‘Beyond the Gates’ Sets Premiere Date at CBS: Meet the Cast of Brand New Soap (PHOTOS)
CBS has announced the official premiere date and time for Beyond the Gates, the first entirely new soap opera since Passions in 1999 and the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap.
Beyond the Gates will premiere on the afternoon of Monday, February 24, 2025 at 2/1c on CBS. Episodes will also be available to stream on Paramount+. The series began production in Atlanta, Georgia in November. The cast and crew celebrated with sharing group photos of the ribbon cutting on set (see above).
Beyond the Gates “is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one of the most affluent African American counties in the United States,” CBS describes of the plot. “Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home.”
Beyond the Gates is a generational tale. “At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty,” the logline continues. “But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work, and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life… and some with more grace than others.”
Stage and screen veteran Clifton Davis joins as the patriarch of the Dupree family, husband to Tamara Tunie‘s Anita Dupree. Days of Our Lives alum Mike Manning is also among the list of new cast members, which includes Jibre Hordges, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, and Jen Jacob.
CBS
They join previously announced cast members Brandon Claybon, Timon Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Trisha Mann-Grant, Maurice Johnson, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad, and Arielle Prepetit round out the cast of the new soap (see below). Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix (Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson), and Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree) were the first stars announced for the soap.
Additionally, TV Insider previously reported that Beyond the Gates was casting for the following supporting roles:
“Tom” is a Latinx male in his late 20s. Tomas “Tom” Hernandez is an extremely handsome and supremely confident attorney. This is a contract role.
“Mike” is described as a white male in his 50s. He’s a high-powered law partner of “Joseph’s” – and also the best man at his wedding. However, Mike has now been accused of sexual impropriety in the workplace. This is a non-contract role.
“Luis” is a Hispanic/Latino male in his late 20s to early 40s. Luis is described as sexy, attractive, and drop-dead gorgeous. He’s a personal trainer at the Fairmont Estates Country Club. Luis has an eye on one of the married women in the gated community. He is charming, likable, and (of course!) extremely fit. The character of Luis is non-contract.
CBS
Beyond the Gates, from the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, begins production in November and will premiere on CBS in early 2025.
Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer, and showrunner of the series. Val Jean is a soap legend who has written more than 2,000 episodes of daytime dramas and won multiple Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards for her work on The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital. She develops the series alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr.,
Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner, and Anna Saalfeld. It’s made in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.
Below, find a full cast list and character breakdown sorted by onscreen family.
Beyond the Gates, Series Premiere, Monday, February 24, 2025, 2/1c, CBS
The Duprees
Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago. Tunie is a seasoned daytime star appearing on As the World Turns for many years. Also, she originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In addition, she has held recurring roles on shows including Blue Bloods, The Good Wife, and Elementary on CBS.
Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown, and nine Broadway shows. His most recent recurring roles include the series Clipped, Godfather of Harlem, and Madam Secretary. Recently on Broadway, he played Dr. Dillamond in Wicked and originated the role of The Sultan in Aladdin. Davis is a Tony Award nominee for Two Gentlemen of Verona, a Theatre World Award winner for the Gershwin Review “Do It Again,” and a Grammy nominee for writing “Never Can Say Good-bye” for The Jackson 5.
Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life… from the outside. Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades, most notably earning her an NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on One Life to Live.
Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Additional credits include Guiding Light, Gossip Girl, Hart of Dixie, Deadly Cheer Mom, and Burn After Reading.
The Hamiltons
Timon Durrett stars as Bill Hamilton, Dani Dupree’s ex-husband and father to Naomi and Chelsea. Bill is an opportunist, publicity hound, and narcissist, according to his ex-wife, Dani. He is a charismatic and calculated criminal defense attorney who is well-connected, well-received, and gets what he wants by any means necessary. Durrett’s credits include Cheaper by the Dozen, Queen Sugar, and Stuck with You.
Arielle Prepetit stars as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s oldest daughter and Chelsea’s older sister. Naomi lives outside “the gates” in Washington, D.C., where she humbly serves as a civil attorney. She’s whip smart and the only one in the Dupree family who inherited her grandmother Anita Dupree’s gift for singing, which bonds them. Prepetit’s credits include BMF, Found, and The System.
Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Hordges’ credits include Grown-ish, 9-1-1, and The Resident.
RhonniRose Mantilla stars as Chelsea Hamilton, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s youngest daughter and Naomi’s younger sister. Chelsea is a social media influencer and has been a successful but reluctant high fashion model since she was 18. Her career expertly guided by Dani, Chelsea is charged with recreating the life her mother gave up, which doesn’t fit her own life vision. She has a lot of money, which allows her to follow her dream of designing a line of purses and building her brand. Chelsea indulges in the good things in life, like beautiful people, parties, her new condo in D.C. and the freedom to experiment. Mantilla recently starred in Harmony the Musical on Broadway.
Marquita Goings stars as Hayley Lawson, a paralegal at Bill Hamilton’s firm. Hayley is gorgeous, intelligent, charming, witty and the new fiancée of Dani Dupree’s ex-husband, Bill Hamilton. Considered a husband-stealing tramp in Dani’s circle, Hayley is nothing if not confident. With time, patience, charm and effort, she will try to win them over – and if not, so what? Hayley has what matters: Bill. Goings’ credits include Woke and Tyler Perry’s Zatima.
The Richardsons
Maurice Johnson stars as Ted Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson’s husband and father to Martin and Katherine “Kat.” Ted is a brilliant plastic surgeon with an ultra-exclusive private practice and women clamor to put their faces and bodies in what they call his blessed hands. Ted has created an impeccable life with his wife – whom he loves passionately – and sleeps well at night, secure that his past will never disrupt his perfect world. Johnson’s credits include Chicago Fire, Good Girls, and To Catch a Killer.
Brandon Claybon stars as Martin Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s son and older brother of Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Martin is a congressman who lives outside “the gates” in a Washington, D.C., brownstone with his husband and two adopted children. Following his grandfather’s path into politics, he has ambition to be the first openly gay Black President. Claybon’s credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Tyler Perry’s Zatima, and General Hospital.
Mike Manning stars as Bradley “Smitty” Smith, husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is. Manning’s credits include The Bay, Days of Our Lives, and This Is Us.
Colby Muhammad stars as Katherine “Kat” Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s miracle baby. She is the younger sister of Martin Richardson and lives in her parents’ guest house. Kat’s been indulged all her life, which has made her spoiled, entitled and dismissive of those she considers beneath her. She’s confident and secure and has never doubted herself or her privileged position in the world. She doesn’t like to share but doesn’t know that the day when she is forced to may be fast approaching. Muhammad recently starred in the first national tour of the Broadway hit play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
Sean Freeman stars as Andre Hamilton, the sophisticated nephew of Ted Richardson. Andre tragically lost his parents in a plane crash and inherited a double fortune, which allows him to live his bliss as a photographer. Nicole and Ted stepped up for Andre when his parents died, and he depends on their support and wise counsel. A playboy who is smooth on the surface, there is something elusive about Andre that occasionally makes people question his intentions. Freeman’s credits include Finding Happy, Tales, and Boxed In.
The Thomases
Trisha Mann-Grant stars as Dana “Leslie” Thomas, Eva Thomas’ mom and a long-time waitress and bartender. Dana “Leslie” is not wrapped all that tight and intense, but she’s charming and easy out in the world. The only person who sees what’s disturbing about her is her daughter, Eva, and very soon all will see what is unsettling about her, too. Mann-Grant’s credits include Family Business and A Royal Christmas Surprise.
Ambyr Michelle stars as Eva Thomas, Dana “Leslie” Thomas’ daughter and Nicole Dupree Richardson’s new assistant, who vibrates with intensity and purpose. Eva is determined to right a grievous wrong done to her mother as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Michelle’s credits include The Runarounds, Running Point, and Snowfall.
Jen Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession — positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jacob’s credits include The Union and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Ben Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin, a devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything. Gavin’s credits include Super 8, The Dark Tower, My Christmas Love and Missing at 17. His recent roles include the films A Place Called Home, Going for Two and Winterset.
Lauren Bugliogli stars as Vanessa McBride, a high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart. Bugliogli’s credits include Bad Monkey, Florida Man and A Jazzman’s Blues.
Alex Alegria stars as Tomas “Tom” Navarro, a handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Alegria’s credits include CSI and Gossip Girl.
Clifton Davis
Tamara Tunie
Daphnee Duplaix
Karla Mosley
Maurice Johnson
Brandon Claybon
Sean Freeman
Timon Kyle Durrett
Arielle Prepetit
Marquita Goings
Ambyr Michelle
Colby Muhammad
RhonniRose Mantilla
Trisha Mann-Grant
Jibre Hordges
Mike Manning
Jen Jacob
Ben Gavin
Alex Alegria
Lauren Buglioli
Angela Fairley
Ernestine Johnson
Jon Lindstrom
Keith D. Robinson
⨁Full Cast & Crew
Conversation24 Comments
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C
I look forward to seeing this soap! 😀
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B
I can't wait...... hope it's better than some running now
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B
Wonderful I'm so glad to see soaps are making a much needed come back 😃
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P
I think a daytime drama lead by Tamara Tunie will be great and entertaining. The cast isn’t entirely African American. If it’s a quality show, which it looks as though it will be, why did you even notice? 🙄
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O
Can’t wait ❤️❤️❤️
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J
i cant wait been watching soaps since i was in the third grade i hope it has a character similair to stephano demira from days an a little reva shane from guiding light i wish this show the best now whos coming to town with dirt on the famous rich family to rock the town to its core like they said on one of the other soaps commercial theres a storm brewing and what happens next is everything hold on its gonna be a bumpy ride
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O
I miss Guiding Light
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O
CORRECTION: The very first all African American daytime drama was Generations on NBC in the mid-1980s.
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P
But Generations was just a half hour long. This says the first hour long one. So, no correction needed. Generations also had a wonderful cast. I hope this one works. We need more soaps. Who knows if Generations had been an hour long and not up against Y &R, it might have lasted longer.
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G
GENERATIONS had an original cast of mostly White actors, with only 7 Black main characters--Ruth, Henry, Vivian, Adam, Chantal, Doreen, and Martin--when it premiered.
The remainder of the cast, some part of the other main family, the Whitmore/McCallum brood, were White: Rebecca, Monique, Sam, Laura, Trevor, Rob, Jessica, Helen, Hugh, Jason, Aunt Mabel, and Jordan. Later, the show added Daniel and Maya Ruben and Eric. It became a bit more 50/50.
BTG is THE FIRST soap to feature a cast and characters that is nearly all Black. Only 4 White characters are part of the main BTG cast. GENERATIONS was defined as the first to feature a core Black family and Black characters from the start. BTG is groundbreaking for being the first Black soap to feature White characters. Both deserve their innovations.
The half-hour serial came on as the #1 soap's mid-show cliffhanger. Who's gonna miss the ending of the #1 show they know well to watch a newbie? Putting GENERATIONS on up against Y&R's second half was either "suicide" or "homicide" committed by network suits. One of the 2, but either way a calculated decision that was more of a backhanded compliment to the creator, cast, and crew than it was a sound decision. Looks to me that they wanted it to fail but still be able to say, "well, we tried."
It's notworthy that val Jean took her concept to CBS. She'd worked on all 3 networkds, put it in CBS's hands. I'm sure it wasn't lost on her how NBC handled the first attempt at integration.
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G
IT SOUNDS GREAT!!!!! LET'S JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE SHOW GUYS. I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THIS ONE. THE CASE IS GREAT. A LOT OF NEW AND YOUNG FACES. ESPECIALLY THE MEN!!!!!!
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O
Can’t wait for this to start. It’s going to be awesome!
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O
I have been a avid FAN of SOAP OPERAS'S sense I was 5 years OLD.
(AS THE WORLD TURNS)
was my favorite show.
I am now 77 Years Old, and still watching SOAP OPERAS.
I can't wait for the NEW SOAP.
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B
Can’t wait. I heard about this a while back. l didn’t think
It would happen. I am a soap
opera guru been watching since I was 12. I watch the Bold and the Beautiful daily. . Looking forward to another show with beautiful women and eye candy for the men. Let’s not forget fashion and jewelry.
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D
Wait till you see what happens between Leslie and Vernon. I see it coming. Clues all over the plae
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G
have to say i am not a fan of this soap
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O
At least, the sets display wealth, not like the dumpy so called mansion on Bold @ beautiful, and Y&R, and the old Chancellor mansion, or even where Adam on Y&R now lives and the Abbott house is awful. Those house sets do not display the wealth for a mansion home.
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P
I prefer shows that don’t focus on one race, but has multiple races in the cast, which makes America.
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B
I've been watching soaps since Dark Shadows. Please let this program be entertaining, classy and NOT stereotypical.
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G
I will not be watching BTG. Describing it as a “black soap opera” should have never been in the description of the show. Leave race out and just focus on the attributes of the show. IMO, this soap will not succeed, not because it is a “black” soap but, because it will now be all about the race card. What a huge mistake to bring race into the details of the show.
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G
Well if this show isn't the definition of racist then I don't know what is??
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O
Could they add Krista Allen to the show? She lives in Atlanta now.
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C
couldn't agree more. Put me off when it said "Black soap opera". Love soaps but it doesn't have to be color coded.
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G
Sorry but where are the dark skin people? Especially the women
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