Will ‘The Gates’ Feature a Gay Black President? Character Descriptions for CBS’s New Daytime Soap

The Gates will be open before we know it! The new CBS soap opera is set to debut in January 2025. Currently, Michele Val Jean, the show’s creator, executive producer, and head writer, is hard at work putting the show together.

TV Insider has learned that the show is looking to cast the following roles:

“Patrick” is described as a Black male in his late 60s-70s. According to a casting description, Patrick is gentle, humble, and generous with his experience and knowledge. Patrick was in the thick of things during the 1960s civil rights movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King. He kept on marching into an illustrious career as a Senator. Now retired, Patrick is living his best life as he enjoys his golden years in his beautiful home with his wife Betty. However, he’s also hiding a dangerous family secret!

“Elizabeth” is described as a Black female in her mid-30s. Described as gorgeous, intelligent, charming and witty, Elizabeth also holds an air of mystery about her. Elizabeth landed a job as a paralegal and began a love affair with Joseph, who was married at the time to Sara—the woman who suggested her husband hire Elizabeth!

Elizabeth and Joseph are on the verge of being married, but she is considered a “husband-stealing tramp” by women in her social circle. However, she is confident that with time, patience, charm, and effort, she can win these women over. If she fails, Elizabeth still has what she wants—Joseph’s love.

“Marcus” is a congressman who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps in politics. He doesn’t live in the prestigious Fairmont Estates but rather in a brownstone in Washington D.C. Marcus feels it’s important to live in the district he represents. Marcus is married to his husband, Daniel. Seven years ago, they adopted two biological siblings. The married duo met when Daniel was working as a reporter, covering the political beat in D.C. Daniel became a stay-at-home dad to raise their children. Marcus is ambitious; in fact, he has a burning ambition to be the first Black openly gay President.

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“Sam” is a brilliant plastic surgeon. He works out of Garland Memorial and also runs an ultra-exclusive private practice that he opened with his long-time friend and fellow plastic surgeon, Lester Fine. Sam has created an impeccable life which includes having an impeccable wife whom he cherishes. They got through a rough patch, but now, Sam sleeps well at night. He’s secure that the past will never disrupt his current perfect world.

“Stacy” is a Black female in her 40s who owns a high-end real estate company that specializes in luxury property. While she has love for her husband, she is not in love with him—and hasn’t been for a long time. Her husband feels the same way. Regular sex ended years ago between these two, but Stacy continues to find her pleasure elsewhere…

“Courtney” is described as a Black female, aged 40s to early 50s, intense, charming, and “not wrapped all that tight.” After her husband’s death, Courtney had a chance encounter that both triggered and re-ignited the anger that had been under the surface all along. Initially, there’s only one person, “Diane” (keep reading to learn about her), who sees what’s disturbing about Courtney.

“Jillian” is described as a Black female in her late 20s who grew up surrounded by unattainable feminine beauty. Sure, Jillian’s pretty but she’s nowhere near “runway ready” like her mother Sara and her sister, Cheryl. Despite being insecure about her looks, Jillian is smart as a whip and she is the only one in her family who has inherited her grandmother Betty’s gift for singing. Jillian and her grandmother have bonded over singing. Jillian’s connection with her grandmother is as precious as her marriage to her policeman husband, David, is. He loves her unconditionally. Like her cousin Marcus, Jillian lives outside The Gates. She resides in Washington D.C. and serves as a humble attorney for the people.

“Diane” has two faces. The one that she shows to the world and one that is reserved for private moments. Described as a Black female in her late 20s, Diane gives off intensity and purpose. At first, she’s a bit of a mystery but it won’t be long before that mystery is revealed. When the time is right, Diane plans on righting a grievous wrong.

“Luis” is a Hispanic/Latino male in his 30s who is a very attractive personal trainer at the Fairmont Estates Country Club…with an eye on one of the married women who lives behind The Gates. Luis can be very charming and likable.

All roles are contract players and must be Atlanta residents. The show is set to commence taping in November.

The Gates, January 2025, CBS