Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Shuts Down Fan Criticism on Story Direction: “Rest Assured We’re Going Somewhere”
In what has been an exciting time for the soap opera genre, earlier this year on February 24, CBS premiered the first new daytime drama in over 25 years with Beyond the Gates. The series became the the first Black-led hour-long network TV soap.
Beyond the Gates was created by Michele Val Jean (ex-General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful Et al.) who serves as the series head writer and executive producer. Recently, some fans and viewers have taken to social media implying that the new soap’s storylines lack a direction and the writers and producers haven’t thought through where their stories are heading.
Noting that nothing could be further from the truth, especially in the demanding world of daytime where Beyond the Gates is already taping two months ahead of air, Val Jean responded by taking to her account on X and expressed, “I love how some of y’all think we don’t plan this s—t out. Like we’re flying blind. You might not like where we’re going? But rest assured we’re going somewhere.” Val Jean then used the hashtags to punctuate her sentiments: “#BeyondTheGates #BTG #soapsingeneral #itscalledlongstoryforareason #taketheride #loveyallanyway”

Photo: CBS
Currently on Beyond the Gates, Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) just hit the sheets with the new woman in her life, Madison (Kenjah), Martin (Brandon Claybon) is becoming more unglued about the mysterious busboy working at Fairmont Crest, who is actually keeping tabs on him. Viewers know that the Martin has been struggling with nightmares of a fateful night that has yet to be fully revealed. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre (Sean Freeman) may go public with their fling-turned -more-serious, Ashley (Jen Jacob) turned down Derek’s (Ben Gavin) marriage proposal, and Joey (Jon Lindstrom), Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Doug’s (Jason Graham) relationships are more intertwined than ever, and more.

Photo: CBS
In response to Val Jean’s post on X, fan comments ranged from, “I just hope it’s worth it. I’ve seen other soaps and shows feel like they’re going somewhere only for storylines to have no payoff. I just don’t want to be disappointed again. I’m not a wait and see kind of person. I’m an err on the side of caution kind of person. Sorry.” Another wrote, “Spoken like a true writing legend. Thank you so much for the joy you have brought us as lovers of daytime. I’ve been watching soaps since 1993. Starting with ABC then CBS and NBC.” Another comment shared, “This show is firing on all cylinders! People aren’t used to normal sounding conversations on soaps anymore.”

Photo: CBS
Beyond The Gates is developed and produced by CBS Studios and the NAACP in partnership with P&G Studios a division of Procter and Gamble and airs weekdays at 2pm ET/1PM PT and streams on Paramount+.
So, what do you think about Michele Val Jean standing up to fans that she and her team, do indeed, have a clear direction of where all their stories and characters are heading on Beyond the Gates? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Jesus Christ people!! We’re just shy of being on the air 5 months & ya’ll are bellyaching? Michele know what she’s doing. This isn’t her first rodeo.
Sheesh, give them and the storylines time to blossom into beautiful roses!
And I bet it’s mostly our people,they always hate to see there own people make it,the show is new and so far it’s the best
Sad she had to make the statement… but the fact so-called “fans” are questioning her, her position, and the serial as if they know it all, they needed to be called out.
This soap doesn’t get a free pass. All the other soaps are not off-limits to criticism from fans.
Exactly.
The dam show is new wait before the hell criticizing
The writing is better than your grammar.
Folks cool down! BTG is still a very good show. Michele Val Jean is an established writer. Josh Griffith could take lessons from her. I think there are many surprises ahead.
Was really surprised to hear that there was some chatter about fans not being pleased with some
Of the storylines and their direction. I’m loving BTG! Big cast, multiple stories, lavish sets. Feels like a nice return to soaps in their prime. I get it that they cannot please everyone all the time, that is an impossibility, but they’ve only been on air for a few months and they are doing great, in my opinion. When you tune in, you cannot tell that it is a new soap. proof they know what they’re doing! Think of all the greatness they’ve delivered in a few months time. I’m here for the ride, and am trying to diligently avoid any potential spoilers so I can throughly enjoy it.
Can’t wait to see what’s next! These stories seem to have legs and could result in multiple
Payoffs, and layers upon layers of future drama.
I’m hooked!
Exactly me tooooo
I truly support defying faultfinders and enemies! Continue the powerful writing , Michele!
More than likely they were probably determined to hate it from the start. It’s only been five months and every new show needs time to grow.
A waste of my time,it’s dirty, it needs to be put in the dirty shows not afternoon delite.
Dirty shows? Ok……………. But, what do you call Adam and Chelsea doing the deed in their office, with the blinds not drawn? Drew and Nina doing the same multiple times at Crimson? And, let’s not forget Drew again, but this time getting busy with Nina’s daughter in a child’s playroom! Should Y&R and GH be placed in the dirty shows??
And Cassie and her wife
I think they are jealous,they are beautiful black men and women you people are not used to that they so full of you know what
Then don’t watch hey the hell off
It’s probably too black for them
Yessssss
Exactly
I can’t stand people let the dam story strive it’s new, it’s fresh and right now it’s the best I absolutely love it, except for Derick and Ashley
I love this soap opera. I love the pace, the story lines, and how each actor is portraying their character. I would love to have a shot at playing a character. If you ever need a preacher, let me know, I have a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.. Our culture would love the worship scenes. Just a suggestion that would add another level to “ Beyond the Gates”.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere

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.
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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’

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.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Adds Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s Brothers

Shanice Johnson’s (Ernestine Morrison) brothers are coming to Fairmont Crest next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates. Be on the lookout for Denzell Dandridge to make his debut as Lamont Johnson and Khiry Walker to debut n the role of Cedric Johnson on the Tuesday, September 8 episode.
In a video preview, Lamont and Cedric make quite a first impression on Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson), who are not so keen on the guy, who is dating their sister. Can Ted get Shanice’s siblings to have a change of heart about him? Stay tuned.
If Khiry Walker looks familiar, he has appeared in numerous television series, films and stage plays including Law & Order: Organized Crime and The Chair Company. Denzell Dandridge has also appeared across film and television projects including: Street Code Broken, Coming of Age, itfactor and The Dirty D. Dandridge. In a fun fact, Denzell is actually the great-nephew of acclaimed and groundbreaking actress, Dorothy Dandridge.
In addition, Denzell Dandridge shared on his Instagram about his casting on the CBS soap opera, “All the long nights on set. Countless auditions. Thousands of No’s. But here it is… we finally got our YES.”
Since its inception, Beyond the Gates has focused on the stories of the Dupree and Richardson families, and now with the Johnson family coming into the picture, the series has a chance to expand more characters familial background and back-story to propel future storylines.
Beyond the Gates received 15 Daytime Emmy nominations at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday night, October 30. The soap opera made Daytime Emmy history by racking up the highest nomination tally for its first time in the competition.
Now below, check out a preview for next week on Beyond the Gates which gives you a first look at Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s brother. Do you hope the writers delve into the siblings story, or do you think they will just be in town to support their sister? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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