Netflix has officially renewed Forever for a Season 2—and let me just say, it’s well deserved. This breakout romance series captured hearts worldwide with its authentic portrayal of young Black love, complicated friendships, and the all-too-relatable journey of navigating teenhood while chasing dreams.
Forever follows Keisha and Justin, two teens from wildly different backgrounds who fall in love and grow through personal and shared challenges. Keisha dreams of running track at the prestigious HBCU Howard University. Justin, on the other hand, is surrounded by wealth and opportunity, but struggles with identity, motivation, and expectations.
The show isn’t just a teen romance—it’s a layered coming-of-age drama that addresses real issues, from class differences and toxic masculinity to healing, accountability, and self-worth. It’s the kind of show we needed, especially in today’s climate. And with an audience spanning all ages, races, and walks of life, Forever proves that great storytelling has no limits.
But let’s get into it. Here’s what we (yes, including myself) loved—and also what we hated—about Season 1 of Forever.
What To Love
1. A Real Representation of Black Teen Love
In a generation where some teens are consumed with social media standards, colorism, and superficial dating “rules,” Forever brings things back to the heart. It’s rare to see a teen couple—especially a Black teen couple—explore love so deeply and authentically on screen. Yes, there were explicit scenes that might raise eyebrows, but the emotional core? Powerful. It’s a needed reminder to Gen Z that love is about connection, not just likes.
2. Chloe and Keisha’s Healthy Friendship
Chloe was the friend everyone needs in high school. Through Keisha’s highs and lows (including the leaked tape scandal), Chloe never wavered. She showed up, she spoke truth, and she didn’t let rumors dictate their bond. Their friendship, especially showcased in the Martha’s Vineyard episode, was a standout. It showed the power of support, forgiveness, and showing up for your people.
3. Justin and His Dad’s Father-Son Dynamic
One of the show’s most underrated relationships was between Justin and his dad. The respect, the life lessons, the discipline—it was everything. Especially when Justin got out of line with his mother, it was his father who checked him and reminded him of the importance of respect, communication, and personal growth.
4. Knowing When It’s Time to Let Go
Let’s be honest—Keisha and Justin had toxic moments. The back-and-forth, the blocking, the miscommunication—it got exhausting. So when Justin ended things, it wasn’t out of hate, but clarity. He needed space to grow outside of the relationship, and Forever did a great job of showing that sometimes love means letting go and focusing on yourself.
What I Didn’t Love (Let’s Be Real)
1. Keisha Pressuring Justin’s College Choice
Even though Keisha encouraged Justin to chase music, it was hard to watch her discourage him from going to Northwestern—just because it meant he’d be farther from her. A loving partner should uplift your goals, even when it hurts. That scene missed the mark for me, especially considering how much Justin had already sacrificed.
2. Christian Facing No Real Consequences
Let’s talk about the sex tape scandal. Christian admitted to leaking it just to prove that Black girls are “good at oral” to his friends. That’s disturbing. Yet, while Keisha endured bullying, transferred schools, and watched her mom take an extra job—he still thrived. No accountability. He even received college offers like nothing happened. It sent the wrong message about victim-blaming and how status can protect the guilty.
3. The “Kissing Cousins” Comment
I won’t go too deep into this, but Justin’s cousin—who wasn’t biologically related—saying they could be “kissing cousins”? Nope. If you grow up calling someone family, you treat them like family. Period.
Final Thoughts
Forever is far from perfect, but it’s a gem in the Netflix lineup. It highlights themes that are often ignored in mainstream teen shows: the beauty of vulnerability, the pain of betrayal, the complexity of Black love, and the importance of community.
Season 2 is coming, and I couldn’t be more excited. Whether you’re in it for the romance, the drama, or the deep life lessons, Forever is the type of show that stays with you.
What did you love (or hate) about Forever? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below. And don’t forget—real love, like real growth, takes time.
