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‘Beyond the Gates’ Named as One of ‘The 10 Best TV Shows of 2025 ‘

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

Here’s an absolute rarity and a welcome one for everyone who works so hard and with such tenacity in the world of daytime dramas. Soap operas newest entry into the genre has been named by Entertainment Weekly as one of the 10 Best TV Shows of 2025.

What is even more remarkable in this outstanding recognition for the freshman soap, is that it is right up there with many of the top primetime and streaming dramas as this year comes to a close in its final month.

Beyond the Gates is listed along with the likes of The Pitt, Severance, Task (which stars former Guiding Light and As the World Turns star, Tom Pelphrey), the comedy Abbott Elementary, Sci-fi’s, Alien Earth, Seth Rogen’s Emmy-winning series, The Studio, Disney+’s Andor, Netflix’s Dept. Q, and Pluribus which also features Y&R’s Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) in a guest spot.

Photo: CBS

As soap fans know, Beyond the Gates bowed back on February 24, 2025 on CBS and also streams on Paramount+. It became the first ever Black-led one-hour daytime drama in television history. The show began production back on November 4, 2024 and was the brainchild of Michele Val Jean, who not only is the series creator, but its head writer and one of its executive producers alongside Sheila Ducksworth for CBS Studios/NAACP Venture in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.

Here’s what EW had to say about why they chose Beyond the Gates as one of the best television shows of 2025: “Soap operas do the impossible. Working with a fraction of the budget primetime series get, soaps crank out 260 episodes of non-stop story a year. For those of us who grew up loving these shows, watching the networks slowly abandon the genre over the past decade has been painful. What a joy, then, to witness the birth of Beyond the Gates. The first new daytime drama since 1999. Created by soap legend Michelle Val Jean, Gates centers on the saga of the well-to-do Dupree family, pillars of society in an elite (and drama-filled) Black enclave near Washington, D.C.”

Further explaining why BTG is must-see TV it revered its soapy twists! “It’s impossible to summarize everything that’s happened in the 80 episodes (!) since Gates premiered in February, but the soapiest highlights include: a love child revealed in spectacular fashion, and a marriage ruined! A steamy (and top-secret) May-December romance between a former supermodel and a playboy photographer! A promising young politician haunted by a violent incident from his past! To quote the late, great, Gary Marshall from Soapdish, ‘This is a soap opera!”

So, what do you think? Happy to see Beyond the Gates recognized right up there with some of the most notable TV series of 2025? Glad to know, that, yes, even in 2025 in the long-running tried and true genre that is seldom recognized. that Beyond the Gates launched in such a significant and impactful way? Is it one of your favorite TV shows on your viewing schedule? Let us know via the comment section below.

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A rightful title; Beyond the Gates has been firing on all cylinders since its launch earlier this year. Michele Val Jean and Sheila Ducksworth did the damn thing, and gave us the best American soap on daytime right now.

I am so thrilled for BTG!! What an incredible honor for everyone associated with BTG. I haven’t missed a damn episode since it bowed back in February of 2025. It was nice to see a new drama that replaced that horrendous talk show, The Talk. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect The Talk to last past the first couple of seasons. They lasted way longer than they should have.

Congrats Beyond The Gates on your huge honor!

That’s right. I’m enjoying the show ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I have watched since the beginning, and watching Tamara Tunie and Karla Mosely shine has been UNBELIEVABLE. I have loved seeing the new daytime talent that has emerged from so many amazing YOUNGER performers. Eva is an absolute amazing actress, Kat and Chelsea are daytimes best pair of cousins since Carly and Molly from ATWT. Leslie/Dana is the best black villainess i have seen since Virginia on Sunset Beach, and even the supporting roles are fun to watch! I LOVE Shanice and hope they expand her role. I am also loving Jon Lindstrom as Joey! And I hate to say but Bill and Dani are the Victor & Nikki of this soap. THEY WILL GET BACK TOGETHER! BRAVO, AND WELL DESERVED, BTG!

I love beyond the gates,I have not missed an episode,this show is excellent with its unique story lines,I am truly enjoying it and I look forward to watching it for years to come!

Yes its great BTG came in at the right time.

Well deserved and I love this show!

Love it!!! ❤️

I am overwhelmed with joy that Beyond the Gates received this honor. It is one of the best soap operas streaming right now!!!!

I am enjoying the show.

Oh. my goodness. Y’all haven’t been on but a minute and y’all kicking A! I love it to the moon and back. Congratulations,Michele &Sheila and the entire ensemble!♥️

BTG is must see TV! I am hooked:)

The show is awesome I’m glad to see the show succeed

I am addicted to BTG. I have not missed an episode. When I work from home and 1pm comes around I drop everything to watch this soap. When I work outside my home, I race home in the evenings to watch it. Bravo Michele Val Jean you have created a masterpiece.

Love the show, all the characters bring something unique. It is very soapy but still interesting and the fashions are great..

I don’t miss and episode , I love it , I work during the day thank God thank God for streaming

I have been watching BTG for the last 7 months and am totally hooked. I feel like I know the characters personally! The fashion is always a feast for the eyes.My husband I watch it together – it is my favorite hour of the day.

I turn the channel when it comes on. The acting is terrible.

Good show not everything is for everyone all I see is raw talent here I ❤❤❤❤ it way to go BTG

Some people always have something negative to say….is your life that miserable?

Hello!

Thank you for sharing, Debbie Downer. Your opinion really elevated the conversation!

I “LOVE BEYOND THE GATES” I DON’T MISS A SHOW. MY BESTIE STILL WORKS, SO SHE RECORDS IT EACH DAY. WE TALK ABOUT IT EACH NIGHT LIKE WE ARE PART OF THE STORY. ” VICTOR NEWMAN WATCH OUT” WE GET UPSET WHEN IT IS NOT ON OR A RERUN COMES ON!!! LOV IT, LOV IT LOV IT !!!!

I hate when it is bumped

Love the show and great to see the talent of the actors !

I love this show! I am glad to see it’s getting the recognition it deserves.

It’s a very entertaining show. Well written and superb acting. The stylist deserves a lot of credit also. Great fashions.

I have not watched a soap since coming home after high school & watching with my grandma!
That was a bit over 50 yrs ago, but this 70 yr old Afr-Am man is a true fan of BTG!
It is a well written, excellently produced, & skillfully acted drama.
KUDOS to all involved!

I had stopped watching soaps for years. I’m so glad recording is available so I can savor it

Love the show very much!! The cast and the writers are doing a fabulous job!
Majority African-American cast! I haven’t missed one episode since it aired!
Let’s keep it going!!

Love the show. Been watching since the beginning. Stopped watching soaps decades ago but really got hooked on this one. Gross product placement though. Kind of demeans quality of the rest. Did I just never notice it back in the 90’s?

Big is a great program! Wish you could push the needle more towards what you can do compared to night time…But over all Great show big

I agree with this! I have been watching since it started and it’s my favorite soap out of the 3 l watch!

Very happy to know BTG is a success. I love the show.

I like the show but not enough action like soap operas have they need to pick up the paste. With Action and adventure

So you become “glued” to your television?

Could not disagree more. Give me good old-fashioned soapy drama between interesting characters anytime–and BTG is doing that beautifully. Contrived “action and adventure” would ruin it. I think “action and adventure” has (long since) run its course on the soaps, and what was originally a fresh turn has become progressively more far-fetched and ridiculous. BTG has taken soap storytelling back to its roots in the best way possible. I don’t think Phillips, Bell, Nixon, Labine, Lemay, Marland et al. have stopped rolling in their graves yet, but I do think they’re rolling more slowly.

Did they watch it?

I love this show. I can’t watch it live because of my job, but I DVR it. And watch every weeknight.

I love it because it IS a soap opera. I love to see trained actors execute over-the-top drama!

I’m happy for beyond the gates

I love it I have to watch it on demand

Love this Soap!

This is an outstanding show! The acting, the sets, the wardrobe, the music, the writing, the ENTIRE product. This is a must watch! I have been telling ALL my newly retired friends (like me) and they also love it!

Love this show! Its well deserved. The acting is so good and the relationships so real. I just wish it came on earlier.

I love it. Never miss watching it on Paramount

I am so proud to see an excellent soap opera. I tape it everyday. The actors are so convincing in their parts. Truly enjoy
Beyond The Gate. Keep up the good work entertaining us.

I absolutely love this show and the actors. They are magnificent..the story line makes you want more each day.

I love BTG! I’ve been watching since its debut and I never miss an episode. If I’m unable to watch during its time slot I tape it to watch later in the day. I also watch Y&R and B&B but in my opinion BTG is the best soap on TV!

I love this show. I tape the episodes so I can binge watch. The story lines are fresh and on point — not predictable. Fashions are fabulous. It’s a winner!! I am not a soap fan, but I love BTGs!! So glad it has received the recognition that is deserved and earned. CONGRATS !!

I ❤️ Beyond the Gates. The show came out with its game on mode. I do not miss an episode it is my go to for life. When the go big we go harder!!!

Yes, it is the best. I must have an episode, as many times a day possible.

Oh my

I love this soap opera, it’s so entertaining!! I think the ratings for total viewing would be a lot higher if they included the recorded views!!! The acting is topnotch, can’t wait for award season next year!!

Beyond the Gates

RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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Beyond the Gates and General Hospital

The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.

According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.

Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.

Photo: CBS

MORE BY THE NUMBERS

In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .

BEYOND THE GATES

Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:

Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).

Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:

Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.

Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.

Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.

Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a  benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.

However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.

So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Daytime Emmy Winners Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

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Ambry Michelle and Tamara Tunie

Just over a week ago, Beyond the Gates stars Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie broke ground becoming the first performers in the history of daytime’s newest soap opera to win Daytime Emmys!

Michelle became the first, when she took home gold statuette earlier in the ceremonies in the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category. Later, Tunie joined her when she took home the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, the first Emmy of her veteran career.

Now, both actresses visit the Michael Fairman Channel live for two separate chats! Ambyr Michelle will be with us on Wednesday, November 11 beginning at 6pm ET/3pm PT, while Tamara Tunie follows the next day on Thursday, November 12 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Ambry Michelle

Photo: CBS

Find out what happened on their Emmy night both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, and in the celebration afterwards, plus what’s next for Eva and Anita in story on the CBS soap opera.

AMBYR TOOK A ‘SEAT AT THE TABLE’

Daytime Emmy viewers will recall Ambyr’s heartfelt Emmy acceptance speech, when she shared, “I don’t just see an award. I see every audition, every rejection, every moment I questioned my artistry. And to Eva Thomas, thank you, girl. Playing your pain made me process my own.“

She ended her speech with, “To my beautiful Black women and girls, take up space, be undeniable, create your tables, and fill those seats. When the tables are full, and those seats are full, make the table even bigger. So that the women coming up behind you never have to ask permission to belong.“

Tamara Tunie

Photo: CBS

TAMARA HONORED THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE HER AND HER MOM

Tamara Tunie received a standing ovation when her name was called after her win in an enduring career. Tunie began by sharing, “My heart is so full right now. This is the best welcome back to daytime ever, There is a host of Black actresses who paved the way for me, and I feel them as I stand here tonight, beginning with the legendary Cicely Tyson, the first Black woman to appear on a daytime television show, The Guiding Light.”

Tunie went on to thank her co-stars and everyone at Beyond the Gates and soap opera fans, plus getting to share the screen with the legendary Clifton Davis as Anita’s husband, Vernon Dupree. However, it was Tunie’s mother, who at 92, was with her on Emmy night that she thanked the most.

“There is one person who has been on this journey with me every single step of the way, who has traveled across states, countries and oceans to support my dream,” she expressed. “I would not be who I am as an actor or a woman without her love, support, encouragement and mere presence, She has been my example, my role model and my inspiration. I accept this honor on behalf of my mother … who, at 92 years young, crossed the country yet again to see me take this goal tonight. I love you, mommy!”

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Make sure to join us in the live chat with your questions for Ambyr and Tamara in what is sure to be emotional conversations.

If you cannot be with us live, but have a question you would like posed to either actress, make sure to drop in the comment section below and we just might pose it during the live broadcasts.

So, were you happy to see Ambyr and Tamara win Emmy gold? What are your hopes for Eva and Anita as the holiday season approaches and with 2027 just around the corner? Let us know in the comment section.

 

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Beyond the Gates

Yvette Nicole Brown and Husband Anthony Davis Head to ‘Beyond the Gates’

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Yvette Nicole Brown and Anthony R. Davis

Next week on the Friday, November 13 episode of Beyond the Gates, Yvette Nicole Brown and her real life husband Anthony Davis guest star. In story, Brown takes on the role of Temeka the cousin to Shanice (Ernestine Johnson Morrison).

When Temeka comes to Fairmont Crest she will be accompanied by her husband, Tony, played by real-life hubby Anthony Davis. The castings come as the soap opera continues to expand the family of Shanice. Previously, we met her brothers, Cedric and Lamont.

As Shanice gets ready to head down the aisle with Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) will the presence of Shanice’s family members actually deter the nuptials from ever taking place?

Shanice and Ted

Photo: CBS

This now makes the third daytime drama appearance by Yvette Nicole Brown. She first popped up on The Young and the Restless in 2016 and 2017 as reporter Lois Thompson.

Then in 2023, she played a nurse on General Hospital when she appeared in the March 29, 2023 episode honoring her real-life friend, Sonya Eddy who past away in real-life in December of 2022, The soap honored her in death when her character, Epiphany died.

Sonya Eddy

Photo: ABC

Brown and Eddy first met in 2003 while testing for an ABC pilot titled “The Four Divas” alongside Octavia Spencer and Carla Renata and became very close friends up until Eddy’s passing.

It was actually Brown’s character, who came forth to Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and shared that Epiphany died saving her life which gave some sort of solace to Elizabeth; knowing Epiphany died doing what she loved, helping people.

As for Anthony Davis, not only is he an actor, but a writer and minister known for TV and film roles including: He Wasn’t Man Enough (2025), The Family Business: New Orleans, and The Upshaws.  

Brown is also recognized from her roles on: Community, The Odd Couple, The Mayor, That ’70s Show, The Office, Boston Legal, Chuck, Mom, Big Shot to name but a few.

So, looking forward to see Yvette Nicole Brown and her real-life husband, Anthony Davis on Beyond the Gates? Happy to see more family members from Shanice’s life showing up at Fairmont Crest? Do you remember the heart-tugging episode where everyone learned Epiphany had died on General Hospital and Yvette Nicole Brown’s part in the story? Let us know via the comment section.

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