Beyond the Gates
Michele Val Jean Gives Update on New CBS Soap ‘The Gates’, “People are Boarding and Taking Seats!” Who Might Be in the Cast?
Excitement continues to build for the launch of the first new network soap opera in 25 years, as The Gates gets set for its January 2025 debut. As previously announced, longtime soap opera writer, Michele Van Jean created the series and will server as writer, showrunner, and as one of the EP’s of the new CBS soap.
While speculation runs high as to who is joining Michele’s team behind the scenes and who will be in the cast, on Saturday, she shared a message on x with an update expressing “The train is in the station, people are boarding and taking seats! #ittakesavillagetobuildaworld #excited #TheGates“
That post certainly piqued soap opera fans minds, all waiting to hear who could be in the cast? Will it be actors from the world of soaps previously? Will a previous TV and film star be featured as one of the leads? What we do now is The Gates is centered around a wealthy Black family who lives in a luxurious gated community.

Photo: CBS
One fan commented to Val Jean: “In addition to all of the great Black daytime vets (Debbi Morgan, Darnell Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Victoria Rowell, etc.), I *really* hope you pick up both Micheal Easton & Trevor St. John. I’d love to see them on The Gates!”
Behind the scenes Val Jean is joined by Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner who also serve as executive producers. The Gates was developed through a joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP. The series will be produced by CBS Studios/NAACP venture in partnership with P&G Studios, which is a division of Procter & Gamble.
As for Val Jean, she is well-known for her work as a writer for both The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital and she has won multiple Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards.
So, who would you love to see cast in ‘The Gates]? Not much is known publicly about the characters within the upcoming new soap, but serve as our armchair casting quarterback in the comment section below and let us know which actors you would love to see it it.
It’s been mentioned multiple times that there is a possibility of bringing legendary soap actor Vincent Irizarry to this exciting new show and I couldn’t agree with this more. He has a huge fan base who miss seeing him daily on their screens and he would surely add to the appeal of this show as a regular:
I wholeheartedly concur Vincent would be a fantastic edition to the cast!!
I wholeheartedly concur! Vincent would make a fantastic edition to this epic show ! bar none ❤️
If there is a role available for Vincent Irizarry, I would love to see him on a soap again. He is missed. I would also love to see Debbi Morgan and Victoria Rowell back in action on the soaps as well.
Maybe LATER on this NEW ‘Soap Opera’…But PRESENTLY, We want VICTORIA ROWELL TO RETURN to Young & Restless as DRUCILLA and have her STORYLINE closed out PROPERLY!!….
He is on another show with Jordi Vilauso, “The Blvd” .
He is on “The Blvd.” With Jordi Vilauso.
I didn’t know Vincent was black!
Love her enthusiasm. Mine is dampened by ANY mention of P&G. Back in the day those Exec’s loved to put their stamp on shows no matter how dumb and were famous for exiting writers and being show killers no matter how popular a show was. Nope. A wait and see well into the first year moment for me. These networks just can’t hire a good EP and HW and sit back and be hands off for the sake of a rating point.
I’d love to see Brytni Sarpy on The Gates. She was wasted on YR.
It’s nice that she’s posting but she’s still so vague about The Gates. At least, give us a date of who, what, where and why? LOL!!!!! I have always assumed it would shot in Los Angeles but then others have commented saying maybe it would be in Atlanta because it could be cheaper. I know a lot of people want a lot of old vets and old timers. I could see one or two being cast as the main characters but I’m thinking there are going to be a lot newbies. It’s probably cheaper. Time will tell.
Vincent Irizarry Would be perfect for The Gates! I miss him on my screen!! I have been a fan for 41 years and Vincent always delivers top notch performances Please bring him back to daytime and on your show!! Did I mention he’s an Emmy Winner?!!
I hope they Cast Debbi Morgan, Loretta Devine, Victoria Rowell, Darnell Williams and Patti Labelle. The Gates needs well known soap actors. I hope The Gates is a big hit, I will be watching in January.
PATTI LABELLE??!!??
They need to get Gina Tognoni on board, you had a hit show right a way!
Oh please she’s too busy designing shoes
Really, I don’t think so! lol
Gina Tognoni is not BLACK……This is a SOAP OPERA with a predominantly AFRICAN-AMERICAN CAST!….
Uhm it cannot be all black if so many want Vicent in it -he’s not black either
I don’t know how one could even think about an actor, until you know what sort of charactor they would play. I certainly wouldn’t watch one of my favorite stars play a mean, rotten person, etc.
Most actors welcome the chance to play different types of characters. They don’t want to play the same type their entire careers; nor do film or prime time actors, stage actors, etc. I watched Cillian Murphy, a fantastic Irish actor, go from playing one of the toughest mob bosses on a great show, Peaky Blinders, to playing a woman in a film called Breakfast on Pluto, and he was brilliant in each role! A good actor can play anything and we go along for the ride….
Thanks for enlightening me, something you are so good at!
Snarky much?
I think Violet is being appreciative, not snarkly
Gina Tognoni would be fantastic. I loved her work with Lawrence Saint-Victor on Guiding Light. It would be wonderful to see them work together again.
If Raven Bowens were to leave Days, I’d like to see her in it.
Amelia Marshall and Victoria Rowell for sure also Arianne Zucker Austin Peck and Sarah Buxton and whatever happened to Robert Keller Kelly they would all be great additions!
They need to change the name it sounds dumb.
I’m trying to figure how is where they live called The Gates or do they live litteraly behind Gates which is an exclusive neighborhood or compound? I also don’t care for the name. It sounds kind of depressing.
They told us in the beginning that it is about a RICH,BLACK familythat lives in a gated community. Where I live this is nothing rare or unheard of. It’s lots of apartments, townhouses, condos, etc where you have keys to enter, strangers don’t just drive in at will. I think that’s why the name, The Gates.
Something more snazzy and soapish is in order tho, not The Gates for goodness sake!
Please educate these people!
Vincent is perfect for “The Gates” .
He is EXCEPTIONAL! He gives justice to every role he has ever played. He convincingly portrays his characters , delivers with great precision.
Sounds like many of you don’t know that this is going to be a predominantly black cast.
Roger Howarth, Trevor St John, and Michael Eston would be great additions to the cast in my opinion.
I thought this was mostly a black cast? They should cast newcomers it would make it more interesting.
Jonelle Allen who played Doreen on Generations was incredible. I still think of her performances 35 years later.
So do I. She was dynamite.
This article was pointless. It was little more than a boring tease. “Oh, the EP is excited and things are progressing.” One would assume so. If the date for more information was given or a name of someone in the cast were given, then that would be worth the read. Please wait until there’s some REAL news on this new soap that we are anxious to see before another blip comes out.
We have favorites, yes, but I’d like a large part of the cast to be up and comers who don’t carry baggage from past roles and shows. And to gove audience fresh faces. This is so exciting.
Me too
I think Starr Jones should play as an attorney or a Judge.
Oh yeah, how about Steve Harvey, while we’re at it, he can be so funny.
Now you’re going over the edge with NONSENSE!!…
Oh for God’s sake, lighten up a little and actually my idea was not as crazy as some I’ve seen here.
This is supposed to be a serious, new soap opera about high society, upper echelon Blacks…NOT a show of BUFFOONERY!!!.…
And NeNe Leakes who is her boss and treats her like dirt ooh child I’d be glued to my TV.
Absolutely NO STARR JONES…That’s worse than the person who suggested SINGER Patti LaBelle should be in ‘The GATES’!!!(RIDICULOUS!)….
Thank you they put Starr Jones on there it won’t last 2 weeks
I can only imagine the comments if there was going to be a Jewish soap opera about a wealthy Jewish famil and their “gated” community. I can hear the antisemitism now…
There you go again. It’s not an us vs. them nor is it an either/or situation.
We understand the desire for representation, but any negativity towards this new show is unwarranted. Any new network soap opera in this day and age should be applauded.
Yeah; and I’m going to keep on about it as long as there’s no change. And many in this soap community who are so thrilled about this soap can’t even stand with me to say yeah, there should be at least ONE Jewish character! Instead I’ve been called racist.
Why do you think attitudes toward the black community has changed so much in decades? REPRESENTATION. Popular culture. Kids being brought up with black characters on film, TV, etc. If we don’t do that for the Jewish population, one of the smallest populations on the planet, the cycle of antisemitism will never end.
And “there you go again?” Why do you think black people got to the point they are today? Because they didn’t stay silent. They were sick of not seeing themselves represented. The problem for me is that this very group mocks me, instead of relating to, what I’m saying. They of all people should get it. So, no. I have no desire to support this soap. And won’t.
OG Stead, I think she’s just a troll at this point looking for attention. Representation in all forms is important to many of us. That includes Jewish representation. I doubt she is self-reflective enough to realize it’s not the message but the messenger that’s the problem.
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?

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!

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

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.

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

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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