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‘Beyond the Gates’ Creator Michele Val Jean Shuts Down Fan Criticism on Story Direction: “Rest Assured We’re Going Somewhere”

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

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.

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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

Nick Hagelin Makes His ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut as Noah Rollins

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Nick Hagelin

Beyond the Gates viewers were in for a surprise on the Wednesday, July 22 episode when singer/actor/dancer, Nick Hagelin made his soap opera debut in the recurring role of Noah Rollins, the son of Dr. Kial Rollins played by soap vet Greg Vaughan.

In story, Noah comes to the DMV area and lands at none other than Orphey Jeans coffee shop. He is spotted by Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) who becomes quite smitten with him. However, Noah is having trouble paying his bill to June (Daytime Emmy nominee Jasmine Burke).

One thing leads to another, and Deanna comes by his table and offers to pay for his bill. Noah gives her his number (his phone died and he has no plug) so she can Venmo him her account info to send her back the funds. Later, Deanna talks with June, who notices how Deanna and Noah had eyes for each other, and senses there was definitely an attraction there.

Courtesy/CBS

NOAH IS INTRODUCED

Next, Noah comes to Garland Memorial Hospital looking for his dad, and runs into Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), who knew exactly who he was and brings him to see Kial, who is surprised to see his son in town.

Noah needs money and Kial won’t pay it, unless he takes a job to pay for music career right here in the DC/Maryland area.  Kial tells his son, Atlanta and New York City aren’t that far away if he gets a gig. So, Noah agrees to apply for the job at the free clinic, which Kial will help push through and in return he will get him some cash. Noah is then going to crash at Kial’s place and Kial will go stay with Nicole.

Nick Hagelin is an Atlanta-based performer which is where Beyond the Gates is taped. Previously, Hagelin was in the Top 9 on NBCs The Voice, and has a band in Atlanta called The Fantasy Exchange. Nick also writes and produces for other artists and has had his original music featured on the series, FX Atlanta and Saturday Night Live.

As a ballet dancer, Nick trained at the prestigious School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York City and he has performed with the American Ballet, plus Carolina Ballet, The Kirov, Atlanta Opera, and the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Hagelin’s acting credits include the Indie film, Exit Interviews starring OLTL favorite Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers), Max’s Sweet Magnolias, The Hunting Wives and many more.

GREG VAUGHAN GONE FROM BEYOND THE GATES?

The addition of Kial’s son to the canvas left many fans wondering if Greg Vaughan has already left the show or was his recent Instagram message about something else entirely. Beyond the Gates tapes over four months ahead of episodes airing on CBS.

Vaughan’s post shared, “My heart is full. My purpose is just getting started. I’m grateful for my life, my family, the people who consistently show up, and the lessons that shaped me. Every challenge has become preparation. Every blessing has become perspective… I’m simply grateful for how far God has brought me, and excited for everything that’s still ahead.”

Greg concluded: “Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. Family. Friends. Fans. Colleagues. Your encouragement has meant more than you know. Here’s to the next chapter.”

Friends and colleagues jumped into Vaughan’s comment thread including: Robert Christopher Riley who plays Carlton on Beyond the Gates who shared, “Love and miss ya buddy,” fueling speculation that Vaughan is no longer on the CBS soap.

So, what did you think of the on-screen debut of Nick Hagelin as Noah Rollins? Intrigued to see more? Do you think from Greg Vaughan’s message that he is no longer on Beyond the Gates? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Karla Mosley and B&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor Share Their Thoughts on Being First-Time Daytime Emmy Nominees Together (Exclusive)

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Karla Mosley, Lawrence Saint-Victor

When it was announced last Monday and Tuesday that longtime friends, scene partners and creative collaborators, Karla Mosley (Dani, Beyond the Gates) and Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter, The Bold and the Beautiful) became first-time Daytime Emmy nominees, they could not have been happier for each other as their connection continues to remain so strong to this day. They have literally gone though their daytime journeys together in so many ways.

As longtime daytime viewers know, Karla and Lawrence first appeared on Guiding Light as Christina and Remy Boudreau. They remained with the beloved CBS soap opera, as it went off the air until its final episode in 2009.

Next, both Karla and Lawrence wound up being cast on The Bold and the Beautiful, she as Maya Avant and he as Carter Walton. At one point, the character’s dated each other, and even became engaged. Later, it was revealed that Maya was a trans woman who was truly in love with Rick Forrester (then played by Jacob Young). Along the way, Karla and Lawrence collaborated on a web series called Wed-Locked, which explored the modern-day realities of being newlyweds. It was conceived in 2009, while they were wrapping up Guiding Light and revived in 2018.

Photo: JPI

Now, here we are in 2026. Karla is one of the stars of CBS’ groundbreaking soap opera, Beyond the Gates, where she received her first Lead Actress nomination for her portrayal of Dani Dupree. Lawrence remains on The Bold and the Beautiful, but get this! He received not only his first nomination for acting and in the Supporting Actor category, but a second for Outstanding Writing Team, since Saint-Victor holds double duty with the CBS soap as a writer and a performer.

During the Michael Fairman Channel’s annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special, Lawrence and Karla closed the show where they were able to speak to each other on the livestream broadcast, and share their feelings on being nominated together in a very special moment. They also let us know what was on their Emmy-nominated reels that landed them this very special recognition for the first time in their veteran soap opera careers.

KARLA AND LAWRENCE WERE OVERJOYED FOR EACH OTHER 

Lawrence explained, “Karla and I spoke earlier and we were talking about the synergy we have had throughout the years. Our kids were born in the same week, and so many other things where it’s like we are just so aligned – and so to find out that we’re both first-time nominees in this together … it kind of makes sense when you look at our lives together.”

“I’m so proud of Karla. I’ve always been proud of Karla, but her work on Beyond the Gates, and the responsibility that was given to her to take this world that no one knows about and showcase it, and make it with so much nuance and depth and flare and swag and all this stuff she brings to Dani is fantastic! I’m proud of your show…. 15 nominations.”

Karla replied, “I’m going to sing Lawrence’s praises and say that he has been working for so many years and so hard, and writing and just showing up and being whatever anyone needed him to be, and doing it with excellence every single time. The fact that you’re finally being acknowledged in this way is overdue. I’m overjoyed. Tony (Anthony Pascarelli) who directs both The Bold and the Beautiful and Beyond the Gates came on set. I was doing this emotional scene, and we were in between scenes and he goes, ‘Lawrence! Lawrence!’ He goes, ‘Oops. I shouldn’t have told you that now!’ And I go, ‘No, no. I have to know! That’s my brother!’ It was perfect.”

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCENES FOR YOUR EMMY REEL

It’s always a tough call when actors submit their work for Emmy contention. How do you chose a reel that will capture the voters right away? Do you tell an arc of a story in highlighted scenes, or do you put together a sequence of scenes that may be somewhat unrelated but show your depth as a performer?  Clearly, Karla and Lawrence chose right! Here’s how they went about assembling the scenes for their reels.

Photo: CBS

Karla: “I thought, I’m just going to put together something that’s fun for me. I ended up starting with the golf club moment in that blue suit, and then cut to: the gun shot scene at the wedding where she’s holding Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) up. Then, we go back to a scene after she comes in with the golf club. So, we really kind of get the Bill/Dani dynamic and what’s going on there. And then, we go to one of my favorite scenes from last year where Ashley’s (Jen Jacob) in the bathroom and Dani’s talking to Andre (Sean Freeman) at Uptown. It’s comedic. It’s Dani at her best wit and banter. Then, we get the scene with Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) where she comes out, and tells her mom that she’s bisexual, which is one of the great moments, because in real life I was coming out at the same time.”

In addition, Mosley continued,”Then another Bill/Dani scene where she’s saying she moved on and here’s why, and here’s why I don’t want to be with you anymore. In the scenes, she really has found her strength, and before that I put in the mugshot photo shoot. The photo shoot was a last minute addition, I woke up inspired by it and had to include it!”

Photo: JPi

LAWRENCE SAINT-VICTOR’S PICKED BREAK-UP SCENES WITH HOPE

Lawrence shared, “The heart of Carter is always about trying to be in love and fall in love. So, I used the Hope (Annika Noelle) breakup scenes and it’s what led my reel, because at the end of the day, everything he does is for love, and for me, the climax of his story is it still didn’t work. We had two breakup scenes. One was a pre-breakup scene, and then Carter got her back. The next one is when he tells her to ‘Go be with Liam. Go be with your family.’ Then, I also had a scene Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire), where he’s just kind of down and out about losing Hope the first time.”

You can check out the segment where Karla and Lawrence meet up on the Daytime Emmy Nomination Special video below at the 2:56:00 mark.

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be held on October 30 from the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood California and streamed at watch.theemmys.tv and associated apps.

So, what do you think of Karla and Lawrence scoring their first-ever Daytime Emmy nominations in the same year? What do you think about the scenes they put on their nominated reels? Have you watched them since their days on Guiding Light together? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Bill Wants to Have More Rendezvous with Dani; But Hayley is Determined to Put Him Six Feet Under

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Bill Hamilton (played by new Supporting Actor Daytime Emmy nominee, Timon Kyle Durrett) is front and center this week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates.

In story, Bill visits Dani (Karla Mosley) and intimates there will be more hookups between the exes, but Dani shuts him down. But who thinks she really means it? Will the two begin an illicit affair behind their current spouses back after having sex in an elevator post-Tornado?

Meanwhile, Dani has been doing everything she can to make sure her secret dalliance that night stays buried. However, in a clip in the video teaser for episodes airing July 20-24, Nicole (Daphne Duplaix) corners her sister. She says, “I already know, Dani. The secret’s out.” But what does she know? Is she even talking about knowledge of Bill and Dani? Dani is not out of the hot seat yet! When she visits her parents Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis), they have some questions for her, too!

Then at Uptown, Hayley (Marquita Goings) informs her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry)  that she is determined to finish what was started. She declares that the next time Bill gets symptoms, he will end up in the mortuary instead of the hospital. Cut to Bill unable to catch his breath, going. “What the hell is happening to me?”

Take a look below at the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for this week.

Monday, July 20
Kat and Nicole discuss matters of the heart while Ted and Shanice reach a major milestone in their relationship. Bill and Dani clash. Grayson provides an ear for troubled Tomas.

Tuesday, July 21
Anita and Vernon learn about Naomi’s health status. Kial gives Eva some much-needed advice. Elon makes a push to reconcile with Izaiah. Nicole gives Vanessa an update on her love life before finding out some surprising news about her ex.

Wednesday, July 22
Anita refuses Dani’s request. Bill’s reaction to Naomi’s news stuns her. Shanice and Nicole have a candid chat about Ted. Hayley tells Randy she did him a solid where Lynette is concerned. Deanna meets a handsome stranger in need.

Thursday, July 23
Dani gets a gift that alarms Andre. Smitty asks Jacob for a favor. Hayley warns Randy off Mona. June gives Naomi some intriguing intel. Vernon advises a stubborn Bill. Anita has a present for Laura.

Friday, July 24
Heather informs Joey that she’s back to tie up loose ends. Elon tells Jacob something he doesn’t want to hear. Chelsea’s livestream with Eva leaves Kat miffed. Vanessa comforts Dani.

Check out the latest video teaser for Beyond the Gates below, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 which featured Timon Kyle Durrett who speaks of his nomination and this current storyline, along with his on-screen love interests played by Marquita Goings and Karla Mosley. You can find it at 1:29:11 mark.

Now let us know, do you think Bill and Dani will have an ongoing affair? Who will figure out what Hayley is trying to do to Bill? Weigh-in via the comment section.

 

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