Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marks 1-Year Anniversary
Tuesday, February 24 brings with it the first anniversary of the groundbreaking daytime drama, Beyond the Gates. Premiering on CBS on this date last year, the series became the first network soap opera to launch in 25 years.
Beyond the Gates is the first hour-long Black-led broadcast television soap opera in history. In its first year, the show has become a favorite for entertainment and soap pundits making several year-end lists for 2025. The soap also scored nominations for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Hair Styling at the upcoming 57th annual NAACP Image Awards, as well as a WGA Awards nomination for outstanding writing in a Daytime Drama.
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. Beyond the Gates was created by head writer Michele Val Jean, who is also one of the soap’s executive producers along with: Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.

Photo: CBS
This week, as the soap continues to tackle social issues and Black representation, series matriaech, Anita Dupree (played by Tamara Tunie) sat down with CBS Mornings Gayle King in a guest appearance, to enlighten viewers on her diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer, which is more predominant in Black women in partnership with the Know Your Lemons Foundation.
In an interview for the Variety’s Strictly Business podcast, executive producer Sheila Ducksworth acknowledged that she had dreamed that one day a soap like this would become a reality, “Launching a soap has been the most different thing that I have ever done in all of my years of producing, This is something that I knew needed to be built to last.”
Ducksworth noted that as a child she was first introduced to General Hospital and that her desire to make a soap was omnipresent for her. Now, viewers can enjoy the perils and joys of the wealthy Dupree family living in a gated community in the DMV-area with more than 230 episodes aired, and the series is in its second season.

Photo: CBS
Several of the cast of Beyond the Gates had been taking to social media today to celebrate the 1-year milestone, you can check out their excitement and what they had to share below. Michael Fairman TV will continue to update the celebration videos from the cast throughout the day.
Ernestine Johnson Morrison (Shanice): “Wow! What a year it has been. I’m so grateful for this journey. I always dreamed of being on a daytime drama! Cheers to ONE YEAR of air time and prayerfully many many more years to come! And cheers to one year of Shanice all on your screens!
Karla Mosley (Dani) and Daphnee Duplaix (Nicole): “Happy 1 Year Anniversary Beyond the Gates !!!!! We are so deeply grateful to all our cast and crew, CBS, P&G studios and NAACP and all of YOU! Our diehard fans! Without y’all, there is no us Please share with us some of your favorite moments from this year **** Poom poom poom!!! ”
Sean Freeman (Andre): “1 year ago today, HISTORY WAS MADE on CBS at 2 p.m. as Beyond the Gates premiered as the first predominantly Black one-hour daytime soap opera—(a worthy nod and salute to adjacent predecessor, Generations (1989–1991). This clip highlights a special moment on set as me, Jibre, and Najah tuned in with the rest of the world to watch our show for the first time on air- the scene when Andre comes off the elevator in episode 1. As yall can see, I was ELATED and wasn’t tryna keep my cool. Couldn’t believe it was happening and that my grandma, Susie, was watching along with the rest of my family. Wow- what a year this has been. Thankful to all the fans and supporters out there. Cheers to year 1, BTG. Forever grateful.”
Michele Val Jean: Happy Premiere Day, Beyond the Gates family! One year on air! And they said it couldn’t be done. Thank you all – writers, producers, directors, cast & crew, CBS daytime, P&G Studios and NAACP. I’m ‘beyond’ grateful.”
Share your congratulations to the cast, creatives and the crew on Beyond the Gates’ 1-year anniversary via the comment section below, plus let us know what has been your favorite storyline thus far in its short history? But first, check out Gayle King’s “interview” with Anita Dupree, followed by our favorite post from the cast on the anniversary of the soap from Sean Freeman with Jibre Hordges (Jacob).
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Truly, history has been made! What a fantastic first year and the first of many years to come! They hit the ground running and have not stopped yet! Easily the best American daytime soap right now and there is no stopping them! Thank you, Michele Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, and CBS!
What Scott said!
Beyond the Gates is beyond good. Strong first year, everyone. Congratulations! And from us soap fans who clearly and early love the genre, thank you!
Congratulation!!!!! You are my must watch tv! Wishing you continued success!
I have not watched one episode so can’t comment as we do not get it here- that is how backwards we all are.
Congratulations on your guys one year with beyond the gates. I watched the show every day I keep up on the spoilers. I think it’s a great show. I love how it talks about that diversity and how you guys tackle issues that society still does not tackle still today. The storyline that is still my favorite is the one with Vernon and Martin being victims of racism. I thought that was a very powerful storyline, and I’m actually a human rights activist myself. I educate the world in the community about the harms of racism and how people are judged in discriminated against. Way to go congratulations to all of you guys.
Luv the show I schedule my days around 2:00 to MAKE SURE I’M nLHOME
I love the show too, but I feel these characters should have been in the photo. They’ve had more interesting scenes this year than many of the contract players in that photo:
Shanice, Randy, Jan, Mona, June, Elon, Marcel
I’ve watched soaps since the 1970s, and I can’t recall a show where the non-contract players have such significant roles in the storylines. It makes BTG fascinating to watch.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Hayley and Ashley Spell ‘Double Trouble’

Next week on all-new episodes of the soap that has everyone talking, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates, Hayley (Marquita Goings) and Heather (Ashley Jones) are thrown into each other’s orbit, especially when conniving Heather seems to hatch a plan.
In the video teaser for what goes down in the DMV October 12-16, while at Uptown, Heather seems to order a drink for her new friend, who turns out to be Hayley. Suspicious, Hayley says to Heather, “How do you know my name?” But anybody with a bone to pick with Heather’s brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) can be of use to her! Has Hayley met her match?
Meanwhile, Heather is seeing purring over Carlton (Robert Christopher Riley) and using a letter opener to open his shirt!
Then, after Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) took matters into his own hands last week and rescued the kidnapped Hayley, he believes he struck a deal with her to keep her mouth shut about the secret of Martin’s (Brandon Claybon) past and what happened in the racist attack that the Dupree family, Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Joey have tried to contain for the last few years. However, now Vernon calls Joey about a problem and Joey guesses the problem’s name is Hayley Lawson!
At Garland Memorial Hospital, Ashley (Jen Jacob) congratulates Shanice (Ernestine Johnson) on her engagement to Ted (Keith D. Robinson). However, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) happens upon the scene and has a very different reaction to the news. In addition, Kat (Colby Nixon) gets pretty snotty with Eva (Ambyr Michelle)!
Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the week.
Monday, October 12
Nicole comes clean to Dani. Vernon and Anita defend their family. Naomi and Smitty prepare for the worst. Bill revels in victory, but Hayley takes another jab. Izaiah extends an invite to Elon, while Jacob wants new Impaler intel
Tuesday, October 13
Martin waits for big news, while Smitty waits in shame. Nicole does an about face with Ted. Naomi shuts Jacob down. Samantha challenges Tyrell. Ashley steps in when Shanice is overwhelmed. Carlton’s dalliance with Heather takes a sharp turn.
Wednesday, October 14
Vernon’s on high alert while Bill’s left out of the loop. Dani puts her foot down with Chelsea. Nicole tries to steady Samantha amidst slander. Naomi feels the heat when Jacob comes under fire.
Thursday, October 15
Anita and Nicole fight for optimism. Martin’s declaration gets derailed. Bill wants more from Dani and finds common ground with Ted. Naomi has a plan for proof. Joey’s admission shocks Vanessa. Hayley meets her match.
Friday, October 16
Andre loses his cool in front of Dani. Naomi takes Bill by surprise. Leslie hears some hard news. Eva snaps and Kat claps back. Hayley attempts to make good with Randy. Heather moves in on Joey.
Check out the action in and around Fairmont Crest next week on Beyond the Gates below.
Now let us know, are you enjoying the deliciously wicked personalities of Hayley and Heather? What do you hope happens next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Fall Preview: Michele Val Jean Reveals Twists and Turns in Fairmont Crest, Teases New Faces

Beyond the Gates continues to be the buzzy and noteworthy soap opera as it heads deeper into the fall. With 15 Daytime Emmy nominations (a record for a first-time nominated show), the action on-screen has been just as exciting as of late.
Now, series creator, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Van Jean teases what viewers of the CBS soap opera can look forward to in the months ahead and into 2027 with TV Insider. Val Jean clarified that the show is already written into April of next year with new faces joining the cast down the line.
Michele shared, “As we go down the journey with The Articulettes, that path is going to lead back to (their manager) Dante Green. So, we’re going to be seeing him eventually. It’s not imminent because we write really far in advance, but you’ll be meeting Dante Green. And then we have a female robbery/homicide cop that’s going to come onto the canvas eventually.”
DANGEROUS, DUPLICITOUS AND DEADLY
While that’s a bit down the line, here’s a few tidbits for a few of the core characters happening soon; starting with the matriarch and the patriarch of the Dupree family, Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon (Clifton Davis). ”
“They’re going to steer their family and community through some troubling times,” explains Michele. Adding, “Anita will get to make exciting moves in her music career as we started to see with The Articulettes, but she’s going to meet with some unexpected obstacles along the way that will test how much she really wants this. Vernon will not be afraid to take serious measures to protect his family and bring down anyone who threatens them.”
Speaking of “serious measures to bring down anyone who threatens the Dupree family,” let’s find out what’s in the future for Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings): “This fall, she will be brilliant, beautiful, and cold as ever. She’s definitely not done scheming, and she’s not done with Bill, I’ll tell you that,” assets Val Jean. “She’s good at making bad situations work in her best interest, and we’ll get to see her do plenty of it.”

Photo: CBS
HOW TO SURVIVE A MARRIAGE
As for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) marriage, trouble ahead! Michele explains “She’s (Dani) going to find her marriage and herself in danger and be forced to make some severe decisions. And Andre’s secrets will catch up to him in the worst way possible as Heather closes in to make good on her threats.”
Meanwhile, Dani’s sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) makes inroads with her relationship with Dr. Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan). However, Val Jean warns by year’s end,”Her (Nicole) world will flip completely upside down in a way no one sees coming, including her.”
Finally, the warring brother sister duo of Joey (Jon Lindstrom) and Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) will get even more intense and fraught. According to Michele, “Joey will wrestle with the reality that his sister is not who she used to be. And as Heather sinks her teeth further into the community, she’ll go to new despicable lengths for chaos and control, but she may not get the last laugh. You’ll have to watch it.”
So, what are you looking forward to the most this fall on Beyond the Gates? What is your favorite storyline right now? When the soap opera casts the character of Dante Green down the line, and a new female cop, who do you think would be a great fit for the roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, Banneker U. homecoming continues on Monday, October 5, when Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) shocks the Duprees and Richardson families, while Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), Vernon (Clifton Davis), Elon (Malachi Malik) and Joey (Jon Lindstrom) scramble knowing Hayley (Marquita Goings) is in possession of audio recordings that would reveal their involvement in a dark secret.
That secret is a few years back when Martin (Brandon Claybon) killed a racist attacker while severely beating another man named Kenneth, in what followed followed was a subsequent murder orchestrated by Bill and Joey that was covered up as a “robbery gone wrong!”
Now, in the latest video teaser for the action in and around Fairmont Crest from October 5-9 (see below), Hayley becomes the target as many people want to silence her or gain access to the recordings she has. It was those recording, which Hayley used to blackmail her husband, Bill, in order to stay out of jail for trying to kill him! Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Photo: CBS
Meanwhile, Bill and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) shared history continues to draw them closer together, while Kat (Colby Nixon) seems to be enjoying her time with Izaiah (Lami), after Eva (Ambyr Michelle) decided not to come to the Banneker homecoming gathering. Will Kat and Izaiah become even closer? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the action in and around Fairmont Crest this week.
Monday, October 5
Anita hears disturbing news from Vernon. Dani gets the cold shoulder. Bill won’t give up without a fight. Nicole offers Deanna a reality check while Vanessa dodges some big questions. Martin & Smitty enjoy a full house. Jacob & Naomi align their priorities. Tyrell drops a major bombshell on his family.
Tuesday, October 6
Anita and Dani’s update blindsides Nicole. Vernon puts Bill on notice. Hayley scores a big win… at a big cost. Leslie defends her actions. Jacob confronts Izaiah. Kat’s bold words leave Eva shaken. Chelsea issues an important warning.
Wednesday, October 7
Vernon comes to the rescue. Dani presses Bill while Andre troubles Ted. Hayley’s caught totally off guard. Eva faces the future while Izaiah’s distracted. Leslie’s devoted to drama. Marcel and Joey practice persuasion.
Thursday, October 8
Andre dredges up Dani’s past. Anita finds comfort in music while Nicole is candid with Vanessa. Ted and Ashley are in cahoots. Leslie gets Hayley scrambling and Randy is fed up. Noah gives Deanna a different perspective.
Friday, October 9
Vernon shares the ugly truth with Anita. Nicole makes good on a promise. Naomi doesn’t back down. Madison leans on Chelsea after risking it all. Smitty draws a hard line with Martin. Vanessa and Joey hear Heather out. Ted’s trip with Shanice proves unforgettable.
Check out the video preview for this week’s episodes of Beyond the Gates below.
Then let us know, who do you think might be chloroforming Hayley? Will she get away with her blackmail, and be able to out maneuver everyone to continue to have a ‘get out of jail free’ card? What do you think Tyrell has to say during Banneker homecoming that will come as a surprise? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
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