Can you believe it’s been over a quarter of a century since daytime soap operas have seen a new addition? Well, it’s been even longer since the focus has turned to a Black family, which is almost a shock considering the gains made from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the entertainment industry (although it remains to be seen if such progress continues under the anti-DEI Trump administration). Still, the latest update to CBS’s daytime television lineup is determined to make its mark — and fittingly enough, during Black History Month.

Enter “Beyond the Gates”: the first one-hour daytime drama centering a Black family in decades and the first daytime soap to premiere since 1999’s “Passions.” CBS Studios picked up the show last April under its production partnership with the NAACP. The series follows a wealthy Black family, the Duprees, who reside in an affluent gated community in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The series doesn’t focus on the complex politics happening on Capitol Hill, though, but rather on the complicated dynamics of a prestigious clan that exudes Black excellence, at least on the outside. The real mess happens behind closed doors, as the posh walls of Fairmont Crest conceal scandalous secrets just waiting to seep out.

“Beyond the Gates” is true to the daytime soap formula. There’s jaw-dropping drama, over-the-top antics, forbidden romances, intricate plots, vile villains and more. And this only sums up the first week of episodes, which kicked off on Monday at 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on CBS. (The show is also available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.)

HuffPost’s Erin E. Evans and Njera Perkins chatted about our initial impressions of the soap, its history-making moment, the cast that leads the show and all the drama that ensues between their characters.

Let’s Talk About The Cast

“Beyond the Gates” may be a daytime soap unlike we’ve ever seen before, but it features a handful of familiar faces that have added to the excitement of this series for months. There’s “As the World Turns” and “Law & Order: SVU” alum Tamara Tunie, who stars as Anita, the matriarch of the esteemed Dupree family, and TV veteran Clifton Davis (“Amen,” “Madam Secretary”), who plays the Dupree family patriarch, Vernon. Karla Mosley, who plays the fiery divorcée Dani, is no stranger to daytime television, as she’s best known for playing Maya Avant on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Daphne Duplaix, who stars as Dani’s sister, has had a long-running acting career that includes a role on the retired ABC soap “One Life to Live.” Some may also recognize Timon Kyle Durrett, who plays another villain-esque character following his credits on “Queen Sugar,” “Single Ladies” and other shows.

The new CBS soap also boasts a cast of fresh faces like Brandon Claybon, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle and more.

Altogether, this cast makes up the Dupree family and their affiliates, a multigenerational group that reflects the aim of “Beyond the Gates” to reach a wide audience. However, the focus remains on the affluent and drama-filled Black family that viewers have been waiting to see grace their screens ever since the new soap was announced.

Personally, I’ve been waiting for a Black-led show to take the reins of the daytime soap opera genre ever since Tyler Perry took over primetime with his iterations (“Sistas,” “The Oval,” etc.), so I’m thrilled that “Beyond the Gates” has claimed that torch. Tunie and Davis’ characters have quiet presences on the show so far, but I look forward to seeing how they turn things up as the plot progresses. The younger actors who are a part of this bunch have been interesting to follow as well. However, Mosley’s diva portrayal is the obvious standout right now and the main driver behind much of the juicy drama that takes place in the first week of episodes. She comes out of the gate swinging in the series premiere and doesn’t hold back in any other scene with her melodramatic outbursts and zingers. (I’m also thinking of that slap scene with Goings’ Hayley).

I say all that to say this cast works, and I can’t wait to see what else they do with this material. — Njera

I’m so happy to see a mix of familiar faces and newcomers on this show. I still miss the great Tamara Tunie popping up on my screen in episodes of “Law & Order: SVU.” But it’s lovely to see her get some leading lady treatment here. I also recognize Trisha Mann-Grant from “The Family Business” on BET+. I loved to hate Durrett’s character on “Queen Sugar”; he was also a cheater on that show! Kim Coleman is the casting director of the series, and let me tell you — she is one of the hardest working women in Hollywood. I’ve seen her name pop up so many times on shows and films with majority Black casts. “Cross,” “The Upshaws,” “Lovecraft Country,” “P-Valley” and a bunch of Tyler Perry productions — Coleman is booked and always busy.

I will say there are SO many characters on this show so it does take a minute to parse out who is who and who is related to who. But that’s how soap operas are! They need a bunch of characters to stir up a bunch of mess; that way, you never know what to expect. But you’re right, Njera, Mosley’s portrayal is the exact kind of character I always think of when I picture a soap opera: dramatic, messy and somewhat predictable in how outlandish they will act in any scenario. — Erin

The History-Making Moment Of This Show Coming To CBS

I had never really thought about the fact that networks aren’t really clamoring to make new soap operas until the announcement of “Beyond the Gates,” which is the first new daytime soap opera to debut since “Passions” in 1999. (I was more of a “Sunset Beach” fan myself, which lasted only for two seasons and began in 1997. My mom recorded “All My Children” on her VCR at least until 2000.) “Beyond the Gates” is also the first soap opera to center a Black family since NBC’s “Generations.” I’m glad to see this series enter the daytime TV lineup simply because I looooove a messy show with low stakes that I can just put on in the background. — Erin

I’d like to think “Beyond the Gates” is the kind of soap my grandmother would’ve loved to see if she were still alive. Her daily soaps were the highlight of her day, and given that “Beyond the Gates” is set just an hour away from our hometown of Baltimore, she would’ve eaten this concept right up. It feels criminal to say a Black family hasn’t been the center of a daytime soap since before the 21st century, but CBS’s newest addition brings that chapter to a close. And happily so, because it’s beyond time we see a family like the Duprees take up space in a genre that’s been primed for revitalization.

There are some other history-making moments I want to point out, too. According to Deadline, “Beyond the Gates” is one of the very first projects that executive producer Sheila Ducksworth pitched when she was named president of CBS’s production partnership with the NAACP in 2020. The show was also created by the only Black writer for “Generations,” Michele Val Jean, who was sought out by Ducksworth specifically to head up this new project. “There are certainly other very talented writers out there, but I didn’t even once consider them. It was always Michele,” Ducksworth told Deadline.

I’ve never been particularly intrigued by soaps (probably because 27-year-old me isn’t the target audience for most), but “Beyond the Gates” had me at the first mention of a Black cast and creator/writer. I guess that’s the power of seeing folks who look like me in front of and behind the camera. I’m also a huge fan of juicy mess and melodrama, so needless to say, “Beyond the Gates” is right up my alley. I didn’t know what to expect when I screened the first five episodes, but I’m officially hooked after (what will be) Friday’s cliffhanger. — Njera

The Karen Huger Moment

Since the setting of the series is a suburb of Washington, D.C., it makes perfect sense that the casting team tapped Karen Huger, the grand dame of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” to make a cameo in the premiere episode. She portrays one of the members of the exclusive Fairmont Crest country club and witnesses the major showdown between Dani and her ex-husband’s soon-to-be wife. Her one line is delivered perfectly. The timing of the episode is also quite interesting, since this week, Huger is set to be sentenced after being convicted for a DUI. — Erin

I almost forgot Karen Huger had a cameo on this show until I saw her eavesdropping on Dani and Hayley’s intense showdown at the country club. But I loved the subtle Potomac connection in this suburban Maryland setting. Although Huger only had one line, it was the perfect shady zinger to end the premiere’s mic-drop scene: “Welcome to Fairmont Crest.” I imagine Huger would deliver some version of this on an episode of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (if she hasn’t already). — Njera

Is There Enough Drama To Hook Audiences In?

Yes. There’s no question here, lol. You never know with a new TV series if it’s going to hook you in from the first episode. Pilots, notoriously, can be pretty rough to watch because you’re trying to understand who the characters are and what they’re going through and — most importantly, perhaps — if you care enough to stay tuned for more episodes. Thankfully, the first episode of “Beyond the Gates” has so much going on that you want to stick around for more. — Erin

Agreed, Erin. One thing you can’t say about “Beyond the Gates” is it lacks a healthy dose of melodrama. The first episode alone is filled with enough twists and turns to intrigue the casual viewer. The fallout of Dani and Bill’s divorce and the latter’s impending nuptials with his eldest daughter’s ex-best friend is more than enough to sink your teeth into. But as far as we can tell, there are dark family secrets, scandals waiting to happen, betrayals, revenge and everything in between still in store — all the makings of a great daytime soap. “Beyond the Gates” gets it right straight out the gate (no pun intended), so be prepared to be on the edge of your seat for tons of episodes to come. — Njera

Which Storylines Are We Following Closely

The Bill, Dani and Hayley drama are obviously running the show right now, but I think there’s way more beneath the surface of that story. For one, I need to know when Hayley decided to pursue her ex-best friend’s father while he was still married. Also, Bill’s quid pro quo way of doing business with the Duprees obviously has shady undertones, so I can’t wait to find out what he has over Vernon and Anita that made them convince the family (including Dani) to attend Bill’s wedding with Hayley. Trisha Mann-Grant’s Dana is an unsettling presence who clearly has ulterior motives (based on what happens in the fifth episode), so I’m keeping an eye out for her and her daughter, Eva, too. There are some secondary characters who raise eyebrows, too — like Freeman’s playboy character Andre — but things are just getting started. There’s a lot already happening in the show, but plenty to keep your attention — and keep you tuned in every weekday. — Njera

The Bill and Dani drama is the main draw for me right now, but there are some simmering storylines that the writing staff is also leaving breadcrumbs for as well. It seems like there’s something we don’t know about the Dupree matriarch and patriarch and their history. Then, there’s the storyline with Dana and her daughter, Eva, which is very juicy, and to avoid even the hint of a spoiler, I’m just going to say I’m keeping my eyes peeled for how this storyline unfolds. — Erin