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

It's been decades since a new soap opera has joined the fray but CBS is about to end that dry spell with The Gates, and they'll be doing it with a daytime program that follows an affluent Black family. The leads of the sudsy story primarily live in a "posh, gated community" according to the network, hence the name of the show.

The series is a joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP. Michele Val Jean, known for her award-winning work on The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital, serves as showrunner and writer. She's joined by Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner as executive producers.

We can expect The Gates to make its debut in January 2025, a specific premiere date has yet to be shared. However, TV Insider reports that filming is set to begin in November of this year in Atlanta, GA. All the parts being cast so far will be contract roles which requires the actors to be residents of the city.

A timeslot has not been announced for the series. Hidden Remote has speculated that the soap will be taking over The Talk's block. The long running daytime talk show will be coming to an end in December. If The Gates does slide into that slot it'll air after The Bold and the Beautiful.

While word on who will be starring on the soap opera hasn't been released yet, TV Insider has reported who the characters are including information on their storylines, spouses, and families. Here's what to expect! Note: Character names could be subject to change.

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" - An ambitious congressman who followed in his grandfather Patrick's footsteps. Marcus has his eye on the White House and wants to be the first Black, openly gay President. He doesn't live in the Fairmont Estates rather he shares a brownstone in Washington D.C. with his husband, Daniel, and their adopted children (who are biological siblings).

"Daniel" - A reporter who worked the political beat in the District before he became a stay-at-home dad to focus on raising his and Marcus' children.

"Jillian" - A Black woman in her late 20s who is an incredibly smart and humble attorney and as gifted a singer as her grandmother Betty. The two women share a deep bond due to their love for song and the relationship is dear to Jillian, as dear to her as her marriage to her husband David. Jillian is insecure about her looks. Both her mother Sara and her sister Cheryl are considered to be "runway ready," and while she's pretty she doesn't feel she holds a candle to them.

"David" - Jillian's husband who loves her unconditionally. He works as a policeman and the two live in D.C. like her cousin Marcus.

"Elizabeth" - A Black woman in her mid-30s who's described as "gorgeous, intelligent, charming, and witty" with "an air of mystery about her." She's about to get married to Joseph, Sara's ex-husband. Their romance is tainted by how they got together. Sara had been the one who suggested he hire Elizabeth as a paralegal. It's because of this sordid beginning that Elizabeth is considered to be a "husband-stealing tramp" by the women who make up the social circle she runs in.

Perhaps naively, Elizabeth thinks that with time and effort combined with patience and charm, she'll be able to change their minds about her. But, at the end of the day, she's happy to have Joseph's love and is content with that knowledge.

"Sam" - A plastic surgeon known for his brilliance, Sam works out of Garland Memorial but also has a private practice that he runs with his long time friend Lester Fine, who is also a plastic surgeon. Their practice is ultra-exclusive and fits right in line with the life Sam has created for himself.

The use of "impeccable" in his description seems to hint at a perfectionist streak when it comes to everything he has going on including his marriage to the wife he adores. They had a rough patch but they're past it now, Sam is sure of it. But that's only because he believes his past won't come back to upend his world.

"Stacy" - A Black woman in her 40s who's a boss. She owns a real estate company and her specialty is luxury property. Her life at home isn't as sparkling as her career because she's not in love with her husband even though she does love him. It's been like this for years in their marriage and he feels the same way which is why they're not regularly intimate but that doesn't mean Stacy isn't seeing to her needs elsewhere.

"Courtney" - A Black woman in her 40s-late 50s. She's described as being "intense, charming, and not wrapped all that tight." The latter detail speaks to trouble brewing and it looks like it's going to be on the horizon. A chancer encounter after her husband's death triggers her and reignites an anger that she'd left buried inside herself. The only person who seems to notice something is up with Courtney is Diane.

"Diane" - A Black woman in her late 20s who lets the world see one side of herself and saves the other for more private moments. Intense and purposeful, Diane is a tad mysterious due to knowledge she's keeping close to her vest. She is, however, planning to right a serious wrong but timing is everything, she's just waiting for the window she needs.

"Luis" - A Hispanic/Latino man in his 30s who works as a personal trainer at the Fairmont Estates Country Club. Described as "attractive" and "very charming and likable," Luis could find love anywhere but he has his sights on one of the married women that resides in the affluent community.

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