Source: The Washington Post / Getty
CBS has taken a bold step by launching “Beyond the Gates,” the first new daytime drama on any network in 25 years.
Premiering on February 24, this is not the typical soap opera. It centers on a powerful, affluent Black family with deep roots and influence, embodying the essence of Black royalty. In today’s political climate, where many minority communities feel marginalized, the timing of this show is significant. CBS Studios and Procter & Gamble have collaborated with the NAACP to bring this groundbreaking project to life.
Michele Val Jean, a seven-time Daytime Emmy winner, created “Beyond the Gates” after being approached four years ago by executive producer Sheila Ducksworth. At the time, Val Jean, a writer for “The Bold and the Beautiful,” was unsure if the project would take off. However, after a long period of uncertainty, CBS finally greenlit the show, marking a historic moment for daytime television.
The series is in experienced hands, with a team boasting over a century of combined soap opera expertise. Val Jean has 35 years in the industry, while fellow executive producer Julie Carruthers has 39 years, and co-head writer Robert Guza Jr. brings 36 years of experience. They are dedicated to delivering the intricate storytelling that soap opera fans love.
“Beyond the Gates” is set in a wealthy Maryland suburb, following the esteemed Dupree family. Led by Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis), Anita is a former music and film star, while Vernon is a former Civil Rights activist turned senator. Their daughters, Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix), a composed psychiatrist, and Dani (Karla Mosley), a high-fashion model with a wild streak, add further layers to the story.
The show brings all the essential soap opera elements—secrets, betrayals, love, and drama—while showcasing a strong, loving Black family. Val Jean takes pride in creating characters never before seen on daytime television. One of the 27 sets includes a retro ’60s diner named Orphey Gene’s, a tribute to her mother. “Beyond the Gates” is not just a show; it’s a testament to representation and storytelling in the evolving landscape of television.
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