Forever Review: Netflix’s Thoughtful Teen Drama Balances First Love, Race, and Real-World Struggles

Adapted from Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel Forever…, the new Netflix series Forever isn’t just another teen romance — it’s a quietly bold, deeply emotional exploration of what it means to love, lose, and grow up in a world full of noise.

Created by Girlfriends showrunner Mara Brock Akil, this eight-part drama keeps the heart of Blume’s controversial novel but reshapes the details for a new generation. The result? A story that’s not only modern and inclusive, but also smart, moving, and refreshingly grounded.

How Does Forever Reimagine the Judy Blume Classic?

Unlike the original novel, which followed a white teenage couple in New Jersey, Forever follows Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) and Keisha (Lovie Simone) — two Black teens navigating love, trauma, and identity in Los Angeles, 2018.

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Instead of forcing a modernized word-for-word retelling, the show treats Blume’s novel as inspiration, not scripture. The core themes of teenage intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and self-discovery remain intact — but this version speaks to today’s teens, especially those navigating the complexities of race, class, and mental health.

What Makes This Teen Drama Stand Out?

Do These Characters Feel Like Real Teenagers?

Yes — and that’s one of the show’s greatest strengths.

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Justin and Keisha are not polished, all-knowing versions of young adults. They stumble, second-guess, push, pull, and feel everything too deeply — just like real teenagers do. Their relationship is passionate and intense, but also messy and confusing, especially as they deal with very adult problems.

Justin has ADHD and is weighed down by academic expectations from his successful family. Keisha, raised by a single mom, is dealing with public shame after an ex-boyfriend shares a private video. Her trauma, especially, is handled with care — her voice is never minimized, and one confrontation with her ex midway through the series is nothing short of powerful.

How Does Forever Tackle Sex Without Losing Its Sensitivity?

Sex is undeniably part of the story — but it’s not sensationalized. Instead, it’s honest, clumsy, confusing, and sometimes funny. The show captures the reality of what it means to be young and curious, to explore boundaries, and to make mistakes and learn from them.

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There’s no heavy moralizing. Parents have their own approaches — Justin’s dad tosses him a condom with a wink, while Keisha’s mom sternly warns, “Keep your books open and your legs closed.” But the show never takes a judgmental tone. It simply presents reality, letting viewers sit with it.

Why Is Forever Important in 2025?

Book banning is back in full swing, and Judy Blume’s Forever… has long been in the crosshairs. That makes this Netflix adaptation not just timely, but essential. By bringing the story to streaming, Forever continues the conversation about teen sexuality, consent, shame, and identity, just in a different form.

And while it speaks directly to Gen Z, it’s thoughtful enough that older viewers won’t feel left out. If anything, it might make them a little nostalgic — and maybe even a little hopeful for how far we’ve come.

Should You Watch Forever?

If you’re looking for a loud, flashy teen soap, this isn’t it. But if you want something authentic, emotionally rich, and genuinely tender, Forever is a quiet standout. It handles big themes with grace, lets its characters be complex and flawed, and offers a love story that feels as much about self-discovery as it does about romance.

Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone give breakout performances, anchoring the series with honesty and chemistry. The supporting cast — especially Karen Pittman and Xosha Roquemore as their mothers — only deepen the emotional resonance.

Is it perfect? No. At times, the plot circles around in frustrating ways. But in the end, Forever is more than a romance — it’s a reminder that teenage stories deserve to be taken seriously.

And yes, it’s kind of low-key adorable, too.

Now streaming on Netflix. Whether you’re a fan of the original book or diving in fresh, this is one story worth watching — and remembering.