Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES: Tamara Tunie Calls Soap ‘A Disruptor’ of Daytime TV; Karla Mosley Shares How Writers Room is Structured for Authenticity
Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Beyond the Gates stars: Tamara Tunie, Karla Mosley, and series executive producer Sheila Ducksworth appeared on a panel for Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana. Moderated by Crystal Renee Haylsett, the cast members of the first hour-long Black-led soap opera spoke on a myriad of topics of what makes this show so unique from top to bottom.
Tamara Tunie, who plays matriarch Anita Dupree shared, “The beauty of our show is yes, the central family is African American, which is the first time in the history of daytime television, What you may not be aware of that behind the scenes, what we call below the line in Hollywood language, is predominantly African American as well. Our hair department is completely African American, our make up department is predominantly African American, our wardrobe department is completely African American, most of our crew, I would say 75% of our crew and people in production department are African American.”
In the conclusion of her answer, and getting a round of applause from the attendees, Tunie exclaimed, “So, this is the first time in the history of television that an hour long daytime drama has that kind of representation overall, in all of the departments, and that is what makes it unique and special, and a disrupter if you will. We have disrupted daytime television y’all.”
Photo: EssenceFest
Karla Mosley spoke to the storytelling structure of the show to represent authenticity and for checks and balance for its characters, in a genre that has been up to this point, and for decades, been primarily led by a caucasian writing team.
The daytime veteran, who previously appeared on Guiding Light and The Bold and the Beautiful, explained, “I think the way that soap opera writers rooms work is really interesting. So there’s Michele Val Jean (head writer and creator, Beyond the Gates), and she has an assistant, and they come up with all the story. Then they send that on to five outline writers, and then those outline writers write all the outlines. Then, those outliners send it to five writers who write all the words. Then, Shelia and her team read all of it and make sure that it all makes sense. Then it comes to us, and we might say, ‘wait, I said this in a script yesterday, but then I’m contradicting myself today.’ So, there’s all of these levels of collaboration that help us to keep that authenticity and make sure that the story makes sense and feels real.”
Photo: CBS
The official series description for Beyond the Gates shares, “Set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States; a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.“
Beyond The Gates airs weekdays 2pm ET/1pm PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+
So, do you think Beyond the Gates is doing a good job of being the “disruptor” of daytime television with its representation, plus mixed ethnic cast? Do you like how some of the stories push some boundaries of soap storytelling for its viewers? What do you think about how the writers room is structured? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
🗣️ WE HAVE DISRUPTED DAYTIME TELEVISION‼️ #BeyondTheGates pic.twitter.com/QxSimKhZ9V
— 🖤JustAtvFanatic🖤 (@_Deitraaaa) July 4, 2025
When a show trots out its main players to pimp or market the show, don’t believe all the hype.
But every show does that, given the chance. PR is part of the game, and every show plays it. I’d recommend looking at PR with a healthy dose of skepticism, regardless of whether it comes from an actor, a suit, a producer, or whoever. It’s PR, after all.
That said, most of what Tamara Tunie says is pretty hard to argue with–at least the part that’s factual rather than opinion. She may not be absolutely right that BTG is the first soap to feature an African American central family; I didn’t watch Generations, but I did think its central family was Black. So she might be a little off there (though the essence of what she says holds up: it could be the second show with an African American main family rather than the first, but in any case it’s a rarity). The predominantly African American group behind the scenes, however, is definitely a first for soaps; it’s been a complaint for years that although the genre has a substantial Black audience, the backstage folks are overwhelmingly White. When it comes to the opinion part of what she says, I can’t comment (for lack of informed perspective) on how disruptive all of that is, but she certainly seems to have solid reasons for saying so.
Jarrod, I believe the hype. I’ve been watching since it started airing back on February24, 2025 and will continue to watch the show.
She’s not off. Generations had a central black family but the show also had a central white family. Beyond The Gates is not centered around a white family at all, only white characters. There’s a difference. Generations wasn’t a “black” soap, it was fully integrated.
Still no one is watching
It’s doing pretty well in the ratings, actually, especially for a new soap.
(Unless what you mean is that nobody’s watching because basically not many people watch any of the soaps anymore, compared with say the 1980s–in which case, well, yeah, there’s that.)
Excuse me Dottie, I’m watching! It’s a fantastic show and is receiving rave reviews across multiple media platforms. I’m guessing you’re a part of Aryan Nation, which is a very racist group in this country. I haven’t missed an episode since it started airing back in February of this year!!
I’m glad youre enjoying it but no one else is
We didn’t know you spoke for everyone else in the viewing public! Just because you don’t care for something, doesn’t mean others don’t like it. Criticism is fine – but be specific about what you don’t like.
No one. No hay alguien. Nada. Ne personne pas.
Did you take a survey? Maybe you should hang out with the poster who yearns for Dex’s return to GH.
No, I am too, Dottie–far more than any of the other soaps at the moment, in fact (well, I’m not watching DAYS because I don’t have Peacock, so I can’t comment on that one).
No one
Tamara Tunie is absolutely right!!!
They seem to be trying too hard to convince us they’re something different. But to me it’s just a typical soap with more black faces. I like the show and have added it to my viewing of DOOL, GH and Y&R, but it ain’t the Second Coming. I think the repeats last week were a mistake. I didn’t watch them again.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
CBS daytime dramas, Beyond the Gates and The Young and the Restless go head-to-head when two featured cast members from each show compete on the syndicated game show, Flip Side for its season 3 premiere.
Hosted by Jaleel White (best known as Steve Urkel from Family Matters) and filmed near Atlanta, Georgia, daytime drama fans should circle Monday, September 14th when you can catch: representing Team BTG, Colby Nixon (Kat Richardson) and RhonniRose Mantilla (Chelsea Hamilton), and Representing Team Y&R, Bryton James (Devon Hamilton) and Lily Winters (Christel Khalil).
In the upcoming soap opera showdown, the competing teams will win prize money for the charities of their choosing, when White tests both teams on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic, and to see which team will make it to the final round.
Photo: CBS
Flip Side’s loglines shares that it’s “an original, laugh out-loud survey-based game show that pits two teams of contestants against each other, testing them on how they think opposite groups of people feel about the same topic. The teams compete for a shot at $10,000 by guessing the top answers based on anonymous surveys – which can be provocative, surprising, and often humorous. Throughout each episode, host Jaleel White brings a fun and comedic energy to the show while also guiding the contestants through the questions.”
Season three leans deeper into exploring relationships, dating, social behaviors and everyday life situations that viewers can relate to. Season three also features multiple celebrity episodes benefiting charity kicking off with the CBS soap showdown.
In addition to airing Monday to Friday in syndication on stations across the country, Flip Side has a second run on Game Show Network. So, check your local listings for times in your area, or catch Flip Side on GSN.
So, who do you think wins the soap opera showdown between BTG’s Colby and RhonniRose vs. Y&R’s Bryton and Christel? Make your picks in the comment section. But first, check out a bit of the action from the episode below.
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Beyond the Gates
CBS Announces Fall Preview and Season Premieres for ‘Beyond the Gates’ ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’
CBS announced on Thursday, September 10, their fall storyline previews, season premiere dates and broadcast milestones for its daytime line-up which has held the top spot as the highest-rated network in daytime for 40 consecutive seasons.
The line-up includes daytime dramas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, plus gams shows, The Price is Right which continues to be the #1 show on daytime television and Let’s Make a Deal.
Coming up, B&B celebrates its 40th anniversary, Drew Carey marks 20 years as host of daytime’s The Price is Right, while Beyond the Gates will kick-off their 3rd season in December and Y&R continues its dominance at the number #1 daytime drama and the most nominated soap going into the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30. Here’s what to look for this fall below!
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
CBS’ longest-running scripted series and 2026’s most Daytime Emmy Award-nominated series continues with its 54th season on Thursday, October. 8, and its 37th season as Daytime’s #1 drama on the broadcast television season.
Look for: Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) to stop at nothing to protect his family, taking decisive control of the situation with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) while refusing to allow anything to threaten Nick’s (Joshua Morrow) sobriety. Victor presents Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) with an intriguing business opportunity that could serve as an ulterior motive to cause havoc for his nemesis, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman). Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) finally scores a win, but her victory forces her to decide who she truly wants in her life.
In addition, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) and Kyle (Michael Mealor) go to great lengths to keep their casual affair a secret. Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) supports Nate (Sean Dominic) as he pursues a return to medicine. Lily (Christel Khalil) and Cane (Billy Flynn) mix business with pleasure when they team up to fight Billy’s (Jason Thompson) attempt to gain control of Chancellor Industries. With their wedding fast approaching, Billy has little time to give Sally (Courtney Hope) the support she needs, and the pressure is mounting.
In addition, Michael Fairman TV has learned stories and scripts under Y&R’s new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, begin to air on November 11.
Y&R is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (12:30-1:30 PM, ET/11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. The show is produced by Sony Pictures Television Presentation in association with Bell Dramatic Serial Co. and Corday Production, Inc. Sally McDonald is the executive producer. Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are co-head writers.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
The most-watched daily drama in the world kicked off its landmark 40th season this past Tuesday, September 8 on CBS.
In story, a fierce battle between sisters Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) and Katie (Heather Tom) is underway, shaking up the Los Angeles fashion industry as Katie’s rising House of Logan takes on Brooke and the mighty Forrester Creations. For the first time ever, the Forresters must navigate mounting financial concerns while the younger generation – Electra (Laneya Grace) and R.J. (Brayan Nicoletti) – rally to help save the family legacy.
Meanwhile, Will (Crew Morrow) and Dylan (Sydney Bullock) grow closer, but the arrival of Dylan’s mother, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan), adds new complications to their relationship as Katie goes on the offensive to help protect her son. Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) must also grapple with the secret born from one unexpected night together, threatening to upend their respective marriages with Finn (Tanner Novlan) and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire).
With secrets, rivalries and family loyalties colliding, the drama builds toward a shocking twist in celebration of the series’ 40th anniversary in March 2027.
B&B is broadcast on weekdays on CBS (1:30-2:00 PM, ET/12:30-1:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. A Bell-Phillip Television production, Bradley Bell is the executive producer and head writer. Casey Kasprzyk also serves as executive producer.
BEYOND THE GATES
CBS’S newest daytime soap strides into fall packed with drama as the hit Daytime Emmy-nominated series continues its second season, with season three beginning Tuesday, December 29.
In story, the Duprees, their friends and foes will wade through a flood of fresh tests and triumphs. While some wrestle rivals old and new, others will fight for their livelihoods … and their lives. Anita (Tamara Tunie) hits a bump in the road on the way to The Articulette’s revival, while Vernon (Clifton Davis) takes charge when he gets news that dredges up the past. Dani (Karla Mosley) and Andre’s (Sean Freeman) marriage meets turbulence when mounting tensions with Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Hayley (Marquita Goings) pull Dani deeper into her ex’s life.
Elsewhere, Martin (Brandon Claybon) defends his family when Smitty (Mike Manning) is dealt a devastating public blow that puts Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) and Jacob (Jibre Hordges) on opposing sides. As some relationships are strained, others are heating up. Sabotage can’t get in the way of Ted (Keith D. Robinson) and Shanice’s (Ernestine Johnson) love as they take things to the next level.
Meanwhile, Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix) is ready for more with Kial (Greg Vaughan). Madison (Kenjah) is a rock to Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) when she and Kat (Colby Muhammad) can’t escape scandal and Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) and Joey’s (Jon Lindstrom) love life fuels the fire with her daughter Deanna (Angela Fairley). As tensions simmer behind closed doors, a greater threat looms that could flip the entire community on its head.
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**. 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. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Drew Carey will “Come on Down!” for his 20th season as the host of the ever-popular game show and the longest consecutively one in television history. The Emmy Award-winning series returns for its 55th season beginning Monday, September. 21.
This season, Wednesdays are getting even more exciting with “Wild Wheel Wednesday.” During the Showcase Showdown, contestants will have the chance to win not only over $100,000, but also a special prize chosen by Drew, making every spin of the Big Wheel even more thrilling. Themed episodes this season include Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Earth Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pet Adoption Week, Pride, Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Week. Returning this season are announcer George Gray and fan-favorite models Rachel Reynolds, Manuela Arbeláez, Amber Lancaster, James O’Halloran, Devin Goda and Alexis Gaube.
The Price is Right is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (11:00 AM-12:00 PM, ET/10:00-11:00 AM, PT)
LET’S MAKE A DEAL
Emmy Award-winning host Wayne Brady brings more deals, big prizes and surprises when the 18th season of the game show when it returns on Monday, September. 21.
The season premiere includes a brand-new game, “Cash Course,” a ball-rolling obstacle course where Traders line up green and gold balls on a custom-designed course for a guaranteed chance to win big cash, with the opportunity to take home a grand prize of $10,000 – but look out for the spinning duck, stone toad and the octopus!
This season also marks a major milestone with the show celebrating its 3,000th episode with Brady as host. The milestone will be commemorated with a special episode airing in January 2027. Returning this season are announcer Jonathan Mangum, model Tiffany Coyne and musician Cat Gray, who all bring their signature blend of improv comedy, music, iconic games and, of course, those infamous Zonks.
Let’s Make a Deal is produced by Fremantle and broadcast on weekdays on CBS (check local listings) and is available to stream on Paramount+**
**(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.
So, which CBS soap opera’s fall preview has you most intrigued? Happy to know that shortly Y&R will begin to air episodes from new head writers Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Conner? Let us know via the comment section below.
Shanice Johnson’s (Ernestine Morrison) brothers are coming to Fairmont Crest next week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates. Be on the lookout for Denzell Dandridge to make his debut as Lamont Johnson and Khiry Walker to debut n the role of Cedric Johnson on the Tuesday, September 8 episode.
In a video preview, Lamont and Cedric make quite a first impression on Dr. Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson), who are not so keen on the guy, who is dating their sister. Can Ted get Shanice’s siblings to have a change of heart about him? Stay tuned.
If Khiry Walker looks familiar, he has appeared in numerous television series, films and stage plays including Law & Order: Organized Crime and The Chair Company. Denzell Dandridge has also appeared across film and television projects including: Street Code Broken, Coming of Age, itfactor and The Dirty D. Dandridge. In a fun fact, Denzell is actually the great-nephew of acclaimed and groundbreaking actress, Dorothy Dandridge.
In addition, Denzell Dandridge shared on his Instagram about his casting on the CBS soap opera, “All the long nights on set. Countless auditions. Thousands of No’s. But here it is… we finally got our YES.”
Since its inception, Beyond the Gates has focused on the stories of the Dupree and Richardson families, and now with the Johnson family coming into the picture, the series has a chance to expand more characters familial background and back-story to propel future storylines.
Beyond the Gates received 15 Daytime Emmy nominations at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday night, October 30. The soap opera made Daytime Emmy history by racking up the highest nomination tally for its first time in the competition.
Now below, check out a preview for next week on Beyond the Gates which gives you a first look at Denzell Dandridge and Khiry Walker as Shanice’s brother. Do you hope the writers delve into the siblings story, or do you think they will just be in town to support their sister? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
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