Netflix's Forever series adapts Judy Blume's classic novel
- Netflix launched a new series, Forever, based on a 1975 Judy Blume novel.
- The show has received a perfect 100% from critics and debuted at #2 on the Netflix Top 10 list.
- Forever's cultural significance may lead to future seasons, demonstrating Netflix's commitment to innovative content.
In early 2025, Netflix premiered its latest original series, Forever, which is an adaptation of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume. This romantic drama has received significant attention, debuting with a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show features a cast that includes Michael Cooper Jr., Lovie Simone, and Xosha Roquemore, and it explores a love story between characters Justin and Keisha over eight episodes set in 2018. The inclusion of leading black characters in this Gen Z retelling marks an important cultural shift from the original work. The series is noteworthy for not only its source material but also for its position in Netflix's lineup, quickly achieving a strong viewership by debuting at #2 on Netflix’s Top 10 list. Given its critical acclaim and audience response, Forever, rated MA for its content, could potentially lead to future seasons as the streaming platform seeks to capitalize on its success. However, there has been no audience rating posted yet, indicating a wait-and-see approach from viewers. In addition to Forever, Netflix has also released a new horror film, Heart Eyes, which received an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking it among the best-reviewed horror films of 2025. This film, described as a throwback slasher, is noted for its fun approach rather than aiming for the high-art status often associated with horror films. Although this year's crop of horror films has been limited, both Heart Eyes and Forever are helping to boost Netflix's presence in the entertainment landscape. As the year progresses, more big-name horror films are set to be released, which may impact the standing of both Heart Eyes and other horror entries. In the meantime, Forever stands out as a significant project due to its unique premise and positive reviews, showcasing Netflix’s ability to attract audiences with fresh and innovative storytelling. Streaming platforms like Netflix are increasingly competing for viewer attention, and Forever demonstrates how an adaptation of a classic can resonate with modern audiences, potentially leading to renewed interest in Judy Blume's work.