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Mara Brock Akil’s ‘Forever’: A Modern Reimagining of Judy Blume’s Classic That Will Make You Feel All The Feels

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Forever on Netflix

Mara Brock Akil’s highly anticipated series adaptation of Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel ‘Forever’ has officially landed on Netflix. Premiering on May 8, this eight-episode drama reimagines the groundbreaking young adult novel for a new generation, set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles in 2018.

Featuring a stellar cast including Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Winans III, and Niles Fitch, ‘Forever’ explores the exhilarating and awkward journey of first love through the lens of Black teens. Here’s why this series is a must-watch and how it honors Blume’s legacy while resonating with today’s audiences.

'Forever' on Netflix
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. as Keisha and Justin in ‘Forever’/ courtesy of Netflix

‘Forever,’ A Timeless Love Story, Reimagined

Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’ is a cornerstone of young adult literature, celebrated for its honest portrayal of teenage romance and sexuality. Originally published in 1975, the novel broke barriers with its frank depiction of a young woman’s sexual agency, making it both a beloved classic and a frequent target of censorship. Mara Brock Akil, known for creating television hits like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Being Mary Jane,’ brings her signature authentic storytelling to this adaptation. By setting the series in 2018 Los Angeles and centering Black teens Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), Akil ensures the story feels relevant to modern audiences while preserving the emotional core of Blume’s work.

Akil’s adaptation delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and self-discovery, capturing the rollercoaster of adolescence. As Keisha, a confident track star with big dreams, and Justin, a nerdy athlete with ambitions of his own, navigate their romance, the series highlights the universal joys and challenges of first love. The 2018 setting allows Forever to address contemporary issues like social media and evolving cultural norms, making it a poignant reflection of today’s youth.

Forever on Netflix
‘Forever’ cast (L-R: Xosha Roquemore, Lovie Simone, Wood Harris, Karen Pittman, Michael Cooper Jr., and showrunner and executive producer Mara Brock Akil attend the Los Angeles premiere/ courtesy of Netflix

A Powerhouse Cast and Creative Team

The series features an impressive ensemble, with Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. delivering standout performances as Keisha and Justin. Additional cast members, including Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Wood Harris (The Wire), and Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), add depth to the narrative, portraying family and friends who shape the teens’ journey. Marvin Winans III and Niles Fitch round out the cast, bringing nuance to this coming-of-age tale.

Behind the scenes, Akil serves as showrunner and executive producer, joined by Blume herself. Regina King directed the pilot and serves as the series’s executive producer.

Why ‘Forever’ Resonates Today

Forever arrives at a time when authentic representation in media is more critical than ever. Akil’s decision to center the plot around Black teens addresses a gap in mainstream storytelling, offering a narrative where young Black characters are given whole, complex lives. The series’ exploration of self-love as the foundation for lasting relationships adds a layer of emotional depth, resonating with viewers of all ages.

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Film & TV

Chadwick Boseman Honored With a Star On Hollywood walk of Fame (Photos)

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Thursday, Nov. 20 – ‘Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The late actor’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Boseman, best known for his roles as King T’Challa in ‘Black Panther,’  Jackie Robinson in ’42,’ and James Brown in ‘Get On Up,’ died in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with cancer. The news of his passing was sudden and came as a shock to many, including Boseman’s collaborators and close friends, who revealed they did not know of his illness.

Ryan Coogler, who directed Boseman in “Black Panther,” and Davis, who co-starred opposite him in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” spoke at the ceremony. Both spoke candidly of who Chadwick was as a human, an actor, and a friend.

Boseman’s co-stars Letitia Wright and Michael B. Jordan also attended the ceremony, as well as Chadwick’s brothers, Kevin and Derrick.

See photos from the star unveiling ceremony below.

  • Chadwick Boseman
  • Boseman
  • Chadwick Boseman star
  • Chadwick Boseman star
  • Ryan Coogler
  • Chadwick Boseman star
  • Chadwick Boseman star
  • Chadwick Boseman star
  • Chadwick Boseman star

For those who wish to visit and pay their respects, the star is located at 6904 Hollywood Blvd., across from the TCL Chinese Theatre.

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Film & TV

Peacock To Release a New Docuseries “Tiffany Haddish Goes Off”

Inspired by the film “Girls Trip,” the series follows Tiffany Haddish and her childhood friends on their vacation across the continent of Africa

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Peacock’s new docuseries “Tiffany Haddish Goes Off,” which will premiere on Thursday, November 13, follows Emmy Award-winning comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, Haunted Mansion) as she journeys to Africa on a four-week-long girls trip with her three closest childhood friends: Selena Martin, Shermona Long, and Sparkle Clark.

On the trip, Tiffany and her friends travel to multiple locations across Africa: Cape Town, South Africa; Victoria Falls and Harare, Zimbabwe; and Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The six-episode docuseries is produced by Jeff Jenkins Productions, in association with 3BMG, Will Packer Media, Glass Slipper Pictures, Haddish’s She Ready Productions, and 1oneninety5.

All episodes of the series will be available at once, exclusively on Peacock.

Watch the official trailer below.

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 Issa Rae Sued Over “One of Them Days”

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Issa Rae One of Them Days

Three Los Angeles-based screenwriters, Tyrone Perry, Shon Oku, and Joshua Isaacson, filed a lawsuit on July 30, 2025, alleging that Issa Rae-produced “One of Them Days” copied their original screenplay titled “One of Those Days.” The lawsuit claims copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion. 

Specifically, the writers allege that there are 29 similarities in character arcs, plot structure, and overall tone between the film and their script. They shared their script with producer Xavier Charles, who had previously worked with Issa Rae on her HBO series, “Insecure.” After Charles declined to produce their project, Rae’s company announced “One of Them Days” shortly thereafter. The lawsuit claims this proximity in timing, coupled with Charles’s connection to Rae, points to unauthorized use of their material. 

one of them days

The released buddy comedy film, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who find themselves in a chaotic race against the clock to avoid eviction. 

The central conflict arises when Alyssa’s boyfriend blows their rent money on a bad investment. Faced with the threat of being evicted from their Los Angeles apartment, the duo goes to extreme lengths to find the necessary funds before their landlord’s deadline. The film is filled with comical situations and highlights the strength and quirks of their friendship as they navigate the challenges of their “one of those days” scenario.

To support their claims, the writers hired veteran screenwriter John Brancato, who reviewed both scripts and concluded that the similarities were “substantial”. 

The lawsuit names Issa Rae’s company ColorCreative, Sony Pictures, TriStar, and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. It seeks a jury trial, damages, and attorney’s fees. Representatives for Rae and Sony have not yet commented publicly on the allegations. 

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