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+

Kat, Ted, Vanessa, Andre and Leslie/Dana are definitely the standouts to me of the new faces so far.

Leslie better not come for mama Anita. Then again, Anita vs. Leslie could be an epic rivalry.

Or a good fight.

I wish they had the closing credits on YouTube.

 

Edited February 27Feb 27 by Soapsuds

In time...

Okay so after yesterday's episode, I am looking at the Leslie storyline a different way. Perhaps her late love Alan, was a patient of Nicole's (since she is a pyschiatrist) who she couldn't save??? Leslie and her daughter in turn blame Nicole for his death.  By trying to weasel their way into the Richardson home, could they be plotting to kill Ted and essentially make Nicole lose everything. Make her suffer as they feel they've suffered??  Could make for an interesting twist. 

3 hours ago, Soapsuds said:

I wish they had the closing credits on YouTube.

 

Aren't them super short though?

I loved the twist with Leslie at the end. I didn't see that coming! Definitely intrigued.

I SOOOO want to like Martin, but the actor has come across as very stiff. It's true the first two episodes he had a LOT of exposition dialogue, and that's very hard to make sound natural. But, I didn't get any sense of intimacy in scenes with his husband or talking about their children. Mike Manning has soap experience already, so I felt he already showed up with his A-game. I'm way more interested in Smitty. I like how Martin/Smitty are obviously set up for a big story, but the approach to Martin needs to change...loosen him up. 

I'm finding that I'm enjoying each episode more and more...a very good sign! All the other shows feel very dated in comparison.

I do agree that Martin is very stiff.  Maybe a recast is in order 

Its been fun posting live with everyone (something I havent done in probably a decade on this board) but I have to go into the office today (UGH!) so wont be able to watch till later

Episode 3 was solid. That end of episode reveal! Wow! To echo what others have said, Trisha Mann Grant is excellent. She manages to play all the beats so well and shifts from one emotion to another with ease. I look forward to seeing more of Grant with Michelle to see how their mother-daughter relationship continues.

I think Karan Kendrick as Mona is another standout. She seemed to keep pace with Grant in the scenes at the restaurant managing to suggest that Mona isn't convinced that Leslie has it all together. Some of Kendrick's side glances at Leslie's sweet words was great. I don't necessariy need the role expanded and I don't think Mona's "no man, no kids" conversation was about setting up a secret past but to justify her devotion to a family that isn't hers. Jerri Tubbs seems out of place, though I like the fact that Jan works in the homes of the people in Fairmont Crest. Destiny Love as Laura has also been a fun experience, but we will see how she handles the fall out of the accidnet. 

My speculation about Leslie's connection to the Dupree/Richardson clan from the casting calls was that Leslie had once been a patient under Nicole, but I am not sure if I still feel that way now. Though, I do think Ted and Leslie share a past and possibly a child. The obvious conclusion is that character is Eva, but I am going to throw out a wildcard and suggest that maybe Kat is Ted and Leslie's child. Kat was listed as Ted and Nicole's "miracle baby" or "surprise baby" in the casting calls. Maybe the surprise is that Nicole isn't her mother.

The bulk of the episodes meat surrounding Dani and Bill was very good. Timon Durrell and Karla Mosely play well off each other as two powerful personalities who have loved (or still love in Dani's case) each other and don't want to hurt anymore. Mosely was more leveled with Durrell, who's more laid back approach seem to ground her in the moment. Dani's pain was real in those scenes, and Durrell, who has mastered Bill's manipulative nature, appeared to be showing a softer side with Dani by trying to ease her out of her latest emotional outburst. You could see Bill's exhaustion at having to manage Dani's emotions. Purposefully, Dani is an exhausting character and those type of characters drive drama. I actually left feeling for both Dani and Bill. I would have scrapped Dani in the elevator because it wasn't there for me. 

Bill's ultimatum driving to the Duprees declaration about the wedding was also good. Dani's utter disbelief at what Anita has declared followed by Nicole's support was great. The Dani / Nicole dyanmic really works for me as Nicole is always the big sister. Dani and Anita are two strong presences and Anita just wants to steam roll over Dani, while Vernon (again) calms the storm by infantalizing her. The Vernon / Dani dynamic is interesting, and makes me think of Dani as a Tracey Quartermaine type. I thought Naomi's quick about face made sense as there seems to be a thread about Naomi and Hayley's relationship.  

Of the younger generation, the Naomi / Dani's relationship is the one most compelling to me because of the general level of tension between them stemming from Dani's controlling nature combined with Naomi's own passion and past life as a daddy's girl prior to The Affair. Naomi's interest in music alligns her with her grandmother, Anita, but I have to wonder if momager Dani won't try to press her into considering a musical career, one that will fill the void that Chelsea's shift into the purse line will leave once she quits modelling. I don't see Naomi as the type to be lured in by stardom, but I could see Naomi needing a break from a career that ties her so strongly to her father. 

I feel like the grandchildren generation is strugging with playing layerered emotions, which makes sense given that they are relatively new to the pacing of soap opera (for some, the pacing of television in genera). Arielle Prepit is my favorite. Her defending Chelsea to Dani, her sexy back and forth with her husband, and her general presnce works for me. It is the moments where she has to dig deeper into the conflict over her father's betrayal with her best friend (loving people that have hurt her) that she starts to falter for me. RhonniRose Mantilla as Chelsea is constantly in that state (the fear over controlling her mother's moods a woman she loves but cnanot control). Brandon Claybon has a very difficult task for a relative newcomer to have to be haunted by a tragic incident from his past that the audience (and his onscreen husband) isn't aware of as well as trying to keep it from being to obvious. Like Chelsea, Brandon's conflict is always lingering in his scenes. Colby Muhammad hasn't had to deal with that yet. She is just driven and cheerful. The actress definitely has presence, and from the behidn the scenes videos last week, is putting in the work on her own time.  I will be interested to see what happens next. 

I still find Mike Manning fairly lifeless as Smitty though I suspect he, and Claybon, might be struggling with how much physical interaction is ok for them as an onscreen couple. While it's clear that Michelle Val Jean is commited to having gay characters on the canvas, there seems to be a production issue at some level. This is the first soap opera to premier with gay characters. The contrast between the very married Jacob / Naomi and the on the rocks Smitty / Martin should present a level of different affection, but even rejected affection seems off the table. Yes, it's episode 3, however, the pre-production material has defintely downplayed the gay element. Considering the media's "Gay Black President" headlines, I could see why was downplayed in promotion, but onscreen it seems to spill over. Maybe I'm reacting too soon and will gladly eat crow if I'm wrong. 

I wish we had had at least one scene of the McBrides together before we ended up with the scenes yesterday. In particular, having Doug's first scene be with another character we never met before and no follow up on either character was jarring. It did lead me to wonder if Randy was going to turn out to be the one who ran Laura off the road, which I suspect may have been the point. Also, it would have been better, in my opinion, to have seen Vanessa/Doug before going into the Vanessa / "Zeke" scene at Uptown (which is a set I like a lot). The role play stuff is very different for daytime, but I would have preferred to see the why before the how regarding the marital discord. It won't make or break the story though. I'll be curious to see how Bugioli does with more dramatic material. Even the Bill / Hayley revelation was twinged with a rushed comical underdone. 

Very much looking forward to the next installment.

10 minutes ago, AmandainNC28655 said:

I do agree that Martin is very stiff.  Maybe a recast is in order 

Yeah but it's only Day 4. There's still time. 

I've been trying to think what to write, what to say, ... I feel like I'm babbling because I like so much of this new show. Some people are invoking the names of past greats like Roger Thorpe, JR Ewing, Erica Kane, Rachel Cory, etc. and I have to admit I'm not sure I'm seeing them. I look at the show & what I see is new creatures & that is very terribly exciting to me. It would be all too easy to look at Anita & compare her to Stephanie Forrester. And, with others, the same kind of thing. But I think I prefer, at least for now, to continue on in this new creature vein. 

To that extent, I offer this. Anita 9/10 Vernon 8/10 Nicole 8/10 Dani 9/10 That's our Fab Four. Chelsea 7/10 Dani's other daughter 7/10 Martin 6/10 Smitty 7/10 Hayley 7/10 Bill 8/10 

Now, I have to stop because I have got to go consult a character guide. But that's a good start. 

And, the last thing I will say is I LOVE THIS SHOW! 

Okay, so I lied. More to say. I love the mother/daughter relationships, not just with Anita either. I love the relationship between Vernon & Dani. Yesterday I adored the confrontation between the Lout (Bill) & Dani. Now, I think I'm done for now.

NO. 

@Alan were there LINES yesterday? If not, perfectly okay.

Who knows where a really good character guide is?

I have to say... not feeling this show. I'm wondering if my problem is with the directing. The performances come off as "PERFORMANCES"... not organic and natural. It seems like there is a "Real housewifey" vibe running through it. I wonder if people will have a hard time finding these characters relatable. 

5 minutes ago, brockreynolds said:

I have to say... not feeling this show. I'm wondering if my problem is with the directing. The performances come off as "PERFORMANCES"... not organic and natural. It seems like there is a "Real housewifey" vibe running through it. I wonder if people will have a hard time finding these characters relatable. 

Can you explain what you mean by Real Housewives vibe? I watch all cities of housewives and nothing about these characters feels like them. Not being argumentative just curious.

18 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

@Alan were there LINES yesterday? If not, perfectly okay.

Yes!

First Lines, Wednesday February 26:

Doug: "Randy Parker! What's up my man?"

Randy: "Doug McBride! You tell me." 

Both are recurring characters. We are still waiting on one contract player's first appearance: Tom.

 

21 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

Who knows where a really good character guide is?

Still a work in progress:

https://beyondthegates.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Current_characters

🤭