Why 'Beyond the Gates' Social Event of the Season Is More Than Just Drama for This CBS Showrunner
Beyond the Gates is taking its viewers on a long-honored tradition with a three-episode cotillion storyline. Now, executive producer Sheila Ducksworth has shared her perspective on why telling that story was so important, now more than ever.
Ducksworth spoke with BET's Danielle Young about the series and her plans to create a machine that will run as long as its predecessors.
During the conversation, the showrunner discussed the cotillion storyline. Throughout the storyline, viewers learned that the Barrington County Cotillion is a long-standing tradition for the Dupree family and will be held this year at the Fairmont Crest Country Club.
Three generations of Dupree family members have been a part of the cotillion in the past: Nicole Richardson Dupree (Daphnée Duplaix), Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon), Kat (Colby Nixon), Naomi (Arielle Prepetit), and now Samantha (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller).
This year, 9 young debs with 9 young escorts are presented, as Samantha and her rival, Francesca "Chessy" Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook), vie for the title of Platinum Debutante.
Reflecting on the storyline, Ducksworth shared, "It really is important, as I said, that this show speaks with authenticity."
Ducksworth added that the soap, being a work of fiction, shouldn't prevent it from bringing realism and tradition to its storytelling. "Why not actually put a spotlight on and support the things that are really true and authentic to this culture?" she challenged.
Since Beyond the Gates was originally announced, Ducksworth has spoken about the series' importance and the role it plays in television history, as the first new daytime drama to enter production in over 20 years and the first hour-long drama to feature a predominantly Black cast. The show runner has jokingly shared she hopes Beyond the Gates last for over 100 years, and is building the groundwork for the production to last for years to come.
Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount+.
Viewers can catch up on all of the drama from Fairmount Crest from the beginning of the series on Paramount+ or for free on Pluto TV's dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 11:31 PM.