Forever is one of the most honest and heartfelt portrayals of Black teen love we’ve seen on screen. Created by Mara Brock Akil and inspired by Judy Blume’s 1975 novel, the series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. as Keisha and Justin—two high school seniors discovering first love, identity, and vulnerability in all its raw beauty.
I had the chance to sit down with the show’s breakout stars to talk about everything from their favorite scenes to the emotional weight of filming moments like the prom, the sex tape fallout, and that gut-wrenching breakup. They also opened up about the impact of working alongside Black Hollywood powerhouses like Karen Pittman and Wood Harris, and the invaluable wisdom they’ve gained on and off set.
This conversation is full of laughs, real talk, and reflections on what makes Forever a standout series that’s sure to spark conversations.
Watch my full interview with Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. below—and get ready to relive your first love all over again.