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Maria Arena Bell discusses state of Y&R storytelling & cost cutting measures!

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

The Young and the Restless, executive producer and head writer, Maria Arena Bell spoke with On-Air On-Soaps shortly after the official on set cake cutting ceremony celebrating the tremendous achievement of the series landmark 38-year anniversary on their soundstage at CBS.  Maria shared her thoughts on the state of the number one rated soap, addressed concerns from the viewers as to why certain decisions were made involving characters and storylines, reveals why the decision to let Emily O’Brien (Jana) go, and  gives us a small preview of what’s ahead in the coming months. Here’s our “quickie” conversation with Maria!

Many fans are concerned about the state of Y&R.  While the show is still number one in the ratings, there are weeks where the show is losing viewers, and there is concern about the loss of certain characters. Are you in the midst of a refocusing of the show and the characters that inhabit Genoa City?

MARIA: For me, the core characters are those classic Y&R characters that I love to drive story with. But it’s an every changing canvas of many, many people and many characters.  You know story arcs come and go, and the life of a character can end and be very profound, and really powerful in storytelling.  For me, my goal has always been to utilize the classic Y&R style with a modern twist.  I live in the modern world.  I think that for instance, in pacing and the way that storytelling is now, for me the show feels right. There is something engaging to tune-in to every day, and every day needs to be like a Friday. And, that is what we need to be to keep the viewers engaged and to get them to watch every day.

Are there cost cutting measures going on?

MARIA: There are always cost-cutting measures, and also some of it is to move more quickly in the studio and things like that. My main focus is to preserve what is so good about Y&R, and what the fans and viewers should not perceive as cost-cutting measures.  It should be in things that don’t impact them. The things that they really want to see are the great storytelling with this great cast, and their favorite characters. And, that is what is worth fighting to preserve on this show. When you sort of look at a lot of the other shows that have sort of lost their way, they also have lost some of their core characters, and lost some of what makes those shows what they are. I think Y&R is still quintessentially Y&R. We have those moments still.  Just in the last arc of shows surrounding Eric Braeden’s (Victor) performance around the company and having the children cause him to do what he never wanted to do and his anguish, to me, that is classic Y&R storytelling. It has the boardroom, the bedroom, and everything in between, and that is what we are known for. So, I feel like we are giving the audience classic Y&R.

Was it hard to decide to have Emily O’Brien (Jana) leave the show?

MARIA: I love Emily as an actress! She is one of the great young actresses on the show, and it’s much more about a character arc and a story point, and has absolutely nothing to do with her as a performer. She has always delivered and was always terrific. I am going to miss her very, very much.  But again, it’s about the storytelling and storytelling has to keep moving forward.

And for Spring, what can you preview is ahead in Genoa City?

MARIA: A lot of romance…some really shocking twists… and we are going to be seeing some fun new characters hitting the scene. And you see, that is how it works in the soaps.

Of the 38 years Y&R has been on-air, and of the time you have taken over the reins of the show, what in your mind resonates as one of the best Y&R moments of all-time?

MARIA: That is so hard. You know, we just flashed to some air shows about three weeks ago of Jack throwing the chair out the window with Victor, and those two great titans having a showdown.  And then the great, great moments we have had with Jeanne Cooper, under my tenure, just thinking of her playing Marge and playing Katherine and doing that funeral episode where she narrated. Just that moment of her, and seeing her humor, which we rarely get to see is so memorable. She is so funny. So that was fantastic. We had a great moment just a few weeks ago when you saw that it was Victor’s birthday and he had just lost the arbitration case, and in comes Nikki. You see that core relationship of the show of that love story that just keeps going on. And, Victor couldn’t say anything, and she couldn’t say anything, but they needed each other. Those are those moments. It’s hard to pick just one!

Click to comment

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mary
Guest
mary

Too bad the question about letting go a character that works like Jana and keeping the worst recast of Y&R NuHeather was not asks!

Why give NuHeather so much like air time, when most vierwers hates her?!

MAB is never answering any questions anyway, she always have the same spiel.

Chlonanfan
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Chlonanfan

I know right! Jana was awesome and NuHeather is a disease that I can’t get rid of! MAB lost me as a viewer when she teased me with a Chloe/Ronan pairing only to have them dropped like a hot potato and giving sexy Ronan to that rodent Heather and Chloe shaking up with chipmunk Kevin. Along with the non-intersting rehashed story-lines that center around death and pregnancies and terrible pairings all around! It seems MAB doesn’t know how to write a good romance! Its all death and sex all the time back to back! Jana recently died, Sharon ‘died’, Cane… Read more »

Cassondra Brotzman
Guest
Cassondra Brotzman

I have been watching Young and the Restless since i was in my mothers womb. I have never seen a love story hit me in a profound way like this one you just feel the love when you watch these two. Cane is one of the only guys that i know on the show that hasn’t done in anything mean to anyone and he deeply cares for his family and friends he has not cheated either. I was so devastated when young and the restless decided to kill him off I am hoping and praying that it was a fake… Read more »

Electra Thomas
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Electra Thomas

Its not a very good idea to kill off one of your most popular your actors … Cane and Lily is a love story that has love, family, chemistry and excitement … I have watched Y&R since 1992, and Victor Newman is no saint … Why does he always have to be ruthless and mess over everyone in GC… This is why the youth of america are so messed up … To kill off and wonderful story line like Cane and Lily and bring back Diane , Phyllis, the town traps really makes me think Y&R doesnt care about what… Read more »

Barbara Hughes
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Barbara Hughes

VERY WELL SAID!!!

Christina
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Christina

She says everyday needs to be like a Friday and keep the viewers engaged, but they have recently just lost big in the ratings. Is it me or is she just doing what she wants and not listening to the fans. I have watched for 30+ years, I know the characters very well. I can understand concentrating on the core members as she says. But, if a new character was brought on and the fans love that character (CANE ASHBY) shouldn’t they keep that character around. Then she talks about bringing on new characters. I am confused are we concentrating… Read more »

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

I really liked the character of Cane, too, but stories evolve every day on shows all over television. This won’t be the last time that a character moves on…. it’s just the nature of storytelling, as she stated. It sucks for those of us who get attached to characters; I will really miss Jana, but the show must go on.

Christina
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Christina

Yes, it must go on, with CANE ASHBY!

barb
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barb

This is an early April fools joke interview, right?

Sondra
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Sondra

I think the whole show is beginning to suck. We’re getting new interesting characters. Why not give old reliable characters more air time. Why do they always think what we need are more newbies.

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

That’s what she just said they’re doing… getting back to the core. There are always going to be peripheral characters, but the focus has to be on the core. Chill out everyone!

James
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James

This is absolutely ridiculous. Focusing on core characters, doesn’t seem that way to this viewer, its the Newman hour, and I love most of the Newman’s and I’m saying that. And what is modern about it when the show does not represent the world we all live in today where diversity is a rare thing. Core characters, the Winters family is a core family and are used more as a prop than anything and they deserve more respect, airtime, and storylines that don’t always involve tragedy. Modern times would have either Rafe or Phillip have a sol about falling in… Read more »

Peggy Singleton
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Peggy Singleton

I am an avid fan of Y&R and Daniel Goddard. I was so shock and disappointed when they chose to kill off Cane. The chemistry between Daniel/Cane and Christel/Lily is such that they can make their love for each other so romantic, believable and down right exciting to watch. I have met Daniel and he is such a sweet person and he interacts with his fans, sharing his life with us. Out of all the relationships on Y&R theirs was the one I enjoyed watching the most. I was hoping that now his father is in town that Cane’s story… Read more »

Barbara Hughes
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Barbara Hughes

I’m not watching until Daniel is back as Cane! Y&R has lost a long time watcher (ever since it began), losing the character was the last straw!

Susan
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Susan

Y&R isn’t as good as it once was. Victor and Nicki’s children are spoiled brats with an aweful sense of Entitlement. Victoria and Billy’s marriage is doomed because the secret he is keeping would tear any marriage apart. Sharon is making a fool of herself over Adam. Her kids are secondary to her obsession with sicko Adam. Anyone who would steal my baby and passes it off as someone else’s is beyond redemption in my book.
MAB is taking Y&R in the wrong direction if she wants to keep viewers.

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

I am totally hooked on all of these story lines, so they must be doing something right! No one could ever accuse Y&R of being boring these days! I love how she wants every day to be a Friday cliff hanger!

Christina
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Christina

I find it to be boring, 30 year viewer. They rarely, these days, give a storyline they started, the ending it should have. Case in point, the Nick, Sharo, Adam, baby drama. I thought when Nick and Sharon found out their baby was alive, their would be this beautiful moment. A moment when they realized the baby Cassie predicted was alive. And, that would bring their love back together, BUT NO. They told that whole story and I felt like it was lame in the end. Like I watched all that time for not much of a payoff. They did… Read more »

Rob
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Rob

Not only did moving away from the core families kill Guiding Light and As The World Turns, so did the showrunner’s disregarding the voice of the fans. Maria Arena Bell should get her head out of her a** and start paying attention. Nobody seems to like the Heather recast, everyone wants Patty back but now we keep getting Daisy and Meggie!?!?! Two of the worst characters and actors I have ever seen. Sean Young was unbelievably bad. Just when I am buying into Adam and Sharon they cast a new love interest for her. How about utilizing the players you… Read more »

daneerose
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daneerose

OLTL is so good lately they have once again got me hooked. This is a problem for Y&R. They write these story lines that fail to captivate the audience and then they kill off a popular character, which drives the fans away. To fill the void of no Y&R viewers go to another soap like OLTL and the good writing reels them in. Who runs off a large fan base…..writes story lines that fail to intrigue the audience…..gives an interview saying all is well….and cannot figure out what has got its viewers in an uproar? Head Writer, no Head in… Read more »

winkie
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winkie

When she says the for the upcoming spring is romance, I hope she MEANS romance and not this ripping clothes off. That is ok sometimes, and better if a couple have been together for a while. I mean that kind of thing is alright, but show us some good ol’ fashion romance, love scenes.

Patricia
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Patricia

MAB has no idea what the fans want, Get rid of Eden Riegel the worst recast ever. Shadam isnt working, no woman would give up her children to stay with a man who kidnapped her baby etc. Get rid of the Chance charactor (he cant act).
We want Daniel Goddard back NOW alive and well and with Lilly. MAB is out of touch with the fans thats why they are losing viewers. I have not watched for weeks now.

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

Your loss! The show is just as exciting and engaging as it ever was. Cane and Lilly were a total bore! YAWN!

Patricia
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Patricia

Dont agree with you at all. If you want to give your opinion do it in your own comment not mine. MAB needs to listen to the fans. Nuff said. The shows sucks right now that is why they are losing viewers FACT!

Christina
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Christina

30 year viewer, I have 3 weeks worth of yr on my DVR, that I have not watched, WHY? Because it is BORING! Truly MAB is not listening to the fans. It is a shame, I have given a show 1 hour a day for 30 years and feel my voice does not count. And, I have never in 30 years, called, written or emailed. But, I don’t want YR canceled. Thank you.

Leana
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Leana

Who wants to watch actors on a daily basis who we don’t even know???? I have watched this show for over 30 years. I would always refer to the cast as part of my family. It was like you knew them personally, since you welcome them into your home on a daily basis. She knows what the viewers want? How come the ratings do NOT show that???? Give the fans, viewers what we want to see and we would tune in. You do not have to kill actors off to get ppl to tune in. Besides Daniel Goddard, which I… Read more »

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

Y&R is not in a death spiral. Everyone keeps talking about ratings tanking, but the show is NUMBER ONE! Does anyone read?!

Christina
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Christina

They lost the number 1 spot women 18-49 to GH. First time ever. The main rating soaps look at. That says something. Just because they R #1 by the skin of their teeth, which has not always been the case. Does not mean they will stay there. Thank you.

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

I want to see a gay storyline and gay characters represented. Stop throwing us scraps and give us the real deal!

Suzane
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Suzane

There comes a time in life where a person has to be able to admit that they are not perfect and that they have made a mistake. Someone should let Ms Bell know of this concept as if would appear she has never heard of it.

Don’t assume that you know what the fans want and certainly don’t dismiss them and their ideas, because sooner or later, they will dismiss you!

Ellie
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Ellie

She needs to put Chloe back with Billy and then ill start watching again!

Kristin
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Kristin

Good grief! Pretty much all of the comments are negative. I watch Y&R & I have to say that I’ve been enjoying a lot lately. I can actually tell the difference in the story telling now versus last year. The whole arbitration story with Victor vs the kids was SO great! They played so many beats well in that one, especially the fall out of the decision with Victor. Classic story telling there. Villy & the baby drama also great story telling. They’ve done a good job of letting that story simmer only to pick up steam & boil over… Read more »

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

Well said… there is always so much negativity and people attacking MAB and the powers that be, but these are the same people who churn out a number one show five days out of the week. They put in an almost herculean effort to produce this show and never get anything but CRAP! It boggles the mind. I, too, am LOVING my favorite show and can’t wait to watch it every day! Kudos to the writing team, cast and crew for delivering every day!!! 🙂

Suzane
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Suzane

Ladies, you are entitled to your opinions, they are not right or wrong, just opinions to be respected, but so is everyone else’s. As a thrid generation viewer who has been watching since I was 15, I can tell you that I have never been so dissapointed in this show as this year. I don’t want this show to end as it is the only one I have been watching for all this time, but it really needs a change in direction, MS Bell just seems to be going in circles. As I said, just my opinion, but as good… Read more »

Debbie
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Debbie

Kalamaty you act like we like saying these things. Guess what we don’t, we want this show to be great again. If they are putting in an almost herculean effort as you say and the garbage I see on the screen comes from that effort , then they definately need to go. I kind of suspect what others here have said is true and you may be connected somehow to the show. If you are , then I feel for you and totally understand your angst at us. Our opinions as fans are important , just like yours. What do… Read more »

Kalamaty
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Kalamaty

What can I say, Debbie? You’re funny.

Barbara
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Barbara

I was an avid fan of Y&R, ever since Daniel Goddard appeared. I was extremely disappointed to watch Cane get killed off. I don’t understand the purpose .. ** thumbs down **

daneerose
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daneerose

Good grief, I didnt think she could give a worse interview then she did about the AAs on Y&R. When she gave the excuse why we didn’t see as much of Malcolm and Sophia when they first arrived….was because she didn’t want to shove them down our throats. Well I guess she was being kind since we already have Abby,Diane and the Newmans shoved into our digestive system. Such a hypocrite. Now we get this . Honestly she makes me want to bang my head against the wall. Are we the viewers, the only ones that see what a hot… Read more »

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

If anything else, she’s getting people talking….. that’s brilliant, in my book! Not only that, but if people aren’t happy with storylines, why do you continue to watch? Answer is simple…. it’s riveting TV and it’s a soap opera!!! If you want reality, there are lots of choices in that genre. Find one of those.

daneerose
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daneerose

I no longer watch, because they killed Cane. I frequent the mbs and read this interview. I read recaps everyday hoping she will return Cane/DG to the screen and reunite Lane. I hear that DG will return but Cane will not and that means the death of Lane. So guess what like you say no reason to return and continue to watch. I am sure when the truth is revealed many Lane fans will also stop watching too. We will no longer care enough to even respond to one of her ridiculous interviews. Hasta Lavista Baby, I wont be back!

Debbie
Guest
Debbie

We’re talking about how bad the show has become and most of us DVR and only watch a few minutes of one of our favorite characters if we are lucky enough to see them once every two or three months. We are loyal to our favorite soap, and have the hope that one day it will come back to the glory it once knew. I can’t get it, is she trying to ruin the show. She kills off popular characters and drives longtime one’s into the ground and makes them totally unrecognizable, they are written totally out of character, and… Read more »

Wanda Williams
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Wanda Williams

I have been a fan of Daniel Goddard/Cane Ashby since he arrived in GC back in 2007 (thanks to my deceased husband) and have followed him thru his fake marriage to Amber and breakup. Then his beautiful romance and marriage to Lily. When I saw him killed so brutally back in February 2011 I was devastated and that’s no joke! The deaths of my husband and parents are the only ones who topped his. So now I have joined forces with Daniel’s other fb/tweeter family in campaigning to get him back on Y&R and I am not going to stop… Read more »

Carrie J
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Carrie J

Maria Arena Bell You’ve forgotten that without viewers, no “Y&R” exists !!!

ELiabeth A
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ELiabeth A

The fans are what make the show stay alive. We want Daniel Goddard back as Cane Alive and well and with Lily. imho MAB thinks it is totally her show and no one else in the universe matters. What does she care? she gets paid no matter what. Bad publicity is still publicity to her so she doesnt care. Does she care about the fans or what they want? NO! even if she brings him back at this point as Cane (which looks doubtful) look at the torture she has put his fans thru every single day since he was… Read more »

Ashley
Guest
Ashley

I am NOT a fan of this version of YR. While I am only in my twenties I have been watching for about 20 years. Seriously, since I was a kid, I watched with my mom. I can NOT stand the seperation of Shick. She dangles them in our face like carrots and like fools we take the bait. Not once, but TWICE. Then she shoves this Sham Shame Shadam flop in our face like they are soulmates. HELLO, he is a SOCIOPATH who stole her kid. It’s insulting to me as a woman and as a mother. The only… Read more »

Christina
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Christina

I agree completely!

GUEST
Guest
GUEST

There will come a time when we will look back and discuss when this once wonderful show died and I will say it stated with the killing off of Brad, Colleen, the Winters family and finally Cane. This woman is totally clueless.

Christina
Guest
Christina

I totally agree!

Yvonne Berry
Guest
Yvonne Berry

MAB is delibrately sanking YR. No professional writer or producer would make such statements after watching their show lose nearly 1 million viewers within a 4 week period. She should be pacifying viewers in every way to gain those viewers back. Just doesn’t add up

Jan
Guest
Jan

It’s always the same with MAB. She talks around in circles and never gives direct answers and never seems to take responsibility. It might be better if she spent more time trying to recapture lost ratings and fans and less time giving interviews. Anyone can see that Nick and Phyllis as well as Cane and Lily have/had passionate fans and have big fan bases. They brought freshness to the show as well as passion, romance, humor, fun etc to the show. Killing off these couples drove fans away. Resurrect these couples, give them good, believable story lines and fans will… Read more »

daneerose
Guest
daneerose

You are absolutely right. I am a Lane fan and held out hope even after Cane’s death that they would reunite them. After seeing today’s epi. I now believe that they are ending Lane for good. So not only did she take the fan base through the horrible death of Cane but now she is about to take this very same fan base through the ending of Lane forever. She will give them a consolation prize of Daily. That will totally unacceptable to most of the Lane fans and they will angrily walk away never to return to Y&R again.… Read more »

Donna
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Donna

You can see MAB doesn’t listen to the fans. It is all her want,want want. The old Y&R is ok, but the fan’s want that and more. Yes we love to see Catherine & Jill and there funny moments. I do agree we need to laugh. But you have very few moments that there is something to laugh about. I must tell you were not laughing that you killed Cane off. I will tell you if you being him back as a ghost, twin,cousin anyone or anything as the real Cane. You think you lost fans since you killed him… Read more »

Lana
Guest
Lana

I totally fell in love with Shadam and now Sharon is gettting a new love interest! It makes no sense at all. I’m so disappointed. Where is the continuity here? I think killing off Cane is what hurt the ratings. There was no reason to kill him off just as there is no reason to break up Sharon and Adam.

mary
Guest
mary

I have read this interview several times trying to understand what Maria Bell said—nothing. She did not answer any of the questions asked. For the last three years, Y&R has lacked balance, consistency, has killed or fired popular characters, kept characters that the viewers didn’t want, demeaned female characters, and lacked diversity. The one constant is that Y&R consistently disappoints. Falling ratings and the loss of hundreds of thousands of viewers indicates that Maria Bell doesn’t know what the viewer wants or simply doesn’t care. Incompetence and arrogance are not attractive qualities. I am a proud member of a group… Read more »

Lori Groppe
Guest
Lori Groppe

Mary, I’m with you and the many others who had to re-read MAB’s “interview.” I give MAB a lot of credit…credit for saying absolutely NOTHING! I am one of the more than 15,000 “crazy” Daniel Goddard fans who’ve been very involved with getting the living & breathing Cane Ashby back on screen to be reunited with Lily and the twins. MAB is really dilusional if she can’t see how the ratings TANKED during February Sweeps! This is just one of the all important rating periods that determine how much a show is worth for advertising dollars. So, what did MAB… Read more »

Danielle
Guest
Danielle

Reading this interview made me really think that Maria Arena Bell is very disconnected regarding the problems with Y&R. The Newman family are the only core family/characters that are being written and shown on this show. The Chancellors, The Abbotts, and The Winters are being treated as the red-headed ugly stepchildren. Soaps are going through a bad time, why would you get rid of your popular(s) characters and bring on newbies that the audience have no connection to and they don’t care what happens to them. This is one of the problems that OLTL and other soaps have on their… Read more »

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

I just want to say that it’s a no brainer that ratings will ebb and flow during the run of any tv show. Yes, Y&R has lost some viewers, but it is still number one and resonating with so many millions of viewers. People tend to lose sight of that very well publicized fact. It’s pretty unbelievable (and laughable) that people villify MAB when all she has done is consistently keep our favorite show at the top of the heap for what seems like forever. Get over it, people…. Y&R is the best soap on the air and everyone knows… Read more »

Christina
Guest
Christina

Ratings do ebb and flow, correct. Check out YR ratings, they have dropped consistently for years now. Not days or weeks or months but a few years. I can read ratings and they are dropping. Not up and down, just dropping, for years. When GL was on it was one mistake after the next. Then they had a very popular super couple leave town. I said enough is enough and stopped watching. Look where they R at, CANCELED. I don’t want that to happen to YR, which is why I am voicing my disappointment with my 30 year soap. I… Read more »

Debbie
Guest
Debbie

It may be the best on the air right now, but considering how many have been canceled that’s not saying much. I agree with Christina, if things don’t change we will loose Y&R and I put the blame on the writers they’ve had for the past few years and MAB. It was once so great that we rushed home after work to watch the daily episode that we had taped. Now I FF most of it on my DVR because of the nonsense that doesn’t give me what I need which is to get my mind off of everyday life… Read more »

Wanda
Guest
Wanda

MAB needs to stop propping up the Sharon Newman story period. There are far more better actors/actresses in the cast.

Debbie
Guest
Debbie

I don’t like this kind of negativity, but I couldn’t agree more. I don’t like to down any actor on Y&R , but she cannot act. Her hand gestures are so fake and off timing. I don’t want her to loose her job, but as you said there are far better actors who could really bring it to the show that get no time. She may have been on the show a long time, but I think her looks carried her that far, because her acting from the day she started has been lame at best. The only thing I… Read more »

Wanda
Guest
Wanda

From what I understand MAB’s very best friend was Sharon Case’s MIL.

Marlin Bell
Guest
Marlin Bell

You really have set the bar low if u think Y&R is good. THIS IS NOT THE Y&R I KNOW. I don’t see how any one can dare to justify what we are seeing. The cast is too big for starters. If you wacthed Bill Bells Y&R and watch MAB’s you will see what we are talking about. How long have you been watching Y&R kalamty? U sound like MAB herself

daneerose
Guest
daneerose

I was tempted several times to ask Kalamty was she MAB! Funny!

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

Just to clarify things… not that I feel I need to, or anything, but Kalamaty is a HE and HE has been watching this show since it started. I’m happy to be a part of this forum, and I’m sorry if I seem to be a little blunt, but I’m very passionate for my favorite show and feel like there are so many negative opinions here. The fact is that Y&R is the template that all soaps aspire to be. Not all on our fave soap is as bad as everyone would like it to be. Wake up, people! Any… Read more »

Lucas
Guest
Lucas

all the shows can bring in new actors for alot less money,and keep some off the older charecters/actors

scott
Guest
scott

Michael, i love your site but cn you please stop interviewing this silly women! Can you please interview some writers you haven’t aleady. Like amc or days.

Wise
Guest
Wise

What was the purpose and intent of this interview?-I am baffled.
If the purpose was to address the falling ratings and loss of thousands of viewers–Failure
If the purpose was to address Y&R’s current lack of balance, lack of consistency, lack of vision, lack of diversity, and constant degradation of women—Failure
If the purpose was to showcase Maria Bell’s disdain and ambivalence for the viewers–Winner
This brings to mind a famous quote from “Macbeth” “It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

Oh Dear God In Heaven….. what is the big deal with Daniel Goddard’s character dying? You would think that he was the second coming, the way people go on and on about his character! I am completely baffled. Nothing personal against the actor… I found DG to be very handsome and believable in the role of Cane, but let’s recap for a moment about his tenure on the GC landscape, shall we? I’ll sum it up quickly for everyone here….. he was a total LIAR from the minute he came to town. Not only that, but he continually LIED to… Read more »

Christina
Guest
Christina

Every character on this show lies ALL the time. It’s a soap, that’s what they do. Daniel Goddard came on this show and despite all the lying written for his character, we still want CANE back! Why, because Daniel as an actor, is that GOOD. The word today, via soap in depth, Daniel Goddard IS STAYING, one reason given, the fan outcry. We want him back and we will campaign until he is on full-time again. But, this was not just about Daniel Goddard. It is about all the reasons I listed above. BRAD, JOHN, COLLEEN, CANE. The character Sharon… Read more »

DG_Fan1
Guest
DG_Fan1

I understand that the world of soaps is unstable right now and constantly evolving is necessary. The loss of characters and introduction of new ones us just part of the process. What MAB needs to take more seriously is the classic y&r characters that she loves so much are most popular with an older age demographic. No disrespect to MAB or these brilliant actors is intended and in fact, some of them are needed, but the focus should be on characters and storylines that appeal to the 20-40 year olds who most likely make up their core viewing audience which… Read more »

Tanya
Guest
Tanya

Well I don’t know about everyone else but I know how I feel and that is because of Villy. I started really watching Y&R because of them, I mean like I can’t miss a single episode I even took time to read a little of the History of the Show. U know I use to be one of those People not too into Soaps cause of all the Madness, Dopplegangers anyone? I use to just watch Soaps for the sake of just watching Soaps whenever I saw them on my TV or when I see a Story that interest me,… Read more »

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

I, for one, wish that MAB’s defenders would stop using the same old weak refrain “But, hey, it’s the #1 soap on television! Isn’t that proof enough that she’s doing a good job?” Uhhh… no. No, it’s not enough. Being number one doesn’t mean as much as it used to, considering the fact that the cancel-happy network execs have brought the number of soaps that are still on the air down to a measly six (!). And they’re not done with their cancellations yet, not by a long shot. I’m afraid that “The Young & the Restless” has become overly… Read more »

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

I’m really not trying to get into a war of words here, but perhaps you shouldn’t be commenting on a show you just admitted that you aren’t even watching. Just a thought.

Holly
Guest
Holly

Wanna know how I know what’s going on? I watch it on cbs.com or I download the episodes from online websites that shall remain anonymous. This show is a TRAINWRECK and those of you who are defending this woman are not true fans. If you were true fans you’d remember the glory days of the 80s and heck even the 90s when the confrontations on this once former crown jewel of Daytime were FIERCE. The acting was FIERCE. The actresses wore clothes that were STUNNING. The men were MEN and had just as astounding confrontations over the women and business… Read more »

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

First of all, “Kalamaty”, you need to read a comment from start to finish before responding to it. Nowhere in my post did I say that I’m “not even watching it.” What I said was that I don’t bother to record Y&R on those days that I am not home when it airs. Let me translate for you: WHEN I AM HOME DURING ITS TIME SLOT, I ACTUALLY DO WATCH IT; WHEN I AM NOT HOME, I DON’T BOTHER TO RECORD IT, WHEREAS I USED TO RECORD IT NO MATTER WHAT. Capiche? Besides, it’s not necessary to watch EVERY single… Read more »

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

Hey, Holly: From one TRUE Y&R fan to another… Amen! I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Kalamaty
Guest
Kalamaty

I’m so done with this topic and you, but just wanted to suggest you go back and read your complete ranting posts and realize that you are delusional and hardly what I would call a fan of Young and the Restless. Why are you here, anyway? Maybe you should take up stamp collecting. Now there’s an idea! It hear it’s good for calming the nerves. You really need professional help if you think a fan of the show who is tired of reading baseless, negative comments about the top rated show in datime is, in fact, the headwriter of said… Read more »

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

It’s too bad you lack the ability to recognize the tongue-in-cheek nature of my last post’s final paragraph. Then again, you seem unable to understand a lot of things (for e.g., the difference between good tv writing as opposed to garbage), so I’m not at all surprised. How does it feel to be an army of one, “Kalamaty”? Most of the people who have posted here understand what The Young & the Restless used to be, and believe that it has the potential to be better than it has been of late. You seem to be the only one unwilling… Read more »

Dawn
Guest
Dawn

Correction: That’s *Jack* Smith (not John).

Lucy
Guest
Lucy

The only reason I started watching Y&R is because of Lily and Cane…

Next to Jason & sam of GH Lane is my next favorite couple….I hope Jasam get twins in the future

Ashley
Guest
Ashley

Like many of you I have watched for quite some time. I watched as kid. But as a teenager I was completely drawn in to the Shick s/l. I have to this day NEVER been so invested in a soap couple. Their on screen chemistry, even after a decade and a half baffles me. They are the epitome of a soap opera super couple IMO. I can remember being on family vacations during high school and rushing in at lunch to watch Sharon try to fight for custody of Cassie and not knowing if Nick was gonna come through for… Read more »

Christina
Guest
Christina

ITA, they are ruining Sharon. You pointing out she missed out on Cassie and now Faith too, was right on the mark. They keep bringing Shick back together, only to end it before we get our big finish. It is a soap and of course Shick will always go back and forth. But, at least finish a storyline correctly. Don’t get me Interested in the shick pairing again only to not give us a great finish to the story.

Elizabeth Hoelscher
Guest
Elizabeth Hoelscher

NuHeather is awlful and so is Meggie.
Bring Cane Back.
It’s discusting what has happened to Sharon, Ashley, and the other women on th

Lillian Burns
Guest
Lillian Burns

Please don’t forget that Ronan “left” about the same time as Cane. If ratings fell – I know I have stopped watching/taping because of Ronan leaving – not Cane. Additionally all the sex without romance is ridiculous! I like a beautiful escape when I watch; a beautiful ending (Chance saved Ronan – OH WELL??); some continuity. Y&R has lost it and me.

Holly
Guest
Holly

Are you guys freaking serious!?!?!? This woman is THE WORST WRITER to ever be a part of The Young & The Restless. She has absolutely DESTROYED THIS SHOW from DAY ONE. Cane Ashby is a HORRIBLE CHARACTER portrayed by a terrible actor who just chews up scenery and has NO CHEMISTRY with Lily. This show is a joke and I CANNOT WAIT TILL ITS CANCELLED. She is NOT embracing history. This show that airs these days is NOT classic vintage Y&R. Its cheap and pathetic and it has horrible story telling. Bring back DRUCILLA. Bring back the REAL VICTORIA. Bring… Read more »

Jewel
Guest
Jewel

I agree with everything you said, except what you said about the character of Cane Ashby. I love the character of Cane and think DG is a very good actor. I love CANE and Lily.

Carolyn
Guest
Carolyn

I agree with you Jewel! I love Daniel Goddard’s portrayal of Cane! Daniel is one of the best actors on the show! I also love Cane and Lily!

daneerose
Guest
daneerose

Holly, Daniel never had enough air time to even take a bite out of the scenery, no less chew it up. But when he was on he made the crap they wrote for him shine. He always did the best with what he was given. I miss this actor so much and without him on this show, the fact that it is awful, is undeniable. I overlooked a lot because he was there but without him it is impossible to watch. Love Cane and Lily. So you are a VR supporter, explains a lot.

Debbie
Guest
Debbie

This woman is on a power trip, she doesn’t care what the fans want. I have been watching since day one, my daughter watched, my granddaughter watched, 3 genrations and we all feel like somebody stole the show and it is being written by amateurs. I’m the only loyal one left watching because the “younger generation ” as she undoubtly thinks she speaks for , hate it now( in my family anyway). My granddaughter calls it a joke and kind of sick, my daughter thinks I’m stupid for hanging in. I personally think she has taken the older characters and… Read more »

Wanda
Guest
Wanda

What a terrific post Debbie.

Marlin Bell
Guest
Marlin Bell

U get it dawn u get it. Kalmty is no other than MAB herself. Hey MAB stop wasting your time posting on here and focus on better stories for YnR

Kanuck
Guest
Kanuck

Since when do ghosts use cell phones?,, If I am not mistaken, didn’t Cane use one last week after speaking to Lily at the cemetary? So, in my estimation, Cane is not dead, I don’t know what he is up to, probably out to get his old man. I think it was all a setup, imagine the people that are going to be peed off when they find out. Time will tell.

Abbey
Guest
Abbey

What a load of rubbish! The writing on this show has gone from bad to worse. Story lines like Sharon falling in love with psycho creep Adam who stole her baby – really? You honestly expect viewers to buy this and not feel totally disgusted and insulted in the process? I started watching this show from the begining but after that sheer stupidity I have stopped. This show has been veering farther and farther from any semblence of coming anywhere near to a believealble story line. Yeah…I get that it is a soap but please. I started to feel like… Read more »

danergirl
Guest
danergirl

Someone should really destroy this woman’s computer and get her a straight jacket because clearly she is as delusional as her alter ego Sharon!

News

‘Young Rock’ Canceled By NBC After Three Seasons

NBC canned both The Rock-inspired comedy series, Young Rock along with Grand Crew on Friday.  The pro wrestling comedy featured Dwayne Johnson, as the sYoung Rock revealed the story of different chapters of Johnson’s life.

From growing up in a strong and resilient family to being surrounded by the wild characters of his professional wrestling family to playing football at the University of Miami, the show explored the crazy rollercoaster that has shaped Dwayne into the man he is today and the larger-than-life characters he’s met along the way.

Young Rock used several current WWE stars throughout its three seasons along with actors portraying some of pro wrestlers most-known and most notorious figures. This past season, Becky Lynch took on the role of Cyndi Lauper.

Photo: NBC

 

Part of the reason for the cancellation was a dip in linear ratings.  Season 3 averaged 1.4 million total viewers, while season 2 drew an average of 2.23 million viewers.

The now third and final season ended its 13-episode run this past February.  The series was produced by Universal Television, Seven Bucks Productions and Fierce Baby Productions.

Did you enjoy ‘Young Rock’? Sad to hear it has been canceled? Would you like to see another series similar told about a pro wrestling superstar, or another TV series for Dwayne Johnson as well? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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News

Andrea Bocelli to Appear on The Bold and the Beautiful

The Bold and the Beautiful will have a very special guest during its upcoming Italian remote episodes, when opera superstar, Andrea Bocelli, makes a guest appearance and sings on the CBS daytime drama.

Bocelli will appear on June 26th in scenes and a performance filmed in Rome.

According to PEOPLE.com, in story, Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) arranges with her friend, Andrea’s wife, Veronica Bocelli, to surprise Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) with a special performance of his popular song, ‘A Te.’

In addition, both Veronica Bocelli and their daughter, Virginia Bocelli will also appear in the episode.

As we move closer to the airing of B&B’s Italy remote, which begins on June 16th and will run through June 28th, CBS shared, “The City of Eternal Love and its stunning architectural beauty will be the setting of a magically romantic story, the preview of Hope Logan’s (Annika Noelle) elegant new fashion collection is a triumph, but the magic of the moment could either break, or fulfill, the promise of true love.”

So, what do you think about Andrea Bocelli appearing on B&B, which continues to be the most-watched daily dramatic television show in the world? Comment below.

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News

B&B’s Matthew Atkinson Gets Engaged to Brytnee Ratledge

Congratulations are in order for The Bold and the Beautiful’s Matthew Atkinson (Thomas Forrester).  Matthew is now engaged to be married to his longtime girlfriend, Brytnee Ratledge.  The couple made the announcement on June 9th.

While B&B’s Thomas hasn’t had much luck in the romance department, all that could change if Hope (Annika Noelle) gives into her feelings for him!

As for Atkinson, he shared his engagement photos to Ratledge.  In his IG post, Matthew simply captioned the moment expressing,”Living, breathing proof of God’s faithfulness.”

Several of Matthew’s B&B co-stars co-signed the happy news in the comment section of the duo’s IG posts including: Tanner Novlan (Finn, B&B) with  “Biggest congratulations, guys!” and Courtney Hope (Sally, Y&R and ex-B&B) expressing, “Yahhhhhh congrats!”

Like her fiancé, Brytnee is also a performer. She has appeared in numerous films and TV projects including: Lifetime’s Stalked By My Ex and The Au Pair Nightmare, and ABC’s comedy, The Goldbergs.

The couple also traveled to Italy together during the recent remote shoot for B&B.  Look for those scenes, in which Atkinson is featured, to air on the CBS daytime drama series starting next week on June 16th.

Share your well-wishes and for Matthew and Brytnee on their engagement via the comment section below.

 

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A post shared by Matthew Atkinson (@jmattatkinson)

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