‘Forever’ Season 2 Starts Production; Malaika Guttoh, Avery Wills Jr. and Tre McBride Join Cast

It’s official: Justin and Keisha’s story is far from over. Exactly one year after the breakout first season dropped on Netflix, cameras are officially rolling on season 2 of the hit romantic drama Forever.

As we’ve tracked in our comprehensive season 2 preview, anticipation has been sky-high for the return of Mara Brock Akil’s coming-of-age series. And it’s no wonder why—Forever was a massive hit for the streamer. During its initial run, season 1 spent four weeks in Netflix’s global top 10, amassing an impressive 103.2 million viewing hours and 15.9 million completed views.

(In case you missed our initial deep-dive into the series before it premiered, you can catch up on our season 1 coverage here.)

Now, Netflix has announced that production on the 8-episode second season is officially underway in Los Angeles, California, as we first reported back in mid-March. 

Its return to LA was confirmed by the California Film Commission, which confirmed a return for the series to the state back in November, although the series is also expected to film in Martha’s Vineyard for season 2. The new season receives a government-funded tax credit of $22.1M. 

The start of production coincides with the series’s one-year anniversary on Netflix, and cameras, we’re told, will continue rolling through September 10th, 2026, meaning that a 2027 release date is expected for season 2.

Forever – Season 2. (L to R) Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. in Forever. Cr. Mylo Butler/Netflix © 2026

Who is joining the cast of Forever Season 2?

Alongside the production announcement, Netflix confirmed that three new faces are joining the ensemble.

• Malaika Guttoh is boarding the series as a new series regular, playing the role of Ameena.
• Avery Wills Jr. (Swagger, Shooting Stars) joins as a recurring guest star, playing Jaden.
• Tre McBride (Fight for ‘84) joins as a recurring guest star, playing Elijah.

Pictures provided by Netflix

Fans will also be thrilled to know that our central stars are back. Returning series regulars for season 2 include Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, and Xosha Roquemore.

What to expect from Forever Season 2

So, where do we pick up? Netflix has provided a brand-new logline for the second season that teases a significant time jump:

“Can exes really be friends? Four years later, Justin and Keisha are doing pretty well post-pandemic—new relationships, real jobs, and adulting their big dreams—that is… until they run into each other summer 2023.”

Creator, Showrunner, and Executive Producer Mara Brock Akil provided a statement to Netflix about getting back to work on the show:

“Season 2 of Forever is in production and we are home — back in Los Angeles, back inside a love story that keeps revealing itself. This time, through friendship. Because when you’re standing at the edge of adulthood, staring into the abyss, it’s your real ones you want to run back to. Every choice feels final, even though it’s your first time being truly grown. We are thrilled to be back, diving deeper into love’s most complicated question: is forever truly forever?”

Behind the scenes, the music department—which was a massive part of season 1’s identity—is getting an exciting update. Grammy-Award winner Khris Riddick-Tynes is joining the crew as the Executive Music Producer for season 2. Kier Lehman is returning as Music Supervisor, featuring original music by Until Tomorrow.

Returning alongside Akil to executive produce are Regina King, Susie Fitzgerald, Reina King, and Erika Harrison.

Are you excited that Forever is back in production? Let us know in the comments down below!