Beyond the Gates
‘The Gates’ Currently Casting Four Characters: Who Would You Suggest for The Roles?
The soap world is looking forward to the debut of the first new daytime drama series in 25 years, when The Gates premieres on CBS in January of 2025. Casting is underway for the show, and according to a report from Soap Hub, four roles are looking for the right actors to help launch the series into success.
Production of The Gates is said to be based in Atlanta, Georgia, and not in Los Angeles where the other four core soaps: Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless are taped.
Former GH and B&B writer, Michele Val Jean created The Gates, and in story, the main core family is currently noted as “The Jacksons”, an affluent Black family that resides in a gated community that will be known as “Fairmont Estates.”
Photo: CBS
From the talented pool of actors that are Atlanta-based, to daytime favorites such as: Debbi Morgan (ex-Angie, AMC et al), Obba Babatundé (ex-Julius, B&B) and Viveca A. Fox (ex-Maya, Generations) it will be interesting to see who lands in the cast of the newest soap opera. Here is the breakdown of the characters the show is looking to cast:
Jessica, a Black female in her early 50s. She is high-achieving and competitive. Happy to reach the standards set by her parents, Jessica gives back with warmth, empathy, and compassion as a psychiatrist at Garland Memorial Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She is also described as being at “the top of society’s food chain.”
Betty, a Black female in her late 60s to 70s. She is a family matriarch. A famous singer, Betty did not find success easily. She is proud to have raised two daughters with her iconic retired Senator husband. While she’s a doting mother, Betty is not someone who should be crossed.
Sara, a Black female mid-late 40s. Sara is described as the “Jackson family wild child. Free-spirited, beautiful, headstrong, and uninhibited.” Sara dropped out of high school to pursue a modeling career. However, Joseph persuaded her to give it up to be a full-time mother and housewife. As often is the case, old habits die hard, and as infidelity rears its ugly head, so does revenge
Joseph, a Black male in his 50s. He is Sara’s ex-husband and a great criminal defense attorney. He is described as charismatic but also calculated. And those are the nice things that can be said about him!
So, what do you think about The Gates shooting in Atlanta? Any suggestions for daytime or primetime performers you think would be right for Jessica, Betty, Sara and Joseph? Put on your casting director hats and let us know in the comment section below.
These all seem like good candidates, especially Vivica A. Fox and Obba Babatunde, but do they intend on passing this 73 yr. Old off as a 50 something?
Hi great lady, Violet…I hope all is well…
The thing is..how do people find time to watch another soap lol..
I struggle to keep up with 2..
I doubt GenZ will be tuning in lol and the main soapers are the boomers..
I dunno, but the new soap looks to be good…
My most likely ohhno opinion is; I give it 3 years.. You??
Hey SuOOO, it’s been a while, how are you, staying busy I guess, by your comment on finding time to watch the Soaps. When I was very young, raising my family, it was an all day thing, right up ’till supper time, before I was finished watching the last one.Now, at 91, I can’t do much but sit and find fault with these darn Soaps today. Don’t know if I’ll be watching this new one, depends on who is in it.You stay well, we’ve got lots of worrisome times coming up, and need clear heads like yours.
Violet, Thank You! 🙂 …
You said ” supper ” .. And that gave me a warm hug..
I haven’t heard the word supper for a very long time-
My Grandma would tell me; Supper is near ready go wash up and tie your hair back, don’t want it hanging on the food..
And then always her big hug and I love you now go.
Just a word hugged me from grandma misted my eyes and it was awesome to hear- ” supper ” …
And- the new soap is daytime-tv and that alone is a defeat..
I have never seen any of the great old-time soap operas. I’d rather one of them be rerun than a new one. Which soap would you choose?
I would like to see the My Children one- I read many exciting great things, cliffhangers, about it…
Take care, I am ready to help conquer the worrisome times 🙂
SuOOO, thank YOU for your kind words and isn’t it funny how only one can bring back so many recollections? I grew up on the East Coast and alot of our ways compared to the South, I’ve found out. I have a friend from Alabama and their ways are a lot like ours were, back East.As they say, ” small world”. Living in Ca. took a lot of getting used to after 58 years, and guess what, I still mostly say supper.Can I be nosy and ask where you live in this great country and happy to hear you stand ready to help when needed. I have probably seen every Soap, day and nighttime ones, plus the really old ( like me) on the radio. I guess I’d have to say, my most favorite was Guiding Light, which ended in 2009, after 72 yrs. including radio and TV. Yes, AMC was also good, a lot of good actors that now grace our existing Soaps.
I love ” talking” to you, so let’s keep in touch, the best of everything to you, you sound like the kind of person I’d love to know.I better quit before Michael throws me off.
Obba can pass for 60 something so can de-age the character. Or they can make him look older by dyeing his hair gray
Gavin Houston 100%
Definitely boba for Joseph
Woulld love vivica fox and Deb Morgan but really want to see the return of Victoria Rowell
Obba is 73 yrs old, would they they really pass him off as someone in their 70’s? He doesn’t look THAT good!
I thought I typed 50’s.
I meant 50’s, typo.
Obba not boba
I, like many others, would love to see back on daytime in the lead role. I think the GH cast is too large and think Tanisha Harper (Jordan) would be a nice addition. The fans from GH always wanted Gavin Houston (Zeke) back on the show, but hasn’t been seen in months. Victoria Rowell would be a great return for daytime, but I want to see a different character from Drucilla.
Vanessa Williams
Game ON & Vanessa has the prestige to bringing awareness to The Gates
If Vanessa was EVER BROUGHT ON, Everybody would have to bring they’re A GAME, Vanessa doesn’t half ANYTHING
Jonelle Allen is 80 but it would be a dream come true to see her play Betty.
I totally agree. She looks younger than 80 and can totally pull it off. The only thing: she needs a more diva name than Betty.
Soaps are more apt to cast someone younger in the role rather than a performer older than the intended character. Hence soap moms that are 7 years older than their offspring.
Karla Mosley as Sara would be my choice.
I do wonder how many “names” versus unknowns they will go for with these initial hires? Everyone keeps listing all their favorites from 20 years ago. Most soaps cast younger and younger. I guess we’ll know in a few months. The taping in Atalanta is thinking outside the box and could probably tape on location. Although, the location doesn’t match where the show is set. They could also tap some former NYC actors who didn’t or couldn’t travel out West. Sounds exciting.
I would most likely to see lynn whitfeild, Tonya pinkins, lance gross, brytni sarpy, debbi morgan, tika stumper, Garcelle Beauvais, marc samuel, tajh bellow, woody McClain, nafessa williams, amber riley, boris kodjoe, Napiera Groves, mishael morgan, D.B. Woodside, Timothy Stickney, darnell williams, veronica redd, Chrysee Pharris, Ameila marshall, julia pace micthell, Aaron D. Spears, shemar moore, Taraji P henson, Lawrence st victor, Mykel shannon, sanaa lathan and so many more !!!!!
i would also like to see Crystal R Fox, Donnell Turner, Tyler lepley, henry simmons, Joseph c. phillips, jerrika hinton, raven godwin, eva marchille, peter parros, sherri saum, Daphnee Dulpaix, Sydney Mikayla, sean blakemore, texas battle, sal stowers, loren lott, charles michael davis, camille winbush, anna maria horsford, Gaborey sidibe, brook kerr, tanisha harper, Real andews, kiara barnes, david harewood, shari headley, lark voorhees, Reign edwards, boris kodjoe, angell conwell, Yaya DeCosta, Laurence Fishburne, Cassandra Creech, Diamond white, Vinessa Antonie, jon chaffin, jenifer lewis, dondre t whitfield, anthony mongomery,robin givens lamman rucker, sean dominic, Robert Gossett, william christian, valarie pettiford, tequan richmond and so many more!!!
we also need to trai byers, davetta sherwood, christel khaili and bryton james as well.
Victoria Rowell definitely better be in the MIX!
Brooke Kerr should also be heavily considered along with Davetta Shorewood
Bringing Drucilla back on the gates would be a great way to reintroduce Victoria Rowell to the genre and tie in a strong Y&R crossover
For the role of Jessica? Tamara Tunie, of course! So the series is set in Washington DC? American soaps aren’t great at integrating real towns, as The City and B&B have proven. Lamman Rucker, Monti Sharp and Amelia Marshall should be on any casting shortlist for the show. Kevin Mambo too.
Love your suggestions, especially Tamara Tunie, years ago on ATWT and for years on Law&Order:SVU.and Lamman Rucker , recently Black Hamptons, and others mentioned.
I would love to see Tamara Tunie as part of the cast. Her work is excellent.
I already posted a reply two days ago, seems to take forever for these replys to be seen,
Once again, I’d sure love to see Tamara Tunie, in something other than her role on Law & Order. SVU.
I just hope the production values exceed the cheesy look of the Tyler Perry dramas. They look worse than the budget driven sets of todays shows.
Just read that Crystal Kaliel ( Im sure spelling is wrong) may be leaving Y&R, so who knows where she might decide to go next.
I would suggest Sherri shepherd , Niecy Nash, Robin Robert’s, Gayle King
I would also suggest Levar Burton, Rupaul Charles, Tracy Morgan, Lil Rel, Darius
Rucker
Can Darius “Hootie” Rucker act?
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
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’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
News7 days agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
News1 day agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
-
General Hospital7 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
-
News5 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
