"Beyond the Gates" and the Legacy of Black Soap Operas: Why This Moment Matters

Let’s go back to the 90s. You’re home sick from school and your mother has her favorite daytime television shows on while you’re resting. Chances are your day consisted of a few game shows, perhaps a few talks shows, but most definitely, a soap opera. Whether it was “The Young & the Restless,” “All My Children,” or “General Hospital” soap operas were a mainstay in that era of daytime television.

At their peak, as many as 18 soap operas aired every day – now, there are only three on network television. Despite the few Black storylines here and there, most of these shows featured an all-Black cast centered around the Black experience (See Generations).

Although growing up, I wasn’t directly interested in the sagas that unfolded on these shows; I was keenly aware of the impact soap operas had on their viewers, especially from its huge Black base. Black matriarchs seemed to love the stories that unfolded during these daytime soaps, even though they didn’t always see themselves reflected. And while I don’t consider myself a soap connoisseur, I was still excited to hear about the new melodrama featuring a majority Black cast on a major network – “Beyond the Gates.”

“Beyond the Gates,” created by Michele Val Jean, debuted on CBS on February 24, 2025, as part of their daytime programming block. Set in the Washington, D.C. area, the show centers around the Dupree family, a multi-generational affluent African American family in a gated community.

Not only is this a historical moment in television, but it also highlights the importance of representation in media. It’s more than just visibility; it has cultural, social, and political implications, especially in this anti-DEI climate. Black narratives are at the forefront in a genre known for shaping long-term audience engagement and loyalty, and this is a win for those advocating for more diverse representation on screen.

A recent episode of NPR’s Codeswtich featured interviews with the show’s creator and lead actress, and they emphasized the impact of having Black writers and crew members. Unlike past soap operas, “Beyond the Gates” gives space for Black colloquialisms, Black elegance and Black excellence in a way that feels realistic or authentic. The validation of these experiences and storytelling from a Black perspective provides visibility for Black experiences, giving audiences exposure and connection.

I’ll admit, it is ironic that this show is premiering at a time when DEI initiatives are under attack and soap operas are nearly non-existent on network television. Our current political and cultural movements aren’t the best climate to test the limits of television, but it’s also refreshing to see major networks still committed to telling diverse stories and Black-led media thriving despite intentional efforts to remove these experiences.

While I’m not confident this will start a wave of networks committing to more diverse programming, Black stories need to continue to be elevated. Still, most importantly, Black audiences have to support these shows. So, the next time you’re working from home, turn on CBS and support the only Black soap opera on network television—because opportunities like this don’t come around often.