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BEYOND THE GATES: Tamara Tunie Calls Soap ‘A Disruptor’ of Daytime TV; Karla Mosley Shares How Writers Room is Structured for Authenticity

By Michael Fairman

Published

1 year ago

on

Photos: CBS

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.

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When a show trots out its main players to pimp or market the show, don’t believe all the hype.

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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.

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Jarrod, I believe the hype. I’ve been watching since it started airing back on February24, 2025 and will continue to watch the show.

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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.

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Still no one is watching

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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.)

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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!!

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I’m glad youre enjoying it but no one else is

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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.

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No one. No hay alguien. Nada. Ne personne pas.

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Did you take a survey? Maybe you should hang out with the poster who yearns for Dex’s return to GH.

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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).

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No one

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Tamara Tunie is absolutely right!!!

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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.

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Beyond the Gates

Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

Published

2 days ago

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October 21, 2026

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Kandi Burress, Tabitha Brown, Karla Mosley

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.

In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a “Welcome to Your Life” television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.

Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

Beyond the Gates

PhotoL JPI

THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA

Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most, “Tia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.”

However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. “She’s spicy,” shared the recording artist. “I always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.”

Beyond the Gates 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.

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+**.

So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

Published

3 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

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While Bradley “Smitty: Smith finds himself currently in a whole heap of trouble on Beyond the Gates, his portrayer Mike Manning is getting set for the upcoming 53rd Daytime Emmy Awards where he finds himself nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

A previous two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Manning will visit You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Wednesday, October 21 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

This year, Beyond the Gates broke records becoming a 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated seres, a first in Daytime Emmy history for a new show entering the competition for the first time. Manning will discuss being part of the groundbreaking soap.

Smitty

Photo: CBS

MIKE MANNING’S UPCOMING PROJECTS

While Manning has his series regular role on Beyond the Gates he is also involved in a myriad of other projects including: his role opposite Nicolas Cage in the film, Madden and the upcoming Anthony Hopkins starring motion picture, Eyes in the Tree, which Manning is featured and also produced.

LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY

Mike first gained nation attention back on MTV’s The Real World D.C., now almost 17 years ago, when he came out on the reality series, which served as an example of early LGBTQ+ representation, leading to thousands of letters from viewers who felt connected to, or felt represented by his journey. Through his advocacy, Manning has served as a youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying, and environmental protection.

Daytime fans first met Manning as uber-bad guy Charlie Dale on Days of our Lives (2020-2o22) and later for his Emmy-winning role as Caleb McKinnon on The Bay.

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, viewers will see the pick-up after Smitty has been framed for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, after being in possession of incriminating pills linked to her death, that were seemingly planted at his home. 

If you have a question for Mike, but cannot be with us in the live chat, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on the broadcast.

So, how do you think Smitty will get out of the charges against him? Rooting for Mike at the Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

Published

5 days ago

on

October 17, 2026

By

Marquita Goings

After her star turn in recent episodes of Beyond the Gates, soap opera’s latest vixen Hayley Lawson Hamilton played by Marquita Goings has grabbed viewers attention just waiting to see what stunt she’ll pull next!

Now, Marquita Goings will visit the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT and you can join us with your questions!

Previously in story, Hayley has racked up some pretty despicable acts and crimes thus far which have included, trying to poison and kill Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) for his life insurance in order to cash in and hightail it out of Fairmont Crest with the moolah.

Photo: CBS

Then, let’s not forget using the recordings she obtained to blackmail everyone with the the secret that Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) have been trying to keep under wraps about the hate crime years ago, which saw Martin kill one man, while another later died, in an effort to save his grandfather.

NEXT WEEK ON BEYOND THE GATES

Now, the week of October 19-23 previews that it appears that Hayley may be pregnant (take a look at the video preview below) with Bill’s child when she gets a little queasy, after she went to see her partner in crime, Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) to get a fresh ID to skip out of town and away from the DMV.

In fact, on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, official BTG spoilers indicate, Vernon assures Dani (Karla Mosley) that he’s got things handled, while Hayley’s ready for her next act, while on the Friday, October 23 episode, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) has devastating words for Hayley and Bill’s got another thing coming.

If you have a question for Marquita but cannot join us for the live broadcast, drop it in the comment section and we just might ask it during the chat.

Now let us know, do you think Hayley will be pregnant? How will she continue to evade any prison time? What has been your favorite scene of Marquita Goings on Beyond the Gates thus far? Comment below.

 

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