Beyond the Gates
How ‘Beyond the Gates’ Became a Reality, Aims for its Audience and Crafts the Stories
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.
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
Phillip Boyd Makes His Debut on ‘Beyond the Gates’ in Recurring Role of Dr. Miles Arnold
A new face emerged on today’s episode of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when actor, Phillip Boyd made his debut in the recurring role of Dr. Miles Arnold.
In story, Dr Arnold is a doctor and surgeon and on the June 16 episode, Miles had to sadly deliver some disappointing new. Neither of Eva’s (Ambyr Michelle) parents, Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) or Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) is a donor match for the life-saving transplant surgery Eva desperately needs.
Eva, among others, was injured in the tornado that ripped through Fairmont Crest and its devastating aftermath. She sustained critical injuries during the storm and was trapped with her half-sister, Kat Richardson (Colby Nixon).

Courtesy/CBS
Phillip Boyd recently appeared on The McCord List, where he talked about his career between working in Los Angeles and Atlanta and said about his latest acting gig, “Dr, Miles Arnold works in the hospital. There’s something that happens, a natural disaster and a lot of the characters on the show are at this event and something tragic happens and they’re rushed to the hospital.”
The actor is also appearing in the final season of Tyler Perry’s Netflix series Beauty in Black where he shows up in 7 episodes. Boyd previously appeared in short term roles on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives. In primetime, he also played the role of Mitch on 90210 and played Oscar in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and Have Nots for five-seasons.
So, so you think Beyond the Gates might make Phillip Boyd’s role bigger over time on the soap? Will Kat be the match that Eva needs? If not, who? Many people were ruled out on today’s episode. Drop you thoughts and picks for the donor via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Dani Tries to Deal with Her Guilt Over Betraying Andre; Who Will be the Donor Match for Eva?
After the tornado ripped through Fairmont Crest last week, as all-new episodes begin on the Monday June 15th episode of Beyond the Gates, lives are on the line, and guilt is the order of the day.
First, Eva (Ambyr Michelle) has been rushed to Garland Memorial Hospital, and from CBS promo for this week’s Beyond the Gates, Ted (Keith D. Robinson) is sick with worry about his daughter, and goes to his other daughter Kat (Colby Nixon) to consider to be tested to see if she can be a donor match for her sister, but she seems to be refusing. Will she change her mind? And, what will viewers learned happen to Eva? Her boyfriend, Isaiah Hawthorne (Lami) is shown in tears!
Meanwhile, Martin (Brandon Claybon) lies unconscious back at Fairmont Crest after collapsing when he was on his way home with Smitty (Mike Manning). Will he be OK, or also rushed to the hospital? If so, will he need surgery or be the match Eva needs?

Courtesy/CBS
Elsewhere, both Dani (Karla Mosley) and Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) are with their spouses reflecting on being stuck with each other in an elevator, which ultimately led to them having sex! Andre (Sean Freeman) is continuing to profess how deeply he loves Dani, and the thought of anything happening to her he says would destroy him.
However, Hayley (Marquita Goings) is questioning Bill about his whereabouts when viewers know she was making out with Genoa City’s Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) in a closet! So both husband and wife, have been cheating’ behind each other’s backs!
SPOILERS
Take a look at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week of June 15-19 below.
Monday, June 15
In the wake of the tornado, Shanice, Ashley and Jacob rush into action when someone collapses. Meanwhile, emergency surgery is required to save a life. Nicole’s update worries Samantha and Tyrell. Vanessa is frantic when she can’t get in touch with Donnell or Deanna.
Tuesday, June 16
Dani battles a guilty conscience. Joey’s sister pays him a visit. Ted reassures Kat while the Richardson-Smiths receive devastating news. The tornado displaces Bill and Hayley.
Wednesday, June 17
Kat rages at Izaiah. Shanice offers Leslie an olive branch. Kial is there for Nicole while Jan comforts Ashley. Ted begs his daughter to do something for him.
Thursday, June 18
Time is running out for someone in critical condition. Dani confronts Bill. Chelsea is a sounding board for her cousin. Carlton tips Nicole off to an urgent matter. Andre offers Izaiah support.
Friday, June 19
Anita advises her granddaughter. Andre and Bill lock horns. Kat receives life-altering information. Leslie’s good news quickly gets snatched away. The Hawthornes come together for one of their own. Hayley and Naomi find common ground.
Check out the drama coming up on Beyond the Gates in the video teaser below
Now let us know, do you think Dani and Bill will begin a secret affair, or realize they should be together, or will they go back to their current spouses? Who do you think will be the donor match for Eva? Isaiah? Martin? Kat? Someone else? Make your picks via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Brandon Claybon Talks Inclusion, The Crossover, While the Fate of Martin Richardson Hangs in the Balance
On Friday’s June 12 episode of Beyond the Gates, after it appeared Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) survived being trapped under a tree after a tornado ripped through Fairmont Crest, viewers were left with a frightening cliffhanger when Martin got up and tries to walk, but only took two steps before he collapsed right in front of his husband, Smitty (Mike Manning)!
Previously, Martin had directed Shonda to use all the money donated from his campaign fundraiser for tornado relief efforts. Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix), Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Smitty advised Martin that he needed to go to the hospital to get check out for any internal injuries or brain trauma. However, when Martin found out his sister Kat (Colby Nixon) was missing he began to panic. Martin says he just wants to go home and get some rest, even as his husband told him he should get checked out. Now, viewers will need to wait till the Monday, June 15 episode to see the upshot.
Official Beyond the Gates spoilers for June 15 share, “In the wake of the tornado, Shanice, Ashley and Jacob rush into action when someone collapses. Meanwhile, emergency surgery is required to save a life. Nicole’s update worries Samantha and Tyrell.” But is the surgery for Eva (Ambyr Michelle) who was rushed to the hospital or Martin?

Courtesy/CBS
MEETING THEE VICTOR NEWMAN
With such a pivotal week of story, Michael Fairman TV caught up with Brandon Claybon earlier this week during a roundtable press junket at A Toast for Black Excellence event in Los Angeles, promoting the major crossover event on Beyond the Gates which featured six cast members from The Young and the Restless, who also got caught up in the twister, but not the mighty Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). He somehow escaped and made it back to Genoa City in one piece.
Claybon shared his excitement of initially meeting Eric Braeden, because in the Black community, they have a long-history of watching the soap, and love Victor! “I think I just had to pinch myself because I was shaking hands with Victor Newman (on-screen), that means so much too many people spiritually,” expressed Brandon. “For people in my community, Victor Newman is everything and to have the Y&R cast in Atlanta and at our studios.”
While viewers wait to find out the fate of Martin Richardson, Claybon recalled the shooting of the Tornado storyline. “These episodes were a lot of hard work. We’re talking about 12 to 15 hour days, and you have to think about all of the actors supporting each other, it’s tremendous. Everything that we went through that viewers we’ll see sooner or later was so well worth it!”

Courtesy/CBS
PRIDE MONTH REPRESENTATION
In a very important illustration of inclusion, it was key in the story to note that Genoa City titans, Victor Newman and Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman), were backing Martin Richardson’s political campaign. Martin is married to Smitty in an interracial romance, and the two men are raising two black teenagers, which is a first on daytime television for a nucleus of a family. This story point is not lost on Claybon.
“Martin needs money (it was a fundraiser), so it was amazing that both Victor Newman and Jack Abbott were financially helping him with his campaign. This is is Pride month, you know, and for the first interracial gay couple on daytime TV, people are coming up to me to all the time, saying, “I see myself in your character and relationship,” and that’s what it means, representation, and that’s what we’re here for. It’s something that I’ve prepared for and I do know the responsibility it holds. Martin loves Smitty dearly, and Martin loves his family, and family is everything now.”
Previously, Michael Fairman TV spoke with Beyond the Gates series creator, head writer and executive producer, Michele Val Jean, where she named the racism storyline involving Martin killing a white bigot to protect himself and his grandfather, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), one of her favorite storylines in the young soap’s history.”It’s absolutely remarkable. She didn’t tell me this. I didn’t know, but it means a lot coming from her,” expressed Brandon. “Michele’s been doing this a long time, and especially for her to have her own show, she thought it would never happen. The words, “a legacy.” I think about it all the time, especially because the show has the power to change attitudes.”

Photo: CBS
WILL BEYOND THE GATES SCORE BIG AT UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS?
Coming up next month, the nominations are expected to be announced for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. This would mark the first year that Beyond the Gates is eligible for the competition for its season 1. Will they triumph?
Claybon had this perspective, “I am looking forward to having a moment to celebrate with the cast, and with each other. That’s the most important thing. Recognition is fun, but at the same time, it’s not why we do this. I’m an actor, but my passion in life is to encourage, uplift, entertain and inspire. I don’t want to think about that when acting. Let (awards) come if they may, but if they don’t, I’ll still be OK.”
You can check out a moment from Friday’s Beyond the Gates below, where Martin is seemingly “OK” and Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) finds out Victor got out of Fairmont Crest just in time!
Now let us know, what do you think will be the fate of Martin Richardson? Will he have sustained a life-altering brain injury or be OK? What did you think of the final episode of the crossover? Do you enjoy the portrayal of the same-sex relationship between Martin and Smitty and sees its importance, as we are in the middle of Pride Month? Weigh-in via the comment section.
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