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+

My guess is that Dani intentionally shot into the air / at the wall.

Are we counting Emmy episodes yet? While hit or miss for me early on, I did find Karla astonishing today.

I have seen a lot of mentions of B&B when it comes to Dani and Hayley. But I actually viewed their setup, Katherine and Jill. 

I wonder if Eva was lying, when she said Leslie was from Chicago. Isn't there where Anita is from? 

2 hours ago, dragonflies said:

 

This interview was so damn good. I am falling in love with Arielle (Naomi). She said Naomi and Jacob are the stable couple right now so that made me happy!

Also, happy about The Mention of Debbi Morgan. Marquita (Hayley) definitely has a similar presence. They would rock as family.

Edited March 1Mar 1 by DemetriKane

3 minutes ago, janea4old said:

My guess is that Dani intentionally shot into the air / at the wall.

Looking at the preview, it looks like she shoots at the wall.

As a black man that’s been watching soaps for a little over 20 years, I can’t say enough how much it means to me to be able to watch a soap where are all of the leads look like me. Watching GH after BTG and seeing their flipping pictures opening and it’s just a sea of white faces, really drove this home for me today.

10 minutes ago, DemetriKane said:

I wonder if Eva was lying, when she said Leslie was from Chicago. Isn't there where Anita is from? 

In zoom our group immediately all wondered out loud if either Eva was lying or if Leslie lied to her. It was like red flags went up.

 

25 minutes ago, Contessa Donatella said:

In zoom our group immediately all wondered out loud if either Eva was lying or if Leslie lied to her. It was like red flags went up.

 

Yeah, I agree. A part of me hopes it true. 

Ok, those were some great cliffhangers 👍

It was a really good way to cap off the first week, but at the same time, I felt the pacing was a little off in today's episode. And yesterday's too. Things felt a little rushed, almost like the New Years Eve episode of Days. I understand why they would choose to do it like that but I really hope they go back to the pacing of the first three episodes. 

And Dani begging Bill to take her back seemed a little strange to me as well. Throughout the whole week, I never got the impression that she even wanted him back. Maybe it was meant to trigger today's cliffhanger, but I think it could've been established and built up a little better.

And getting back to yesterday's episode, I think we should've seen the immediate aftermath of Laura being run off the road too. Why end Wednesday like that, if in the next episode, Laura was gonna be perfectly fine?

I did enjoy Dani's scene with Chelsea and Naomi though, and that they seem to be firmly on Dani's side. We'll see what happens next week lol 

@AbcNbc247

Pacing, do you mean how quickly everything shifted to the wedding?

 

I expected everyone getting ready for the wedding and showing up one at a time, but we didn't get that. Instead, everyone was already dressed and there.

4 minutes ago, Soapsuds said:

@AbcNbc247

Pacing, do you mean how quickly everything shifted to the wedding?

 

I expected everyone getting ready for the wedding and showing up one at a time, but we didn't get that. Instead, everyone was already dressed and there.

Yeah. 

It all felt so rushed

I would like to add to the Underdog discussion. Even though she comes from a well-to-do family. In my eyes, Dani Dupree is the underdog.

Everyone around her has thriving careers and marriages (including her own daughter) and it will be interesting to watch her pivot and rebuild her life.

 

I'm looking forward to a Dani free day because she's kind of exhausting.

I'm more interested in the Nicole/Eva/'Leslie' story that is brewing and the nuggets being dropped regarding Vanessa and her role play fetish (an open marriage arrangement maybe?).

Ashley has awesome best friend energy, but keep as support only.

Hayley's arc is fascinating because she isn't written like the typical vixen/other woman...thus far.  And sounds like her father is out there somewhere.

Thank god they kept the one element from grandma's soaps....the Friday cliffhanger.

And a gathering with extras, good interactions, and pretty clothes.

8 minutes ago, AbcNbc247 said:

Yeah. 

It all felt so rushed

not just the wedding. the whole week felt rushed — so much happening, so many people, i had to keep checking a cheat sheet to keep track of the characters and the relationships among them. 

and, as i mentioned upthread: i would have been ok if the leslie/eva/ted reveal had happened nexr week — even the week after. 

58 minutes ago, Antoyne said:

As a black man that’s been watching soaps for a little over 20 years, I can’t say enough how much it means to me to be able to watch a soap where are all of the leads look like me. Watching GH after BTG and seeing their flipping pictures opening and it’s just a sea of white faces, really drove this home for me today.

Hopefully without Sonny's picture today. 😜 

23 minutes ago, AbcNbc247 said:

And Dani begging Bill to take her back seemed a little strange to me as well. Throughout the whole week, I never got the impression that she even wanted him back. Maybe it was meant to trigger today's cliffhanger, but I think it could've been established and built up a little better.

I have felt the opposite all week. I think she has been desperate to get everything about him back- the status and power in their community, she doesn’t want to be alone with their kids all grown, and actually has feelings for him, no matter how toxic they are. Her family has the status, but I have a feeling that Dani as the wild one didn’t start to get respect both inside and outside the family until her marriage and family. Daddy’s favorite is not the same as respect.

Karla did good work today in the scenes about coming back to life sexually and later pouring her heart out to Bill. These people do not seem like stunted twenty year olds  like so many other soap couples their age have for the last 20 years.

Please show provide me the twist. Eva's zaddy is Ted's twin Cedric "Ced" Richardson and the jokes on her and her faux mother.