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,’ 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.

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.

‘Tyler Perry’s Sistas’ universe is expanding with the upcoming ‘Divorced Sistas,’ a second spinoff series set to premiere on BET and BET+ in June 2025.

The new show promises to deliver Perry’s signature blend of drama, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. It will focus on five women navigating life after divorce. Here’s everything you need to know about the show.

What Is Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas About?

‘Divorced Sistas’ follows five close friends—Rasheda, Geneva, Naomi, Tiffany, and Bridgette—as they tackle the complexities of life, love, and friendship post-divorce. The series explores themes of resilience, healing, and the power of female bonds, set against modern-day challenges like dating, marriage, and personal growth. Perry, who created, wrote, directed, and executive produced the series, describes it as “a story of resilience and the power of female friendship.”

The show is an extension of the Sistas universe, ranked as the No. 1 scripted series on cable among Black viewers aged 18-49 in 2024. This spinoff, the second after ‘Zatima,’ dives deeper into its characters’ emotional and comedic nuances, promising the dramatic twists and relatable moments Perry is known for.

The Cast of Divorced Sistas

LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf) leads the ensemble cast, which also includes Khadeen Indréa (Ellis Ever After), Porscha Coleman (Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!), Briana Price (Step Up: High Water), and Jennifer Sears.

The First Official Teaser Trailer

The teaser trailer, which dropped alongside the series announcement, introduces the five friends with quick glimpses of their vibrant personalities and the drama awaiting them. Watch it below.

When and Where to Watch Divorced Sistas

‘Divorced Sistas’ will premiere on BET on June 9, 2025, coinciding with the 2025 BET Awards, with streaming available on BET+ starting June 10.

BET+ subscribers can dive into the series as part of Perry’s expanded multi-year partnership with BET Media Group, which continues to deliver hit content for Black audiences.

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, a duo synonymous with cinematic excellence, have reunited for ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ a modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece ‘High and Low.’ The first teaser trailer offers a glimpse into this A24 and Apple TV+ thriller, set to premiere in theaters August 22 and on Apple TV+ September 5.

The trailer introduces Washington as a music industry titan, a man whose “ears are the best in the business,” navigating a moral quagmire triggered by a botched kidnapping plot. His voiceover breaks down the film’s central tension: “There’s more to life than just making money. There’s integrity, there’s what you stand for.” Flashes of New York City—electric-blue skylines, frenetic subway chases, and courthouse standoffs—pulse with Lee’s signature visual flair, courtesy of cinematographer Matthew Libatique. The teaser’s animated Brooklyn Bridge shots and rapid cuts hint at a story teetering between opulence and chaos, with Washington’s character caught in a high-stakes ransom scheme that tests his principles.

Adapted from Kurosawa’s High and Low—itself based on Ed McBain’s King’s Ransom— ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ trades the original’s corporate shoe empire for the cutthroat world of music. Filmed in New York City last year, the film, scripted by William Alan Fox and reworked by Lee, channels the city’s raw energy.

The cast is stacked with talent, including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Dean Winters, and John Douglas Thompson. Adding a contemporary edge, A$AP Rocky plays Washington’s onscreen son, Yung Felon, while Ice Spice makes her acting debut. Lee, speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7pm in Brooklyn’ podcast, praised Rocky’s fearless performance, noting scenes where he holds his own against Washington’s towering presence.

This marks Lee and Washington’s fifth collaboration, following iconic films like ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Inside Man.’ Watch the new trailer below.