From super producer Mara Brock Akil comes the new series Forever, an adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic 1975 novel of the same name. The series follows two teens as they explore a young romance in 2018, both novices in the subject matter. However, as they realize that the spark between them goes beyond just a puppy love, will they be able to handle all that comes along with the real adult feelings and emotions they share?
Here’s everything we know about Forever.
Forever release date
Forever premieres Thursday, May 8, on Netflix. Those hoping to watch episodes of the series need a subscription to the streaming service. Currently, Netflix offers several options for would-be subscribers.
Forever plot
Here’s a breakdown of the series’ plot as spelled out by Netflix’s site Tudum:
“A reimagination of the 1975 novel, the romantic drama Forever follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward and moving journey of being each other’s capital-F Firsts…The young athletes fall hard for each other as they learn just how deeply their first love will affect the rest of their lives, all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 2018 Los Angeles.”
Again, Forever is based on Judy Blume’s 1975 novel. Here is a synopsis of the original novel:
“Katherine and Michael are in love, and Katherine knows it’s forever—especially after she loses her virginity to him. But when they’re separated for the summer, she begins to have feelings for another boy. What does this say about her love for Michael? And what does ‘forever’ mean, anyway? Is this the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?”
Forever cast
Lovie Simone (Manhunt) and Michael Cooper Jr. (Infraction) have been cast as the show’s leads Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards. Netflix describes Keisha as a “young confident, smart and fiery track star,” while Justin is summarized as a “nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body.”
Helping to round out the rest of the Forever cast are the following:
- Karen Pittman (The Morning Show) as Dawn
- Wood Harris (Creed III) as Eric
- Xosha Roquemore (Captain America: Brave New World) as Shelly
- Marvin Lawrence Winans III (Abbott Elementary) as Jaden
- Barry Shabaka Henley (Bob Hearts Abishola) as George
- Ali Gallo (Incoming) as Chloe
- Niles Fitch (This Is Us) as Darius
- Paigion Walker (A Kill for a Kill) as Tiffany
- E’myri Crutchfield (Fargo) as Tammy
Forever trailer
Check out this trailer for the brand-new series below.
Forever episode guide
Here is a synopsis of each episode of season 1:
Forever episode 1: "Reunion"
"After a chance meeting at a party, Justin and Keisha catch feelings fast. But a misunderstanding could destroy their romance before it even starts."
Forever episode 2: "Ghosted"
"Justin loses phone privileges, complicating his attempt to reconnect with Keisha — who’s going through it after her ex suddenly reappears."
Forever episode 3: "Fourth Quarter"
"Keisha confronts Christian about the damage he's done to her reputation. With college applications looming, Justin faces pressure on and off the court."
Forever episode 4: "Run It Back"
"As Keisha grows closer to Justin, his family welcomes her with open arms. But when it comes to Keisha's mom, things aren't so simple."
Forever episode 5: "The Vineyard"
"Keisha and Chloe head to Martha's Vineyard on a mission. A withdrawn Justin must decide whether to open back up after heartbreak."
Forever episode 6: "The Honeymoon"
"Dawn issues a brutal ultimatum to Justin — with the potential to damage Keisha's relationship with Shelly."
Forever episode 7: "Deep End"
"As college admissions season heats up, Keisha and Justin begin to realize that the futures they've been striving for could drive them apart."
Forever episode 8: "Forever..."
"A tough prom-night conversation forces Justin to make a choice. Can he follow his dreams without breaking his parents' hearts — or Keisha's?"
