Welcome to the first-ever "Beyond the Gates" monthly discussion thread here on Soap Opera Network where fans of the daytime drama series can share and respond to everything about, within, and beyond the gates of Fairmont Crest and the Fairmont Crest Country Club.

The brand new series stars Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin, 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" is the first brand new soap opera set to debut on a broadcast network in more than 25 years, since the launch of “Passions” in 1999, and the first-ever one-hour Black-centric daytime drama series.

The series is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Robert Guza Jr., Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.

"Beyond the Gates"

Premise: Set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.

Premieres Monday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on CBS. Stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+/Paramount+ WITH SHOWTIME. Weekdays.

"Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood"
Five-day, five-part half-hour daytime special airing during the week of February 17-21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on CBS. Stream Live and On Demand on Paramount+/Paramount+ WITH SHOWTIME.

Episode One: Unveiling Fairmont Crest (Monday, February 17)

• In the premiere episode, “Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood” opens its doors to Fairmont Crest, a world rich with history, culture and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Get to know the cast and creative minds behind this groundbreaking series as they share what makes “Beyond the Gates” a first-of-its-kind storytelling experience – both in front of and behind the camera.

Episode Two: Creating the Cast (Tuesday, February 18)

• Episode two dives into the making of “Beyond the Gates”, revealing the dedication and vision that brought this epic series to life. Meet the Dupree family, the heart of Fairmont Crest, and uncover the intricate stories that shape their world. Go inside the casting process that built the show’s powerhouse ensemble, with over 40 dynamic characters brought to life by an extraordinary lineup of talent.

Episode Three: Fashion and Flair (Wednesday, February 19)

• In episode three, step behind the curtain to explore the artistry of “Beyond the Gates”’ wardrobe, hair and makeup departments. Take a tour of the show’s high-fashion wardrobe, where every look is meticulously curated to reflect each character’s personality, status and story. Get the inside scoop on the secrets behind the show’s stunning hair and makeup, including a peek inside the wig cabinet housing more than 40 custom-designed wigs.

Episode Four: A Day in the Life (Thursday, February 20)

• Episode four shows viewers a day in the life of the fast-paced world of “Beyond the Gates”, where the cast tackles an intense filming schedule – shooting up to 100 pages a day. Discover the stamina, skill and dedication it takes to bring Fairmont Crest to life, from memorizing lines to delivering powerhouse performances under pressure. Plus, meet the leading men and women of “Beyond the Gates” and get an inside look at what really goes into filming those steamy love scenes.

Episode Five: Sneak Peek and Guest Stars (Friday, February 21)

• In episode five, get ready for an exclusive first look at “Beyond the Gates”’ explosive premiere. With high stakes, deep secrets and unforgettable drama, this sneak peek sets the stage for a season filled with twists and surprises. Plus, hear directly from the cast and creators about what’s in store for Fairmont Crest. Then, unlock the ET Vault to revisit where we first met the stars of “Beyond the Gates” and where you may have seen them before.
• Additionally, don’t miss a special behind-the-scenes look at some of the show’s exciting guest stars – including “Entertainment Tonight” co-host Nischelle Turner. Go on set as she steps into Fairmont Crest for a must-see cameo, giving fans a glimpse of the fun and surprises still to come.

Official Websites

CBS.com / Paramount+

Finally just finished watching it, and now I want to rewatch it all over again on my DVR!

I like the show despite being a pilot also starts in mid story with Bill and Dani’s divorce as well as his impending vows to Hayley. To me it gave a nice old soapy feel like I’ve been invited into the Dupree’s home and catching up the latest gossip , something I haven’t felt from a soap in forever. But I also liked how new beginnings were woven in be it Jacob’s and Ashley’s first day of their new jobs or Hayley moving into Fairmont Crest.

I really enjoyed the diner scene with Vernon and Bessie…that was a nice, sweet, and unexpected touch.

I really like the chemistry between the Dupree’s as real, they feel like a real family and I could feel the loyalty and good vibes between despite whatever personal differences they may have. 
 

Favorite characters for me are definitely Anita, Nicole, Vernon, Jacob, Naomi, and Vanessa. 
 

You all weren’t kidding, Jacob is 🥵 
 

Dani and Chelsea were both fun but I’m interested in where they’re headed first. Wasn’t quite sure what to make of Martin. Derek and Ashley are okay, Derek was nice candy, they just seemed filler time as the token whites? Andre was nice eye candy too. Obviously Bill gave off red flags and seedinesses.

I didn’t mind the dialogue and setting up some of the backstories…there was enough action that made the episode interesting. I know excessive expository dialogue was a a major pitfall for Harding Lemay’s Lovers & Friends back in 1977 but I think once the show gets its groove going it shouldn’t be an issue. 
 

That last scene with the slap and the family one by one giving Hayley dirty judgmental looks was hilarious. Welcome to Fairmont Crest indeed lol!

Finally, I too liked old soapy touches like “Beyond the Gates will continue” as well as seeing the new P&G Studios logo, something I never would have imagined in a million years ever getting to see again. 

Edited February 25Feb 25 by soapfan770

So, I was finally able to watch the first episode of BTG. It definitely did not disappoint and achieved the goal of leaving me wanting more. All of the characters presented today intrigued me and I can't wait to learn more about them.

Brava, to MVJ, SD, JHC and everyone associated with this production 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

14 minutes ago, Cheap21 said:

Has Victoria Rowell made a statement about this show? Bc she had issues with CBS in terms with how they treated black actors/characters and a response she faced was to go make her own show

I’m quite surprised Victoria wasn’t considered for BTG at all? It’s still early yet but thinking of it, most would assume she’d be a must get for the show. 

5 minutes ago, soapfan770 said:

That last scene with the slap and the family one by one giving Hayley dirty judgmental looks was hilarious. Welcome to Fairmont Crest indeed lol!

Good to see you in thread. And I agree and love that quite a few people like the family walkout. 

In continuing to unpack the first episode and looking forward to the future (easier to do now that #1 passed inspection with flying colors), I have a few “checkpoints” in my head that I’m hoping to see met onscreen. One is some mixing up of characters. I want to see a Hayley/Anita scene that isn’t just a shade fest. I feel like someone like Hayley can learn a lot from someone like Anita, even if it’s only in small doses at a time. That’s one of those hallmarks of classic soap that faded out by the 2000s, characters reaching out across the canvas to build unique and interesting relationships outside of their main circle.

I’m looking forward to seeing Mike Manning. Never watched a single second of him on that other soap, but I loved him on Real World way back in the day. Super proud of the journey he’s been on since then. Incidentally, he was on the DC season of RW.

Edited February 25Feb 25 by All My Shadows

2 minutes ago, YRfan23 said:

I’m quite surprised Victoria wasn’t considered for BTG at all? It’s still early yet but thinking of it, most would assume she’d be a must get for the show. 

Even though she later had that recurring role on that failed CBS primetime show, CBS was included on that lawsuit she filed a few years ago that was dismissed. People don’t easily forget things like that - so it’s possible it was a consideration when looking at contract actors for the show. Or she simply did not want to shoot in Atlanta for an extended period of time. They probably also realize she’s worth more to them as Drucilla - but as long as Steven Kent is there, that won’t be a possibility. 

2 hours ago, AMCOLTLLover said:

The corniest scene in a Long time was THE SLAP and everyone from Dani‘s Family walking one by one out and giving Hayley a judgemental Look. Come on. 

It’s almost foreshadowing that Haley will either get shot or get murdered and all of the Dupree family will be suspects the way they lined up and looked at her.

3 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

Good to see you in thread. And I agree and love that quite a few people like the family walkout. 

Thanks and likewise! When I saw this thread had blown up in the I was just like “yeah I’m not reading everything” (for now anyways 😉) .

It’s surreal and refreshing having a new fun soap to watch on the lineup. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.

Strong start! So far, Daphnée Duplaix is my favorite. Her acting feels effortless, and her character, while seemingly perfect, is bound to experience the most turmoil ahead—which makes me even more invested!

Karla Mosley’s performance is just ok. I’d love to see more depth to Dani beyond just anger, even though it’s understandable. Exploring other layers, which I know is coming, would make her character more compelling.

As for Ben Gavin and Jen Jacob, I didn’t mind them or their characters. They came across as cute and wholesome—but we all know that won’t last, right? LOL.

Edited February 25Feb 25 by Jonathan

What an excellent first episode! Although I agree with many of the minor quibbles about the show, I don't think a premiere could go much better than this.

-- I complained last week about the open and wasn't crazy about the theme. Today? I liked it.

-- Like everyone else, all that hospital white has to change. The desk is too large and too all-white to work.

-- The white couple? They were meh, but I can't really blame them considering what they were given. I do with the firefighter was hotter hehe

-- I'm surprised Dani (Karla M) is written to be so unlikable, but I'm happy about that. I don't need the cliche of the poor, sweet as pie wife who was mistreated. This is more interesting.

-- Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis ground this show like very few others could. Impressive presence there.

-- I'll give the newbies time to improve before criticizing, but Daphnee Duplaix deserves a shoutout for being exceptionally good. Surrounded by all that drama, melodrama, and good soapy camp, she came off as genuine and real, and I love that.

My Grade:  A

 

10 minutes ago, soapfan770 said:

Thanks and likewise! When I saw this thread had blown up in the I was just like “yeah I’m not reading everything” (for now anyways 😉) .

It’s surreal and refreshing having a new fun soap to watch on the lineup. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.

YW. I knew it would but I am impressed at how we all are discussing this (412 posts and counting). And I'm still thinking about little odds and ends. I really liked it. I can't wait to go back later.

 

I am so excited to see what the rest of the week holds as well. I know I will lose it if we get a Friday cliffhanger come Friday. Good to be in on a soap from the start for the first time in decades. 

1 hour ago, Cheap21 said:

Hayley aint ish. So she was the unfortunate girl whom the Hamiltons took under their wing, became friends with Dani, only to end up working for her husband and stealing him. And now is gonna marry him and move into the community of said ex wife. She is TRIFLING! Yet for some reason I found her endearing. On paper all that gives villian but thats not how the actress played her, so I'm intrigued to find out more about her. Dani is the one that comes across less likeable but her anger is warranted.

This is exactly where I’m at. What a delusional ho, but I want to see more. She definitely drew me in.

The debut was excellent. It was fast-paced and gave a good overview of who's who in the Dupree family. Obviously the draw of soaps is that we get to learn more about each character daily. I honestly didn't think Ep 1 would be this solid - it's a tall ask.

A little bummed that KM was *aged* up, but I get that they wanted the daughters to be old enough to have adult stories. Honestly, there's no market for teens.

It'll be fun watching the show evolve and grow in terms of storytelling, characters, production, etc. We'll see lots of cast changes, story redirects, etc. as the show finds it's rhythm. I'm excited!

28 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

YW. I knew it would but I am impressed at how we all are discussing this (412 posts and counting). And I'm still thinking about little odds and ends. I really liked it. I can't wait to go back later.

That's where I am right now, re-watch, second verse, same as the first except for seeing things you didn't see before & layers, .. 

28 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

I am so excited to see what the rest of the week holds as well. I know I will lose it if we get a Friday cliffhanger come Friday. Good to be in on a soap from the start for the first time in decades. 

I know this is early days but I have to say it's good  to be in at the beginning of a soap that seems like it's going to be so good, really good!! Stupendously good. 🏆🥇🥈🥉🏅

The piano music at the end reminded me of a Tupac song (I forget the name of it) and I'm sure he sampled that from a classic song from the 60's or 70's.