Regina King Directs Netflix’s ‘Forever’: A Reimagined Judy Blume Classic Centering Black Teen Love

Image source, Netflix

Netflix is turning the page on a literary classic and giving it a powerful, fresh perspective. Forever, the new series executive produced by Mara Brock Akil and directed by Regina King in its first episode, premiered May 8 exclusively on Netflix. This bold adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel tells the story of first love, intimacy, and self-discovery—this time through the eyes of Black teens coming of age in modern-day Los Angeles.

Set in 2018, the story follows Keisha Clark, played by rising star Lovie Simone, a driven track athlete with dreams of attending Howard University, and Justin Edwards, portrayed by newcomer Michael Cooper Jr., a sensitive basketball player caught between family expectations and his own creative path. When the two reconnect at a New Year’s Eve party, their chemistry ignites a whirlwind romance that forces them to navigate not only the highs and lows of young love, but the pressures of identity, ambition, and vulnerability.

This new take on Forever doesn’t shy away from big themes. Mental health, consent, Black joy, and the role of social media in teenage relationships all take center stage. The series honors the emotional heart of Judy Blume’s original work while rewriting the narrative in a way that speaks directly to today’s generation—especially those who have never seen themselves reflected in coming-of-age classics.

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Regina King’s direction in the opening episode sets a grounded, cinematic tone for the series. And with Mara Brock Akil at the helm—whose television legacy includes Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane, and The Game—Forever delivers both emotional authenticity and cultural specificity. It’s not just about young love; it’s about Black love, Black youth, and the freedom to feel deeply, make mistakes, and grow.

Critics have praised the show for its vulnerability and realism, with early reviews from Entertainment Weekly and The Guardian applauding the chemistry between the leads and the boldness of its reimagining.

Whether you’re a longtime Judy Blume fan or just discovering Forever for the first time, this series is a tender, timely story that reminds us how unforgettable a first love can be—especially when told through a lens that finally reflects us.

Watch the Forever teaser now, only on Netflix.