The last time a major broadcast network launched a new daytime drama was over 25 years ago when NBC’s Passions premiered in 1999. Back then, the country was dealing with a lot—political scandals, high-profile plane crashes, and Jay-Z’s legal battles. Fast forward to today, and it seems like the perfect time for a new soapy escape. Enter CBS’s Beyond the Gates, a daytime drama that feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Created by Michele Val Jean, a veteran in the soap opera world (Generations, General Hospital), Beyond the Gates tells the story of a wealthy Black family living in a gated community, with all the romance, drama, and family secrets you’d expect from a classic soap. It’s not just about the drama, though—Beyond the Gates is a celebration of Black excellence, especially at a time when diversity is often under fire.
The show kicks off with Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnée Duplaix) cruising through the gates of Fairmont Crest, an upscale neighborhood outside Washington, D.C. Nicole is the level-headed daughter of Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie), an EGOT-winning singer, and retired Senator Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), both respected members of the community. The family is rocked when Nicole’s sister Dani (Karla Mosley) finds out that her ex-husband Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) is planning to marry a younger woman, Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings), who also happens to be a former family friend. Dani’s not happy about it, and her reaction sets the stage for a lot of drama, especially with Bill’s two daughters, Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) and Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla), who are barely speaking to him.
The show does a great job of introducing the Dupree family and their neighbors, all with their own complicated backstories that are ripe for drama. Nicole and her husband Ted (Maurice Johnson), a renowned plastic surgeon, have become surrogate parents to Ted’s nephew Andre (Sean Freeman), a photographer with a mysterious past. Meanwhile, their daughter Kat (Colby Muhammad) is helping her cousin Chelsea navigate the pressures of her successful modeling career, and Nicole and Ted’s son Martin (Brandon Clayborn) is struggling with troubling nightmares. Fairmont Crest’s top realtor, Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli), is also hiding a secret that could shake up the community.
In the first five episodes, the show sets up all the classic soap opera elements we love: budding romances, revenge plots, and seemingly perfect couples who are just one dark secret away from falling apart. It all builds toward a wedding, which, as we know, rarely goes smoothly in the world of soap operas.
Beyond the Gates knows the importance of a strong, larger-than-life character, and Dani is definitely the show’s diva. Mosley, who is known for more grounded roles, is having a blast playing the scorned and outspoken daughter. She delivers the best lines with flair, and you can tell she’s enjoying every moment. On the other hand, Durrett’s portrayal of Bill Hamilton could use a bit more intensity. As the villain, he’s supposed to be calculated and charming, but right now, he feels a bit too reserved.
As for the show’s matriarch, Anita (played by Tamara Tunie), she brings a regal composure to the role, but I’m hoping the writers give her more opportunities to show her fierce side. When she does step up, it’s a highlight, especially when she tells Dani, “You need to remember who you are: A Dupree woman! We don’t turn our power over to anyone!”
Beyond the Gates is a drama that knows what it’s doing, bringing the soap opera genre into the modern era while celebrating Black culture and excellence. It’s the perfect show for anyone who loves juicy drama and unforgettable characters.
