Beyond the Gates: Premiere Date, Time Slot Set by CBS

[Efulton]

I really hope the launch of The Gates is not rushed.  Give MVJ time to flesh out the bible and character bios. Take time to build a quality behind the scenes team with a combination of fresh talent and those who know how soaps work.  And cast the best and most suitable actors. 
 

This is very exciting!

[Maxim]

I am waiting for the person that will find a huge fault even before it's aired. LOL. This topic has become so fun to read. I think we need to have a big cheers for the genre that is continuing it's life. This is a monumental moment. In history. Even if it does fail. It's still very exciting and important.

But I have a great sixth sense and I feel like something great is coming our way. And I believe more soaps will be created in the future. 

This is the greatest genre.

Nobody can tell me otherwise and shouldn't dare to. Haha.

Edited March 7, 2024 by Althea Davis

[Gray Bunny]

Just go to Facebook for that... white people already calling it reverse racism because they're doing a "black soap." SMH

[Maxim]

Don't they have anything better to do..... Than to bash something that is not even created... These social media places are really disgusting in 2024. I am scared to open facebook, you can see a negative comment under everything. 

[John]

Well I think the consenous here is that we want the soap to do well and not rushed.  

[Rmodelboy]

I thought for sure I would see a barrage of negativity on Twitter but I'm surprised and happy at all the excitement there is behind this. 

[Vee]

I wish it would also lead to another NY soap being launched, but I doubt it'll film there again. The historical footprint of both P&G and NYC in the art form of soap opera (and the footprint of soaps for both actors and NYC) is immeasurable. I'm just so glad they're back in the game. And you're right, this is what's needed most. (Though I do hope PM shakes up the GH team a lot)

[Contessa Donatella]

And there's really more than one Facebook. Sure, there's GH Snark & there's a supposedly official GH board that is negative & also very weird but with huge membership numbers, also a huge membership Willow's Family group. But, there's also just regular people on FB, too, and also people where no one fights with anyone else!

[Khan]

I know what you mean.  First, Patrick Mulcahey returns to GH as HW; and now, MVJ's developing a brand-new, African-American-focused soap opera in conjunction with CBS, P&G and the NAACP.  It's sort of like witnessing "The Sun Also Sets" coming back from the dead, lol.

[Vee]

Again, if Y&R makes a change we will know something is up.

[Taoboi]

Of course, they would. Ugh.

 

Hehe. God, I love that movie.

 

 

[titan1978]

“A guy at my tennis club said it should be called The Sun Also Sucks!”

[Khan]

Well, it's sort of like what Erika Slezak said when Brian Frons/ABCD cancelled AMC and OLTL for two shows that were 30% less to produce and provided information over entertainment: people always need entertainment.  They always need to hear, watch, read and share stories.  That's what separates us from the apes (and I'm not even sure about that, lol!).

[Chris 2]

I spoke to a contact at CBS. Doesn’t work in daytime, but has decent connections (obviously take this with a grain of salt). She hears:

• CBS wants to capitalize on the underserved Black daytime audience in a way that its current soaps don’t. They see the ratings for Jennifer Hudson and Sherri and want a bigger piece of that action.
• CBS wants to be able to realize multiple revenue streams from its soaps; they can maximize that revenue only if they have ownership in them. CBS would consider a second broadcast window in the late-night or overnight hours if it goes to series.
• Both The Talk and B&B are vulnerable. The ratings for The Talk are lagging. B&B is not seen as a strong brand but rather one that has been riding Y&R’s coattails. They also want some leverage when B&B is next up for renewal.
• Should this new show go to series, it won’t be shot in New York (too expensive). They would actively explore locations outside of LA.
• CBS is going to develop other game and talk shows as alternatives in case they want to replace The Talk and/or B&B next year.
• She also feels that this would be a half hour. That’s not based on anything she’s heard, but the realities of the business - a 30 min show would be less risky financially and easier to draw new audiences into.

[Vee]

Speaking of which: I wonder if that mooted Soapdish TV revival with Whoopi also got the axe in the streaming pogroms.

I can certainly buy all this, but I'm surprised if B&B is so weak. I know very little about the show's current state but I always assumed they were set for years to come despite quality bc of their international popularity.

I will leave others to comment on the irony of soap operas now potentially stalking the territory of ailing programs such as The Talk, GMA3, etc.