New Beyond the Gates Backstage VIDEO 

With just over two weeks to go until the groundbreaking premiere of the new daytime soap Beyond the Gates, viewers (and future fans) can take a look behind the scenes as production got underway.

Beyond the Gates production starts

In a new video released by CBS, viewers get a glimpse behind the scenes as production of the first episodes began. In the video, star Tamara Tunie, who will play the Dupree family matriarch, Anita, can be heard saying, “It’s an absolute thrill to be part of this historic moment in daytime television.” Costars Daphnée Duplaix and Karla Moseley, who play Tunie’s daughters, Nicole and Dani, respectively, nodded in agreement.

As the cast and crew arrived at the studio, they hugged and greeted one another. Moseley added, “Beyond the Gates is the first soap to be greenlit in over 25 years, a collaboration between CBS and NAACP. It’s exciting!”

Duplaix agreed, stating, “It’s groundbreaking for everyone in the industry, not just our show.” Timon Kyle Durret, who plays Bill Hamilton, said, “The predominately African American and multicultural cast, this is the first of its kind. We are the genesis.”

“It’s a big ____ ___,” Tunie quipped, intentionally bleeping herself as Moseley and Duplaix laughed. Alex Alegria, who will play Tomas Navarro on the sudser, said he was humbled to be part of history.

Lauren Buglioli added that Val Jean was the first person of color to create a soap. Val Jean shared, “I’ve been living with this world in my head. I got here and there were faces to the characters, sets, clothes — and so much hair! I’ve always wanted to create a show centered around rich black people.”

Jebre Hodges, who will play Cob Hawthorn, said they were working with legends. One of them, Tunie, explained that she had been a fan of Clifton Davis her entire life. Now, he’ll play her spouse, Vernon Dupree.

Davis recalled how difficult it had been to find roles in the early 70s. “Now we have African American writers. It lifts my spirit to see how many advances African American professionals in this industry have made,” he said as Tunie agreed. “This is special,” she smiled.

Brandon Claybon, whose character is Martin Richardson, said, “You can’t beat this. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of gig.” Buglioli added, “To be on this one, feels like ‘trust the timing of your life.’ You’re where you’re supposed to be.” Michele Val Jean concluded it was a dream come true moment.

Watch the video and see where the cast cuts the opening ribbon just before the gates open:

Watch Beyond the Gates when it premieres February 24th on CBS or stream live or on demand on Paramount Plus.