Beyond the Gateshas changed the game for soap operas, becoming the first hour-long Black soap opera to premiere in the daytime sinceGenerations, and the first new soap opera to premiere since NBC’sPassionsin 1999. CBS’Beyond the Gatescenters on the Dupree family, a wealthy Black family that lives in a gated community in suburban Maryland.
The soap follows other successful Black families; for example, Ted Richardson is an accomplished plastic surgeon, and Bill Hamilton is a charismatic but calculating criminal defense attorney. PerParade, during a panel at the Essence Festival of Culture, moderator Crystal Renee Hayslett spoke with executive producer Sheila Ducksworth about the authenticity ofBeyond the Gates.
Ducksworth revealed that it is inspired by real Black gated communities and families who are immensely successful in college and their professional careers. Read Ducksworth’s quote below:
There is no greater thing that we feel like we could do than represent culture as it truly exist. So we go to great lengths to make sure that we have that represented fairly honestly and accurately with a lot of sauce, a lot of fun, and all of that. Definitely we strive for all of those things, so that we have authenticity at the base of everything that we do.
What Ducksworth’s Comments Mean Regarding The Formation Of Beyond The Gates
Authenticity Is A Major Factor Of The New CBS Soap Opera
Ducksworth’s comments regarding the authenticity ofBeyond the Gateshighlight the importance of representation and diversityfor a show that seeks to provide something new for a daytime soap opera. The CBS soap is the first to feature a predominantly Black cast sinceGenerationsfrom 1989 to 1991, led byLaw & Order: SVUstar Tamara Tunie as matriarch Anita Dupree.
Maryland is also a pivotal setting forBeyond the Gates. According to Ducksworth, the state is among the top ten wealthiest suburbs for Black Americans, with over half of those families residing in Maryland. The executive producer also mentions the formation of a new, fictional HBCU college for the show called Banneker University, to highlight the culture and traditions of HBCUs and the Black community.
Along with makingBeyond the Gatesauthentic,Ducksworth also intends to make the show fun, which is prevalent in the scandals and tensions between several characters. For example, Dani Dupree’s rivalry with Hayley Lawson and ex-husband Bill Hamilton has been evident since week one, and the flawed marriage between Vanessa and Doug McBride, due to the former’s ongoing affairs and the latter’s bad gambling habits.
Our Take On The Future Of Beyond The Gates And Its Influence On Soap Operas
The CBS Series Has A High Ceiling Set For Daytime TV
Ducksworth’s commentary on the authenticity ofBeyond the Gatesindicateshow successful the soap opera has becomein displaying a new daytime series,inspiring new audiences, and honoring Black culture.The CBS series has a bright future ahead as it continues to unfold the relationships and conflicts of families like the Duprees, the Richardsons, and the McBrides.
Along with Ducksworth, creator and showrunner Michele Val Jean has done extensive work on daytime soap operas, having written more than 2,000 episodes for shows includingGenerations,General Hospital, andThe Bold and the Beautiful. With the combined experience of Ducksworth and Val Jean,Beyond The Gatesmay be leading soap operas into the next generation.
Beyond the Gates
Cast
Beyond the Gates explores the lives of a powerful and prestigious family at the center of a posh gated community, where tangled secrets and scandals lie beneath the surface, awaiting exposure. Released in 2025, this series delves into the complexities of privilege, power, and hidden truths.
