For fifty years, Judy Blume’s novel Forever… has stood as a significant literary achievement for young readers, acclaimed for its open and stigma-free discussion of themes like sex and birth control. Now, this cherished coming-of-age narrative is transformed into a modern television series in Netflix’s Forever, directed by Mara Brock Akil, the creator of Girlfriends.

While the essence of Blume’s original tale remains — a tender story of first love — Brock Akil reinvents the storyline for a contemporary audience. Set against the backdrop of 2018 Los Angeles rather than 1970s New Jersey, the series features Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), two Black high school juniors who rekindle their connection at a New Year’s Eve celebration after being separated for years. Their connection is immediate, and their romance blooms with all the fervor and drama typical of teenage love — complete with fireworks and orchestral crescendos.

This reimagined Forever strays from the original material in notable ways. The series delves into how modern technologies — spanning texting to social media — complicate young romances. Keisha and Justin’s initial flirtations occur through video calls and playful texts, but when complications arise, the block button becomes a formidable tool. The digital era also introduces new obstacles, such as a leaked oral sex video featuring Keisha and her ex, Christian (Xavier Mills), resulting in slut-shaming and prompting her to change schools. This poignant and timely aspect underscores the harsh truths of online harassment and breaches of privacy.

While the series does tackle themes of intimacy and consent — showcasing a sweet, nervous first-time moment between Keisha and Justin — it does not reach the same level of candor as Blume’s novel. Safe sex is addressed, with a comedic scene where Justin’s father (Wood Harris) has him practice placing a condom on a cucumber, but it shies away from deeper conversations regarding birth control, which were pivotal in the book. In the novel, Katherine takes birth control pills, a daring choice for its time and a primary reason the book has faced both acclaim and censorship. Lacking these elements, the show occasionally seems more like a typical teen drama rather than a revolutionary adaptation.

What Forever may lack in sexual candor, it compensates for with emotional richness and character growth. Keisha and Justin are well-developed characters with distinct aspirations and challenges. Keisha is a motivated track star striving for a scholarship to Howard University, while Justin deals with the expectations from his wealthy parents to excel in basketball — a dream that might not be entirely his own. Their relationship faces hurdles not only from outside influences but also from personal issues, including Keisha’s unresolved trauma and Justin’s ADHD.

The series also thoughtfully examines themes of race and socioeconomic status. Keisha’s working-class roots are in stark contrast to Justin’s more affluent background, adding another level of complexity to their relationship. Despite these disparities, both characters are depicted with empathy and depth, and their chemistry is palpable.

In the end, Netflix’s Forever does not serve as a direct adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel — nor does it aim to be. Rather, it presents a modern re-envisioning that respects the essence of the original while confronting the realities faced by today’s youth. As Blume famously stated, she wrote Forever… in response to her daughter’s wish for a narrative about “two nice kids who have sex without either of them having to die.” Netflix’s interpretation remains faithful to that vision, delivering a heartfelt and relevant perspective on young love that resonates with a new audience.

Forever is currently available for streaming on Netflix.