CBS Ushers in a New Era with "Beyond the Gates," a Groundbreaking Soap Opera
In an unprecedented move, CBS has unveiled "Beyond the Gates," a new daytime soap opera that centers on the affluent Dupree family in the fictitious Maryland community of Fairmont Crest. This transformative series marks the network’s first foray into daytime soap operas in decades and makes history as the first to feature a predominantly Black family at its core.
The genesis of "Beyond the Gates" lies in the lifelong passion of Sheila Ducksworth, a producer and unwavering soap opera enthusiast. Yearning to break the mold and fill a glaring void in soap operas, Ducksworth envisioned a show that showcased the Black experience in a nuanced and compelling way.
Fueling this vision is a multi-year production partnership between CBS and the NAACP, America’s oldest civil rights organization, formed amidst the nation’s reckoning with racial justice. Procter & Gamble, the consumer goods giant that played a pivotal role in the creation of soap operas, also lends its support to this groundbreaking endeavor.
"Beyond the Gates" stands as a testament to the power of Black-led storytelling in Hollywood. It follows the footsteps of "Generations," a short-lived NBC soap that premiered in 1989 and made history as the first to begin with a Black family. However, "Beyond the Gates" goes beyond its predecessor by presenting a fully Black-led cast, making it the first such soap since NBC’s "Passions" in 1999.
The series features an illustrious cast, including Clifton Davis, known for his role in "Madam Secretary," as Vernon Dupree, the patriarch of the central family. Davis, a veteran actor, believes this soap is a timely addition to the television landscape, as it offers narratives that have been largely absent from network TV.
Tamara Tunie, who portrayed lawyer Jessica Griffin on "As the World Turns," joins the cast as Anita Dupree, the matriarch and a former singer. This character draws inspiration from the iconic union between Diana Ross and John Lewis, as described by creator Michele Val Jean.
The show embraces the richness of diversity, featuring multi-generational families residing both within and outside the gated community. While the cast is predominantly Black, it also includes Asian, Latino, and white characters, reflecting the complexities of modern society.
Ducksworth emphasizes the show’s intention to present Black experiences authentically, avoiding stereotypes and embracing a nuanced portrayal. "We’re serving up another perspective of Black stories for Black people as well," says Davis, noting that the show’s appeal extends beyond Black audiences. "This is a very, very diverse audience we’re seeking and we’re a diverse show, but the lead family is African American and affluent, and I’m so proud to be a part of it."
Despite the challenges posed by the accelerated pace of daytime soap production, Davis embraced the experience, recognizing the artistry and dedication required in creating a captivating show.
Ducksworth’s close attention to detail is evident in the hiring of Black professionals in key behind-the-scenes roles, including makeup, wardrobe, hair, and music composition, bringing a diverse perspective to the production.
While "Beyond the Gates" retains the classic soap opera elements of love, hate, betrayal, and deceit, creator Val Jean insists that it is firmly rooted in reality. The show draws inspiration from the affluent Black communities that exist in suburban Maryland, showcasing their mansions, golf courses, and country clubs.
Val Jean’s journey in soap operas began with "Generations," where she was the only Black writer. She notes that Black representation in soap operas has been sporadic since then, with occasional side characters disappearing into obscurity.
Despite its trailblazing focus, Val Jean assures that "Beyond the Gates" adheres to the conventions of soap opera storytelling. "It’s still messy, they’re still getting in trouble, it’s still love and hate and betrayal and lies. It’s still all of that, it just looks different."
More than just a soap opera, "Beyond the Gates" is a reflection of the diverse and layered experiences of Black families. It gives voice to the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of a community that has been underrepresented in mainstream media.
Val Jean’s passion for soap operas ignited as a young girl, watching the genre with her mother and grandmother. With "Beyond the Gates," she fulfills a life-long dream of creating a soap that reflects the beauty and complexity of Black life.
"This was a world that I carried around in my head for four years and here it is, and it lives, and it breathes and it walks, and it talks and its so beautiful," Val Jean exclaims. "This world is populated by these beautiful people, and they live in these beautiful homes, and they wear these gorgeous clothes."
As "The Talk" ends its 15-year run, "Beyond the Gates" emerges as a beacon of representation, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in daytime television. This groundbreaking soap opera is a testament to the power of Black voices and the unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive media landscape.
