CBS Breaks Ground with First Black Daytime Soap Opera in Over Three Decades – Echoing the Legacy of ‘Generations’ from 1989

YouTube video

*In the current landscape of the entertainment industry, it’s not exactly a bold move, but it’s an interesting one, nonetheless,” CBS is in the process of developing “The Gates,” a soap opera about a wealthy family that could become the first daytime TV drama with a predominately Black cast since 1989.

“The Gates,” will delve into the lives of a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community.

The new soap will be a collaborative effort between CBS Studios/NAACP production venture and P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The series will be penned by Emmy-winning daytime veteran Michele Val Jean (“The Bold & The Beautiful”), who will also assume the role of showrunner, having authored over 2,000 episodes of daytime TV.

NBC’s short-lived “Generations,” which premiered in 1989, and Fox’s 2015 hit “Empire” were the last notable Black-centric soaps. Note: “Emjpire” aired in prime-time.

Sheila Ducksworth - IMDB
Sheila Ducksworth – IMDB

Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture, expressed enthusiasm: “The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective.”

Meanwhile, Michele Val Jean’s involvement in “The Gates” is particularly noteworthy, given her history with daytime’s first Black family-centric soap (“Generations”). Her extensive experience in crafting narratives for diverse audiences sets a promising direction for the new series.

Duckworth and Val Jean will join Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner as executive producers of “The Gates.”

The decline of daytime soap operas due to dwindling ratings and competition from streaming platforms has made the launch of any new soap a rare occurrence.

MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Jonathan Majors and Girlfriend Meagan Good Are Deeply ‘In Love’ | Watch

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

Ora Jones in 'Noises Off' at Geffen Playhouse
Denise 'Vanity' Matthews - screenshot
James Gunn Shaq David Corenswet - via X screenshot
OUR ROOTS - Bob Marley - 2025
Scout Motors' Chief Design Officer Chris Benjamin - Photo Credit Scout Motors
Kanye West and Bianca Censori - via Instagram screenshot
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Valentine's rendezvous
Dulce Huertas - screenshot
Lil Wayne / YouTube screenshot
Anthony Mackie as Captain America
Cherelle Parker - screenshot
Read More
Kanye West and Bianca Censori on Grammy Red Carpet - screenshot
Read More
Damon Wayans
Read More
Beyond the Gates
Read More
Denzel Washington - Gladiator II
Read More
Learjet after crashing - via Grok AI
Read More
Sunny Hostin
Read More
Amtrak
Read More
Will Smith (AI character from 'I Am Legend 2'
Read More
Bevelyn Beatty Williams
Read More

POPULAR

Beyond the Gates
CBS to Air Special on New Daytime Soap Opera 'Beyond The Gates'
Onijah Andrew Robinson
Black American Woman Returns to New York After Bizarre Ordeal in Pakistan | Video
Taco Bell customer and security guard who slapped her
Crunch Slap Supreme: Taco Bell Security Guard Caught Brutally Slapping Black Woman in Viral Video | WATCH
Raising Kanan Fourth Season
New Trailer for 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' Hints at Intense Season 4 | Watch
Irv Gotti - Getty
Irv Gotti's Family Expects a Packed Church for His Funeral at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral
Kendrick Lamar performing
'Worst Halftime Show Ever!' - Reactions to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show | WATCH
Serena Williams - via screenshot
Serena Williams Reveals Kendrick Lamar Requested Her Crip Walk Performance - That's it. No 'Git Back' at Drake
Taco Bell customer and security guard who slapped her
LA African American Leaders Call for Justice Following Slap Attack on Black Woman at Taco Bell Cantina - Presser Called for 5pm Today!
Emotional couple
12 Common Phrases that Signal Emotional Immaturity