CBS Breaks Barriers with Beyond the Gates—The First Black-Led Soap Opera on the Network 

By Akayliah Simpson and Attiyya Atkins 

Get ready, soap opera lovers—CBS is making history. On Monday, February 24, a new era of daytime drama begins with Beyond the Gates, the first-ever Black-led soap opera to grace CBS’s airwaves. Premiering at 1-2 P.M. Pacific / 2-3 P.M. Eastern, this groundbreaking series is set to shake up the world of daytime television and claim its rightful place in the CBS weekday lineup. 

CBS, the powerhouse that started as a radio network in 1927 before dominating television in the 1940s, has long been the home of iconic soaps. Year after year, it’s earned the title of “most-watched” network, and now, it’s taking a bold step forward by introducing Beyond the Gates, a show that brings fresh, much-needed diversity to the soap opera scene. While Black-led soap operas have existed before, this is the first one ever to land a home on a major broadcast network—and that’s a big deal. 

Inside the Glamorous, Twisted World of Beyond the Gates 

Set in the exclusive world of Maryland’s elite, Beyond the Gates follows the Dupree family, a wealthy and powerful clan whose lavish Fairmont Crest estate hides more secrets than anyone can count. On the surface, they’re America’s “Black royalty,” known for their prestigious country club and countless honors. But behind their iron gates? It’s a world of blackmail, scandals, betrayal, crime, and power struggles that would make even the most seasoned soap fans gasp. 

At the heart of it all is a patriarch willing to do anything to keep the family empire from crumbling—even if it means covering up deep, dark secrets. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, creator Michele Val Jean (General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful) throws in another jaw-dropping twist. 

Think stunning designer outfits, breathtaking backdrops, and non-stop drama. The melodrama, romance, and betrayal that define classic soaps are all here—but this time, through the lens of a powerful Black family taking center stage like never before. 

Why Beyond the Gates Is the Show You Can’t Miss 

Soap operas are known for their high-stakes storytelling, evolving plotlines, and intense emotional rollercoasters, but let’s be real—daytime television hasn’t exactly been the most diverse space. That’s why organizations like the NAACP have been pushing for more Black-led productions, making this show a huge milestone in TV history. 

CBS has given us unforgettable soap operas over the years, and Beyond the Gates is shaping up to be a must-watch addition. Early reviews already praise its fresh storytelling and gripping drama, and if the teaser is anything to go by, fans are in for a wild ride. 

The only way to truly experience the scandal, luxury, and drama of Beyond the Gates? Tune in and watch it live. This is history in the making—and you don’t want to miss it!