It’s been 50 years since Judy Blume first published her YA romance novel Forever – and now, it’s been turned into a hit Netflix series.
The show landed on the streaming platform earlier this month, adapted by Mara Brock Akil for the screen. Showing that some tropes really do stand the test of time, Forever is every bit as addicting as we remember... Set in a sunny Los Angeles during 2018, the show focuses on a teenage love story that must survive gossip, parental concerns, growing up, and all the trials and tribulations high school brings.
Opening up about the series, Brock Akil shared, ‘I found out that Judy wasn’t sure that it could translate in this modern era, given how exposed young people are to sexuality and the topic of love… I got to talk to Judy, told her my perspective, and we resonated.’
And fans are certainly enjoying the show. Taking to X to share their thoughts on seeing Forever come to life, one wrote, ‘The fact it’s set in 2018 rather than the present day just makes it hit different.’
Another joked, ‘Trying to hurry up and watch all the episodes of Forever so Netflix doesn’t cancel it for not being number one on their show charts in its first 12 hours,' as one viewer added, ‘We really need more Black teen drama shows. I’m really loving Forever right now.’
With the show now on Netflix, here’s everything to know about the talented cast of Forever...
Who is on the Forever cast?
Lovie Simone
Lovie Simone stars in _Foreve_r as Keisha Clark, a straight-A student who’s got her sights set on an athletic scholarship to Harvard. 26-year-old Simone is best known for starring in Greenleaf from 2016 to 2020, as well as 2019 indie classic, Selah and the Spades. She landed a main role in the first season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, as well as starring opposite Tobias Menzies in 2024 true-crime miniseries Manhunt.
Michael Cooper Jr.
Michael Cooper Jr. plays the character of level-headed Justin, the son of the wealthy Edwards family. An avid basketball player with hopes for the future, Justin also happens to be Keisha’s love interest. Michael, 23, kickstarted his career in short films, before landing himself a role in 2022’s On The Come Up.
Xosha Roquemore
Xosha Roquemore stars in Forever as single mum Shelly. Working multiple jobs to support her daughter, she’s left hurt when she discovers the real reason why Keisha was forced to leave her old school. If you recognise Xosha’s face, there’s quite a few places you may recognise her from! She’s starred in 2009’s Oscar-nominated Precious, had a supporting role on The Mindy Project, and appeared in the first 2020 season of romantic anthology series Cherish the Day.
Karen Pittman
Karen Pittman stars as Dawn Edwards, the breadwinner of the successful Edwards family. Growing concerned about her son’s future, Dawn works hard to help Justin land a spot at the prestigious Northwestern University – where she once studied herself. Prior to Forever, Karen is best known for her role alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon on The Morning Show. She also previously starred in SATC sequel And Just Like That.
Wood Harris
Wood Harris appears as Eric Edwards, Dawn's wife and Justin’s father. A chef by trade, Eric also grows concerned about his son’s future – although he finds himself reminding his wife that they must allow their son to make his own mistakes. Alongside Forever, Wood’s professional projects include films such as 2000’s Remember the Titans, Marvel’s Ant-Man, and the Creed franchise. From 2002 to 2008, Wood also appeared as drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on HBO show The Wire, as well as currently starring in the Starz series BMF.
Marvin Lawrence Winans III
Justin’s younger brother Jaden is played by Marvin Lawrence Winans III. The young actor has appeared in several episodes of Abbott Elementary, as well as in the TV series Santiago. Just like his older brother on the show, Marvin actually is a passionate basketball player – describing himself on Instagram as a ‘Baller/actor’ with ‘NBA goals.’
And talent clearly runs in his veins, with Marvin coming from a long family of performers. His father is singer/producer Marvin Winans Jr., with his grandparents, Vickie and Marvin Williams, famous gospel stars.
Barry Shabaka Henley
Barry Shabaka Henley appears in the show as Keisha’s grandfather Barry, who often takes on a more fatherly role in his grandaughter’s life. Alongside Forever, other series that Barry has appeared in include FlashForward, Robbery Homicide Division, and a string of stage plays.
Niles Fitch
Niles stars as Darius in Forever, who is Justin’s supportive best friend. Most famously, many may recognise Niles from his role as a young Randall Pearson in This Is Us, which saw him win a SAG Award for his performance. He’s also starred alongside Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler in The Fallout, a film based on a school shooting, as well as landing a smaller role in the Denzel Washington-led Roman J. Israel, Esq. film in 2017.
Ali Gallo
Ali Gallo appears in the Forever as Chloe, Keisha’s best friend from her former private school. Fans may recognise Ali from the popular TV show The Sex Lives of College Girls, as well as Virtual Morality, and the film Unhuman. She’s set to appear on our screens agains soon, in upcoming film The Late Night Creep.
Where can I watch Forever?
The show is now available on Netflix for you to stream. And in case you need any more convincing to settle down on your sofa to watch, here's the trailer...
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity and culture, and listening to Taylor Swift.