Netflix’s Forever, a heartfelt teen drama, has captured audiences with its modern take on Judy Blume’s iconic novel. At NetFilming, we’re delving into the Forever filming locations to discover just where this coming-of-age tale was brought to life. The series unfolds in 2018 Los Angeles and centers on Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards, two Black teenagers finding their way through first love, school and family expectations. Los Angeles is the main setting, but the production also made its way to Massachusetts for certain shots. Here’s a look at the vibrant filming locations from which emerged this emotionally charged series—and why they matter.
What is Forever About?
Forever, created by Mara Brock Akil, reimagines Judy Blume’s 1975 novel Forever… for a contemporary audience. The show stars Lovie Simone as Keisha and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin, with a talented ensemble including Karen Pittman and Wood Harris. Directed by Regina King for its pilot, the series premiered on Netflix on May 8, 2025. The show, set in 2018 Los Angeles, blends urban energy with the tenderness of young love, unlike the book’s 1970s setting. Filming began in April 2024 and wrapped in July 2024, using real locations to ground the story in authenticity.
Where was Forever filmed?
The series was shot across various neighborhoods in Los Angeles, California. Meanwhile, Massachusetts, specifically Martha’s Vineyard, adds a unique layer to the narrative. These locations play a prominent part in the show, adding to the Forever filming locations and representing places in the characters’ lives.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the backbone of Forever’s visual storytelling. Keisha and Justin’s romance plays out against the city’s colorful neighborhoods and iconic urban landscapes. The production crew scrutinized locations that conveyed the characters’ existence as well as the cultural beat of LA in 2018. Here’s a closer look at the key Los Angeles Forever filming locations:
Crenshaw: Keisha’s Home Base
Keisha’s journey takes her to Crenshaw, the bustling South Los Angeles area with a rich African-American culture. The production team came here to shoot extensively and capture the lively streets and community spirit. Crenshaw’s real-life locations, such as neighborhood stores and homes, add authenticity to Keisha’s daily life. Wide shots of Crenshaw Boulevard and establishing scenes showcase the neighborhood’s energy, grounding the series in a relatable setting.
View Park-Windsor Hills: Justin’s Neighborhood
Justin resides in View Park-Windsor Hills, which is one of the richest African American neighborhoods in West Los Angeles. Unlike Crenshaw’s urban vibe, this affluent area is characterized by its trees and elegant homes. The Forever team used this neighborhood to showcase Justin’s background and the differences between the protagonists’ worlds. Filming here included outdoor scenes that emphasize the area’s polished aesthetic, which helps augment the social dynamics of the story.
Fairfax District: A Cultural Hub
The Fairfax District in Central Los Angeles is featured in scenes where Keisha and Justin embrace their teenage years. Famous for its lively culture, street fashion, and cool shops, Fairfax perfectly captures youthful energy. The Forever team filmed here to showcase its vibrant vibe, using local stores and sidewalks to create a modern, city feel. These moments highlight the characters’ growing freedom and social lives.
NCM Car Wash and Green Screen Magic
For Forever, the NCM Car Wash, located on West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043, was a prominent filming site. They deployed it for outdoor scenes to evoke the essence of everyday life in Los Angeles. They also employed green screens for certain scenes, later edited to create seamless views of the city or unique settings. This blend of authentic settings and digital manipulation gave the Forever shooting locations an authentic but stylized appearance.
Los Angeles’s role extends beyond aesthetics. As the global hub of entertainment, the city offers world-class production facilities, including studios like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. These resources supported Forever’s high-quality production, alongside other LA-shot shows like You and The Residence. The city’s blend of urban shine and cultural diversity made it the perfect stage for Keisha and Justin’s story, as actress Lovie Simone noted: “Falling in love with the true LA culture was so amazing” (AOL).
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: A Special Addition
While Los Angeles dominates the series, a portion of Forever was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, particularly for the season’s final episode. And this scenic island south of Cape Cod injected a new look into the show. The movie was shot over roughly 10 days beginning May 14, 2024, and involved the show’s team of producers working with area businesses to avoid causing too much of a hassle. Here’s a breakdown of the key Martha’s Vineyard Forever filming locations:
Oak Bluffs: A Historic Setting
Oak Bluffs, a charming town on the Vineyard’s northeast shore, was a primary filming hub. The production used several locations here, including Niantic Park at 35 Wamsutta Avenue, Vineyard Haven, and areas along Circuit Avenue, the town’s lively commercial heart. Scenes were also shot in the East Chop area, known for its scenic views. Iconic spots like Back Door Donuts (1-11 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557) and the Flying Horses Carousel (15 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557) added a nostalgic, small-town feel to the series. Local residents even joined as extras, thanks to an open casting call.
Vineyard Haven: The Island’s Gateway
Vineyard Haven, part of the town of Tisbury, served as another key location. As the main port of entry to Martha’s Vineyard, it provided a fitting backdrop for scenes involving travel or transitions. The Steamship Authority terminal at 1 Water Street, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, was used for outdoor shots, capturing the island’s welcoming vibe. Additionally, a portion of Main Street near CB Stark Jewelers (53 Main Street Avenue, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568) was filmed, including a notable car scene. These locations added a sense of movement and connection to the story.
Aquinnah: Natural Beauty
The natural setting in the town of Aquinnah, at the western end of the Vineyard, was breathtaking. The production was filmed at the Gay Head Cliffs, a National Natural Landmark, and the Aquinnah Circle Cultural District, featuring the historic Gay Head Light lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cultural Center. These venues provided dramatic and scenic images that contrasted with the vibrancy of Los Angeles. The crew’s respect for these sensitive areas was a primary factor in why the shoot saddened the island so little: “We don’t want to disturb the tranquility of what’s so special about the island,” Akil said.
Squibnocket Beach in Chilmark
A few scenes featured Squibnocket Beach, located on the south shore of the Vineyard in Chilmark. Situated on the Atlantic coast, the area is a popular beach among surfers and anglers and a peaceful natural environment. The production captured it beautifully, providing diversity to the aesthetic of the show, showcased by the shots of the coastline that enhanced the emotional impact of certain scenes. Note that visitors to Squibnocket Beach during the season require a parking pass.
Martha’s Vineyard holds special significance for Forever. Both Judy Blume and Mara Brock Akil are longtime seasonal residents, and Akil highlighted the island’s importance to Black families: “It’s a place where our children can experience freedom and independence” (Vineyard Gazette). This personal connection made filming on the Vineyard a meaningful choice, adding depth to the Forever filming locations.
“Forever” Behind the Scenes
The production of Netflix’s Forever appears to be a creative and meticulously planned endeavor. Shooting from April to July 2024, the team, fronted by creator Mara Brock Akil and director Regina King, sought to pay homage to Judy Blume’s book while also creating a new story. The varied neighborhoods of Los Angeles and the serene landscape of Martha’s Vineyard were unique challenges requiring thorough coordination with local communities.
Actress Lovie Simone expressed her enthusiasm for the process, explaining, “Coming here and falling in love with the real LA culture was so awesome” (AOL). Akil underscored the emotional burden of shooting on Martha’s Vineyard, saying: “This place is special, but it’s uniquely special to Black families” (Vineyard Gazette). The crew employed green screens for some scenes, augmenting LA’s urban vibe in post-production. It was that mix of something real with something new-old that fabricated Forever’s lively, emotional signature vibe.
Want to explore more filming locations or learn about other Netflix hits? Stay tuned to our site for the latest insights on where your favorite stories are made. Share your thoughts on Forever’s settings in the comments below, and let us know which location you’d love to visit!
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