"Beyond the Gates" is CBS's first Black soap opera

"Beyond the Gates," a new CBS daytime drama, premiered on February 24, marking the first one-hour Black soap opera in over 30 years. It follows the wealthy Dupree family in a Maryland gated community, featuring a diverse cast and storylines. The show aims to represent various backgrounds, including Black, white, Asian, and Hispanic characters. It highlights universal themes of family and relationships while addressing contemporary issues without being a documentary. The series is produced by two Black women, Michele Val Jean and Sheila Ducksworth, emphasizing diversity both in front of and behind the camera. The collaboration with the NAACP aims to enhance representation in the industry.