Connect with us

Beyond the Gates

3

How ‘Beyond the Gates’ Became a Reality, Aims for its Audience and Crafts the Stories

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: CBS

Today on Tuesday, February 25th, CBS’ new daytime drama, Beyond the Gates will broadcast its second episode. The historic series which features a predominantly Black cast and has multicultural mix of characters, is the creative brainchild of veteran soap opera writer, Michele Val Jean.

The talented Val Jean rose through the ranks having written for Generations, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful, and if you speak to many actors in the genre, Michele is one of their all-time favorite scribes.

Now with Beyond the Gates, Val Jean is not only the series creator, but its head writer, executive producer and showrunner. Michele spoke with Deadline just as the first new soap opera on network television in over 25 years was being launched. (pictured below are Val Jean, Karla Mosley, Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, director Steven Williford and executive producer, Julie Hanan Carruthers)

Photo: CBS

Through an enduring relationship with CBS Studios/NAACP Venture President, Sheila Ducksworth, which spans over 20 years, the two women bonded over their love of soap operas. When Ducksworth came into her current position, the time was right to start to get the project off the ground.

At that point, Val Jean wrote the bible for the series, while still working on The Bold and the Beautiful writing team. She explained the key checkpoints needed for a successful soap opera and how she went about crafting the the wealthy Dupree family, the epicenter of the new series.

Photo: CBS

“I wanted the family to be messy, but really grounded in their love for each other,” shared Michele. “You need a wild child, somebody who’s unpredictable, a heroine, a wish fulfillment heroine where you look at her and go, ‘I want to be her because she has no filter.’ You have to have your stable character, you have to have your villains, you have to have your hot guys. And then I wanted it to be multi-generational. So it’s the matriarch and the patriarch, their two daughters, their families. You need a cop, you need a lawyer.”

Over the years, soap operas have been plagued with not being able to bring in the lapse viewers or younger generations to the shows. Val Jean said she wants her new soap to appeal to “Everybody.” As to how she plans or hopes to do that, Michele added, “I want everybody to see a little bit of themselves in there and find a reason to tune in and stay with us. One of our characters (Chelsea) is a social media influencer. She’s a reluctant model, but she’s got millions and millions of followers. We play with that whole social media thing. Hoping that’ll appeal to younger viewers. Drama is still drama. I mean, soaps are still about wish fulfillment and high drama and high stakes, bigger than life characters. So I don’t think that’s changed very much. It’s a formula that works.”

Putting together the writers room for Beyond the Gates was paramount for Michele. “I’ve corralled a whole team of Black writers. I’ve been writing soaps consistently for over 30 years, so I can’t think of another Black person who has done that, who can say that, explained Val Jean. There are 15 of us in the room. I have more (than other soaps). It’s wonderful. I have my co-head writer who’s Bob Guza, along with five breakdown writers, five script writers, a script editor, a writer’s assistant, and a continuity producer.”

Photo: CBS

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates writing team includes breakdown writers: Ron Carlivati (former head writer, OLTL, GH, DAYS), Sara A. Bibel (Y&R), Christopher Dunn (Santa Barbara, GH, Sunset Beach, GL, All My Children, DAYS, Y&R), Gregori J. Martin (The Bay), and Teresa Zimmerman (Y&R, B&B). Val Jean explained that she handpicked her writing team, “I’ve worked with or knew of all of them.”

Script writers include: Judy Tate (AW, ATWT, DAYS), Danielle Paige (GL, DAYS), Jazmen Darnell Brown (BMF, Ambitions, Saints and Sinners), Cheryl L. Davis (ATWT, DAYS), and Lynn Martin (The City, Port Charles, AW, ATWT, Y&R), plus Susan Dansby (ATWT, Port Charles, Y&R ) as the script editor, and Michael Montgomery (Y&R) as the continuity producer.

Photo: CBS

Beyond the Gates like any soap opera is churning out episodes in front of the camera and behind the scenes in the fast-paced world of the genre. Val Jean shared that the team is currently writing episode 118, adding, “We’re working maybe two months ahead of time.”

So, what are your thoughts on the construct, hopes, and how Michele and her team had the monumental task of getting a new soap opera off the ground, when many naysayers said it could never be done again? Comment below.

3 Comments

3 Comments
oldest
newest

I loved the premier. As on most shows there is a character whose acting style has to grow on me, but it’s a soap and she is soap over the top. At times this character seems like she’s acting instead of living in the show world. That may be the design, only time will tell. I am definitely going to stick around and find out.

I wish it well. I already watch 3 soaps and can’t take on another.

I love what I’m seeing so far on this show! The cast is diverse and characters very intriguing! I can’t wait for the next episodes! Most of all it’s very refreshing to see wealth on T.v in the black community!

Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Dani Does Some Sleuthing and Hits the Jackpot! Is it Curtains for Hayley?

Published

on

By

Dani

Next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, the drama intensifies as Dani (Karla Mosley) seemingly figures out that truth, that Hayley (Marquita Goings) has been poisoning her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durett), who on the Friday, September 18 episode, showed up Dani’s telling her he thinks he’s dying!

Now, official spoilers for the week of September 21-25, and the latest video preview for Beyond the Gates, tease that Dani is going to be there to try to save Bill’s life, but then she does some detective work and seems to come upon a safe with a hidden stash! Putting the pieces together, it looks like it’s Dani to the rescue. Will Hayley be caught once and for all?

Meanwhile, Andre (Sean Freeman) is confronted by Joey (Jon Lindstrom) with something on a phone. Andre tells Joey, “Whatever that is on your phone, make sure Dani stays out of it!” Is Heather (Ashley Jones) making more moves to try to nab Andre for herself?

Andre and Joey

Courtesy/CBS

Then, Ted (Keith D. Robinson) confronts Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) and says to her, “Don’t you want something real?” To which, Leslie replies, “Don’t you think I’m capable of being a good woman.” Is she?

Check out what’s ahead in and around Fairmont Crest next week below!

Monday, September 21
Dani comes to Bill’s aid, and then has a shocking realization. Nicole teams up with Madison to help Chelsea. Andre defends his marriage. Ted is let in on a big secret. Randy tells Izaiah he’s in his debt. Heather outmaneuvers Joey.

Tuesday, September 22
Dani goes on the prowl for proof. Bill takes Caroline into his confidence. Naomi has an unexpected proposal for Hayley. Jacob consults with Nicole on his case. Chelsea’s shaken by Madison’s secrets.

Wednesday, September 23
Hayley turns the tables. Dani doesn’t hold back. Chelsea confronts Bill. Vanessa unwittingly tells Andre distressing news about Heather. Jacob and Naomi worry it’s too late to save someone they love. Joey has a back alley meeting. Marcel finds the smoking gun.

Thursday, September 24
Jacob issues a bitter pill for Bill to swallow. Leslie’s the bearer of bad news for Anita and Vernon. Andre can’t believe what he hears. Hayley enlists Tomas’ help. Martin leans on Ted.

Friday, September 25
Leslie puts her money where her mouth is. Andre is rattled by an impatient Heather. Hayley issues an ominous warning. Kat is fed up with Tomas. Izaiah’s plans for Eva are interrupted. Naomi’s news shocks Chelsea. A pair of exes have a candid chat.

Watch the official Beyond the Gates teaser video below.

Now let us know, do you hope once and for all that Dani can stop Hayley and have her dead to rights in her attempts to kill Bill? Will Heather be there to pick up the pieces if Andre walks out on Dani or learns of her betrayal with Bill the night of the tornado? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere

Published

on

By

BTG and Y&R

CBS daytime dramas, Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless go head-to-head when two featured cast members from each show compete on the syndicated game show, Flip Side for its season 3 premiere.

Hosted by Jaleel White (best known as Steve Urkel from Family Matters) and filmed near Atlanta, Georgia, daytime drama fans should circle Monday, September 14th when you can catch: representing Team BTG, Colby Nixon (Kat Richardson) and RhonniRose Mantilla (Chelsea Hamilton), and Representing Team Y&R, Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) and Lily Winters (Christel Khalil).

In the upcoming soap opera showdown, the competing teams will win prize money for the charities of their choosing, when White tests both teams on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic, and to see which team will make it to the final round.

Photo: CBS

Flip Side’s loglines shares that it’s “an original, laugh out-loud survey-based game show that pits two teams of contestants against each other, testing them on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic. The teams compete for a shot at $10,000 by guessing the top answers based on anonymous surveys – which can be provocative, surprising, and often humorous. Throughout each episode, host Jaleel White brings a fun and comedic energy to the show while also guiding the contestants through the questions.”

Season three leans deeper into exploring relationships, dating, social behaviors and everyday life situations that viewers can relate to. Season three also features multiple celebrity episodes benefiting charity kicking off with the CBS soap showdown.

In addition to airing Monday to Friday in syndication on stations across the country, Flip Side has a second run on Game Show Network. So, check your local listings for times in your area, or catch Flip Side on GSN.

So, who do you think wins the soap opera showdown between BTG’s Colby and RhonniRose vs. Y&R’s Bryton and Christel? Make your picks in the comment section. But first, check out a bit of the action from the episode below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Flip Side (@flipsidegameshow)

Continue Reading

Beyond the Gates

CBS Announces Fall Preview and Season Premieres for ‘Beyond the Gates’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

Published

on

By

CBS Fall Preview

CBS announced on Thursday, September 10, their fall storyline previews, season premiere dates and broadcast milestones for its daytime line-up which has held the top spot as the highest-rated network in daytime for 40 consecutive seasons.

The line-up includes daytime dramas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, plus gams shows, The Price is Right which continues to be the #1 show on daytime television and Let’s Make a Deal.

Coming up, B&B celebrates its 40th anniversary, Drew Carey marks 20 years as host of daytime’s The Price is Right, while Beyond the Gates will kick-off their 3rd season in December and Y&R continues its dominance at the number #1 daytime drama and the most nominated soap going into the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30.  Here’s what to look for this fall below!

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

CBS’ longest-running scripted series and 2026’s most Daytime Emmy Award-nominated series continues with its 54th season on Thursday, October. 8, and its 37th season as Daytime’s #1 drama on the broadcast television season.

Look for: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) to stop at nothing to protect his family, taking decisive control of the situation with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) while refusing to allow anything to threaten Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety. Victor presents Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) with an intriguing business opportunity that could serve as an ulterior motive to cause havoc for his nemesis, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) finally scores a win, but her victory forces her to decide who she truly wants in her life.

In addition, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) go to great lengths to keep their casual affair a secret. Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) supports Nate (Sean Dominic) as he pursues a return to medicine. Lily (Christel Khalil) and Cane (Billy Flynn) mix business with pleasure when they team up to fight Billy’s (Jason Thompson) attempt to gain control of Chancellor Industries. With their wedding fast approaching, Billy has little time to give Sally (Courtney Hope) the support she needs, and the pressure is mounting.

In addition, Michael Fairman TV has learned stories and scripts under Y&R’s new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, begin to air on November 11.

Y&R is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (12:30-1:30 PM, ET/11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television Presentation in association with Bell Dramatic Serial Co. and Corday Production, Inc. Sally McDonald is the executive producer. Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are co-head writers.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

The most-watched daily drama in the world kicked off its landmark 40th season this past Tuesday, September 8 on CBS.

In story, a fierce battle between sisters Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Katie (Heather Tom) is underway, shaking up the Los Angeles fashion industry as Katie’s rising House of Logan takes on Brooke and the mighty Forrester Creations. For the first time ever, the Forresters must navigate mounting financial concerns while the younger generation – Electra (Laneya Grace) and R.J. (Brayan Nicoletti) – rally to help save the family legacy.

Meanwhile, Will (Crew Morrow) and Dylan (Sydney Bullock) grow closer, but the arrival of Dylan’s mother, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan), adds new complications to their relationship as Katie goes on the offensive to help protect her son. Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) must also grapple with the secret born from one unexpected night together, threatening to upend their respective marriages with Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire).

With secrets, rivalries and family loyalties colliding, the drama builds toward a shocking twist in celebration of the series’ 40th anniversary in March 2027.

B&B is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (1:30-2:00 PM, ET/12:30-1:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. A Bell-Phillip Television production, Bradley Bell is the executive producer and head writer. Casey Kasprzyk also serves as executive producer.

BEYOND THE GATES

CBS’S newest daytime soap strides into fall packed with drama as the hit Daytime Emmy-nominated series continues its second season, with season three beginning Tuesday, December 29.

In story, the Duprees, their friends and foes will wade through a flood of fresh tests and triumphs. While some wrestle rivals old and new, others will fight for their livelihoods … and their lives. Anita (Tamara Tunie) hits a bump in the road on the way to The Articulette’s revival, while Vernon (Clifton Davis) takes charge when he gets news that dredges up the past. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre’s (Sean Freeman) marriage meets turbulence when mounting tensions with Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) pull Dani deeper into her ex’s life.

Elsewhere, Martin (Brandon Claybon) defends his family when Smitty (Mike Manning) is dealt a devastating public blow that puts Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) and Jacob (Jibre Hordges) on opposing sides. As some relationships are strained, others are heating up. Sabotage can’t get in the way of Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice’s (Ernestine Johnson) love as they take things to the next level.

Meanwhile, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) is ready for more with Kial (Greg Vaughan). Madison (Kenjah) is a rock to Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) when she and Kat (Colby Muhammad) can’t escape scandal and Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Joey’s (Jon Lindstrom) love life fuels the fire with her daughter Deanna (Angela Fairley). As tensions simmer behind closed doors, a greater threat looms that could flip the entire community on its head.

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

Drew Carey will “Come on Down!” for his 20th season as the host of the ever-popular game show and the longest consecutively one in television history. The Emmy Award-winning series returns for its 55th season beginning Monday, September. 21.

This season, Wednesdays are getting even more exciting with “Wild Wheel Wednesday.” During the Showcase Showdown, contestants will have the chance to win not only over $100,000, but also a special prize chosen by Drew, making every spin of the Big Wheel even more thrilling. Themed episodes this season include Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Earth Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pet Adoption Week, Pride, Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Week. Returning this season are announcer George Gray and fan-favorite models Rachel Reynolds, Manuela Arbeláez, Amber Lancaster, James O’Halloran, Devin Goda and Alexis Gaube.

The Price is Right is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT)

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Emmy Award-winning host Wayne Brady brings more deals, big prizes and surprises when the 18th season of the game show when it returns on Monday, September. 21.

The season premiere includes a brand-new game, “Cash Course,” a ball-rolling obstacle course where Traders line up green and gold balls on a custom-designed course for a guaranteed chance to win big cash, with the opportunity to take home a grand prize of $10,000 – but look out for the spinning duck, stone toad and the octopus!

This season also marks a major milestone with the show celebrating its 3,000th episode with Brady as host. The milestone will be commemorated with a special episode airing in January 2027. Returning this season are announcer Jonathan Mangum, model Tiffany Coyne and musician Cat Gray, who all bring their signature blend of improv comedy, music, iconic games and, of course, those infamous Zonks.

Let’s Make a Deal is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (check local listings) and is available to stream on Paramount+**

**(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

So, which CBS soap opera’s fall preview has you most intrigued? Happy to know that shortly Y&R will begin to air episodes from new head writers Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Conner? Let us know via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

3
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x