“Beyond the Gates”: A Fresh Face for Daytime Drama

The world of daytime television is about to get a whole lot more interesting with the arrival of “Beyond the Gates,” a groundbreaking new soap opera that’s making history in more ways than one. This isn’t your grandma’s soap opera – it’s a fresh, innovative, and exciting take on the genre, with a focus on diversity and representation both in front of and behind the camera.

A Black Family Takes Center Stage

For the first time in over 25 years, a brand new daytime soap opera is hitting the airwaves. “Beyond the Gates” breaks new ground by focusing on the Dupree family, a prominent Black family living in a gated community outside Washington, D.C. The show features a stellar cast, including veteran actors Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie, alongside rising stars Daphnée Duplaix and Karla Mosley.

A Historic Milestone for Black Women in Daytime

But the show’s commitment to diversity goes far beyond its cast. “Beyond the Gates” is making history behind the scenes as well, with Sheila Ducksworth and Michele Val Jean serving as executive producers. This marks a significant milestone, as they are reportedly the first Black female executive producers in the history of daytime drama.

Ducksworth and Val Jean are passionate about bringing the Black experience to the forefront of daytime television. “What I felt was missing was one that centered on the Black experience,” says Ducksworth. Val Jean adds, “I just wanted to see people that looked like me. I didn’t want downtrodden Black people. I wanted rich, messy Black people that carry the stories.”

Inclusion Both On and Off Screen

This commitment to inclusivity extends to all aspects of the production. The crew of “Beyond the Gates” is remarkably diverse, with people of color represented in every department, from camera operators and lighting technicians to costume designers and makeup artists.

Hair designer Wankaya Hinkson emphasizes the importance of this representation, particularly in the hair and makeup department, which historically has lacked expertise in working with actors of color. “Bringing the culture to daytime television was very important to me,” says Hinkson. “I want everyone to be able to identify themselves on daytime television.”

A Modern Soap Opera for a Modern Audience

“Beyond the Gates” promises to deliver all the drama, intrigue, and romance that soap opera fans crave, while also offering a fresh perspective and a more inclusive representation of the world we live in. The creators, cast, and crew are confident that the show will resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

As Tamara Tunie puts it, “I hope they fall in love. I hope they fall head over heels in love with everybody in the show, with all of the perfection, flaws, humanness, and all of it.”

With its compelling storyline, diverse cast, and talented team, “Beyond the Gates” is poised to redefine daytime drama and usher in a new era of inclusive storytelling. So tune in and get ready to be swept away by the drama!