Reality TV shows may have largely replaced the daytime soap for contemporary viewers, but those shows still have loyal fanbases. Cue Beyond The Gates, a new CBS drama that is the first soap opera with a predominantly Black cast since Generations in 1989.

Originally named The Gates, it’s also the first hour-long daytime with a Black cast ever.

Per official show descriptions, veteran actress Tamara Tunie (best known to TV viewers from Law and Order SVU) will play Anita Dupree, a now-retired singer who is the matriarch of the Dupree family. She’s married to a former senator and they have two daughters together.

The show is set in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C., which sounds like it will reflect wealthy, predominantly Black enclaves like Potomac, which is one of the Real Housewives franchises.

Daphnee Duplaix plays Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, one of the daughters. She’s a philanthropist whose life looks perfect but, as these things usually go, isn’t. Kayla Mosley was cast as her sister, Dani Dupree, a high-profile model turned momager who will be positioned as the rebellious sister. All three lead actresses have soap opera credits.

Beyond the Gates is also the first new soap opera since Passions in 1999.

Production will take place this fall and the show is scheduled to premiere in 2025. The soap was created in partnership with the CBS Studios / NAACP Venture, in collaboration with P&G Studios. The partnership, announced in March, aims to increase the visibility of African Americans on broadcast and streaming platforms. Beyond the Gates is its first release.

“The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,” Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios/NAACP venture, said. “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.”

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