Netflix

Netflix releasing Judy Blume adaptation "Forever" in May

By Chris Morgan | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Netflix is getting into the Judy Blume business, announcing the upcoming release of an adaptation of her novel "Forever," while also releasing a trailer.

Having recently turned 87, Blume is still around to bask in the love people still have for her books. Young adult novel royalty, Blume's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" was adapted into a movie in 2023, the same year a documentary about her both debuted and won a Peabody. Netflix is getting into the Blume business, announcing the upcoming release of an adaptation of her novel "Forever," and also releasing a trailer.

As reflected in that trailer, "Forever" is about two high school students who find their "first love" in one another. In this particular adaptation, Keisha is a track star, while Justin is a basketball player with lofty ambitions. The former is played by Lovie Simone, the later by Michael Cooper Jr.

The showrunner is Mara Brock Akil, who has created both the sitcom "Girlfriends" and the drama "Being Mary Jane." As such, Akil seems well-suited the "dramedy" space Blume's YA books offer exist in. Not her children's books, though. There's nothing dramatic about "Superfudge."

"Forever" will arrive on Netflix on May 8. As popular as Blume's books have been, there hasn't really been a successful show based on her work just yet. Perhaps this adaptation will change that.

(h/t The Hollywood Reporter)

Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

More must-reads: