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”.
Please don’t let Hayley be pregnant
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.

Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.

Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Daytime Emmy Winners Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

Just over a week ago, Beyond the Gates stars Ambyr Michelle and Tamara Tunie broke ground becoming the first performers in the history of daytime’s newest soap opera to win Daytime Emmys!
Michelle became the first, when she took home gold statuette earlier in the ceremonies in the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category. Later, Tunie joined her when she took home the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series, the first Emmy of her veteran career.
Now, both actresses visit the Michael Fairman Channel live for two separate chats! Ambyr Michelle will be with us on Wednesday, November 11 beginning at 6pm ET/3pm PT, while Tamara Tunie follows the next day on Thursday, November 12 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Photo: CBS
Find out what happened on their Emmy night both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, and in the celebration afterwards, plus what’s next for Eva and Anita in story on the CBS soap opera.
AMBYR TOOK A ‘SEAT AT THE TABLE’
Daytime Emmy viewers will recall Ambyr’s heartfelt Emmy acceptance speech, when she shared, “I don’t just see an award. I see every audition, every rejection, every moment I questioned my artistry. And to Eva Thomas, thank you, girl. Playing your pain made me process my own.“
She ended her speech with, “To my beautiful Black women and girls, take up space, be undeniable, create your tables, and fill those seats. When the tables are full, and those seats are full, make the table even bigger. So that the women coming up behind you never have to ask permission to belong.“

Photo: CBS
TAMARA HONORED THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE HER AND HER MOM
Tamara Tunie received a standing ovation when her name was called after her win in an enduring career. Tunie began by sharing, “My heart is so full right now. This is the best welcome back to daytime ever, There is a host of Black actresses who paved the way for me, and I feel them as I stand here tonight, beginning with the legendary Cicely Tyson, the first Black woman to appear on a daytime television show, The Guiding Light.”
Tunie went on to thank her co-stars and everyone at Beyond the Gates and soap opera fans, plus getting to share the screen with the legendary Clifton Davis as Anita’s husband, Vernon Dupree. However, it was Tunie’s mother, who at 92, was with her on Emmy night that she thanked the most.
“There is one person who has been on this journey with me every single step of the way, who has traveled across states, countries and oceans to support my dream,” she expressed. “I would not be who I am as an actor or a woman without her love, support, encouragement and mere presence, She has been my example, my role model and my inspiration. I accept this honor on behalf of my mother … who, at 92 years young, crossed the country yet again to see me take this goal tonight. I love you, mommy!”
HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Make sure to join us in the live chat with your questions for Ambyr and Tamara in what is sure to be emotional conversations.
If you cannot be with us live, but have a question you would like posed to either actress, make sure to drop in the comment section below and we just might pose it during the live broadcasts.
So, were you happy to see Ambyr and Tamara win Emmy gold? What are your hopes for Eva and Anita as the holiday season approaches and with 2027 just around the corner? Let us know in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
Yvette Nicole Brown and Husband Anthony Davis Head to ‘Beyond the Gates’

Next week on the Friday, November 13 episode of Beyond the Gates, Yvette Nicole Brown and her real life husband Anthony Davis guest star. In story, Brown takes on the role of Temeka the cousin to Shanice (Ernestine Johnson Morrison).
When Temeka comes to Fairmont Crest she will be accompanied by her husband, Tony, played by real-life hubby Anthony Davis. The castings come as the soap opera continues to expand the family of Shanice. Previously, we met her brothers, Cedric and Lamont.
As Shanice gets ready to head down the aisle with Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) will the presence of Shanice’s family members actually deter the nuptials from ever taking place?

Photo: CBS
This now makes the third daytime drama appearance by Yvette Nicole Brown. She first popped up on The Young and the Restless in 2016 and 2017 as reporter Lois Thompson.
Then in 2023, she played a nurse on General Hospital when she appeared in the March 29, 2023 episode honoring her real-life friend, Sonya Eddy who past away in real-life in December of 2022, The soap honored her in death when her character, Epiphany died.

Photo: ABC
Brown and Eddy first met in 2003 while testing for an ABC pilot titled “The Four Divas” alongside Octavia Spencer and Carla Renata and became very close friends up until Eddy’s passing.
It was actually Brown’s character, who came forth to Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and shared that Epiphany died saving her life which gave some sort of solace to Elizabeth; knowing Epiphany died doing what she loved, helping people.
As for Anthony Davis, not only is he an actor, but a writer and minister known for TV and film roles including: He Wasn’t Man Enough (2025), The Family Business: New Orleans, and The Upshaws.
Brown is also recognized from her roles on: Community, The Odd Couple, The Mayor, That ’70s Show, The Office, Boston Legal, Chuck, Mom, Big Shot to name but a few.
So, looking forward to see Yvette Nicole Brown and her real-life husband, Anthony Davis on Beyond the Gates? Happy to see more family members from Shanice’s life showing up at Fairmont Crest? Do you remember the heart-tugging episode where everyone learned Epiphany had died on General Hospital and Yvette Nicole Brown’s part in the story? Let us know via the comment section.
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