Forever: The Sweetest Love Story on TV

Hey, girlfriend! If you’ve got Netflix or any social media, chances are you’ve seen or heard of Forever. It follows two African American teenagers as they navigate life and love, and it’s honestly a breath of fresh air in today’s TV landscape.

Let’s talk about the first thing that makes Forever stand out: inclusion. Gone are the days of the perfect, cookie-cutter couples. Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) are far from typical characters, and that’s what makes them so relatable. Keisha is easy to love—not just for her urban style that channels the tomboyish swag of TLC with layers of gold jewelry and edges laid to the gods, but for her realness. She’s the homegirl we all know, the one who calls up her bestie when her dude is tripping, hides the truth from her mama, and sadly gives that f*ckboy one too many chances. Keisha is an independent lover girl, raised by a single mother working multiple jobs. Keisha knows how to hold her own, but she still craves love and acceptance despite her complex methods of showing it. Her family dynamics add layers of relatability and vulnerability, making her a character you can’t help but root for.

Then there’s Justin—a sweet, shy guy trying to navigate school and sports while managing ADHD. He comes from a wealthier, two-parent household with a grounded father figure and a mom who’s very much in touch with herself and her own growth, thanks to therapy. Seeing this dynamic on-screen, especially in a Black household, feels almost revolutionary. The absence of scandal, drugs, and violence is so refreshing that you almost expect it to show up at any moment. In fact, one review I read said that, at times, you find yourself waiting for something dramatic to happen—but it never does. Instead, Forever stays focused on its heart of the story: a genuine, lasting love. Justin’s parents, though well-meaning, pair him with several tutors, but it’s clear that Keisha is his true motivation. Whether it’s her encouraging him directly or him doing extra work just to spend time with her, it’s obvious that this young man lives for her. And it’s so heartwarming to see how she lifts him up, while he’s there to hold her down, despite the challenges that come with his overprotective mother.

Forever is a delightful reminder of what romantic entertainment should feel like. TV and movies used to be an escape—an hour or two where we could forget our struggles and dream about the perfect love. These days, though, it’s rare to find a romance that gives you those butterflies, the daydreams, the “I want a love like that” moments. Most romantic stories come with a heavy side of drama, abuse, or betrayal. While Forever isn’t without its heartbreaks, it leans heavily into the sweet, sincere moments that remind you what it was like to be young and in love—pure, eager, and ready to take on the world for someone special. It encourages you to reconnect with that feeling, whether you’re rekindling it in your own life or just dreaming about it.

Whether you watch it alone or with someone special, Forever is sure to leave you hopeful. I loved it so much that I’m already planning to read the novel it was inspired by to savor every detail. And the soundtrack, which blends R&B and rap, complements the show perfectly, guiding you through every moment. Though the show revolves around teens, the occasional nudity and intimate scenes definitely mark it for an adult audience. Forever is feverishly sweet, and fans are already clamoring for more. The good news? Netflix has answered, and a second season is already on the way.