Mara Brock Akil to Reimagine Judy Blume's Classic Love Story ‘Forever’

Few feelings are more unforgettable than first love: The passion. The butterflies. The heartbreak! Megaproducer Mara Brock Akil clearly agrees, as she’s about to tackle one of the most impactful first-love stories of all time: Forever by young adult icon Judy Blume. 

A reimagination of the 1975 novel, the upcoming series will follow the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s capital-F Firsts. Like its inspiration, the show will examine the “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” says Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on touchstone ’90s YA comedy Moesha.   

“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice,” Brock Akil says. “I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever.” She will serve as executive producer and showrunner on the series; Forever is Brock Akil first’s project under her overall deal with Netflix.   

“Mara's creative and authentic storytelling allows us to present a fresh take on an iconic coming-of-age love story,” says Renate Radford, Netflix’s vice president of overall deals. “We look forward to bringing the series to a global audience.” 

We recommend getting some tissues — or maybe a fainting couch — in preparation for feeling all the feels once Forever hits your screen. 

Stay tuned for more news about Forever’s star-crossed lovers.