Forever: Everything we know so far about Netflix's Judy Blume adaptation

Forever is an upcoming drama series to be on the lookout for on Netflix. We first learned of this new show back in 2022 when it was announced that Netflix had ordered a series adaptation of the Judy Blume novel of the same name. Since then, we've learned so much more about this show, and of course, we had to share everything we know with our Netflix Lifers.

Back in 2020, it was reported that screenwriter and television producer Mara Brock Akil had signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix, where she'd be writing and producing scripted content and other creative projects for the streaming giant. Then, in September 2021, it was announced that Akil had launched her own production company under her deal with Netflix. Also revealed was her first slate of projects for development, which included the drama series Forever.

But as mentioned above, the show wasn't officially picked up by Netflix until 2022. It's actually Akil's first series order under her deal with Netflix. Akil serves as showrunner and executive producer on the series. She executive produces under her Story27 Productions banner. In addition, Blume, Regina King, Susie Fitzgerald, Erika Harrison, Sara White, Shana Waterman, and Reina King are also signed on as executive producers. King will be directing the first episode of the series.

Marketed as a reimagining of Blume's groundbreaking 1975 novel, Forever tells the love story of two Black teens "exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts." Additionally, the story is set in Los Angeles, California, in 2018.

Rising actress Lovie Simone will be playing the leading role of Keisha Clark. Keisha is described as "a young, confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school." You might recognize Simone from her previous role as Zora Greenleaf in the drama series Greenleaf. She also had roles in other TV shows such as Orange Is the New Black, Blue Bloods, Social Distance and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. When it comes to film work, she had roles in movies like Monster, Selah and the Spades, The Craft: Legacy and 57 Seconds. Besides Forever, we'll see her next in an upcoming Apple TV+ miniseries called Manhunt.

Michael Cooper Jr., who is known for his role as Malik in the drama movie On the Come Up, steps into the other leading role as Justin Edwards. Justin is described as "a young man who is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents. Love will lead him to who he truly is." Some of Cooper Jr.'s other acting work includes playing the role of Wes in the crime drama series Vindication and Carl in the horror flick The Inhabitant.

This is all we know about Forever at the moment. As more information about the Netflix series is released, you can definitely count on us to return to this space to share what we know.