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
‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes

Next week, CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates serves up a week of repeats to shed the spotlight on some recent major episodes, in case you may have missed it, all before the 4th of July holiday weekend.
This is not the first time the newest network television soap opera on the block has aired a week’s worth of encore presentations. However this time, the episodes focus on the fabulous Cotillion storyline which is juxtaposed with the blood plasma ring warehouse shakedown which saw Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) get shot and eventually die.
Also included in the week is Grammy and Tony Award winner, Jennifer Holliday making a guest appearance on the soap, and singing an original song from the series musical supervisors team during the Duprees Easter brunch, and more.

Photo: CBS
Take a look at the rundown of what you will see next week on Beyond the Gates below.
Monday, June 29
The Duprees get ready for Samantha’s cotillion. Jacob meets with Ren. Ashley is in a panic as Grayson prepares for the worst. Bill questions Hayley about her past. Lia puts Derek in the hot seat.
Tuesday, June 30
Grayson completes his assignment, but then all hell breaks loose at the warehouse. Samantha and Jessica make their cotillion debut while Nicole has to deal with an emergency.
Wednesday, July 1
Someone dies while a Platinum Deb is crowned. Vanessa questions Joey about the chaos of the evening. Tyrell and Jessica slip away for their first time together.
Thursday, July 2
Special Guest Star Jennifer Holliday sings for a friend. Nicole takes Kial to her family’s Easter brunch. Ted advises Carlton. Anita puts Anastasia in her place. Hayley feels like an outsider in a sea of Duprees. Grayson receives a threat. Naomi and Jacob find a way to connect.
Friday, July 3
Naomi and Jacob spend their anniversary apart—both remembering their love story from first date to wedding vows. Izaiah helps his brother out while Naomi leans on Ashley, Dani and Bill.
Beyond the Gates returns with all-new episodes starting Monday, July 6 where it will pick up right from where it left off following the Friday, June 26 cliffhanger.
So, from the encore episodes listed, which are you are you most enthused about seeing again, or do you wish there was no break from traditional all-new episodes? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Scores Third Most-Watched Week Since Its Premiere With ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event

The tornado that ripped through Fairmont Crest and put the lives of the characters of Beyond the Gates and several from The Young and the Restless in jeopardy had viewers tuning-in for the week of June 8-12.
The highly-publicized crossover event kicked off on the Tuesday, June 9 episode of Beyond the Gates where six residents of Genoa City came to to visit the D.C./Maryland country club for a fundraiser for Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon), only no one expected a twister to tear into the proceedings, leading to several storylines intersecting as people were trapped with one another with Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) being the most severely injured and now requiring a liver transplant to survive.
According to the ratings report from CBS and Nielsen ratings and as supplied to Variety, Beyond the Gates brought in on average 1.8 million viewers throughout the wee. That is up 11% from its season-to-date numbers and it makes the crossover/tornado episodes its third most-watched week for the soap since Beyond the Gates premiered back on February 24, 2025.

Photo: CBS
A GENOA CITY TOUCHDOWN
With the strength of the story, its special effects and bringing over cast of the top-rated, The Young and the Restless which included: Eric Braeden (Victor Newman), Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott), Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott), Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins), Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman) and Bryton James (Devon Hamilton), the Thursday, June 11 episode was the week’s most-watched.
According to the numbers, the Wednesday June 10 episode brought in the most total viewers for the week with 1.87 million (up 17% week-to-week), followed closely by the Friday, June 12 episodes which had 1.84 million watching.

Photo: JPI
Over on The Young and the Restless, the week of June 8-12, also saw an increase based on the early return that week of Shemar Moore as Malcolm Winters wrapping up his leg of the story where viewers learned he had a son Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) with Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox), and survived his bone marrow transplant surgery thanks to Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn).
Y&R scored 3.11 million viewers for the week up 2% from its season average with the June 8 and June 9 episodes featuring Moore averaging 3.2 million viewers and up 9% year-over-year.
So, did you enjoy the tornado episodes of Beyond the Gates and seeing the residents of Genoa City crossover to Fairmont Crest? Share your thoughts via the comment section on the latest ratings for the two CBS daytime soaps.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?

Last week, viewers of CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates watched as a tornado ripped through Fairmont Crest. In its wake, people were trapped with one another or seriously injured.
For Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), she found herself stuck in an elevator with her ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). And wouldn’t you know, one thing led to another, and the two gave into their unresolved feelings for one another and did the deed.
Meanwhile, Dani’s current husband, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) suffered a minor injury to his leg, and was worried sick in the ballroom because he had no idea where Dani was after the twister decimated the place. Eventually, Dani and Bill part ways go back to their families and act like nothing happened.

Photo: CBS
When Dani is reunited with Andre, he professes his love for her even more than ever. As for Bill’s current wife Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings), she could care less because she was making out with Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor, Y&R) in a closet at the country club!
THE TORNADO MAY HAVE CHANGED DANI’S HEART
For months, Beyond the Gates viewers have found themselves torn; rooting for Dani and Bill to get over themselves and get back together, or rooting for Dani and Andre, because its clear he truly loves her, even though their marriage may not have started out as the greatest love affair of all time.
Karla Mosley opened up to PEOPLE on Dani’s romance plight and who the writers of the soap might ultimately pair her with, expressing “I cannot say. I honestly have no idea.”
As it seems now, this triangle of Andre/Dani/Bill is about to heat up even more following Dani’s elevator exploits. However, according to Mosley, the popularity of Dani and Andre came as surprise to the writers, which has led to the romantic drama. “The writers did not think Dani and Andre were gonna pop off the way that they did,” explained Karla. “Originally, they thought Bill and Dani would be back together by the end of season one. And then it was like, ‘wait, what is happening?’”

Photo: CBS
WRITERS ARE TAKING THE PULSE OF THE FANS
The decision to not have Dani and Bill reunite within season 1 or half-way though season 2, Mosley shares is a sign of the times: “The old soap trope is the torn woman who goes back to her man. But I think there are enough women now who are like, I want to see her win.”
In the end, Karla believes that in this case, fans speaking up, can also translate to the writers room and influence their potential decision of who should be the ultimate man for Dani. She tells Beyond the Gates viewers, “Keep talking about it, y’all.”
Meanwhile, questions remain: Could Dani and Bill’s elevator sex find her pregnant with his child, which would make this whole situation more messy? Stay tuned.
Now, let us know, who do you want to see Dani ultimately with … Bill Hamilton or Andre Richardson? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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