Netflix viewers have been spending all night binge-watching the new romance drama, Forever, which has been hailed as "the best show of the year" so far.
Based on the 1975 book by bestselling young adult author Judy Blume, the eight-part series tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), as they explore their identities through the awkward and moving journey of being each other's firsts.
It's safe to say that viewers have been loving the show, with many hailing the show as "excellent" and a "must-watch", while others are calling it the "best show of the year".
One person penned: "A must-watch definitely. Binge watched this yesterday. 10/10," while another remarked: "I'm on episode 2 of #ForeverNetflix. This is probably one of the best shows I've seen in a minute."
© Elizabeth Morris/NetflixA third viewer penned: "Watching #ForeverNetflix, I was hooked from the first episode," while other fans were up until the early hours watching the show.
One person wrote: "I stayed up all night binging this show and it was so well done!" while another added: "#ForeverNetflix was so good that I binged all of it in 1 day/night. I was up til 4am."
What is Forever about?
Set in Los Angeles in 2018, the series follows Keisha and Justin, two young athletes who fall head over heels for each other before quickly learning just how deeply their first love will affect the rest of their lives.
© Elizabeth Morris/NetflixWhile Keisha is a "confident, smart and fiery" track star with big dreams, Justin is a "nerd at heart disguised in an athlete's body" who hopes to play D1 basketball and achieve more than his successful parents.
Speaking about the timeless story, executive producer Regina King told Tudum: "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.
© Elizabeth Morris/Netflix"All the questions we have to sort through — the first time you have sex, your first kiss, the first time you say 'I love you' — it resonated then, and it resonates now," she added.
What are critics saying?
The show has been met with positive reviews from critics, with The Guardian awarding the show four out of five stars while describing it as "powerful" and "sweet" with an "excellent" cast.
© Courtesy of NetflixMeanwhile, Time Magazine hailed the show as "one of TV's all-time best romances".
10 most successful Netflix series
© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX1. Wednesday: Season 1 – 252,100,000 (views worldwide)
Young Wednesday Adams (Jenna Ortega) is sent to Nevermore Academy, a school for Outcasts where she develops her psychic abilities, investigates mysterious deaths in nearby towns, and tries to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her parents.
2. Stranger Things Season 4 – 140,700,000
Eight months after the Starcourt Mall showdown, trouble awaits the Hawkins Gang as they encounter villainous Vecna, who has the power to take over the world.
3. DAHMER: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – 115,600,000
Evan Peters delivers a chilling portrayal of America's most notorious serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer as the series explores the horrifying story of his life.
4. Bridgerton: Season 1 – 113,300,000
The first season of Bridgerton follows young Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) as she makes her debut in the London Regency marriage market, hoping for true love, while charming Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page) catches her eye.
5. The Queen's Gambit: Limited Series – 112,800,000
Based on the 1983 novel, The Queen's Gambit tells the extraordinary life of orphan Elizabeth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she strives to become the world's most elite chess player.
6. Bridgerton: Season 3 – 106,000,000
The third season of Bridgerton focuses on Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who enters Mayfair Society with the help of her long-time unrequited lover, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), to find someone to marry.
7. The Night Agent: Season 1 – 98,200,000
FBI agent Peter Sutherland works in the basement of the White House – manning a phone that never rings – until one night, he receives a distress call and is tasked with protecting cybersecurity expert Rose.
8. Fool Me Once: Limited Series – 98,200,000
Trying to come to terms with the murder of her husband, Maya (Michelle Keegan) installs a nanny cam to keep an eye on her daughter. But when she spots her husband in the house, whom she thought was dead, her world is turned upside down.
9. Stranger Things 3 – 94,800,000
Set in the summer of 1985, a lot is happening in Hawkins. The Mind Flayer attempts to take over the town through Starcourt Mall, teenage relationships blossom, and a secret Russian operation wants to breach the Upside Down.
10. Bridgerton: Season 2 – 93,800,000
In the second season of Bridgerton, the enemies-to-lovers romance between Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) unfolds, filled with scandal and undeniable chemistry during the marriage season.
Forever is available to stream on Netflix.
