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.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards are in the record books, and after the winners names were announced many of your favorite soap stars took their new gold statuette and then posed for photos at the Winners Walk.
For the first time in her career, Tamara Tunie won a Daytime Emmy, and for her leading role as Anita Dupree Williams, the matriarch of the Dupree family on CBS’ Beyond the Gates.
Tunie became the second actress in history to win for the newest soap in the competition, after Ambyr Michelle won earlier in the evening and became the first performer in the series history to win gold. Michelle won in the Outstanding Emerging Talent category.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
EMOTIONS RAN HIGH
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series went to The Bold and the Beautiful’s Scott Clifton, who won his fourth Emmy overall and second in Lead for his touching performances as Liam Spencer during Liam’s medical crisis storyline for an inoperable brain tumor, which turned out to be a ruse.
During his acceptance speech, Clifton shared, “This means so much to me, not the thing, the attaboy from my peers. I can think of few things that bring me more joy than that.”
Speaking on his fellow nominees which included the likes of Y&R’s Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) and GH’s Steve Burton, (Jason Morgan) Clifton said, “I am in awe of all of you, and you’ve taught me so much. It was a really hard year, and you made me invincible. You are my existential oxygen tank. And I don’t know what I would do without you. I love you, and I am grateful to you.
DECADES BETWEEN
In the Outstanding Supporting Actor and Actress categories, two longtime names synonymous with daytime drama, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, Y&R) and Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, Y&R) won their second Emmys in their career. Roger 32 years after his last Emmy playing Todd Manning on One Life to Live in 1994, and Beth Maitland for winning 41 years after becoming Y&R’s first performer to win Emmy gold back in 1985.
General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini and his producing team took home the gold for the sixth year in a row for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series for the ABC soap. He later shared a moment with Scott Clifton, who started his daytime career as Dillon Quartermaine on GH.
During the ceremonies, the iconic Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) was presented with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband actor and director, Jonathan Frakes. After Francis received the award she posed for some snaps for the photographers in attendance.
Take a look at the photos below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates‘ Ambyr Michelle with the well-deserved gold!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
Y&R’s Beth Maitland winning 41 years after her first Supporting Actress victory for the moral center of the Abbott family, Traci Abbott.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Genie Francis proud of receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions and performances as Laura on GH.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Mandi Line, the costume designer for The Young and the Restless, took home the gold in the costume category.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini, sharing a backstage moment with former GH star and now four-time Daytime Emmy winner from The Bold and the Beautiful‘s Scott Clifton.
So, who were you thrilled to see win a Daytime Emmy from those who appeared in the Winners Walk after their big wins last night at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards have just concluded on Friday night, October 30, and it was ABC’s General Hospital who took home the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series for the sixth time in row. Executive Producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of the show.
Beyond the Gates scored its first two acting honors in the young history of the show. Veteran actress, Tamara Tunie won her first ever Emmy for Lead Actress a Daytime Drama Series for her performances as Anita Dupree, while Ambyr Michelle took home the gold in the Emerging Talent category.
Scott Clifton won his fourth Daytime Emmy overall, and second Lead Actor Emmy for his heart-tugging performance as Liam Spencer, who believed he was battling an inoperable brain tumor, only for it to turn out to be medical ruse to bilk Liam’s father out of $1 million dollars.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
DECADES BETWEEN BETH MAITLAND AND ROGER HOWARTH LAST EMMY WIN
In the Supporting Actor and Actress categories, Daytime Emmy history was made with Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless) winning her second Emmy 41 years since she won her first won, and Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) following suit for the men with his coming 32 years after he won in 1994 for One Life to Live.
Courtesy/NATASYouTube
Jeff Kober picked up his second Daytime Emmy win for his role as Cyrus Renault on General Hospital in the Outstanding Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series category. He previously won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role in 2022, following a nomination in the same category in 2021.
The Kelly Clarkson Show, meanwhile, won Outstanding Daytime Talk Series it its final year, while Sherri Shepherd won for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host after finding out her talker had been canceled after four seasons.
Photo: NATAS/YouTube
THINK OF LAURA
General Hospital star Genie Francis (Laura) received the Lifetime Achievement Award and shared from the stage, “I know 50 years sounds like an awfully long time, but it doesn’t feel like that to me,” she said. “As they say, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Overall, General Hospital, Beyond the Gates and The Kelly Clarkson Show received the most gold statuettes for the night with four wins apiece.
Here’s a look at the honor roll for tonight’s big winners below:
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer, The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor
Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, The Young and the Restless)
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas, Beyond the Gates)
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jeff Kober (Cyrus Renault, General Hospital)
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing in a Daytime Drama Series
Days of our Lives
Outstanding Talk Series
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Outstanding Talk Series Host
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling for a Daytime Program
The Young and the Restless (Episode 13273)
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, The Kelly Clarkson Show
So, who were you happy to see win a Daytime Emmy on tonight’s 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Do you think the right show and actors took home the gold? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section. In case you missed it, you can watch the replay of tonight’s livestream of the Daytime Emmy ceremony below.
Beyond the Gates
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Tonight at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the top prize is Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. This year four soaps are in the running, will the best show take home the gold? Now it’s your turn to let us know your pick!
Going into the night’s festivities, The Young and the Restless leads all nominations this year with 18. Meanwhile, the upstart Beyond the Gates, in its first Daytime Emmy appearance in its history received a record 15 nominations for a first time entry into the Emmy competition.
Then, there is General Hospital who could win its sixth Daytime Emmy in a row for Outstanding Daytime Drama series and its 19th overall. Will they continue the streak?
Meanwhile, Days of our Lives looks to prove just because they are on Peacock and not on network television that they continue to be relevant, especially in a year where we learned Ryan Gosling and John Oliver where big fans of the show.
To watch the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards live, you can catch it on the NATAS/Emmy official You Tube channel here beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
Now it’s your turn! Take the Michael Fairman TV poll below and then let us know in the comment section, which show you are rooting for tonight to take home the gold statuette?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Walk (Photos)
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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
Who Should Win Outstanding Daytime Drama at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
Who Should Win Outstanding Lead Actress at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards? (Poll)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners: ‘General Hospital’ Takes Drama Series, Tamara Tunie and Scott Clifton Top Acting Honors
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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‘General Hospital’s Wil Traval Revealed to Be Jude Jacks; the Son of the Nefarious Jerry Jacks
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