For decades, Black youth have rarely seen themselves reflected in authentic, coming of age stories on screen. While the young adult genre continues to thrive, there remains a significant gap in narratives that capture the nuances of Black adolescence.

Now, Netflix has released a teaser for Forever, a reimagining of Judy Blume’s classic 1975 novel, produced by Mara Brock Akil, set to arrive on Netflix in 2025. And the Netflix audience is overwhelmingly pleased with this announcement.

The series, led by Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., centers on Keisha and Justin, two young athletes who fall in love. Against the backdrop of 2018 Los Angeles, the romantic drama explores how first love can shape and follow us throughout life.

Lovie Simone is the perfect choice to bring Keisha to life. Known for her powerful performances and undeniable screen presence, Simone has a gift for portraying layered, emotionally rich characters.

Her breakout role as Zora Greenleaf showcased her ability to navigate complex storylines, making her an ideal fit for a project that requires depth and sincerity. With Forever, Simone continues to solidify her place as one of Hollywood’s most promising young Black, female talents.

Mara Brock Akil, known for creating beloved Black media like Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane, brings her signature style to Forever. As the first project under her overall deal with Netflix, Mara seeks to fill a void in the media landscape by crafting a story that truly speaks to a nostalgic YA experience.

“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice,” she shared with Netflix. “I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever.”

In addition to Mara, the executive production team includes Judy Blume, Susie Fitzgerald, Erika Harrison, Sara White, Reina King, Shana C. Waterman, and Anthony Hemingway, ensuring a well-rounded creative force behind the series.

With no official release date yet, Forever is set to premiere sometime in 2025.

Its arrival signals a much-needed shift in media representation. In an era where young Black audiences are hungry for narratives that mirror their own experiences, Forever has the potential to redefine what young adult storytelling looks like on screen.