Why Forever Is Netflix's Most Addictive Teen Romance

Buzz Feed

11-05-2025

Forever has only been on Netflix for two full days and I truly can't stop thinking about it, but more importantly, I don't want to stop thinking about it.
Forever is a reimagined version of Judy Blume's controversial 1975 coming-of-age novel of the same name. The teen drama series adaptation was created by Mara Brock Akil — the same woman who brought us Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and more. I mean, who better to give us a layered romance with dynamic characters?!
The story is set in 2018 Los Angeles and follows highschoolers, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), as they navigate first love, dating woes, societal norms, and family and friends — all this as they prepare for life after high school.
Meet Keisha: a driven, intelligent, and resilient high school senior with aspirations of attending Howard University on a track scholarship. She also has a closet of clothes I'd love to raid. As a standout athlete and top student, Keisha is determined to forge a successful future, despite the challenges she faces growing up in a single-parent household where her mother, Shelly (Xosha Roquemore), works tirelessly to provide for her. Keisha's haunted by a past incident that keeps interfering with her present life, despite how hard she tries to move on from it.
Meet Justin: A talented basketball player, Justin is also intellectually curious, often described as "a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete's body." He is in the process of understanding his neurodivergence, specifically ADHD, which adds another layer to his journey of self-discovery. He's also refreshingly honest and in-tune with his emotions. Justin is the son of affluent parents—his mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman), a Harvard-educated executive, and his father, Eric (Wood Harris), a successful restaurateur. Despite his privileged upbringing, Justin grapples with the pressures of high expectations and the desire to forge his own path.
Keisha and Justin reunite after randomly seeing each other at a party. It's the first time they've seen each other in person since they were kids, and what blossoms between them after that reunion is a wild, heartfelt tale of young love and the roadblocks that come along the way.
Lovie and Michael were the perfect choices to bring these characters to life on screen. I can't applaud their performances enough. I'm 34 years old and going on this teen journey had me in my feelings, reminiscing about my younger years, and how heightened my emotions were dealing with relationships for the first time. This show encapsulated it perfectly.
What also makes this series so special is the way the viewer is brought into their entire world. You not only connect with the protagonists, but you also form a bond with the parents...
...and friends who play a big part in Justin and Keisha's lives (again, perfect casting for everyone involved).
I was hooked from the very first episode, and I'm already plotting on my next rewatch. But I'm not the only one who fell head over heels for Forever. Here's what people online are saying:
Have you watched Forever yet? If so, pleaseeeee share your thoughts in the comments so we can talk about it!