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+

9 minutes ago, Antoyne said:

Intrigue was there as soon as the elevator moment happened. And then the complete change in demeanor of her daughter once they were home. I have very high hopes. I’m enjoying the casting already.

Ikr. She was so nice and sweet with Ashley...and when she got home...the 180 took me out. Even with what was seen in the special. Same for Leslie today. Very good casting. 

-- The casting is solid. Anyone saying Karla Mosley (Dani) overacts is ignoring the reason she was hired. I'm enjoying her.

-- Like others here, I need Martin to improve...become more natural, relaxed. He's great looking, but I don't feel anything between him and Smitty, and honestly, I was looking forward to them together.

-- Of Dani's daughters, I think the actress playing Chelsea is much more natural than the one playing Naomi, who is a bit stiff. Plenty of time to improve, though.

-- What's with all the flower bushes and full-grown hydrangeas outside of Nicole's window? I don't get that at all. It's Maryland in February, and that makes no sense.

 

Speaking for myself, I think Karla has been doing great, but I feel she has not found her groove yet. Episode 1 was great. I found yesterday good, but I wasn't feel her like I did in Episode 1. And Episode 3 she...WAS...ON...FIRE. I felt that was the most layered she's been so far for me. So much more going on in her face. In her eyes. Beneath the surface. And some of the inflections she had at times gave it. And her Dani with Bill was a dance of sooo much going on. An unpredictable dance. And then there were the moments where she seem like she was going to snap. She was giving livewire and I was living. 

Edited February 27Feb 27 by Taoboi

5 hours ago, Mona Kane Croft said:

What was going on with the two guys in the car?  Any speculation??

Could not figure it out- what did he hand that guy when he got out of the car?

6 hours ago, Mona Kane Croft said:

This soap is go grounded and believable. In some ways like an old fashioned soap opera (and I mean that as a compliment).  It's not crazy over the top or campy.  I'm loving it.   

IA and whats what I love about. I know people were speculating about DID but Id prefer if they avoid those over the top soap stunts bc this doesnt need it. There's meaty drama from whats already been set up

3 minutes ago, Cheap21 said:

IA and whats what I love about. I know people were speculating about DID but Id prefer if they avoid those over the top soap stunts bc this doesnt need it. There's meaty drama from whats already been set up

Oh yes.  Plenty of meaty human drama in the family dynamics, and outsiders creeping in.  The writing on BTG is compelling and makes me want to tune in tomorrow.  No need to take anything over the top or campy.  Keep it real (or at least believable).  

9 minutes ago, Cheap21 said:

IA and whats what I love about. I know people were speculating about DID but Id prefer if they avoid those over the top soap stunts bc this doesnt need it. There's meaty drama from whats already been set up

 

1 minute ago, Mona Kane Croft said:

Oh yes.  Plenty of meaty human drama in the family dynamics, and outsiders creeping in.  The writing on BTG is compelling and makes me want to tune in tomorrow.  No need to take anything over the top or campy.  Keep it real (or at least believable).  

Same.

I thought KM was hilariously bad during the crying scene in the elevator while Dani was leaving Bill’s office. Sometimes less is more, especially when playing a character that’s so extra. 

Edited February 27Feb 27 by BetterForgotten

Just finally caught up on yesterday’s and today’s episodes and all I can is wow!

Where to start?

I love the old soapy touches…Vernon giving me Papa Bauer vibes, Mona eavesdropping at the door trying to listen in on Nicole & Hayley, Leslie, Jan, and Mona gossiping etc.

Favorite things in these 2 episodes? I really continue to enjoy the chemistry between all the Dupree’s I like the warm vibes after years of watching cold Newmans and lukewarm Forresters. I really liked the relationship between Chelsea and Naomi. The scenes giving us background on Ted, Nicole, Kat, and Andre were good. And Ashley’s preceptor knowing about her boyfriend Derek from social media reminds me of some co-workers at work spying on new hires LOL. 
 

In a way I do wonder what Hayley’s backstory is but I also hope she doesn’t fall victim to our resident villain Bill. 

I also like the secondary characters so far too. I’m wondering what the history is behind Leslie as well and why she ran poor Laura off the road. Interesting cliffhanger indeed.

Yeah I agree I’m not yet feeling Martin and Smitty yet either. I like Mike Manning too but it feels a bit awkward so far as I think the Martin actor is a bit green. He’s likable though so I’m hoping we start to see more as the show continues into the next few weeks. 
 

And as for Dani….well I’m enjoying this hell on wheels introduction we’ve been watching. I’m interested in seeing her calm down the line but for know I’m enjoying the scorned and spicy diva that she is! 
 

 

20 minutes ago, watson71 said:

Could not figure it out- what did he hand that guy when he got out of the car?

I'm only speculating (no inside info), but I think this is where Jon Lindstrom comes in.

10 minutes ago, soapfan770 said:

I love the old soapy touches…Vernon giving me Papa Bauer vibes, Mona eavesdropping at the door trying to listen in on Nicole & Hayley, Leslie, Jan, and Mona gossiping

So many old school soap touches

Waiting for Vernon to break the fourth wall later this year and give one of those Mac Cory holiday speeches to the show’s audience 🥂

17 minutes ago, BetterForgotten said:

I thought KM was hilariously bad during the crying scene in the elevator while Dani was leaving Bill’s office. Sometimes less is more, especially when playing a character that’s so extra. 

That was my least favorite performance of hers so far.

18 minutes ago, BetterForgotten said:

I thought KM was hilariously bad during the crying scene in the elevator while Dani was leaving Bill’s office. Sometimes less is more, especially when playing a character that’s so extra. 

I like that she's so extra bc the character is mentally unstable and watching her with the various characters, it makes sense why she's like this. I think she's doing well bc my opinion of the character has changed so much in just 3 episodes. She's more layered than I initially gave her credit for

19 minutes ago, BetterForgotten said:

I thought KM was hilariously bad during the crying scene in the elevator while Dani was leaving Bill’s office. Sometimes less is more, especially when playing a character that’s so extra. 

I didn't take that scene as her crying. I took it as her heartbreaking and her reaching her breaking point with all the crap she's dealing with. We've all experienced that feeling that most would consider "crying," but it never is that.

I noticed that Anita's hair goes from looking silver to almost blonde depending on the lighting lol