Beyond the Gates is almost here and the highly anticipated CBS soap is bringing the drama, the mess and the twists.
The network released a trailer on Monday, December 16, that introduced Us to the Dupree family. “Your family rules this community,” a character said in the sneak peek, while another character teased, “This is going to make history. How awesome is that?”
According to the synopsis, Beyond the Gates takes place in a “posh gated community” in “one of the most affluent African American counties” just outside of Washington, D.C. The Duprees are at the center of the show as “the very definition of Black royalty” in the luxurious Fairmont Crest community.
“At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty,” the synopsis continued. “But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely.”
Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie star as the patriarch and matriarch of the family. The daytime drama also stars Daphnée Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin and Marquita Goings. Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Mike Manning, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.
Beyond the Gates makes history as the first Black soap opera in nearly 35 years. The show — which is a joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP — is the first daytime soap centered since Generations, which ended in 1991 after a 13-month run.
“The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,” President of the CBS Studios NAACP venture, Sheila Ducksworth, said in a March press release. “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.”
Beyond the Gates is also leaving its mark in the soap genre since the last time a new daytime show premiered was in 1999 with NBC’s Passions.
The upcoming show is taking The Talk’s timeslot as the talk show comes to an end after 15 seasons. CBS announced in April that The Talk was renewed for its final season after concerns about cancellation. The network later confirmed that the final week will include a celebratory sendoff in anticipation of the show’s last day on Friday, December 20.
The Talk, which debuted in 2010, was created by Sara Gilbert, who hosted the show for the first nine seasons. Her panel of cohosts included Julie Chen Moonves, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini and Marissa Jaret Winokur. As hosts came and went, Sheryl Underwood, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales and Jerry O’Connell will wrap up their run this month.
Beyond the Gates premieres Monday, February 24 on CBS.
