Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel, Forever, is a groundbreaking story about first relationships, first love and…the first time. Now, 50 years later, TV luminary Mara Brock Akil, the showrunner behind beloved coming-of-age series like Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane, is bringing the tender tale to life in a new Netflix teen drama series. With record-breaking streams and more than 26 million TikTok posts since the show’s release earlier this month, the fan response so far is monumental. Whether you want to learn more about Netflix’s Forever series before diving in or you’re already a fan and want a juicy behind-the-scenes (BTS) look, you’re in the right place!
Here, we gathered up everything you need to know about the Forever series—from the plot to the cast stars and the bittersweet Season 1 finale (and what Brock Akil has to say about that ending). Plus, an update on whether or not there will be a second season (Hint: We have good news!). Keep scrolling for more!
What is ‘Forever’ About?
Judy Blume’s beloved Young Adult novel follows Katherine and Michael, two teenagers who fall deeply in love. After losing their virginities to each other, Katherine believes it’s a forever kind of love. But when the two are separated for the summer, Katherine’s feelings begin to drift to someone else. What does this say about her love for Michael? A seminal coming-of-age story about the euphoric highs and intense lows of teenage love—and how it all stays with you forever.
Netflix’s ‘Forever’ series: What happened in Season 1
Both Blume’s novel and the series pose the question: Is it a forever love? Or the one you’ll remember forever? The series is inspired by the 1975 bestseller, but Brock Akil reimagined the show for a new generation. The official logline for Season 1 described the premise as: “An epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Elizabeth Morris/©Netflix/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
The book is set in 1970s New Jersey, but the series follows protagonists Justin Edwards and Keisha Clark during their last year of high school in 2018 Los Angeles. Keisha is a determined track star heading to Howard University and Justin is a music lover and basketball player living with ADHD. When the two reunite at a New Year’s Eve party, sparks fly. The eight-episode series covers many of the central themes in Blume’s book—from virginity to young adulthood and relationships—and leaves viewers with a heartfelt finale.
Season 1 cast: what the stars have said about the show
The show’s leads are both relative newcomers, but fans and critics alike are raving about their memorable breakout performances in Forever. Justin Edwards is played by 23-year-old Michael Cooper Jr. and Keisha Clark is portrayed by 26-year-old Lovie Simone. In an interview with Refinery 29, Cooper said he read Blume’s book cover to cover. “I definitely bought the book and I read it. I studied it. It’s a beautiful novel,” he shared. “And Mara’s beautiful adaptation really brought some of the nuances to life in a newer form.”
Elizabeth Morris/©Netflix/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
In the same interview, Simone echoed her love for the book, recounting how reading it only made her want the part more. “I also read it during the audition process, and that made me fall in love with it even more,” she said. “After reading it, it was really all in for me. I was like, ‘Okay, I really got to get this one!’ I really love the characters and the story. It’s just a beautiful coming-of-age story.”
Brock Akil shares BTS details—and what she thinks of that finale!
Back in January, Brock Akil recalled pitching Blume (who also serves as executive producer) her ideas for the adaptation. “Back in July of 2020, I pitched Judy how I would reimagine this love story within a love letter to Los Angeles,” she wrote on Instagram. Brock Akil has been candid about her deep love for Blume’s writing, citing her as one of the first authors to be honest about youth and the human condition.
Both Blume’s 1975 novel and Brock Akil’s 2025 adaptation capture a timeless theme: love. “We are always looking for, in every generation, love,” Brock Akil recently said in an interview with EW. She also cited the importance of covering these topics—sex, safety, relationships—in a thoughtful way just like Blume did through her book (which was considered controversial for many years after its initial release). “I’m hoping I could do that for another generation—to say, ‘Here’s some truth around your curiosities, and we trust you to make good choices,’” she noted. “That’s what Judy did for us.”
Elizabeth Morris/©Netflix/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
Spoilers ahead! In the Season 1 finale, Keisha and Justin make the painful but mutual decision to part ways. Keisha is heading off to college and Justin is deferring his enrollment in Northwestern to pursue his musical endeavors. When asked what she thought about the ending, Brock Akil told EW she wouldn’t have done it any other way. “What I love about the ending and the complexity is that love is intact,” she notes. And if they find their way back to one another “it will be love,” she added. “I’m really excited about young people showing all of us the way in terms of how to transition from relationships without it having to be destructive. We don’t need any more of that.”
Will there be a Season 2 of ‘Forever’?
Yes! Netflix officially confirmed the TV series is getting another season. Brock Akil celebrated the news in a statement: “Season 2 is our love letter back to the people who said, ‘Yes, this is for me.’ We’re honored, we’re excited, and we’re ready to go even deeper. Thank you to Netflix — Season 2 is coming soon!”
Season 1 of Forever is streaming now on Netflix.