CBS’ new daytime soap opera “Beyond the Gates” premiered on Monday, Feb. 24. Beyond the Gates follows a wealthy Black family living in a gated community in an affluent suburb of Maryland.
According to IMDB.com:
“Beyond the Gates” is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. 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 the 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.
“Beyond the Gates” stars Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie as Vernon and Anita Dupree, aka “The Duprees.” Vernon’s father built Fairmont Crest, a gated enclave of upscale homes.
Karla Mosley (left) and Daphnee Duplaix (right) play their daughters Dani and Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, a clinical psychologist.
In the series’ intro, Nicole is seen behind the wheel of a Maybach speeding through the gates of the posh Fairmont Crest Country Club.
Tension builds in the air as the Dupree family gathers at the country club to discuss Dani’s ex-husband, Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett), who is set to marry his paralegal, Hayley Lawson, at the country club.
Dani, a reformed alcoholic who fell off the wagon, is beside herself with jealousy. Tempers flare when she spots Hayley at the club, and she slaps fire out of her.
In episode 2 (Feb. 25), Nicole’s son Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) is seen at home with his husband, Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning).
Martin is a congressman, who aspires to be the nation’s first Black, openly gay President.
Martin’s grandfather is Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), a former senator and civil rights activist, who accepts his son’s lifestyle.
Davis, 79, is a well-known actor, singer, songwriter, minister, and author. He previously starred in the TV series “That’s My Mama”, “Amen”, “Madam Secretary”, and others.
Davis wrote the Jackson 5’s No. 2 hit record “Never can Say Goodbye” in 1971.
Beyond the Gates was created by Michele Val Jean (“General Hospital”, “The Bold and the Beautiful”).
