Critics Are Saying This 'Irresistible' Netflix Teen Love Story Is Your Next Binge-Watch
If you’re a fan of Netflix romances like One Day, Heartstopper, Never Have I Ever or Young Royals, we think the platform’s latest original addition is going to be very much to your liking.
Forever is a new series which tells the story of two teenagers, Keisha and Justin, navigating the highs and lows of first love as they prepare to enter into adulthood.
The new series if helmed by Mara Brock Akil (of Girlfriends, Love Is and Cougar Town) and is an updated version of Judy Blume’s most polarising teen novel, which has repeatedly found itself on “most banned” lists due to its frank sexual discussions.
While the book has been considered by its fans to be a classic since its publication 50 years ago, early glowing reviews of its TV adaptation have suggested Netflix’s new show could wind up being just as impactful…
Variety
“Forever is Brock Akil’s finest work. The show captures the essence of Blume’s novel and remixes it, not only for a 21st-century lens, but for generations of Black people who haven’t seen themselves represented so vividly and tenderly. It reminds us of the fullness of our love stories, lives, and the villages that anchor our dreams and help us piece together our broken hearts.”
Time
“The intimacy of the directing; the intensity Simone and Cooper bring to their roles; the richness of the cinematography; a hip-hop and R&B soundtrack that reflects the music of the characters’ lives – it all combines to make one of TV’s best romances, full stop [...] whether you’re a kid or a parent or neither, Black in California or Jewish in Jersey or Asian in Minnesota, if you love love in all its complexity, Foreveris for you.”
The Hollywood Reporter
“As long as there are teenagers growing up in an imperfect world, there will be a need for tales that take seriously the experience of being young and in love and in lust [...] Tales, in other words, like Blume’s Forever has been for so many readers past and present — and like Akil’s Forever can be now for viewers today, and hopefully for generations to follow.”
Entertainment Weekly (B+)
“A magnificent, modern reimagining of Judy Blume’s classic [...] Simone is magnetic as Keisha, who is at once a responsible, driven young woman and a giddy, infatuated girl who scribbles Justin’s name down in her notebook during class. Cooper Jr. gives a star-making performance as Justin.”
Los Angeles Times
“It’s a very sweet show, full of characters whose differing needs and ideas sometimes put them at odds, but who are for the most part very nice. The worst you can say about any of them is that they are clueless or confused in the way that people, especially young people, with their incompletely formed brains – a scientific fact someone raises helpfully – often are.”
Mashable
“Blume’s novel is already a key lens through which young adults can unpack their own adolescent experiences. Thanks to some thoughtful adaptation choices, Brock Akil’s series may be able to serve a similar purpose, as well as introduce Blume’s work to a new generation.”
Collider
“Irresistible [...] Forever’s Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. make it hard not to root for Justin and Keisha’s romance to withstand the test of time. Both actors embody their respective roles, which benefits their undeniable onscreen chemistry.”
The Telegraph (2/5)
“Netflix’s new teen drama Forever really does feel like it goes on… well… foooor-evaaaah. This is a huge shame because, if only it were zippier, it would be precisely the kind of thoughtfully conceived and tenderly acted coming-of-age tale that our kids (and their parents) need right now: a perfect counterbalance to the worst-case scenario of Adolescence.”
All eight episodes of Forever are now streaming on Netflix.