Between the millions of locals and tourists that pass through there every day, Times Square in New York City is unmatched as the perfect place to advertise your product. In September 2024, General Hospital fans calling themselves @IStandWithKelly commissioned a billboard in the famed city center with “Rehire Kelly Monaco on ABC’s General Hospital” written on it to protest the unceremonious exit of actress Kelly Monaco. Now, the new soap Beyond the Gates is using the square to its advantage, dazzling fans everywhere.
A Dream Come True
Michele Val Jean, creator, head writer, and executive producer of BTG, expressed her shock on X, formerly Twitter, with, “Oh. My. God. #BeyondTheGates #BTG #TimesSquare #Monday.”
She was reacting to a video that she posted in which Daphnée Duplaix, who plays Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson on the new soap, was in Times Square. With a version of When You Wish Upon a Star playing in the background, an exuberant Duplaix exclaimed, “And they say dreams do come true. We made it to Times Square!”
She tilted the camera up to reveal a giant BTG billboard announcing the show’s premiere on CBS. One fan who’s excited for the new series and understands soap opera’s important place in television history commented, “I’m beyond happy of the press being given. Soap operas paid for Primetime & sports in the 70s. Soaps held TV up. Soaps deserve the love and respect they deserve! ❤️❤️❤️.”
The Excitement Is Palpable
Congratulations came in from fans all over who were excited that the show is getting such huge attention. One soap fan replied, “Amazing! Congratulations! So excited for this to start Monday!” Another viewer that’s going to tune in to the premiere eagerly responded, “I will give it a go. Good luck to all…and break a leg.”
One excited viewer responded, “Oh wow! has any other soap made it on a billboard like that ?” It turns out that having soaps advertised on billboards is not unprecedented. In 2013, Michael Fairman TV reported that the then-online releases of All My Children and One Life to Live reboots appeared on billboards. We’re hoping this Times Square ad helps boost ratings for the first new soap in 25 years!
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