The 1975 teen novel Forever... is back 50 years on in a new Netflix series
Judy Blume’s iconic teen romance Forever…is marking its 50th anniversary with a Netflix makeover.
The controversial novel, which was banned in some US schools and libraries for its candid content, was a must-read for teenagers in the ’70s and ’80s.
Now 50 years on from its 1975 publication, Mara Brock Akil has adapted it for Netflix and a whole new generation.
She said: “I’ve always credited Judy Blume as part of the seasoning of my 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 and you can see traces of her writing style within my own.
“I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books,Forever.”
Author Blume said she was “thrilled Mara has chosen to tell this story through her own lens”.
She added: “It is gratifying to know that, 50 years after its release, the love story at the core of Forever is still resonating with audiences.”
What is Forever about?
Set in Los Angeles in 2018, the television series Forever, like the original book, is about the unforgettable experience of first love.
Childhood friends Keisha and Justin are reunited as teens when they meet at a party.
Both high school athletes preparing for college, they must navigate the awkward journey to adulthood through a series of relationship of firsts.
From their first kiss to first time falling in love, they experience the joy and heartache of a first romance.
Brock Akil, who is showrunner and executive producer, said: “All the questions we have to sort through — the first time you have sex, your first kiss, the first time you say ‘I love you’ — it resonated then, and it resonates now,”
Who is in the cast of Forever?
Lovie Simone
Lovie Simone stars as Keisha Clark, a young, confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school.
The American actress, 26, rose to prominence playing Zora Greenleaf in the drama seriesGreenleaf.
She has gone on to star in the films Monster and The Walk.
On television, she has appeared in PowerBook III: Raising Kanan and Manhunt.
Michael Cooper Jr
Michael Cooper Jr is Justin Edwards, a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body.
The 24-year-old actor first appeared the television series Vindication and played Malik in the film On the Come Up.
The Texas University graduate also appeared as Carl in the 2022 film Inhabitant.
Karen Pittman
Karen Pittman plays Dawn, Justin’s mother and a top executive in corporate finance.
The American actress, 38, rose to fame in her recurring role as Lisa in The Americans.
She has since appeared as Mia Jordan in The Morning Show, Willa Hayes in Yellowstone and Dr Nya Wallace in And Just Like That…
Wood Harris
Wood Harris stars as Eric, Justin’s father and a restaurateur.
Among the first notable roles for Harris, now 55, was as Motaw in the1994filmAbove the Rim.
He has since appeared in Dough Boys, Ant-Man, Blade-Runner 2049 and Creed.
On television , he has starred as Avon Barksdale in The Wire, Damon Cross in Empire and Spencer Haywood in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
The remaining cast of Forever includes:
- Xosha Roquemore as Shelly (Precious, Captain America: Brave New World)
- Adriyan Rae as Brittany (The Game, Chicago Fire)
- Xavier Mills as Christian (Genius, Legacies)
- Marvin Lawrence Winans III as Jaden (Abbott Elementary, Santiago)
- Barry Shabaka Henley as George (Bob Hearts Abishola, Collateral)
- Ali Gallo as Chloe (Incoming, Unhuman)
- Niles Fitch as Darius (That ’90s Show, This Is Us)
- Gabriellla Martinez as Nancy (Total Eclipse, Grown-ish)
- Cornell Young IV as Todd (Mind Your Business, Beyond the Gates)
- Paigion Walker as Tiffany (A Kill for a Kill, Staged)
- Ellie Mae Louise Smith as Beth (Sleepers, Hope)
- Iyanna Jennaé as Maya
- E’myri Crutchfield as Tammy (Fargo, The Kicks)
When is Forever on Netflix and how many episodes are there?
Forever arrives on Netflix on Thursday 8 May from 8am (BST).
All eight episodes will be available to stream on that date.
However, you will need a subscription to the streaming service, which costs from £5.99 a month.
