Tue Feb 25 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## CBS Makes History with First Black-Led Daytime Soap Opera, “Beyond the Gates”
**NEW YORK (AP)** — Television history will be made on Monday as CBS premieres “Beyond the Gates,” the first Black-led daytime soap opera to air on a major network since “Passions” in 1999. The show, set in an affluent Maryland community, follows the lives of four generations of the Dupree family, from a civil rights icon grandfather to social influencer grandchildren.
Executive producer Sheila Ducksworth hailed the show as a landmark achievement, predicting it will “change the landscape of TV.” The series boasts a predominantly Black cast, showcasing Black excellence in various professions beyond the often-portrayed realms of sports and entertainment. Actress Daphnée Duplaix, who stars as the opening scene’s protagonist, described the experience as “fun and exciting,” highlighting the significance of the show’s representation.
Creator and showrunner Michele Val Jean, an Emmy-winning writer, meticulously crafted the characters over months, resulting in a diverse ensemble with complex relationships and compelling storylines. The show promises drama, humor, and scandal, with even the privileged characters experiencing setbacks and conflicts. Tamara Tunie, a cast member, revealed that some characters will even be singing, adding a unique musical element to the traditional soap format.
The NAACP has partnered with CBS on this project, alongside Procter & Gamble, emphasizing the show’s cultural significance. “Beyond the Gates” will also stream on Paramount+, giving it global reach. The production itself is substantial, filmed in Georgia on 27 sets with a cast and crew of approximately 200.
The show’s creators stress that “Beyond the Gates” aims for broad inclusivity, representing diverse races, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds, from the wealthy residents within the gated community to those outside. The cast and crew plan a celebratory screening party following the premiere, marking this historic moment in television.
First Piper 