CBS is kicking off a new era in network soap operas with the premiere of “Beyond the Gates,” the first Black-led daytime soap opera in decades. The show, which airs Monday after “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” is set in an affluent, gated Maryland community and follows four generations of the Dupree family.
Created by Emmy-winning writer Michele Val Jean, “Beyond the Gates” boasts a predominantly Black cast, including veteran actor Daphnée Duplaix, who plays the lead role of the glamorous woman behind the wheel in the show’s opening scene. The series is known for its drama, joy, and heartbreak, as well as its fresh take on traditional soap opera characters.
“We just wanted something that felt fresh, new, different, really glossy, fun and really epic,” said Sheila Ducksworth, president of CBS Studios/NAACP Venture and an executive producer. “I think it will have far-reaching effects and change the landscape of TV.”
The show’s creator, Val Jean, drew inspiration from her own life experiences and wanted to create characters that viewers hadn’t seen before. She has described one pairing as if Diana Ross married the late Rep. John Lewis, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the cast.
“Beyond the Gates” is not only a milestone for representation in television but also a celebration of Black excellence on screen. The show’s music, which features several cast members singing, adds to its unique charm.
With its diverse cast, realistic portrayal of affluent Black families, and inclusive storytelling, “Beyond the Gates” is poised to change the face of network soap operas forever. A screening party is planned for the end of the day to celebrate the show’s premiere and mark a new era in television representation.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/beyond-gates-new-soap-opera-black-representation-5b38d5f11c787e7bdd3dfaf382c06e69