If joy had a name, it would be Forever. And if that joy had a face, it would belong to Lovie Simone. The radiant lead of Netflix’s breakout teen romance Forever sat down with Where Is The Buzz’s very own Kori Nicole Barnes to talk about all things love, life, and Season 2 of the show that has taken the internet and our hearts by storm.
A Catch-Up With an Old Friend
When Kori reconnected with Lovie Simone, it felt like she was talking to an old friend. The last time they spoke, Lovie was making waves on Apple TV’s Manhunt. This time, the waves are tsunamis. Forever has exploded into a cultural touchstone for Black Gen Z love stories.
“I’m really good today,” Lovie beamed as they began. “How are you?” she asked warmly, kicking off a conversation that unfolded like the emotional layers of the very show she stars in.
Awkward, Cringey, and So Real. That’s the Magic
Forever tells the tender story of Kesha and Justin, two teens stumbling, fumbling, and feeling their way through the messiness of first love. But what makes their story different? Lovie says it’s all about embracing the awkward.
“Usually, you don’t see teenagers who are this awkward,” she laughed. “These two characters, Kesha and Justin, you really see how cringe or how cute these little moments can be. It’s all new for them, and that’s what makes it special.”
And let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. The emotional rollercoaster of love in high school, blocking someone one minute and crying into your pillow the next. It’s that raw emotional truth that makes Forever so devastatingly relatable.
Enter: The Queen Regina King
What happens when Emmy-winning royalty steps behind the camera? Magic. That’s what.
“Regina was the first director on the show, and she helped build that world of Kesha and Justin with such care,” Lovie said with reverence. “She’s an actress herself, so she knows how to talk to actors. That makes all the difference.”
Lovie previously worked with King for a single day on Greenleaf. “A great day,” she recalled, but Forever gave them time to build something beautiful fully.
The Chemistry? Real.
It wasn’t just Lovie and Michael Cooper Jr. (Justin) lighting up the screen. It was something real, something cosmic.
“We actually sat next to each other on the plane before our auditions,” Lovie revealed. “It was so awkward, but we built a rapport right away.” They even shared scenes over fast food from their hotel rooms. “That chemistry, you see? That’s just us.”
And it shows. From the cringey flirty texts to the tearful walkaway in the final episode, Kesha and Justin feel like a real couple. Lovie confirmed: “By the time we filmed the last scene when we’re walking away from each other, we really felt it. It wasn’t acting. We were sad. We didn’t want to say those words.”
The Prom Scene: Tears, Glitter, and Growth
When asked about her favorite scenes, Lovie didn’t hesitate. “The prom. It was so exciting. And the emotions? Everywhere.”
Would she have made the same choice as Kesha, going to prom with her ex in real life? Lovie paused. “I’d like to say no… but I probably would have. Teenagers are under so much pressure. We put on masks just like adults do. It’s just… messier.”
And that, dear reader, is why Forever works. It understands that high school isn’t just puppy love. It’s real, formative, emotional territory. “Everyone deserves grace, even teenage girls going through trauma,” Lovie said passionately.
Teenage Dreams, Sibling Cheat Codes, and Emotional Truths
When preparing for the role, Lovie had more than her own teenage memories to draw from. She had live-in inspiration. “My little siblings are teenagers,” she laughed. “So I just watched them.”
But don’t think for a second that she phoned it in. Lovie, the writers, including the incomparable Mara Brock Akil, and the entire creative team worked in harmony to ensure that Kesha wasn’t a trope. She was a person.
The Internet Can’t Shut Up, and That’s a Good Thing
From fan edits to think pieces to full-blown essays on Tumblr and TikTok, Forever has caught fire in every pocket of the internet. And Lovie? She’s loving every minute of it.
“I love all the reviews, even the critiques!” she said brightly. “Because people are talking. Whether they’re mad at a character or heartbroken over a scene, it’s sparking conversations.”
And it’s not just teens who are watching. Parents, too, have had their moment. “Justin’s mom is… a lot,” Lovie admitted with a giggle. “But that dynamic? Very accurate in Black families.”
Cast Bonds, Cast Calls, and a Cast Full of Love
Even with packed shooting schedules, the Forever cast found ways to connect over FaceTime, group texts, and late-night check-ins.
“I love them. We’re always on the phone with each other,” Lovie shared, shouting out her on-screen mom, Zosa, her girl Ally, and co-star Michael. “We really are a family.”
And that bond only got stronger when they received the call. Season 2 was officially greenlit. “I was on the phone with Zosa, Adrien, and Pion. We screamed for 10 minutes straight,” she laughed. “We’re just so happy we can finally talk about it.”
Watching Herself on Netflix? Yes, She Does
“I’ve watched it two, okay, maybe three times,” she admitted with a smile. “Even if I wasn’t in it, I’d still be watching. It’s just that good.”
And she’s not wrong. The show has remained in Netflix’s Top 10 since its debut. Lovie Simone’s face greets viewers every time they open the app, and the world is watching.
Grace, Growth, and the Girls Who Deserve to Be Seen
As we wrapped our chat, Lovie left us with the core message of Forever:
“I hope people give young women grace. Especially those going through trauma. Just sit with them. Be patient while they figure it out. That’s all we can really do.”
That wisdom, that warmth, that’s why Lovie Simone is more than a breakout star. She’s the beating heart of a show that reminds us what it means to love, to hurt, to grow, and to feel it all for the first time.
Forever is now streaming on Netflix. Season 2 is officially in development. And if you haven’t cried over Kesha and Justin yet, what are you waiting for?
Watch Lovie Simone’s Full Interview Below:
The post Netflix’s Forever Star Lovie Simone Talks Awkward Kisses, Real Love, and Screaming Over Season 2 appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
