The Breakfast Club Best of full interview: Mara Brock Akil Talks ‘Forever,' Black Love, Lessons From Storytelling, Girlfriends’ Movie + More
Jan 1, 2026
Mara Brock Akil, a celebrated television writer known for creating iconic shows like Girlfriends and The Game, dives deep into storytelling and the complexities of Black love in this engaging conversation. She shares her journey reimagining Judy Blume's Forever for a modern audience, tackling themes of vulnerability, identity, and the importance of nuanced representation. Mara discusses the challenges of parenting and how her own experiences shape her narratives. With insights on community connections and the depiction of love, she inspires new conversations around culture and growth.
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Recruit Trusted Collaborators Early
- Collaborate with trusted creatives who share your vision to reset tone and launch projects.
- Mara sought Regina King to anchor actors and set the show's emotional tone.
Platform Support Enables Creative Scale
- Netflix fully resourced Mara Brock Akil's vision, allowing cinematic scale and creative freedom.
- That support enabled production choices like location shoots and hiring top collaborators.
Practice Craft Over Quick Content
- Writers should honor craft by sitting in the chair and writing consistently to develop stories.
- Mara urges storytellers to craft layered narratives rather than only producing short-form social content.