The NAACP reports that CBS has greenlit a new daytime drama featuring a Black family, four years after forging a groundbreaking content partnership deal.
Described as “The Gates,” the series delves into the lives of a prosperous Black family residing in an upscale, gated community. Its premiere is slated for January 2025.
Michele Val Jean, a recipient of Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards, assumes multiple roles as the show’s showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Joining her are executive producers Kimberly Doebereiner, Sheila Ducksworth, Derrick Johnson, and Leon Russell, alongside the collaboration of P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble, with CBS Studios/NAACP.
“The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,” said Ducksworth. “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”.
This project marks the inaugural endeavor arising from the historic agreement with the civil rights organization, established in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020.
The partnership between a major television studio and an external organization to produce entertainment content, as noted by the Los Angeles Times, charts new territory. CBS Entertainment Group President George Cheeks emphasized the significance of diversifying storytelling beyond conventional studio-producer norms when the pact was initially announced. He expressed confidence in the NAACP’s role as a pivotal partner in nurturing inclusive narratives.
Reflecting on the evolving media landscape, Cheeks acknowledged the challenges faced in the current environment. He highlighted shifts in streaming platforms’ programming strategies and the gradual departure of scripted content from cable networks. Despite these hurdles, the commitment to fostering diverse storytelling remains steadfast.
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