A new soap opera is coming to CBS.
The Gates centers on the lives of a wealthy Black family who live in a gated community, hence the name. The NAACP will be co-producing the show alongside P&G Studios. Michele Val Jean will be working as the show running and writer, meaning the future of the tale rests in very experienced hands considering she has written over 2,000 episode of daytime TV.
Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture said in a statement: "The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective."
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While this is CBS' first time making a Black soap opera, the last one was an NBC production called Generations. The half-hour drama only lasted two seasons back in 1989. Fox also tried their hand at a Black soap opera, but not everyone considered the 2015 drama Empire to be soap opera since it scored a primetime slot.
About the new show, Sheila said: “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture."
A new soap is a bold move for the network considering they haven't added a new one since onboarding The Bold and the Beautiful in 1987. Luckily, The Gates' show runner Michele is also one of the minds behind Bold and Beautiful's successful run.
The announcement was particularly special to Michele who gave a shoutout to her late friend and soap star. She wrote: "I’m so profoundly touched by the overwhelmingly positive response to The Gates. What made this announcement especially poignant was it happened on Jackie Zeman's birthday. She would have loved this. #angelspirit."
In terms of stars and release date, we're still holding out for details. The show's concept could invite a whole new wave and generation of daytime television actors.
Sheila added: "I’m excited to develop this project with CBS and P&G, two of the longest and most passionate champions of broadcast and daytime television, and the NAACP, whose enduring commitment to Black voices and artists is both powerful and inspiring.”
