Outspoken, direct, and wanting what’s best for the show in which he has become a part of its iconic brand, Y&R’s Eric Braeden (Victor) took to social media to let his feelings be known on the CBS soap operas decision to take Doug Davidson (Paul) off-contract, and not utilizing three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Christian LeBlanc (Michael), letting go of Greg Rikaart (Kevin), and the fact that Eileen Davidson (Ashley) has made the decision to exit the series.
Over the last few weeks, fans have been outraged at the news of the series longest cast member, Doug Davidson being taken off-contract and bumped to recurring with this change happening back in January of this year.
Eric Braeden tweeted: “I normally don’t express my opinions reg the casting on Y&R! That’s the privilege of those who produce the show! However, this is a time when I have to make an exception! I’m still on vacation, hence my comment comes a little late: to let DOUGIE DAVIDSON GO is an egregious mistake. My plea to management: we have lost some all time fan favorites! D DAVIDSON has been with the show for, i think, 39 years, and people have loved him! Same for CHRISTIAN Le BLANC, GREG RIKART, Eileen DAVIDSON (who left on her own volition)!”
As for Braeden’s statement it has gotten wide pick-up via the daytime media and tremendous support on social media from fans of The Young and the Restless.
So, what do you think about what Eric had to say about the frustration of losing, or the show not using ,some beloved and veteran cast members? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Eric you are a wonderful man and actor, you are straight to the point, no bs with you. They need to fire Mal young and bring back the characters that we love. Bring back Nina,Kevin,Jill and Avery. Get rid of Nathan, Tessa and Rey.
I have no idea why they replaced Paul with Rey. I like getting rid of Nate as well. He’s not needed
I agree with you Nate is not needed.
THANK YOU DAVID! I concur; they both reek. Nate…wunderkind doc, life coach, love guru, martial arts expert, workout king…and a total ZERO in the personality department. Dump him and shifty Rey before we lose more viewers!
Agree with those returns you mentioned!. It would be nice if h n r even rotated fan fav returns like days is doing so well at the moment!. Add Olivia and Christine to that list
Eric has renewed my faith in him! J keep wondering why more of the vets havent spoken out about the state of the show which really is more theirs than some unqualified headproducer who will be out in a year. Eric also cant be happy with the way his characters been written . Hes become a cartoon villian. Vic used to be the antihero!
Amen to Eric. Show whos boss!
I agree with you, Damien; I hate the way Victor’s character is written.
That’s the truth , Maria.
I totally agree with you.
As much as I loathe the character of Victor Newman, I am thanking the ACTOR for rallying around his castmates and his show. There has been some of Mal Young’s work that I have really enjoyed. I like the look of the show. I like that it is a little more contemporary and “hip” at times. I like some of the moments. What I don’t like…are all the newbies at the expense of long-time cast members. This is such an issue facing daytime soaps and has been for many years. We want to see our favourite vets, but we have to remember…some of our faves our now in their 60’s and 70’s, who can’t be expected to play cops and robbers stories forever like they were in the 80’s. But there was a time when soaps knew how to integrate newcomers seamlessly into the cast, and they just don’t know how to do that anymore. I will use one example that perfectly illustrates the point I am trying to make. The show was on the right track and had the right idea when they brought Scott Granger on and paired him with Abby. These are two young legacy characters who should be driving front burner story. And their parents and relatives (Lauren, the Abbotts, the Newmans, etc) should be involved in that story. Instead, they inexplicably islanded the character of Scott first in a story with Sharon (which was a pointless diversion), and barely even let him have any scenes with his mother. Did they ever even play the beat that Scott is Christine’s nephew, and Paul’s through marriage? Just when Scott and Abby were simmering with that old school type of sizzling romance, they fired the actor who played Scott and the whole thing went nowhere. From there, they moved Abby on with Nikki’s boytoy, and he gets a sudden family. Pop up families on soaps rarely if ever work. There has to be a confluence of good writing, good casting, and almost instant chemistry between all of the newcomers. But seriously, does ANYONE care about Tessa, her sister, and her drama? The only reason anyone would care is because they care about Mariah. Same thing with this new family of Rey, Arturo, and Lola. Newcomers are necessary to keep things fresh, but soaps have forgotten how to write them in so the audience will care about them. It is especially hard at a time when the Doug Davidson story is breaking. In place of a long term beloved character, we are being force fed a bunch of newcomers that have no emotional connection with the audience at all. A smart headwriter would have looked at the ways to connect Paul to Rey. A surefire way to make an audience like a new character is to have Paul like him! Paul had a son (Ricky) of Latina descent. Perhaps Rey could have been somehow related to Paul’s son. There could have been a story there. Rey could have been… Read more »
So well said, friend. Sign me up for whatever movement you are leading. Thoughtful, informed, and hopefully heard by those who need to hear. Thank you!
And arturo, and lola, and shaunna.
I completely agree with Eric. It’s a huge mistake to diminish the screen time of characters like Paul, Michael and Lauren, and writing out others like Kevin and Ashley, because they have been mainstays on Y&R for decades. Same goes for Jill who has hardly been seen in the last few years ever since Katherine’s death. Jess Walton is a leading lady and should be in front-and-center story. Meanwhile, Mishael Morgan left to pursue other opportunities and Christel Khalil dropped to recurring for the same reason.
Y&R is beginning to look unrecognizable. The addition of the new Rosales family and other new characters that will be joining the show is peanuts in comparison to these veteran characters. Mal Young began his tenure last year by revitalizing the show, revamping the way it looks and making some good changes both in front of and behind the camera.
But now, it seems like Y&R is starting to lose its way much like GH did during the final year of Ron C’s tenure as head writer. If you took a GH viewer from ten years ago and got them to watch an episode now, the show would be barely recognizable to them based on the myriad of new characters that have joined GH in the last few years alone, let alone the decade. I fear the same thing is starting to happen to Y&R.
You hit the nail on the head. Couldn’t have said it better!
Good for him to speak up outside of nick sharon mariah and kyle what is going on there and sorry but letting doug go for jordi v is not a good idea jordi has been a bust so far
Bravo Eric Braeden for speaking up, Y&R is going down hill fast. They need to make changes right away, or the soap will be cancelled. Fire the sob Mal Young and send him back to England where he belongs. Enough with the newbies, bring back our beloved soap back and the favorite characters that we love. Amen
I haven’t enjoyed the show this much I’m 7 years .Mal is great
Eric/Victor, is my favorite- luvs him !
He has never had ”work done” never used Botox as all the others over 45yrs have done to keep the Young in the Young and restless ahahaa!
I assume- when Y&R started most all were Young, not so now.
Perhaps there is need to rename the soap.
Eric will not hesitate to speak his mind I respect him for doing that.
He has clout and can make a difference.
I like Paul and believe he will remain with Y&R for many years to come.
I like and miss Greg..
As for the other two I’m ok without them.
I’m sure Eric expressing his opinion will hold weight about the vets. All he’d need to is threaten to leave or else and the vets would be used more.
Eric is in Germany; isn’t the internet awesome, only a click away ..
Bravo to Mr. Braeden. Y&R is almost unrecognizable. Soon, it will be invisible.
Sad to say but I think you are right about their days being numbered.
Yes, indeed, Barbara.
thanks for letting me in…I thought I was going crazy and couldn’t figure out why I started not liking to watch this story that I’ve been watching for decades…it makes sense new mangement…same thing happened to my beloved company ‘Reader’s Digest’ where I worked for years..The board of directors took over and recked the heart of the company (employee) so how do I help get you back on track?
They need to fire Mal Young and the current writers. They’re tanking the show. Nick needed an office but not at the sacrifice of losing Victor’s office. Getting rid of Doug and limiting regular characters is just crap
I absolutely love Eric for this. I understand how they have to shuffle the old to make room for the new to keep things fresh, but how this was done was brutal. Suddenly, we have this guy Rey making himself at home in Paul’s office. There was no friggen transition!!! I am fast forwarding through Rey’s scene. I especially hated it when somehow he managed to get his shirt drenched with water at Crimson’s Lights and had to take his shirt off which caused Sharon’s normally large eyes to pop out wider.
Paul Williams, Doug Davidson and the loyal fans deserved better.
I’m sure he has some clout over there. Good for him for speaking up. Hopefully, they’ll hear what he has said.
I love Mals work ,Especially Tessa and Mariah ,What he’s done with Sharon .Enjoying the new familyAll three,Im .Looking forward to what Mals writing for Peter ,Sure has to be better then what he had with the Marco Story ,Sure don’t want Avery back,Nothing againist the actress but couldn’t stand Avery ,I just want Michael Muhney back ,
I agree with you ;especially ,about getting Muhney back.
I agree.
Eric is absolutely right. Longtime viewers of the show are left with characters and storylines they don’t care about (like Tessa’s), and the characters we’ve watched for years are leaving, one by one, with storylines and writing continually weakening. It’s a shame.
Mr. Braeden couldn’t be more right !!!
I totally agree with Eric.Taking away the best actors that showed the best of their characters. Its like a good novel you just can’t put it down. Please management think about this.I have been watching since day 1. They are like family.My biggest pain was the death of Mrs.Chancellor.
Bring back Paul & Ashley
Right on the money!! The younger generation doesn’t even watch soaps!! You will be losing more viewers daily
Yes, it’s the long-time viewers that are loyal–and that keep watching (or TRY to).
It is quite evident Y&R could care less about their loyal viewers. They don’t understand (or just don’t care) that their viewership will collapse without the veterans! I’ve been on my way out of Genoa City for months…lookout Salem here I come! At least I recognize the characters on DOOL!
The stories to me havent been the same since they haven’t been there and now to lose another I really don’t care to watch anymore
Eric is on point with his comments.
I am just about to call it quits with Y&R. Tired of the stupid storylines and i hate to see many of my favorite actors go. Doug Davidson leaving is about the last straw for me.
Doug Davidson should be a part of Y&R as long as he wishes to be! SHAME!
I like the diversity the show is making, but wish they wouldn’t have to lose any of the amazing veterans the show has too.
Don’t let Michael go
Sadly, Mr. Braeden’s comments aren’t going to change a thing. These are not the days of old. They don’t make the money off this show the way they used to. Eventually, they’ll make the show on the cheap end. Look how Guiding Light tried to survive, cutting to a house that had all the sets, little studio time…they did everything they could until they went under. And yes, the show that replaced it, Let’s Make a Deal, makes CBS more money. Sadly, the older actors are getting older, isn’t Mr. Braeden 75? When they lost Jeanne Cooper, it was the beginning of the end for me of Y&R. Now they are bringing in hacks (yes, Josh Griffith, that would be you) to finish off the show. I can’t blame Eileen Davidson for leaving, they did nothing with her character over the last few years. Lauren & Michael are missing, it’s a shame. I wish Mr. Braeden’s comments can make a difference, but this time I don’t think they will. It’s sad.
Everything you said is Unfortunately true.
Thanks Eric Braeden for voicing your displeasure of the actor changes in the past year especially long-term ones such as Doug Davidson, Christian LeBlanc and so many others. Not sure why such the big toss up but I think management needs to listen and not get rid of some of those fan favorites! Introducing a few new ones is okay but not at the expense of those like Doug Davidson, Greg Rikaart and others!! Please listen to the fans who have been the avid TV watchers for so long!!
Mr. Braeden gets my utmost respect for these efforts! Kudos to him for speaking out!
I’m with Eric Braden on this one!
Good for Mr. Braeden for speaking his mind! I can’t watch the show. Rey and his family do not interest me. What do I care about this family? The siblings do not get along because BIG Brother was overprotective and overbearing? WHO CARES?
I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THE NEW FACES, BUT GETTING RID OF THE MAIN PEOPLE IS CRAZY! NOW YOU ARE NOT SHOWING MICHAEL? COME ON… IT’S GETTING CLOSER TO ME CHANGING TO SOME OTHER SOAP, THIS IS PISSING ME OFF BIG TIME! AND TO HAVE VICTOR AND NICK NOT BEING A STRONG FAMILY POSITIVE FAMILY, I AM SIMPLY TIRED OF IT ALL….AND I AM NOT ALONE! IF YOU WANT TO GET RID OF THE SHOW, JUST CUT THE WHOLE DAMN SHOW THEN…
Thank you, Mr. Braeden, for so bluntly voicing your frustration as well as those of long-time viewers. While I believe there needs to be “cast members who are young” to honor the original concept of the show, it’s equally imperative to honor the stability of the show; Bill Bell did that with his mature, middle-aged cast. There was a wonderful balance to the program. There are meaningful stories for Paul Williams, Michael and Lauren, and Jill. Paul should follow his father Carl’s footsteps. With rampant crime in our communities, you’d think Paul would be exhausted not bored with one single story! Likewise, I have pleaded repeatedly over the years that it’s high-time Jill Foster Abott etc lapse into her worst nightmare: become that young-hungry Katherine Chancellor. The early Kay Chancellor stories were the BEST. And bring back the Colonnade Room and Chancellor Estate.
Secondly– as others have equally voiced– is the show’s original and powerful background MUSIC. For crying out loud, look at how many scenes in a single episode today go without any music whatsoever: this is a blatant disregard for Bill Bell’s programming. I’ve said it before: the MUSIC is a character in this show.
Thirdly– and I think most importantly– is the misuse of character storylines. Bill Bell and Kay Alden RARELY, IF EVER, mixed characters and stories. These days, everyone is in everyone’s business. All it creates is a mess. Those early years viewers knew which characters belonged to which storyline; there was no crossover of content. The Kay/Jill feud was between Kay and Jill and the supporting characters, Brock and Liz Foster, increased viewers’ empathy toward the situation: back and forth we went with divided loyalties. You didn’t have the Brooks’ family meddling in this arc. The Brooks had their own distinct plotlines.
Maybe it’s a sign of the times– no one’s life is his or her own anymore. I always trusted Y and R to make me believe otherwise.
I LOVE everything you said Ron and agree with you 100%…we have begged and begged but the so called top brass do not listen…It’s a SHAME of what this once classic show has become…THANK YOU Ron…I am so tired of saying the same thing over and over and again with no avail but I appreciate you Ron for saying it again and I am so glad you care…
Ron, I thought I replied to you…I LOVE and AGREE with you on everything you have said…I am so glad people like you and me and of course others care…I so miss the classic good old days of Y&R…THANKS again Ron…
Quite welcome, Kevin– best to hope that someone will bring back the “Classic” elements. Keep defending it!
Hi Ron, I will do as you ask which makes sense…We have to band together…
ALL HAIL THE MUSTACHE! I am glad he finally spoke! He holds a lot of cards there at Y&R. Thats good and bad. I want the vets back and want Nate, Rey and Tessa to disappear forever! But the bad news is, he doesnt like Muhney and the soap is severely damaged without Adam. Has anybody noticed how much Matt Miller and Muhney look alike?
I am sorry but NO ONE can play Matt Miller like Robert Parucha…the guy that is playing Matt now doesn’t have the chirisma that Robert P has…
I agree.
THANKS Tim for the support
Listen! Y&R fans know what’s happening. When adding new characters in order to diversify and there are only roughly 37 min to tell all those stories, someone’s going to get cut. We get it! So, to the Writers of Y&R,I make this plea! You can do it! #keepevolving #37minutes #wehavefaith #keeptheY&Rvets
I am glad that Eric is using his celebrity and influence to bring all of this much needed attention.
Mal Young needs to be replaced at Y&R pronto! How about bringing back Kay Alden?
LOVE that idea Blake…
Thank you “Victor.” Much aa I feel that the writer’s have made you too evil, I have always appreciated your immense talent. I agree with what has been said. A program needs history. The older viewers are, probably, many at home and still watching daily not via new technology.
I travel and watch when I return. It has been decades. I don’t need such rapid change.
Thank you for speaking up!
Three of the four network soaps received nominations in the category of Daytime Drama for the upcoming 72nd annual Writers Guild Awards. Nominations in television categories were announced on Thursday.
The annual scribe-fest is based on voting by 15,000 WGA members, and awards will be handed out in coinciding ceremonies in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton and in New York at the Edison Ballroom on February 1st, 2020.
The eligibility are shows within the 2019 calendar year.
The nominated writing teams competing in the Daytime Drama category are as follows:
Days of Our Lives, Writers: Lorraine Broderick, Ron Carlivati, Joanna Cohen, Carolyn Culliton, Richard Culliton, Rick Draughon, Dave Kreizman, Rebecca McCarty, Ryan Quan, Dave Ryan, Betsy Snyder, Katie Schock; NBC Universal
General Hospital, Head Writers: Shelly Altman, Christopher Van Etten Associate Head Writers: Anna T. Cascio, Dan O’Connor Writers: Barbara Bloom, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Donny Sheldon, Scott Sickles; ABC
The Young and the Restless, Writers: Amanda L. Beall, Jeff Beldner, Sara Bibel, Matt Clifford, Annie Compton, Christopher Dunn, Sara Endsley, Janice Ferri Esser, Mellinda Hensley, Lynn Martin, Anne Schoettle, Natalie Minardi Slater, Teresa Zimmerman CBS
So, which soap do you think should receive the WGA Award for the best writing on a daytime drama series in 2019? Share your picks in the comment section below.
In shocking news to so many, This Is Us star Justin Hartley (Kevin Pearson) has filed for divorce after two years of marriage from former Days of our Lives’and Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause (Jordan Ridgeway).
According to court documents on Friday via TMZ, Justin is citing irreconcilable differences as the cause of the split.
The date of their separation is listed as July 8, 2019, which has perplexed those in the media when the pair have been seen together in recent months at Hollywood events and sharing posts of one another on their social media accounts.
Justin and Chrishell were last seen together in public last week on November 14th at a Hollywood Reporter-sponsored pre-Golden Globes party. Reps for both actors have you to share statements or make a comment.
Hartley and Stause tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch back in October 28th, 201, which was four years to the day after they met.
As daytime fans know, Justin and Chrishell met when they were both part of the soap opera community. Justin was last on daytime as Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless. Hartley has one child, Isabella, from a previous marriage to another soap actress, Lindsay Korman, who he met when they both were on the defunct NBC soap Passions. Justin and Lindsay were married for 8 years.
We will update you as they warrant in this developing story. And on personal note: we wish nothing but the best for both Justin and Chrishell.
Share your thoughts on the news of Justin’s divorce filing via the comment section below.
Fantastic news General Hospital fans! Daytime Emmy winner and longtime fan favorite, Jane Elliot is reprising her signature soap role as Tracy Quartermaine just in time for the holidays.
According to EW.com who broke the news, Eliot will make her appearances beginning in December, when Tracy comes home to Port Charles, and is embroiled in the ELQ family business.
Elliot’s last episode on GH aired May 4, 2017 when Jane made the decision to to exit.
Her character left Port Charles by telling her family she was ready to have her own life, away from the shadow of her father. A later episode revealed that Tracy settled in Amsterdam after meeting up with Luke (Tony Geary).
Jane began playing the role of Tracy back in 1978.
So excited to hear Tracy Q will be home for a visit and to stir up some trouble? Comment below.
WATCH: Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson Take On Grammy-Nominated Hit ‘Old Town Road’ With A GH Twist
DAYS Head Writer Ron Carlivati Talks On: Ben Weston, Soap Amnesia, Doppelgängers, and the Time Jump
Paging Dr. Griffin Munro! Matt Cohen Makes A Return Visit To GH
Soap Stars At Hollywood Christmas Parade 2019 (Photos)
A Friz Holiday Miracle On GH?
WEDNESDAY: GH Stars Set To Perform Acoustic Holiday Concert On Facebook Live
Noted Soap Opera Producer Lisa de Cazotte Has Died; Daytime Community Mourns Her Passing
TONIGHT: Rick Hearst Makes His AMBITIONS Debut
