Forever (2018)

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Season 1
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 9 out of 38
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User Reviews

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  1. elceye
    Sep 25, 2018
    9
    This was one of the most interesting shows that I've seen over the past few years. Many of the episodes took the show in entirely new directions very effectively. I didn't find it slow as some have said-- there are only 8 half hour episodes and my husband and I binged it in a weekend. We were both very engaged with the characters and really cared what happened to them, especially MayaThis was one of the most interesting shows that I've seen over the past few years. Many of the episodes took the show in entirely new directions very effectively. I didn't find it slow as some have said-- there are only 8 half hour episodes and my husband and I binged it in a weekend. We were both very engaged with the characters and really cared what happened to them, especially Maya Rudolph and the ones in one of the later episodes. HIghly recommended if you are looking for something a little different.… Expand
  2. Acrofilo
    Sep 17, 2018
    2
    The premise, in paper, is rather good. But the writing, the direction and everything else is soooooo slow that it really becomes a chore. In the end, it's just a missed opportunity and not worth your time.
  3. EludiumQ36
    Oct 3, 2018
    3
    This short, 8-ep series is about the "tyranny of the routine", the rut, and feeling trapped or locked into it, especially vis-a-vis married life. Fred and Maya plays these roles so naturally. However, it's really focused on the women of the series, the men are secondary, so chick-series - I'm grading as a dude, so it'll be low, but chicks would likely grade higher. It's very difficult toThis short, 8-ep series is about the "tyranny of the routine", the rut, and feeling trapped or locked into it, especially vis-a-vis married life. Fred and Maya plays these roles so naturally. However, it's really focused on the women of the series, the men are secondary, so chick-series - I'm grading as a dude, so it'll be low, but chicks would likely grade higher. It's very difficult to review this with any substance without some spoilers. The spoilers I'm describing happen in the first two eps so you're going to find out quickly anyway.
    *** Light Spoilers follow***
    By ep's two end they're both dead, but they're not in heaven or hell, still here on earth though out of phase. And inconsistent with being dead, they still hunger, thirst, emote, curse alot, sex it up, cook, walk everywhere, but they apparently don't drive, have tv or radio - weirdly incongruent. You've seen this done before - it's lazy storytelling but costs nothing financially to make - there's very little VFX. Though it makes no sense, yet it's a recurring Hollywood trope, our dead protagonists ("formers") can see "currents" but not vice versa. They have juvenile fun "haunting" them and parasitizing energy from them but all that's a dumb distraction from its love story. Remember, chick-series. The final scene provides a very weak hook for a second season unlikely as that is. Just for fun, be sure to count the number of times someone mentions "forever", I counted only three, two were in the season finale.    … Expand
  4. DAL1960
    Sep 17, 2018
    8
    I have to say that many of the user reviews I’ve read have been spot on. The consensus opinion is that the show is slow. And it is. But I still like it. I’m only five shows in and I like the show. For me the star of the show is Maya Rudolph. I’ve thought that if she could a vehicle that displays her comedic talent, her career would take off. Unfortunately she’s not funny in this show. ButI have to say that many of the user reviews I’ve read have been spot on. The consensus opinion is that the show is slow. And it is. But I still like it. I’m only five shows in and I like the show. For me the star of the show is Maya Rudolph. I’ve thought that if she could a vehicle that displays her comedic talent, her career would take off. Unfortunately she’s not funny in this show. But she still crushes it. Her character, June, is a woman who loves her man, but is tired of doing the same thing. She wants more. Her husband, Oscar, played by Fred Armisen, is a nice guy, but he’s happy doing the same thing day after day. I like Fred in most other things he does. But I feel he just brought one of his Portlandia characters to this show. He’s fine, but I’m waiting for him to show me a new Fred Armisen. Something different.
    Anyway, like I said I’m five episodes in and I’ve actually liked them. Each show has brought a quirky theme. Not everyone is going to like this show. As I said the pacing is slow. But stick around, there might be a surprise at the end of the rainbow.    … Expand
  5. HipsterDufus
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    My wife and I really enjoy Portlandia, so this looked to be promising. It truly was! Great characters and story! Truly enjoyable and finished the season wanting more. Please let there be a second season!
  6. BenFoldsLaundry
    Jan 31, 2019
    9
    This was one of the most delightful and thought provoking shows I watched in 2018. It was a pleasant surprise that finds a great balance of humor and sincere exploration. It's the type of magic realism show that I couldn't turn away from. While the concepts are abstract, the themes of how we navigate through relationships with others and ourselves are grounded and relatable. The show keepsThis was one of the most delightful and thought provoking shows I watched in 2018. It was a pleasant surprise that finds a great balance of humor and sincere exploration. It's the type of magic realism show that I couldn't turn away from. While the concepts are abstract, the themes of how we navigate through relationships with others and ourselves are grounded and relatable. The show keeps you interested because you are always trying to figure out where they are, or who this is, or where they are going, which is a parallel for its philosophical themes. The writing doesn't fall into typical linear narrative that reduces the complexity of human nature like many shows that explore marriage. It's a sensitive show. Fred and Maya are fantastic in bringing those nuances to life. This is the best work I've ever seen Maya do.

    I'm baffled by reading some of the user reviews like EludiumQ36 saying this is a "chick show?" I couldn't disagree more, and find that comment to be ridiculous. I'm a man, and was able to project many of my own feelings and thoughts into the show because it allows for such reflection, as great art should.
    Others mention the slow pace, but I think that's a lazy way to critique a show. They take time developing the story, but you are rewarded moment to moment in the discovery of what is happening. Answers aren't given to you quickly, people aren't 2 dimensional, and that's beyond refreshing.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best TV Season of 2018
34
#34 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Ian Croch
    Sep 20, 2018
    80
    The plot of Forever gets twisty, and is best left unspoiled. Yet the show’s narrative is in some ways less important than its themes, which are explored in funny and precise minor moments.
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  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Sep 18, 2018
    70
    Ultimately, Yang and Hubbard saturate Forever with a distinctive style and a mood that papers over some of its weaknesses, if not all of them. Beyond the surprises, it’s not quite the institutional marital autopsy of Madame Bovary or A Doll’s House, and it isn’t always quirkily diverting enough to fill in the gaps. Its ending, though--perhaps the most unexpected thing of all--makes up for a lot. For eight episodes, Forever has felt cynical about love, ungrateful even, but in its conclusion it shows a glimpse of its beating heart.
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  3. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Sep 17, 2018
    40
    Despite Rudolph and Armisen’s tremendous comic talents, their characters aren’t even particularly funny. Indeed, there’s something false about Oscar and June’s dynamic, the love story at the very center of the show. They fill hours debating questions like, What’s the all-time best way to sit? It’s supposed to be cute, a kind of laborious in-joke, but it’s mannered, like the behavior of people in a new, fragile relationship.
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