Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Review: Historic New CBS Soap Opera Puts Spotlight on Black Excellence While Serving Up Secrets, Betrayals, Lust and Family Ties
Beyond the Gates is finally here and it is well worth wait! The series is making history in so many ways. First, the show is the first daytime drama on network television in more than a quarter-century; in a genre that too many had discounted and viewed as antiquated. Second, when CBS unveils the show, it puts the spotlight on Black excellence, with the wealthy and powerful Dupree family at its epicenter.
But make no mistake, beyond the gated community of Fairmont Crest, where much of the action and familial drama takes place, viewers will be transported to a soapy world of secrets, lies, backstabbing and double-crosses, romance and some noteworthy performances that will make this show a must-watch in your daily soap schedule.
Created by veteran soap opera writer, Michele Val Jean, who serves as Beyond the Gates’ head writer, executive producer, and showrunner, she, along with CBS Studios/NAACP venture executive producer, Sheila Ducksworth, not only have delivered a well-rounded cast of characters within the framework of the show, but planted Easter eggs related to Black history throughout its sprawling 27 new sets, plus an authentic look and feel for its characters with its hairstyles and wardrobe, which reflect current fashion trends and Black excellence culture.

Photo: CBS
One of the more glorious aspects of the series, is its use of licensed music; familiar tunes that fit the action and tempo of the show, when so often soap operas don’t have the budget to do such things. Let’s hope as the series moves forward they can continue this, as it is so gratifying to hear.
On today’s premiere episode and in the first scene, the hit track, “Best of My Love” plays from the legendary girl group, The Emotions, as we are taken beyond the gates to the Fairmont Crest Country Club as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnée Duplaix) drives through the very upscale community located in the Maryland/D.C. area.

Photo: CBS
From that point on, the rest of the Dupree family are introduced; the matriarch of the family Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) a very successful former singer, who turns out to be an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner and her husband, civil rights activist and retired Senator, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis).
However, when we meet Anita and Vernon’s other daughter, Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) she is a powder-keg ready to explode, who is crushed and betrayed by the news that her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) is planning on getting hitched to his much younger girlfriend, Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) who happens to be Dani’s daughter’s former friend. She vows to “Make cheaters pay for blowing up my life!” The role of Dani is played by soap opera veteran, Karla Mosley, in a role that will make her the “Erica Kane” of Beyond the Gates. Mosley is remembered for her previous work as Christina Boudreau on Guiding Light and The Bold and the Beautiful’s Maya Avant, who in 2015, became the first main cast transgender character on a daytime drama.
While Dani continues to spin out over having Bill and Hayley’s relationship thrown in her face, she also has two daughters with her manipulative ex: Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) a civil service attorney, who is married to DC robbery and homicide detective, Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges), and Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla), a reluctant burgeoning high-fashion model and major social media influencer. Both young women are not so happy with dear old dad as the story begins.

Photo: CBS
Outside the world of the Duprees, those being introduced to the new soap will meet many other characters who have complex backstories, and agendas to sink your teeth into. Nicole is married to renowned plastic surgeon Ted Richardson (Maurice Johnson). There is Ted’s nephew, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), who we learn lost his parents in a plane crash and who has a penchant for the ladies. Ted and Nicole also have a daughter Kat Richardson (Colby Muhammad). She is trying to help her cousin, Chelsea get away from a modeling career, which would be much to her mother’s chagrin, since Dani Dupree is a former high fashion model to boot!
Then, there is Nicole and Ted’s son, Martin Richardson (Brandon Clayborn), who has huge political aspirations, but is haunted by nightmares, who is married to his husband, Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning). The two are raising two teenagers as well, but there is unrest in their relationship. And what’s a soap without a busybody realtor? Think a bit of GH’s Lucy Coe here. The character of Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) knows the dirt in Fairmont Crest and is harboring some secrets of her own.

Photo: CBS
You will also be introduced to Nurse Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) and her boyfriend firefighter Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin), and be on the lookout for Dana ‘Leslie’ Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) and her daughter, Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) who may have some machinations of their own, Tomas “Tom” Navarro (Alex Alegria), an attorney who works at Bill Richardson’s law firm, plus more characters as they are revealed throughout the first week of episodes including the debut of three-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Cady McClain as Pamela Curtis.

Photo: CBS
Beyond the Gates has all the earmarks of a tantalizing daytime drama featuring: juicy dialog and simmering plots. It’s multi-cultural representation through its diverse characters and cast makes it inclusive, important, and most refreshing and reflective for the times in which we live. By week’s end, the potential for numerous showdowns and cliffhangers exist that will have you hooked, and make you want to continue to visit the world of Fairmont Crest, the Duprees and all their friend and enemies, hopefully, for years to come.
So, after you have checked out today’s premiere episode airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ at 2PM ET/1PM PT, let us know your first impressions of ‘Beyond the Gates’ in the comment section below.
It’s visually stunning! I laughed out loud at some of Dani’s antics, and Tamara Tunie (Anita) is awesome. However, there was too much exposition/back story in the dialog. I know it’s new and they need to introduce characters and setting, but it could come out more naturally if spaced out over days or even weeks. It’s a soap opera, after all, with lots of time for storytelling.
This soap is soaping. It’s different in the best way possible; the previews did not do it credit. Usually I watch General Hospital at 2pm, and it drags. But this hour FLEW by!!! I am hooked!!!! Strongly written drama. Thank you Michele Val Jean and Sheila Ducksworth!
Scott I thought it went by quickly as well. In a great way. Really enjoyed it. I’m in.
I’m locked in, as well. Anticipating today’s episode.
Being a 40+ year soap viewer, have to say I was very impressed with the first episode. If nothing else, Karla Mosely will have me coming back every day! Thought she was as fantastic as I was hoping she would be.
I’m so sick of hearing about this dumb show the dialogue is so stupid.
Sure, Jan.
Then don’t watch it.
I gave it a chance and loved it!
SO SO SO good!!!
I totally loved the first episode. Definitly destination tv for me. I’m so glad that all those involved had the determination to bring a new soap to life. I only hope that there will be no recasts right away. This has been a problem with a lot of new soaps starting out. One had too many just in the first two weeks. Not a good thing if characters are to be established.
Well….they are filming May Sweeps right now, and it appears as if no one has been recast yet!
Wait, am I reading this right? There’s a gay male couple who are part of the main Dupree family who are raising kids? Well, hallelujah. With the way General Hospital treats its gay and Black characters, I hope this shows trounces GH in the ratings.
Explain please.
It might if people actually watch it. I’m interested to see who they blame if this soap fails.
This hour flew by! I absolutely loved it! Karla as Dani is definitely one of the main reasons to watch! Tamara as Anita is a classic soap matriarch, and it’s nice to see so much representation of POC. I also loved the realtor, Vanessa, you can tell she will be involved in the drama. And Hayley is clearly in over head as the young mistress.
Michele Val Jean and her team definitely delivered. I can’t wait to delve more into the secrets and drama in Fairmont Crest! I wonder who will be the first to die or be apart of a major plot like a whodunit? I could definitely see Bill. I will be tuning in. Y&R can definitely take notes. BTG was fast paced and entertaining. I hope they stay the course! BRAVO!
Nothing historic about this soap opera. It’s full of bad over the top acting. The Duprees come off as a powerful family, where even the minority country club employees kiss their behinds. ” THANK YOU SO AND SO FOR TAKING MY, OVERLY EXPENSIVE WRAP THAT YOU COULDN’T AFFORD IN YOUR FAMILY’S GENERATION.”
There is plenty of eye rolling, finger and lips snapping, that will remind you of one of those house wives show. Danni Dupree is supposed to be some high up full of class, who act immature and classless, because so man dumped her for a younger woman. She blame the guy, because she gave a promising career in modeling for him. The Duprees better keep their daughter in check, before she does something stupid and criminal. Then again the Duprees are like the Quatermaine and Newmans their children can murder someone and they snap their fingers and it’s all washed under the rug. They put on a good show for the little people, but in truth they are dubious, back stabbing immoral cut tĥroats.
The amount of anger and projection coming from this comment, whew………..
Lol.. I was thinking “if anyone is on top a soapbox” whist I read it.
I’m loving it so far!!
Great show love watching
I love Beyond The Gates I’ve, been watching this show from day one with my mother Rose were from ILLINOIS!!! I want to thank Sheila Ducksworth, Michelle Val Jean, and the cast. My favorite casts are Vernon, Anita, and Dani. My favorite phrase is “We are the Duprees we, are rich and powerful”. I love the cliffhangers they have you hanging on to your seat and the cast are gorgeous. Beyond The Gates You Are Simply The Best!!!
I’m surprised at the lack of lavish decor in the homes and fashion. I’m a young & the Restless fan and accustomed to over the top
Interior decorations and beautiful hi fashion.
Beyond the Gates
Nick Hagelin Makes His ‘Beyond the Gates’ Debut as Noah Rollins

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 as 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.
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)

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.
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

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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