Beyond the Gates, the first American soap opera centered around Black characters in more than 35 years, averaged 2.28 million viewers across platforms in its first week, outdrawing The Talk by 78 percent.
On CBS alone, it drew just over 2 million viewers, putting it on par with ABC’s long-running daytime drama General Hospital. It also beat the series in adults and women ages 25-54. Additionally, Beyond the Gates had 5.2 million viewers who watched at least six minutes.
The first daytime drama to premiere since Passions in 1999, Beyond the Gates debuted on Monday, February 24, replacing The Talk in CBS’ daytime lineup. Compared to the same week a year ago, ratings in that time slot were up by 56 percent for women ages 18-49 and 25-54.
The premiere averaged about 3 million viewers, beating Passions’ mark of 2.96 million, established in an era with far fewer viewing options.
About 55 percent of the Beyond the Gates first-week audience was Black, compared to 30 percent or lower for The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless and General Hospital. It is the first Black soap opera since Generations ended its 13-month run in 1991.
Set in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Beyond the Gates focuses on the Duprees, a wealthy family in a posh gated community.
“But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered,” reads a synopsis from Paramount. “And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.”
CBS Studios NAACP venture president Sheila Ducksworth said in a March 2024 press release that Beyond the Gates will provide a “new and fresh perspective” for daytime TV viewers.
“This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television,” she continued. “With multidimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture.”
Created by Michele Val Jean, The Gates stars Clifton Davis, Tamara Tunie, Maurice Johnson, Jibre Hordges, Alex Alegria, Maurice P. Kerry and more.
Beyond the Gates airs on CBS weekdays at 2 p.m. ET.
