: his mother Dawn (played by The Morning Show’s Karen Pittman) is a financial executive, and is loving but sometimes paranoid, and often tries to steer her son in the direction she sees fit. His father Eric (The Wire’s Wood Harris) is a restaurateur who’s more easygoing, but often has to intervene when Dawn and Justin clash. They’re also both raising a son at a time when there’s a lack of safety for Black teens in America. Keisha’s mother Shelly (Xosha Roquemore), is also headstrong and prioritises taking care of her family even if she has less in life. As Justin and Keisha meet and begin navigating life and entering adulthood together, they will discover the kind of people they want to become and how first love can impact the rest of their lives.
Who else stars, and when can I watch?
The series also stars Ali Gallo (Incoming) as Keisha’s popular best friend with wealthy parents, and Niles Fitch (The Fallout) as Justin’s more confident best friend Darius. Other cast members include Barry Shabaka Henley (Dolemite Is My Name), Paigion Walker (106&Park) and Marvin Lawrence Winans III. All episodes are available now.
