CBS is set to break new ground with its upcoming daytime soap opera, Beyond the Gates, featuring a predominantly Black cast—marking a significant milestone since 1985’s Generations. The new series, which was initially titled The Gates, stars Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley as key members of the powerful Dupree family, set in one of the most affluent African American communities in the United States.
Set against the backdrop of a lush, gated community just outside Washington, D.C., Beyond the Gates explores the lives of the Duprees, a multi-generational family often viewed as Black royalty. However, beneath their glamorous lifestyle and carefully manicured lawns lie deep family secrets and juicy scandals. The Duprees’ world is filled with love, ambition, and the constant struggle to maintain their status—all while being watched closely by those outside their exclusive world.
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Tamara Tunie, widely known for her roles in As the World Turns and Law & Order: SVU, leads the cast as Anita Dupree, the family’s matriarch. Once a famous singer, Anita’s journey from her humble beginnings in Chicago to a life of luxury was hard-fought. She and her retired senator husband raised two daughters, both of whom followed distinct paths.
Daphnee Duplaix, known for her work on One Life to Live, will portray Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, a highly successful psychiatrist and philanthropist. On the surface, Nicole appears to have the perfect life—her career thrives, and her marriage to a surgeon seems flawless. However, her carefully crafted facade hints at deeper tensions.
Karla Mosley (The Bold and the Beautiful) takes on the role of Dani Dupree, Anita’s free-spirited daughter who traded her high-flying modeling career for motherhood. Once the wild child of the family, Dani is now a momager, navigating life in the shadows of her former ambitions.
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This new soap, produced by CBS Studios in partnership with the NAACP and P&G Studios, marks the first one-hour Black daytime drama to air since Passions premiered in 1999. Production is set to begin in Atlanta later this fall, with a premiere slated for early 2025 on CBS.
The series is developed by Michele Val Jean, a soap opera veteran, who serves as creator, executive producer, and showrunner. The project is part of CBS’ ongoing collaboration with the NAACP to bring more diverse content to television. Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios/NAACP venture, expressed her excitement about the show, highlighting its potential to provide a fresh and much-needed perspective on daytime drama.
Beyond the Gates promises to bring rich, multidimensional characters and intricate storylines that will captivate viewers while celebrating Black culture. This collaboration between CBS, NAACP, and P&G Studios signals a new era for daytime television—one that embraces both diversity and the rich storytelling traditions that have long defined soap operas.