CBS has announced plans for a new soap opera centered around a wealthy Black family, potentially becoming the first daytime TV drama with a predominantly Black cast in many years.
Named The Gates, the show will focus on the lives of a wealthy Black family residing in an upscale, gated community.
Produced by CBS Studios in collaboration with the NAACP and P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble, The Gates will be helmed by Michele Val Jean, an Emmy-winning writer with extensive experience in daytime television, having penned over 2,000 episodes of various shows including The Bold & the Beautiful.
The most recent Black-centered daytime soap was NBC’s Generations, which premiered in 1989 and focused on a Black family from the start. Additionally, Fox’s primetime drama Empire in 2015 was considered by some to have soap opera elements.
“Sheila Ducksworth, president of CBS Studios NAACP, expressed excitement about The Gates, stating that the series would bring a fresh perspective to the daytime drama genre and cater to an audience that has historically been overlooked. With diverse characters, intriguing storylines, and a spotlight on Black culture, The Gates aims to make a significant impact in broadcast television. The collaboration between CBS, P&G, and the NAACP is set to deliver a groundbreaking series that celebrates Black voices and artists in a powerful and inspiring manner.”
Launching a new daytime soap is a rarity in recent years, as the genre has faced challenges with declining ratings and competition from streaming platforms. The last new soap opera launch by a major network was NBC’s Passions in 1999, while CBS introduced The Bold & the Beautiful in 1987. Currently, only three daytime soaps remain on broadcast television: The Young & the Restless, Bold & the Beautiful, and General Hospital (with Days of Our Lives available on Peacock). Despite the shifting landscape, Young & the Restless recently received a four-year renewal, highlighting the enduring popularity of the genre.
Executive producers for The Gates include Duckworth, Val Jean, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner.
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