Judy Blume’s “Forever” is back and more powerful than ever. Mara Brock Akil brings the YA classic to Netflix with a fresh, modern lens.
📅 Release Date & Where to Watch
- Release Date: May 8, 2025
- Where to Watch: Netflix
🔥 What’s the Hype About?
- Genre: Teen Drama, Coming-of-Age, Romance
- Cast: Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Regina King, Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore
- Director/Creator: Mara Brock Akil
- Why It’s a Must-Watch: It’s a reimagined adaptation of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking YA novel Forever, brought to life by Mara Brock Akil and executive-produced by Regina King.
🎬 Watch the Forever Trailer
💞 Judy Blume’s Forever Gets A 2025 Glow-Up
Fifty years after Judy Blume’s “Forever” first rocked the world of YA fiction, Netflix is bringing the beloved novel back—with a twist that’s as fresh as it is faithful.
“Forever,” the new series premiering May 8, is executive produced and showrun by Mara Brock Akil, the creative genius behind “Girlfriends” and “Being Mary Jane.”
And yes, the heart of the story remains: that powerful, unforgettable first love.
The series follows Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), two Black teens in 2018 Los Angeles, as they fall deeply and tenderly into their first real relationship.
From first kisses to first heartbreaks, “Forever” explores the emotional depth and complexity of young love in a way that feels honest, intimate, and beautifully Black.
🎥 Behind The Scenes: Akil, Blume & A Bold New Vision
Mara Brock Akil has long credited Judy Blume with influencing her voice as a writer.
“She was one of the first writers I read that dared to be honest about the human condition in young people,” she shared.
That influence is evident in every frame of “Forever.”
And while Blume was initially unsure if her 1975 story could resonate in today’s world, Akil convinced her otherwise—with heart, vision, and authenticity.
“Love is still love,” Brock Akil says. “The questions we ask ourselves the first time we fall for someone? They haven’t changed.”
The cast is packed with talent: Simone shines as the strong and smart track star Keisha, while Cooper Jr. plays Justin, an athlete with big dreams and even bigger emotions.
The supporting cast includes Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Niles Fitch, and more, each adding richness to this multi-generational love story.
🌟 A Legacy Continued: Netflix and Mara Brock Akil’s First Collaboration
“Forever” is the first project under Mara Brock Akil’s overall deal with Netflix—and what a debut it is.
The series is executive produced by a powerhouse team including Judy Blume herself, Regina King (who also directs the premiere), Reina King, and Anthony Hemingway.
According to Netflix’s VP of overall deals, Renate Radford, “Mara’s creative and authentic storytelling allows us to present a fresh take on an iconic coming-of-age love story.”
🔥 Will you be watching “Forever“? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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