If you’re a fan of soap operas, then you know that change is slow to come to the world of daytime drama.
The biggest soaps have been on the air for decades, and in many cases, the world they portray today doesn’t look all that different from the one they depicted 20 or 30 years ago.
But a new era is soon to begin on CBS, as the network prepares for the historic premiere of Beyond the Gates.
The show is TV’s first new soap since 1999, and it’s the first broadcast daytime drama with a primarily Black cast.
Earlier today, CBS announced some major additions to the cast of Beyond the Gates, including legendary TV actor Clifton Davis (Madam Secretary, Godfather of Harlem).
According to a press release, Davis will play “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.”
Also joining the cast are:
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
The above stars will join a talented cast that already includes:
Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad, and Arielle Prepetit.
No premiere date has been announced for Beyond the Gates, but the show is expected to make its historic debut in early 2025.
We’ll keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Over to you, TV fanatics? Are you excited for TV’s first new soap in over 25 years?
Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!
