NEW YORK — As viewers tune into the premiere of “Beyond the Gates,” the first thing they notice is a sleek black Mercedes smoothly cruising past well-groomed lawns and impressive mansions. The car comes to a stop at a luxurious country club, accompanied by the upbeat tune “Best of My Love” by The Emotions. This moment marks a significant milestone as CBS launches the first daytime soap opera led by a predominantly Black cast, breaking ground as the first new show in the genre since “Passions” debuted in 1999.
Sheila Ducksworth, president of CBS Studios/NAACP Venture and an executive producer, believes this production will transform daytime television and the broader landscape of the medium. “I anticipate that it will have a substantial impact,” she expressed with excitement, conveying her anticipation for the show’s potential influential reach.
Set against the backdrop of an affluent, gated community in Maryland, “Beyond the Gates” is rich with drama, joy, and heartbreak that unfolds among its glamorous cast. The initial episode encapsulates this drama perfectly, concluding with an unexpected punch, while later scenes promise more tensions, including a heated moment where a golf club is raised in anger.
“Our goal is to entertain; we aim for people to enjoy it,” Ducksworth shared. “Expect a whirlwind of unpredictable events, juicy narratives, scandals, and a multitude of secrets and lies in this narrative of wealth and ambition.”
The Mercedes driver is none other than Daphnée Duplaix, a seasoned actress known from “Passions” and “One Life to Live.” As the first character revealed in this upscale world of Fairmont Crest, she described her role as a thrilling start to the show’s journey. “When I realized I was the introduction to this new narrative, I thought it was exhilarating,” she remarked.
The show makes its debut following episodes of “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” forming the final part of a three-hour soap block on CBS. The NAACP collaborated with CBS for this initiative, with Procter & Gamble sponsoring, ensuring the show is available on Paramount+ for international audiences.
“Beyond the Gates” centers around the dynamic Dupree family, spanning four generations—from a civil rights legend grandfather to grandchildren who are social media influencers. Unlike the historic but short-lived NBC soap “Generations,” which featured a Black family, “Beyond the Gates” maintains a primarily Black cast, filling a notable void in representation in daytime soap operas.
Ducksworth expressed her desire for the show to present something unique and enthralling: “We aimed for a fresh, glossy, and epic feel.”
Michele Val Jean, an Emmy-winning writer, serves as the creator, executive producer, and showrunner. She developed characters during her morning walks, capturing her thoughts on index cards. “I had a pile of ideas ready by the time I sat down to write. It feels almost like these characters revealed themselves to me,” she said. Val Jean’s vision was to introduce characters audiences have never encountered before.
She mentioned a fascinating character duo portrayed by Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis, comparing their chemistry to that of a marriage between Diana Ross and the late Rep. John Lewis. One character, played by Karla Cheatham Mosley, is described as blunt and harboring deep resentments against her former partner. “I want our show to resonate with viewers on a personal level and keep them engaged throughout the week,” she remarked, humorously recalling her own fantasies of letting out frustrations.
Adding to the uniqueness is the musical element; Tunie, trained in musical theater, disclosed that she would be performing on the show. “They mentioned I would sing, and I thought, ‘Alright, let me prepare myself for that!’” she said with enthusiasm.
“Beyond the Gates” represents Ducksworth’s long-cherished vision, inspired by her own experiences as a lifelong fan of soap operas, with a longing for meaningful representation. “Historically, diverse representation on soaps has been lacking,” she noted. The show is built around the theme of Black excellence, spotlighting affluent Black families in regions like Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., which often go unnoticed.
Duplaix added that portrayals of Black affluence tend to focus on sports or entertainment figures, emphasizing that it’s vital to portray professionals like doctors, lawyers, and psychologists. “This representation is a necessary normalization of Black excellence throughout the week on television,” she asserted.
Filmed in Georgia across a vast 35,000 square-foot studio, the series utilizes 27 distinct sets and employs a dedicated crew of approximately 200 individuals, who have been diligently working since late October to bring this vision to life.
Val Jean recalls the emotional moment she witnessed the culmination of their hard work when the family gathered for a storytelling scene in the first episode. “In that moment, I realized it was all real—my creations were there for everyone to see,” she laughed.
In striving for inclusivity, Ducksworth emphasized that “Beyond the Gates” embodies a diverse array of characters, ensuring representation of varying backgrounds, professions, and sexual orientations. “While the primary focus is on Black narratives, we purposely included a spectrum of inclusivity within the story,” she stated. “I wanted to counter the lack of real inclusivity often found in traditional soaps.”
Although the cast will be busy working on future episodes come Monday, a celebratory screening of the show’s first two episodes will take place at the end of the day. “Afterwards, we’ll toast with champagne and gather for food and camaraderie to celebrate this milestone,” Tunie added. “We need to take a moment to acknowledge our hard work and the impact we’re making.”
