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‘Beyond the Gates’ Brings Must-see Drama, Romance, and Black Excellence To Daytime Television

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Beyond The Gates

CBS premiered its brand new show, Beyond the Gates, marking a significant milestone in television history as the first new daytime soap opera to debut on a major American broadcast network in over 25 years. The last time viewers welcomed a daytime soap was in 1999 with NBC’s Passions. Beyond the Gates, however, brings a different kind of groundbreaking energy to the genre through its addictive plot and a brilliant cast comprised of Black veteran actors and newcomers.

The Duprees are a prominent, multi-generational family living in the gated community of Fairmont Crest in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Storylines have nothing to do with the current political climate but instead with internal family turmoil that slowly begins to taint the image of the Duprees to the outside world.

Beyond The Gates
Clifton Davis, left, and Tamara Tunie star as the heads of the affluent Dupree family in “Beyond the Gates”. Quantrell Colbert / CBS

Tony Award nominee and Broadway powerhouse Clifton Davis (Vernon Dupree) is the head of this family unit alongside Law and Order SVU star Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree). Daphne Duplaix and Karla Mosley co-star as the couple’s daughters (Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree Hamilton). 

Vernon is the patriarch and a retired senator who played a key role in the Civil Rights movement. His wife, Anita, is a Chicago native and a former singer who gave birth to Nicole and Dani shortly after the two got married. 

Viewers can immediately witness the power of the Duprees within their community during the first few minutes of episode one. The initial scene shows a radiant Anita driving into Fairmont Crest’s Country Club in a limousine and exiting the vehicle, revealing an eye-catching shiny trouser suit. 

The Dupree matriarch meets with daughters Nicole and Dani, who struggles following her divorce from Bill Hamilton. Later in the episode, Dani is seen at a club with Hayley, Bill’s Fiancee, who had an affair with him during their marriage. To Dani’s surprise, Hayley is there to retrieve the keys to the house on Marigold Road (the same land on which her grandfather built the Fairmont Crest Community). This turn of events is one of many unexpected moments from the series’ first hour.

Beyond The gates
Karla Mosley, left, as Dani Dupree Hamilton, Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree, and Daphnee Duplaix as Nicole Dupree Richardson in Beyond the Gates/ CBS

The first Black female executive producers in all of daytime drama – Sheila Ducksworth and Val Jean – spoke about the significance of ‘Beyond The Gates’.

” I’d say it’s been a couple of decades in the making that I’ve wanted to actually produce and make a soap opera,” Ducksworth told CBS Mornings. “But what I felt was missing was one that centered on the Black experience.”

“I just wanted to see people that looked like me,” Jean told CBS Mornings. “I didn’t want downtrodden Black people. I wanted rich, messy Black people that carry the stories.”

To make the show more realistic of the black experience, a crew of more than 200 people worked around the clock to bring the show to life, including seasoned professionals in Black Hair and makeup. 

Fans can discover how the Duprees navigate their new realities by streaming the soap opera on Paramount+  or watching it live on CBS.

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‘With Love, Meghan’ Renewed For a Second Season

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With Love, Meghan

Netflix’s newest lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, is set to air season two this fall, per Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s Instagram. The short post follows the release of the show’s first eight episodes this past Tuesday.

“If you’re loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2!” the caption reads. “Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life!” 

The lifestyle series revolves around the actress turned dutchess’ cooking and entertaining all who visit, producing engaging tutorials and conversations. This season featured various guests, including actress and producer Mindy Kaling, former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, makeup artist Daniel Martin, and skin care entrepreneur Vicky Tsai.

With Love, Meghan
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Mindy Kaling in episode 102 of With Love, Meghan. Justin Coit/Netflix

With Love, Meghan, where Sussex is listed as an executive producer, is filmed in Montecito, California, where she and her family live full-time. For privacy reasons, however, the set used for filming is a nearby rental, not Sussex’s actual home.

Although the show majorly centers around the Los Angeles native’s hosting and cooking skills, her husband, Prince Harry, makes an appearance during an intimate brunch co-hosted by chef and restaurateur Alice Waters in the series’ final episode. Markle’s royal spouse, “H” as she calls him, is often mentioned throughout the season, along with their children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie, whose faces are never revealed in the episodes.

With Love, Meghan
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry in the final episode of With Love, Meghan/Netflix

With Love, Meghan is revered as Sussex’s first major independent project since she and Prince Harry resigned as senior members of Britain’s royal family in 2020 and moved back to her home state of California. Before meeting and marrying into the royal family in 2018, Markle had a lifestyle blog titled Tig, which inspired the Netflix show.

In addition to the series, the 43-year-old announced that she is rebranding her fledging lifestyle company to As Ever after originally naming it American Riviera. The company’s site went live with eight products available for purchase this spring, the same day as With Love, Meghan debuted on the streamer.

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Top 5 Most Memorable Moments from the 56th NAACP Image Awards 2025

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NAACP Image Awards

The 56th NAACP Image Awards took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, delivering a night of celebration, inspiration, and unforgettable highlights. The annual event—often dubbed the “Black Oscars”—honored the brilliance of people of color in film, television, music, and literature. Hosted by the hilarious Deon Cole, the evening was packed with emotional wins, powerful speeches, and historic tributes. From The Wayans Family’s induction into the NAACP Hall of Fame to Keke Palmer’s Entertainer of the Year crowning, here are the top 5 most memorable moments from last night’s NAACP Image Awards that had everyone talking.

1. The Wayans Family’s Heartfelt and Hilarious Hall of Fame Induction

The Wayans family at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

The Wayans family at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

The induction of The Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame was hands-down the night’s standout moment. This comedic dynasty—featuring Keenen Ivory, Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon Wayans—took the stage to a roaring ovation, celebrating over 30 years of groundbreaking contributions to Black entertainment.

2. Keke Palmer’s Wins Entertainer of the Year at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

Keke Palmer at the 56th NAACP Image Awards
Keke Palmer at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

Keke Palmer stole the show when she was named Entertainer of the Year, beating out heavyweights like Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. The multihyphenate star, already a winner earlier in the week for hosting Password, radiated joy as she accepted the Award. In her speech, the 31-year-old gave a special (and perfectly pitched) shoutout to Erivo for her “exceptional” performance in ‘Wicked.’

3. Kerry Washington’s Emotional Win and Tyler Perry Shoutout

The Wayans family at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

Kerry Washington at the 56th NAACP Image Awards

Kerry Washington took the stage to receive a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for The Six Triple Eight. The Netflix war drama, directed by Tyler Perry, also won Outstanding Motion Picture. Washington’s speech was a beautiful tribute to the real-life Black women of the 6888th Battalion whose stories the film honors.

Washington, who portrayed Major Charity Adams, thanked Perry for his vision, the brilliant cast of the film, as well as the women of the 688th Battalion before briefly leaving the stage—only to return with a laugh, saying she “forgot to thank Tyler Perry.” Which, of course, she didn’t. This candid moment was met with the audience’s playful “You DID!” and laughs.

4. Kamala Harris’ Powerful Chairman’s Award Acceptance

Former Vice President Kamala Harris brought the house down with her acceptance of the Chairman’s Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment to justice and equality. As the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as VP, her presence at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards was historic. Her speech was a rallying cry, reflecting on her journey and urging the audience to continue pushing for equity: “We stand on the shoulders of giants—now it’s our turn to lift others up.”

5. Dave Chappelle’s Raw and Real President’s Award Speech

Comedy legend Dave Chappelle received the prestigious President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.

The Award, given annually to individuals who’ve made significant cultural or societal impact, was a fitting tribute to Chappelle’s decades-long career. Known for his fearless humor and incisive social commentary on Chappelle’s Show and beyond, the comedian took the stage to a thunderous standing ovation. In a rare serious turn, he called the honor “the most meaningful of my career,” reflecting on the challenges of staying true to his voice in a polarized world. “Don’t let the world discourage you—keep telling your truth,” he told the audience, his words resonating deeply on a night-themed “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence.”

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The Wayans Family Inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame

The 56th NAACP Image Awards, was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 and aired on BET and CBS

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The Wayans NAACP Hall of Fame

The NAACP Image Awards have long been a beacon of recognition for Black talent, creativity, and resilience. One of last night’s biggest highlights was the induction of The Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

The iconic comedic dynasty has been a cornerstone of Black entertainment for over three decades. Their groundbreaking contributions to comedy, television, and film have redefined humor and opened doors for countless Black ( and other) creators in Hollywood.

The induction ceremony was an emotional, hilarious, and nostalgic affair. Damon Wayans took the stage alongside his son Damon Wayans Jr. and other family members, including Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Craig Wayans, Chaunte Wayans, and Damien Wayans – to accept the honor. A montage showcasing the siblings’ journey—from the raw, unapologetic sketches of In Living Color (which launched stars like Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx) to blockbuster films like Scary Movie, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood – played ahead of the family’s acceptance speech.

The Wayans NAACP
The Wayans family was honored at the 56th NAACP Image Awards/ Getty for NAACP.

In that speech, Damon and Marlon reflected on their humble beginnings in New York City’s Fulton Housing Projects, crediting older brother Keenen’s leadership and guidance in steering the family to success. “We didn’t set out to change the game—we just wanted to tell our stories our way,” Damon said, fresh off his win for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for Poppa’s House.

The Wayans’ impact extends beyond their on-screen work. In Living Color, which aired from 1990 to 1994, was a cultural juggernaut, earning multiple NAACP Image Awards and providing a platform for Black talent when mainstream TV often sidelined them. Their films, many written, directed, and produced by family members, grossed hundreds of millions at the box office, proving Black-led comedies could dominate commercially and critically. Marlon Wayans, known for A Haunted House and White Chicks, called the induction “a love letter to our family and every kid who grew up laughing with us.”

The Wayans brothers L-R: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans, Keenan Wayans

The NAACP Hall of Fame honor places The Wayans Family alongside legends like Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte, recognizing their role in advancing Black representation. For all attendees and viewers, last night was a reminder of how the Wayans broke barriers while keeping audiences in stitches—a legacy that continues to inspire today’s comedic voices.

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