Connect with us

Beyond the Gates

12

Bob Guza and Julie Hanan Carruthers Named Executive Producers of ‘The Gates’ Joining Michele Val Jean

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photos: JPI and ABC

There is finally some intel on the highly anticipated and highly guarded upcoming new daytime soap opera, The Gates.

Former General Hospital head writer, Bob Guza Jr., and former All My Children EP, Julie Hanan Carruthers are reportedly joining Michele Val Jean as executive producers of the show as first revealed by Soap Hub.

While Michele Val Jean is The Gates showrunner and creator, she is also joined by previously named executive producers, Sheila Duckworth, Kimberly Doebereiner, Leon T. Russell and Derrick Johnson. The Gates is set to premiere in January of 2025 on CBS.  At the epicenter of the story is a wealthy Black family who live in an upscale gated community.

Photo: CBS

Daytime soap fans know Guza as the longtime head writer for General Hospital spanning 15 years by himself or as a co head-scribe. He began his Port Charles journey in March of 1996 and became head writer for the first time from December 1997 to December 2000.

Eventually, Bob returned to the series in June of 20o2 along with Chuck Pratt Jr. During an almost four-year run, the duo crafted the lives of the citizens of Port Charles. Chuck and Bob steered GH’s storylines until March 2006, when Guza became the sole head writer, once again.

In 2007, Bob’s wife, the late Meg Bennett, would co-write GH alongside of him. Then, in 2008, Guza left and returned to his head writing duties solo following the conclusion of the writer’s strike. He remained with the General Hospital till 2011. Guza has won three Daytime Emmys for writing General Hospital, one for his work as a script writer on Santa Barbara and four as a consulting producer for GH.

Photo: JPI

As for Julie Carruthers, she began her soap career in various production jobs on Santa Barbara from 1984-1990. In 1994, Julie came to GH and worked her way up to senior supervising producer. She exited to become the executive producer of the now defunct, Port Charles.

After the half-hour GH spinoff was canceled in 2003, she was named the EP for All My Children, and was with your favorites from Pine Valley until its conclusion in September of 2011. Julie has been nominated for five Daytime Emmys throughout her career.

So, what do you think about an EP soap team that includes: Bob Guza, Julie Hanan Carruthers and Michele Val Jean? Does it make you more excited for the debut of  ‘The Gates’? Comment below.

12 Comments

12 Comments
oldest
newest

I am weary of Bob Guza, but look forward to seeing Julie Hanan Carruthers’ return. Semi disappointed it isn’t someone like Wendy Riche who has some rich history. But, overall, it’s nice seeing this soap moving in the right direction. I just wonder where in Atlanta it will shoot. I have been hinting at Tyler Perry Studios, albeit with some production quality changes, but we’ll see what happens!!!

I sm hopeful for classy storytelling, romance and suspense. Less reliance on tired tropes. CBS should be commended for this project.

was excited till I saw the name Bob Guza

me too. His years at GH were dreadful.

Just curios but has a soap ever had this many executive producers? I think the most I might have seen is two, if that. The Gates seems to have four or five. Any particular reason why they would have or need so many? Is it because it will film in Atlanta and you need some there & some in Los Angeles?

Typically, daytime soaps only have one production company, either produced in-house like most of the ABC soaps or by outside production studios like the CBS & NBC soaps. “The Gates” will have three production companies: CBS Studios, P&G and NAACP.

It seems like most of the credited EPs likely won’t be too hands on. For example, Derrick Johnson is president of the NAACP while Leon Russell is chair of the NAACP board of directors. Sheila Duckworth leads the CBS Studios/NAACP joint venture that resulted in the creation of “The Gates”. Kimberly Doebereiner is head of P&G Studios.

Val Jean, Guza and Hanan Carruthers will likely be the ones responsible for the day-to-day running of the soap. Guza and Hanan Carruthers were probably brought on board because Val Jean (and the other credited EPs) don’t have experience being an EP on a daytime soap.

Wouldn’t get too excited about Carruthers either. At AMC, she was responsible for storylines that lead to a ratings nosedive and cancellation. Think Dixie’s poisoned pancakes, Erica’s unabortion, and killing off Stuart.

ABC spent a lot of money to move the show to LA. I’m just a few years, the ratings were well below OLTL making Frons decision to cut both shows easier to explain.

poisoned pancake debacle was truly awful.

Robert Guza, Jr joined GH long before 1996. He first joined the show in 1982 under Anne Howard Bailey and continued from 1985-1986 under the legendary Pat Falken Smith.

Naturally, a Black EP with a cultural competence for the storytelling wouldn’t be hired. These choices don’t exactly inspire confidence in turning a page for the genre; they’re from the old guard and may not appreciate real innovation. It’s a symptom of not cultivating new talents behind the scenes, for many years. Add constraints of the censors and time slot, then we’re back to the same formula. The preferred talking point for this show is that the Black characters are wealthy, which isn’t new, rather than a fresh take on how to do soaps.

Totally agree

I’d like to see diverse, younger and fresher writers/EPs for this groundbreaking series. If this centers around a wealthy black family, I hope they have black writers to add authenticity to the scripts/storylines. Just my opinion.

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

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Beyond the Gates

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Beyond the Gates

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

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

12
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x