CBS, in collaboration with the NAACP, is set to break new ground in daytime television with the development of “The Gates,” the first predominantly Black-cast soap opera since 1985’s “Generations.” This venture is part of CBS’ content partnership with the NAACP, marking a significant step in diversifying daytime programming.
“The Gates” will delve into the lives of a wealthy Black family residing in an upscale gated community, providing a fresh perspective on daytime drama. Renowned soap opera veteran Michele Val Jean, known for her work on “The Bold and the Beautiful” since 2012, will serve as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer for the series. The show will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network, produced by CBS Studios NAACP in collaboration with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.
Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “’The Gates’ will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective.” Ducksworth emphasized the show’s potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television, catering to an audience that has historically been underserved.
READ: Angela “Angie” Beyincé Promoted to Series Regular in Tyler Perry’s Sistas Season 7
Executive producers for “The Gates” include Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner. Ducksworth highlighted the importance of impactful representation and teased “juicy storylines” that will put Black culture at the forefront of the series.
This development is a noteworthy event in the soap opera landscape, as very few new daytime soaps have been produced in recent years. The collaboration between CBS, the NAACP, and P&G Studios reflects a commitment to providing diverse and compelling content. “The Gates” is poised to fill a 35-year void in daytime television, offering multi-dimensional characters and narratives that showcase Black culture.
Acknowledging the involvement of Procter & Gamble in the project, it’s worth noting that the company was one of the original backers of soap operas, underscoring their longstanding commitment to the genre. With the personal involvement and support of key figures like CBS’ George Cheeks, NAACP’s Derrick Johnson, and P&G’s Marc Pritchard, “The Gates” marks a significant step forward in diversifying and revitalizing daytime television. As the first greenlit soap opera in years, “The Gates” joins the ranks of enduring daytime dramas like “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Young and the Restless,” and “General Hospital.”