Netflix’s ‘Forever’ Redefines TV Romance: A Judy Blume Classic Reimagined

The debut of the captivating Netflix series Forever underscores the enduring and universal appeal of Blume’s book. Unlike the novel, which is set in the 1970s suburban New Jersey among white teenagers, this adaptation, created by Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane) and situated in the technologically advanced metropolis of 2010s Los Angeles among Black teens from diverse backgrounds, deviates significantly. However, Akil’s adaptation stays true to the emotional authenticity of the source material, portraying young characters’ inner lives with sincerity while also acknowledging the wisdom of parents who understand their children’s first love through a more seasoned perspective.