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+

13 hours ago, Contessa Donatella said:

I also agree that this is the - or one of the - strongest introductions of a new show, ever.

Back to telling fans "unlikely". These fans are stuck. The past is too enticing. Whether AW or GL or AMC & not only because of nostalgia they are just in love with what they had & it prevents them from moving on. So telling them it's not gonna happen, was the right thing!

I just don't see that. BTG's intro was okay.

I'm torn on this subject.  Cancelled soaps coming back is an understandable thought in this era of reboots.

On the other hand  old soaps have long-established plot lines and characters and new audiences may not be able to keep up with all of the past exposition (assuming  Soap audiences are growing, and it's not just the niche crowd who still watches).

Moreover, several of the actors and producers who made the soaps great have died.

Nothing lasts forever, even the greatest soaps grow stale after 30+ years.  Perhaps the best move is to start new soaps like BTG.

9 hours ago, Chris B said:

As we all are enjoying Leslie, I hope MVJ avoids the trap many soap writers get in of writing villains into a corner. I feel like they tend to go too far but then want to keep the character on and either have to retcon an illness or make everybody on the show look stupid to justify keeping them on. If she goes too far, let her go to prison and write her off similar to how Bill Bell wrote off Michael Baldwin but then brought him back years later after he'd gone to prison and was rehabilitated. 

I read that Sheila was sent to B&B for that exact reason, because she had gone to far on Y&R to remain on canvas. IIRC Bell also was adamant about villains paying.

After week one, my favourite is Leslie.  I just love watching these type of characters who scheme to get what they want.  I really like the actress too.   I also like how this "mother" and "daughter" are scheming together and nobody knows they're going to be doing all these shady things.  Eva being Ted's daughter is a good twist.  Looking forward to this storyline the most. 

My second favourite is Kat and it's because of purely superficial reasons.  LOL  I just think she's really pretty and I love her cute outfits, and she has a great smile.    Plus, Colby Muhammad seems to be a decent actress.  She doesn't have any of the "new actor" ticks.  I just hope she's good when she gets her first dramatic scene.  

I do agree with those who say that there needs to be male Dupree out there to continue the family name.  I found it all that they're the main family but only two characters (maybe three? Did Dani drop Hamilton and went back to Durpee?) have that last name.  

Having multiple cliffhangers was great way to end the show's first ever week! I understand the show wanting to be fast paced early on.  I'm sure MVJ will slow it down a bit. 

 

 

 

MVJ and Tamara Tunie appear, in a segment, on this podcast - this episode focuses on black audiences and their daytime viewership.

 

In case you want to hear me drone on about the show and myself and a more interesting segment with @TheRealTTunie ...https://t.co/Q2SZL168jZ

— Michele Val Jean (@MicheleValJean) March 1, 2025

The first week was quite good and it wouldn't surprising if the show was number one for the week just from the new engagement. The pace was very quick for a debut week but this is a time when you have to move fast to get viewers. It would have taken a month to get to the wedding at the pace of older soaps.

1 minute ago, ReddFoxx said:

The first week was quite good and it wouldn't surprising if the show was number one for the week just from the new engagement. The pace was very quick for a debut week but this is a time when you have to move fast to get viewers. It would have taken a month to get to the wedding at the pace of older soaps.

If not number one in ratings, I'd imagine at the very least number one in performing demos, which would be even more promising in the long term.

3 hours ago, titan1978 said:

It must feel incredible to be a fan of this genre and have this show right now. Especially right now.

It absolutely does. Especially with what’s going on in this country. I think I don’t even sweat the small stuff some people are pointing out because I’m just so happy this show exists at all and is actually entertaining as hell. This show is so so important.

43 minutes ago, Toups said:

After week one, my favourite is Leslie.  I just love watching these type of characters who scheme to get what they want.  I really like the actress too.   I also like how this "mother" and "daughter" are scheming together and nobody knows they're going to be doing all these shady things.  Eva being Ted's daughter is a good twist.  Looking forward to this storyline the most. 

My second favourite is Kat and it's because of purely superficial reasons.  LOL  I just think she's really pretty and I love her cute outfits, and she has a great smile.    Plus, Colby Muhammad seems to be a decent actress.  She doesn't have any of the "new actor" ticks.  I just hope she's good when she gets her first dramatic scene.   

 

I agree so strongly with everything in both of these paragraphs. I envision Leslie and Eva being somewhat like Angela and Lance on Falcon Crest, with Leslie constantly having to whip Eva into shape and keep her eyes on the prize.

Kat is a stand out in the sea of younger female characters. Really, she’s the only one (besides maybe Eva now) that has made me pay attention when she’s on screen. She just has a plucky, girls’ girl vibe about her. The comment she made about how it’s unusual for her to be the one to call it a night early was intriguing and now I def want to see some club night shenanigans with Kat and her friends.

Nicole’s family would be 100% solid if the Martin actor gets it together or they recast him. I feel like MM is good in his role, but it seems like he needs to play against better performers who can help elevate his own. Martin ain’t it.

1 hour ago, All My Shadows said:

Kat is a stand out in the sea of younger female characters. Really, she’s the only one (besides maybe Eva now) that has made me pay attention when she’s on screen. 

Exactly. I had a feeling she would be on it. The other two young girls in the family, meh.

Martin is like a host from Westworld. Shape up or ship out!

And I do believe we met Kat's love interest in episode 5, and she seems the most observant of the younger generation so I forsee her getting mixed up in a lot of stuff in the coming weeks.

39 minutes ago, Vee said:

Martin is like a host from Westworld. Shape up or ship out!

Derek is probably worse, but he's so marginal to the story that they can always end up underwriting him and then write the character out once his usefulness is done. Martin is more concerning because he's really a centerpiece character and needs to improve fast. As a character, Martin is clearly in this for the long haul. 

And yeah, I'm not putting him and Smitty's lack of chemistry on Manning - he's not giving him anything to work with unfortunately and there's only so much you can do if your scene partner is flat.

4 hours ago, All My Shadows said:

Currently watching todsy’s ep, and Dani is dangerously close to being annoying af now.

I'm hoping once the Bill / Hayley wedding drama dies down that Dani calms down a bit. They've clearly played her as a Woman on the Verge all week in order to lead up to the cliffhanger, but they need to tone her down a bit after all this otherwise it'd be inexplicable that she's not in the nuthouse. 

Edited March 1Mar 1 by te.

I am catching up, but Thursday is pretty strong IMO. Naomi impressed me, the dialogue has improved considerably with less exposition, and KM projects a lot more authority and imperiousness than I previously thought she was capable of as the momager supreme. You understand the faith in her MVJ has here, it's giving Black Erica Kane. Yes, the character is outsize but that's the nature of the role. If she's divisive (as she clearly is here) that's part of the appeal.

Mona is very real. They should give her family ASAP.

This show is much easier to get through than hour upon hour of GH. And the lighting in Uptown and wardrobe/hair on Chelsea is phenomenal - she looks amazing even if her acting is neon green.

Ashley OTOH still comes off like they recruited someone from the crew.

Edited March 1Mar 1 by Vee

I dunno why the Martin actor gets all the flack when the Chelsea actress sounds just as unnatural as he does. 

Just now, Antoyne said:

I dunno why the Martin actor gets all the flack when the Chelsea actress sounds just as unnatural as he does. 

She's green but she hasn't gotten the kind of material he already has. Dude's delivery is like a video game NPC.

6 hours ago, DemetriKane said:

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.

 

Wow, that thought is so fresh & insightful & just hit me like the old cliche of a flash of lightning! Thank you for thinking it & sharing it. I did not come to it on my own but now that you say it, I do see it. I think I have met my new soap obsession: Dani, written by MVJ & played by KaMo. I wonder if Dani is short for Danielle. And, I wonder if she might end up being a one name persona. 

Personally I don't see a need to seriously drag either Martin or Chelsea. Do they have greater distances to grow than others, sure. But, it's Week 1, there's time. These people seem to be smart so maybe there's an acting coach. If so, Martin, Chelsea, Ashley, Ashley's bf, first cadre formed!

 

Edited March 1Mar 1 by Contessa Donatella

18 minutes ago, Vee said:

She's green but she hasn't gotten the kind of material he already has. Dude's delivery is like a video game NPC.

As I said she’s just as unnatural and has been in just as many episodes. 🤷🏽‍♂️