The Gates is coming in January 2025: What to know about the new CBS soap opera

The Gates is coming in January 2025: What to know about the new CBS soap opera

As a seasoned soap opera enthusiast with decades of viewing under my belt, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation for CBS’s upcoming daytime offering, “The Gates.” Having grown up watching diverse characters navigate the complexities of life on screen, it’s heartening to see the industry taking strides towards more inclusive storytelling.


For quite some time now, there hasn’t been a new soap opera added to the mix, but CBS is set to break that streak with the arrival of The Gates. This upcoming daytime series will center around an affluent African-American family and their lives within an exclusive, gated community – hence the name of the show.

The TV series is a collaboration between CBS Studios and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Michele Val Jean, who has won accolades for her work on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘General Hospital’, takes on the roles of showrunner and writer. Alongside her are Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner, all serving as executive producers.

It’s anticipated that “The Gates” will first appear on our screens in January 2025; a precise launch date is still under wraps. Nevertheless, according to TV Insider, filming is due to start in November of this year, right here in Atlanta, GA. So far, all the roles being filled are contract positions, meaning that the actors must reside within the city.

As a thrilled fan eagerly awaiting updates, I’ve learned from TV Insider that though the specific actors for each character haven’t been officially announced yet, they’ve given us sneak peeks into who these characters are, their intriguing storylines, their spouses and families. Here’s a glimpse into what we might be in store for! (Please note that character names could still undergo changes.)

Who are the characters on The Gates?

“Patrick” – A Black man in his late 60s-70s who is described as being “gentle, humble, and generous with his experience and knowledge.” Patrick was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement and even marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His work fighting for change and social justice carried into his career as a senator. He’s said to have had an “illustrious” tenure but now he is enjoying his retirement in the home he shares with his wife, Betty. Of course, this is a soap so Patrick is a good man but he’s one hiding a family secret that’s considered to be dangerous.

A description for “Betty” isn’t currently available.

“Marcus” – A driven congressman, emulating the path taken by his grandfather Patrick. Marcus harbors aspirations of becoming the first Black, openly gay President residing in the White House. Instead of living in the exclusive Fairmont Estates, he and his husband Daniel share a brownstone within Washington D.C., which they call home with their adopted children, who are biologically related siblings.

As a gamer, I used to be a bustling reporter, chasing political stories across the District. But then, life took a different turn, and now I’m deeply immersed in a new role – staying at home to nurture our precious offspring with my partner Marcus.

As a devoted admirer, allow me to introduce you to Jillian – a remarkably intelligent and humble woman in her late twenties, who happens to be an accomplished attorney by day, yet a gifted singer in the vein of her grandmother Betty come evening. Sharing a profound bond through their mutual passion for music, this relationship with Betty holds a special place in Jillian’s heart, as cherished as her marriage to her husband David.

As Jillian’s devoted spouse, I am deeply in love with her without any conditions. By day, I serve my community as a dedicated policeman, and by night, I share my life with the love of my life in bustling Washington D.C., much like my cousin Marcus does.

As I, a captivating and clever woman in my mid-thirties, I find myself standing at the precipice of matrimony with Joseph, a man once bound to Sara. Our union, however, is shrouded in an unsettling past. It was Sara who proposed that he hire me as his paralegal. This questionable genesis has cast a cloud over my reputation within my social circle, labeling me as a woman who steals husbands, or more bluntly, a tramp.

In a somewhat optimistic manner, Elizabeth believes that by investing time, energy, and a touch of grace, she can eventually convince them to see things her way. However, in the grand scheme of things, she’s grateful for Joseph’s affection and finds comfort in knowing that she has it.

As a devoted fan, let me tell you about Sam, a renowned plastic surgeon whose reputation for brilliance precedes him. Based at Garland Memorial, he also maintains a private practice alongside his longtime friend and fellow surgeon, Lester Fine. Their practice, an ultra-exclusive sanctum, mirrors the refined lifestyle that Sam has meticulously crafted for himself.

In the description, the word “impeccable” suggests an underlying tendency towards perfectionism in all aspects of his life, including his cherished marriage. They experienced some difficulties but have overcome them, Sam is confident. However, this confidence arises solely from his hope that his past will not resurface to disrupt his current peace.

“Stacy” – A woman of African descent, approximately 40 years old, who serves as a successful business owner in the real estate sector, specializing in luxury properties. However, unlike her professional life that shines brightly, her domestic life is less luminous due to an unfulfilled romantic connection with her husband, despite harboring affection for him. This emotional distance has persisted throughout their marriage, and they’ve grown apart in terms of intimacy. Nevertheless, Stacy finds alternative ways to satisfy her needs outside of this relationship.

Character Profile: Courtney – A Black woman in her 40s to late 50s, characterized as intense, captivating, and somewhat guarded. There appears to be a growing storm on the horizon, hinting at potential turmoil. Following her husband’s passing, an unexpected encounter sets off a spark that awakens long-dormant anger within Courtney. It seems that only Diane has picked up on Courtney’s unsettled state thus far.

“Diane” – A woman in her late 20s of African descent who presents one aspect of herself publicly while keeping another side hidden away for personal moments. Passionate and deliberate, Diane maintains an air of mystery due to secrets she keeps to herself. However, she has a goal to rectify a significant wrong, but the right moment is crucial; she’s merely biding her time until an opportune window opens up.

As a passionate personal trainer at the prestigious Fairmont Estates Country Club, I’m a charismatic Hispanic gentleman in my 30s, turning heads with my good looks and winning hearts with my friendly demeanor. Yet, despite the potential for love all around, I find myself drawn to one of the enchanting married ladies from our affluent neighborhood.

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2024-08-16 20:23