Netflix Renews Black Teenage Love Series ‘Forever' For Season 2
If you were hooked by the emotional rollercoaster of 'Forever,' Netflix's heartfelt teen romance, get ready—Season 2 is on the way. Created by award-winning storyteller Mara Brock Akil, the series returns to explore the next chapter in Keisha and Justin's love story, according to a press release published Wednesday.
Inspired by Judy Blume's classic novel, 'Forever' follows two Black teens from opposite sides of Los Angeles who reconnect at a New Year's Eve party after years apart. Keisha, played by actress Lovie Simone, is a driven track star with dreams of attending historic Howard University and the weight of her family's future on her shoulders. Justin, portrayed by Michael Cooper Jr., struggles to navigate ADHD and is uncertain about his path in life, but he finds solace in music — and in Keisha.
The first season delicately tackled the highs and lows of first love, family expectations, and identity, all set against the backdrop of 2018's social media-fueled world. Over eight episodes, viewers watched the teens navigate miscommunication, systemic pressures, and the unique realities of being Black in predominantly white spaces.
By the season's end, Keisha and Justin chose to go their separate ways, not out of heartbreak, but out of growth. Season 2 promises to pick up where they left off, exploring how young love can evolve when both people are learning to stand on their own.
Cooper Jr. shared that the first season of 'Forever' taught him about 'the importance of self-love' and power.
'You have to love and know yourself in order to love anyone else or create space for someone else,' the actor said.
Simone, on the other hand, was enamored by the way Keisha and Justin remained confident and communicated their emotional needs throughout the show.
'The way these characters communicate is just so advanced,' the actress shared. 'It was nice to have a little bit of my faith restored in young love through this show. Young people can communicate.'
Looking ahead to Season 2, Brock Akil teased that Keisha and Justin's relationship will face new challenges as they transition into college life. With the pressures of higher education and growing independence, the big question is: can their love survive this next chapter?
'Who are they going to be on the other side, or during that first semester? After all, Howard University has been Keisha's focus for far longer than Justin has,' the famous showrunner revealed. 'Howard is Keisha's first boyfriend, let's just be honest. I want to see who she is in this environment. For Justin, what is he going to do in this gap year, now that he's got a direction? He needs to figure out who he is outside of Keisha.'
Brock Akil added, 'How do you re-engage, how do you go back through the door that you know is open?'
Stay tuned. 'Forever' is far from over.
SEE ALSO:
5 Ways Netflix's 'Forever' Gave Us the Young Black Love Story We Deserve
'Black Barbie' Documentary Is Netflix-Bound
SEE ALSO
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Spoiler alert: It's still incredible, and now the Television Academy has recognized how incredible this medical drama is, nominating it for 13 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series and several acting nominations. For those who haven't seen it yet, "The Pitt" is part "E.R." and part "24." It stars "E.R." vet Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby Robinavitch and follows him and his colleagues at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital throughout a 15-hour shift. That means, like "Adolescence," each episode takes place in real time. But despite the first season covering just mere hours in the lives of the characters, it accomplishes incredible world-building and character development. The show also excels at being realistic and navigating ongoing storylines. In the first part of the season, storylines can run throughout episodes, sometimes taking an episode off only to come back and make you cry, as episode 8, "2:00 P.M.," does to me every time. 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