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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

CBS Daytime Preemption Schedule for UEFA Champions League Games: What This Means for ‘Beyond the Gates,’ B&B and Y&R

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Your favorite soaps operas on CBS, have a scheduling shift over the next few days for the network’s fifth annual broadcast for the UEFA Champions League Soccer games in Europe.

This will effect the Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29; and next week’s Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6 line-up of Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless.

First, and the most affected is all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates which will not air today or tomorrow. As well, game show Let’s Make a Deal will also be preempted. The two shows will also be fully preempted on May 5 and May 6.

Photo: UEFA

However, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful will air as normal for East Coast viewers, but those on the West Coast in Mountain and Pacific Time Zones will have a full preemption. Only, the top-rated The Price is Right will air coast-to-coast with no interruptions because of its time slot of 11am ET/10am PT.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCHEDULE

The UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, semi-final matches begin airing today on April 28 when  Paris Saint Germain PSG plays a home game in France and goes up against Bayern Munich, and on April 29, viewers can look for Atlético de Madrid plays at home vs. Arsenal FC.

Next week, on Tuesday, May 5, Arsenal FC plays at home in England vs. Atletico Madrid, while Bayern Munich faces Paris Saint-Germain, on Wednesday May 6, in Munich, Germany.

CBS will air a one-hour UEFA Champions League Today before each of the matches at 2pm ET as the matches begin each day of the tournament at 3pm ET.

BEYOND THE GATES PREVIEW

When Beyond the Gates returns this Thursday, April 3o it will be the pick-up of the Monday, April 27 cliffhanger which found the Dr. Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht) threatening Grayson (Jordi Vilasuso) and Ashley (Jen Jacob) and Dani (Karla Mosley) becoming even more suspicious of Hayley (Marquita Goings) and her plans for Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett).

Photo: CBS

In addition look for, Leslie (Tricia Mann-Grant) to be confronted by Anita (Tamara Tunie), while exes, Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) share a close moment witnessed by Shanice.

For those wanting to catch all episodes of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful if you are in the West Coast time zones and usually watch them during the day. you can catch the action via CBS.com, CBS app or Paramount+

As Beyond the Gates heats up with who’s behind and involved in the black market blood plasma snatching story, don’t forget to check out the Michael Fairman Channel’s recent interview with Cecelia Specht on all things Dr. Lia Whitmore below.

So, what do you think of the preemption schedule and how it may affect your viewing this week and next of Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Weigh-in via the comment section.

 

 

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Beyond the Gates

Ashley Jones Joins the Cast of Beyond the Gates

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Ashley Jones is the newest addition of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates.  The veteran soap actress has posted some teasey Instagran stories revealing the intel; especially her latest wearing a Beyond the Gates emblazoned robe while in her dressing room.

As to who Jones is playing that is still hush-hush. Ashley follows other former daytime notables to Fairmont Crest which have included Greg Vaughan (ex-DAYS, Y&R, GH) and Jordi Vilasuso (ex-Y&R, AMC, DAYS and GL).

A spokesperson for Beyond the Gates confirmed the news to Soap Opera Digest expressing, “We can confirm Ashley Jones will be appearing in Beyond the Gates.” It should be noted: Beyond the Gates does tape four months ahead of air.

Soap fans first met Ashley when she played Megan Dennison on The Young and the Restless (1997-2000). She then went on to The Bold and the Beautiful to play Bridget Forrester in her initial run from 2004-2010 and since then making recurring appearances throughout the next 15 years. In addition, Jones appeared on General Hospital in the role of Parker Forsyth from 2016-17.

Earlier this week, Beyond the Gates was renewed for two more consecutive seasons its 3 and 4th by CBS, giving the youngest soap on the air, a big confidence boost. The series debuted back on February 24, 2025 as the first hour-long Black-led soap opera, and which tapes in Atlanta, Georgia instead of Los Angeles, California.

Who do you think Ashley Jones will play on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts below.

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CBS Renews ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Seasons 3 and 4

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Congratulations are in order for daytime’s newest drama series, Beyond the Gates. Today on April 15, the soap opera was officially renewed by CBS for two more seasons, its 3 and 4th.

The network revealed the renewal pick-up at a press briefing led by CBS Entertainment President, Amy Reisenbach. That show of faith takes the soap through the 2027-2028 television and streaming season, while the soap currently continues to air its second season.

Beyond the Gates creator, head writer and executive producer, Michele Val Jean took to X following the news of the pick-up and expressed her gratitude, sharing, “So this happened. Thank you to everyone involved, from the network to the crew, for the support, belief, hard work and dedication everyone has poured into this show. Beyond grateful.”

Photo: CBS

While Deadline was the first to break the news of the young soap opera’s latest accomplishment, Val Jean clarified that Tracey Thomson who is listed at the bottom of the article as one of the series executive producers along with Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey, is more than that.

Val Jean explained Thomson’s full involvement with Beyond the Gates, noting, “A credit egregiously missing on this article is Tracey Thomson’s. She’s been by my side cranking out these shows since episode 150. We just did 400. She’s my partner, my co-head writer and an executive producer and she deserves all the credit.”

Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, DC, in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States; a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.

The cast is led by the Duprees played by Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Karla Mosley, and Daphnee Duplaix along with Brandon Claybon, Mike Manning, Trisha Mann-Grant, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Nixon, Arielle Prepetit, Sean Freeman, Timon Kyle Durrett, RhonniRose Mantilla, Keith D. Robinson. Jon Lindstrom, and more round out the cast.

So, excited to hear Beyond the Gates is keeping on keepin’ on with two more seasons coming your way after the completion of its current season? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out our recent conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel with series stars Tamara Tunie, Sean Freeman, Clifton Davis and EP Sheila Ducksworth via the comment section below .

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CBS unveils Beyond the Gates season 2 promo and Jordi Vilasuso joins the cast. Leave A Comment

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