News
Maria Arena Bell on Michael Muhney Firing And Y&R's Problematic Storytelling Decisions!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
The former executive producer and head writer of The Young and the Restless, Maria Arena Bell spoke to Soap Opera Digest in their latest issue on newsstands now on the CBS soap operas decision to fire Michael Muhney in the pivotal role of Adam Newman.
Bell was the producer who actually hired Muhney under her tenure! In her statement to SOD, she had a few choice words for the decision making process under the current regime.
Maria stated on Muhney: “Michael brought amazing dimension and complexity to the role of Adam Newman, and his and Sharon’s (Sharon Case) was a great dark love story. Sadly, that story was seriously derailed in the last year, so I am not surprised that the show would look for a solution to their problematic storytelling decisions. It will be a tough role to recast.”
So, what you think about Maria’s statement at how since she left the show Adam and Sharon’s love story got derailed? How do you feel about Maria’s remarks on her original hire Michael Muhney? Are there some of you that think she is just adding some fuel to the fire, since she is no longer presiding over the series, when she talks about “their problematic storytelling decisions”? Or, do you agree with Maria?  Let us know!
This summer beginning on July 21, Netflix streams the return of WWE: Unreal for its third season. The behind the scenes docudrama series gives fans a glimpse of life in WWE and inside the writers room, as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
WWE Unreal is taking fans deeper than ever inside World Wrestling Entertainment’s creative process, The hit docuseries will once again pull back the curtain on some of the biggest moments, boldest decisions, and unforgettable storytelling with some of the WWE’s greatest legends who’ve shaped the industry and new stars who are emerging as prominent parts of the future.
In the new season of ‘Unreal’ which consists of 5 episodes at 50 minutes each: John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion.
Photo: WWE
The cast and WWE superstars featured include: the aforementioned Cena, plus Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, CM Punk, AJ Lee, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
As previously reported AJ Lee revealed on General Hospital star Maurice Benard’s (Sonny Corinthos) mental health series, State of Mind, that she was part of the cast of WWE: Unreal.
WWE: Unreal production credits include: Directors/Showrunners: Chris Weaver and Erik Powers Executive Producers: Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Ross Ketover, Keith Cossrow, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Marc Pomarico Sr. Producers: Harley Glantz, Brian Decker, Michael Flynn Producers: John Galiani, Dan Gati, Jeremy Lundblad Production Companies: Omaha Productions, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, WWE.
So, what do you think of the loglines for the new season of WWE: Unreal? Who are you most excited to see featured in the behind the scenes drama from the list of WWE superstars and the twists and turns leading into this past April’s WrestleMania 42? Let us know via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Marlena Looks Back at 50 Years in Salem
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Reflects on Dante’s Guilt for the ‘Atrocity’ That Happened to Michael Which Kept Everyone From Telling Him the Truth About Rocco (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital2 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
-
Days Of Our Lives2 days agoAl Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
-
Beyond the Gates5 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Karla Mosley Weighs-in on Dani Dupree’s Love Life Endgame: Are You Team Bill or Team Andre?
-
General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Michael Puts Willow On Notice After Tracy Is Arrested
I never liked Sharon, I’m happy Adam finally got rid of her..
LOVED SHARON WITH ADAM that was amazing. They really messed it up when they paired Adam with Chelsea.
Totally agree!
Sharon and Adam were the best couple. I love now Sharon with Nick again. But those scenes with Case and Muhney it was so like real. They were on fire. I was glued. I never liked what they did by having him have a child with Chelsea. he never would of stopped loving Sharon. heck this is why we loved Adam after all he did . Sharon made Adam soft and lovable . Chelsea with Adam is boring. They are to much alike and nothing is there
I have and neverhad any time for Sharon Chelsea is much much better with Adam
Chelsea and Adam a much better pairing and story line!! He looks like he genuinely loves Chelsea whereas with Sharon, at first it was to have her because she was Nick’s and later just pure lust!! And more recently when Adam saw how sleazy Sharon was (picking up strange men at GCAC bar and going upstairs to the rooms with them) and offering herself as Call girl services, he wanted to have nothing further to do with her!
Sharon and Adam is how I fell in love with Adam in the first place. Why the new writers ever decided that this women Chelsea who was hired by Victor a pro con and gave away her child to Billy and Victoria without a care. Why would we ever like her with Adam. Sharon and Adam were the romeo and Juliet of the show . I was sad they messed them up. Made poor Sharon crazy and Chelsea the con gets to be happy. They need to rethink what they did to veteran characters and history. I sure hope at least Sharon will be happy with Nick then and hope Dylan does turn out to be Sharon’s half brother. Lord knows they need each other for what Victor has instore for them. What is with him anyway. He has done far worse to everyone and he put Sharon behind bars for a murder she did not do to Skye. Im over Victor
Some of idea of Romeo and Juliet you have!! The kidnapper of Sharon’s infant that he deprived her and Nick bonding with for the first six months of her life!!
I AGREE WITH MARIA BELL> Sharon and ADAM were a great great love story. It is a mess now. Killing a child poor Sharon on meds seeing ghosts and Chelsea had yet another child she does not belong having . Her first child will have many questions when he grows up why one child meant more to her then this last one. Please! I fast forward Chelsea and Adam now and with Sharon I loved every minute of it
You worry about what Chelsea’s child will say when he grows up yet you do not consider Faith in a Sharon/Adam union?? At least Chelsea gave up her baby to have a better life, one that she could not give him at the time!! Sharon on the other hand wanted to subject her child to growing up with her kidnapper!!! You do not find that disturbing??? And what about the murder of Ashley’s child at that same time??
The writers have just about destroyed Y&R. I think when Michael Muhney leaves, a lot of fans will go with him. Despite inconsistency ( Adam morphing from bad deeds to nearly a beloved character) the actor has given him layers and a distinctive and conflicted character. I won’t place blame because we don’t know what prompted his departure, whether he provoked TPTB or is just seeking an expanded career.. The writers have played the same good person-bad person with Sharon. I hope Michael Fairman will reveal what is behind MM’s departure so the displeasure can be directed to the right place.
I totally agree with Maria and wish she was still with Y&R. In her comment she was trying to be professional, but reading between the lines, she’s definitely not happy with the direction the show is going in. The firing of Michael Muhney was just the last straw. Under her leadership we had so many great story lines and great actors. Just not the same anymore and won’t be unless they bring MM back. I loved he and Sharon, but love he and Chelsea even more…that’s a story of redemption on both their parts. And now it’s over….just crazy!!
Sharon and Adam were a great couple. They balanced each other out. Chelsea is someone who should of been gone long ago when she gave away her first child. She lives in the same town and feels nothing. Sharon and Adam were going to be married and a child of there own if we never lost Maria Bell. Thanks for this. Glad Maria Bell sees it like we do.
I fell in love with Adam because of MM’s great acting ability. He made me love that character. We lost Phyllis and now Adam. Too much. The show will be boring. Who will be left?
Sharon and Adam had what a true soap romance should be. I hate what they did to Adam. I don’t want to see him with Chelsea . Not then not now. Sad to say they had to give that women another baby. What is she doing on this show still. Come on. Chelsea needs to go not Adam
🙂 SHARON AND ADAM were like fourth of July. Sparkle fire and heat. Chelsea is like a cold day in winter. Boring cold grey
Well said! JFP has ruined our favorite characters! Sharon & Adam were the very best. They had real chemistry together and that made their relationship totally believable. I agree Chelsea is boring with Adam, although with Dillon, she had chemistry. Don’t know why these people don’t listen to their fans who are the ones that support the show anyway! I love what MAB did with Sharon & Adam. Too bad JFP has her own agenda! I don’t know what happened with Michael Muhney but everyone knew he was always outspoken. Who cares! He was the one and only Adam – he made the character! Bring him back and fire JFP!
I know. Remember them in New Orleans. I could not wait to turn on the TV it was SOOOO ROMANTIC……. They sizzled. Please do not leave us without our beloved Adam!!!!!!!
Sharon and Adam electric. But now I will not miss him now because that he is with Chelsea. BORING. Let Sharon be happy now with Nick because Adam burned the little girls scarf. They ruined Adam. Sharon made him a better man and now he is back to rotten Adam. All Chelsea fault . She never should of been on this show . Victor will let everone know what Adam did. Victor hates his kids. He is evil
Chelsea made Adam a better man!! He even said so! And the story is much better between Adam and Chelsea!
On the contrary, I’ve always loved Sharon.
But hated her with Adam. Maria Arena Bell’s term for this is “a dark love story.” The majority’s term is a perverted and twisted love story.
Agree. I never saw the chemistry with “Shadam!” And under Marie Arena Bell’s tenure, the show turned into a hot mess! I’m done watching after being a loyal viewer for 30+ years.
Sharon and Adam were soooooo much beter than Chelsea anything, I am bored with that character, I have no time for Chelsea or her baby . Adam and Sharon were like a dark love story because all the hate Victor had for his kid. Adam became a better man with Sharon she made him like a teddy bear with sex appeal. Chelsea makes him drink and angry
I have been a Y&R fan for over 20 years. At first I thought the addition of Steve Burton as Dylan was genius move as I was a fan of his for years on General Hospital.
But, this past year losing Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), Billy Miller (Billy) and now Michael Muhney (Adam) are causing the destruction of an epic daytime drama.
CBS/Jill Feren Phelps…what are you thinking ????? You are ruining the show! Bring back Maria Arena Bell !
I couldn’t agree more with this one. I suspected
That Adam would be gone soon because of
This ridiculous story line of killing a beautiful
Child. It is a soap opera after all and the death
Of a child is in no way comforting or enjoyable
Poor Adam / Michael He and Sharon were the
Main reason I liked watching. I see no reason
To watch once Micharel is gone.
AGREE!!!!! HUGE MISTAKES!! GET RID OF ABBY SEND HER TO BE WITH HER MOM. SEND THE BOYFRIEND WITH HER. GET RID OF CHRISTINE ~ BORING!!!!!! DON’T FIRE NOW SO VERY LOVABLE ADAM, DON’T LOSE THE BEST BILLY EVER AND BRING DEVIOUS PHYLIS BACK!!!!
I completely agree with MAB!! “Problematic storytelling decisions” just scrapes the top of the iceberg. MM being fired is beyond reprehensible and I am completely and utterly appalled at the treatment of this fan favourite. I for one, am DONE with Y&R, after 28 years on January 30th.
If Michael (Adam) is sexually harassing Hunter (Summer), groping her breast, why is that ok? I’m a huge fan of MM. But I do not agree with sexual harassment. It is no ok, and if true, then yes he needs to be fired. He’s lucky he’s not in jail. She said this was the 2nd time he has done this and that was the last straw!
I love Michael. please donot remove him from the show. Work it out. If he leaves and Billy Miller leaves the show will be too boring to watch. Love Adam with Chelsey. Can’t stand Sharon she is too whimpy and needy.
I’m not at all surprised by her comments — she’s obviously still butt hurt she got FIRED. As a woman, I would have thought that she would feel differently especially if she has daughters. I guess she would be ok if her daughter were to be groped by a thirty-eight year old man or any man of any age of any color any where.
I really do think that MM is one of the absolute greatest actors on daytime HOWEVER if what they are saying about the groping to the actress is true then his firing was the only thing proper to do.
He obviously crossed over the line – he did not care what this could do to the young actress, her family or his own family. It’s very selfish on his part for acting out so inappropriately, impulsive and not caring about consequences. He sounds very narcissistic. I applaud the show for doing what they did – they took the groping seriously and did not sweep it under the rug. Another show would have kept their top grossing actor instead of firing him. Kudos to Y & R and thanks for keeping it classy.
Agree 100% with her comments on Michaels abilities as an actor. Will not watch Y&R once he is off canvas, he was treated deplorably
I will never watch again, when Muhney is gone.
Sharon and Adam was my reason for tuning in. I loved they looked like they were getting back . Then something happened and the writers made it so nuts . When did Adam ever love Chelsea. NEVER. She was a rebound. We all know the story and Maria Bell had Ms. Case and Mr. Muhney so perfect. i go back and look at the old youtube videos of them making love and New Orleans and so on. I hoped Sharon and Adam would have a baby. Can I be honest. I am sad to see the actor Michael Muhney go but I have not enjoyed anything they did with him this past year between Chelsea thing. drinking, angry, then running over Delia or at least not coming forward. If Sharon was in his life she would make him go to the police and support him. Chelsea will never ever stand by Adam. She will take the money and run
You think Sharon would make him go to the police and support him? She wouldn’t come to his aid when he was arrested for rape, and considering she changed the DNA results on Summer and is keeping mum about her part in Phyllis’s accident, I don’t see how you feel Sharon would serve as Adam’s moral compass.
Should have kept his hands off young actress’ breasts!
Joshua and I don’t like that you use the same first name of Joshua morrow…. its pathetic
Don’t put up false accusations on a man that you don’t have any proof of…
Then why didn’t they make MM leave the set as soon as he was fired, one would think that if that was the reason they would of not let him back on the property, you and I know both that if you get fired for something like that that you do not get to come back to finish up scenes!
Please don’t repeat rumors unless you have something to back up your statement!
I have watched Y and R since day one. Without ADAM I vow to never watch it again. He was the best. A great actor, loved his little twitches. Perfect for the role of ADAM.
I wish that MAB was back at the helm. She would not have fired Michael and she is not adding fuel to the fire. I just wish that the powers that be would get back to the drawing board and sit down, hash it out and rehire Michael. From all of the comments on most message boards not one single viewer is happy about this.
I agree with you. Bring her back. Jill (the new EP) has no clue what makes this show so much better than the others.
I wish Maria was back too! At least then the show was entertaining!
Totally agree! I’m not watching with this insanity.
I never, EVER thought I would be applauding Maria Arena Bell on ANYTHING. Most of the choices made under her tenure (including killing off the entire Carlton family) were horrendous. However, one thing she did right, was bring on Michael Muhney. To hear her say what the majority of fans now think of Y&R, “problematic storyline decisions” and “tough to recast”, is somewhat surreal. Michael should NEVER have been fired and, even forgoing that information, the show is just unwatchable right now. It is so boring, it is overrun by newbies and recasts that have NO or very flimsy connections to Genoa City citizens. But, in connection to Michael, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sharon Case were next under this horrible, horrible TPTB.
IF you take my Adam off I’m done with y&r he is great i love watching him
Please bring keep Adam on the show, he is the best they have.
ONLY bring him back to make Chelsea a dream and he never was with that women or had a spawn
Nikki! I so agree with you. I love what Maria Bell said here–finally, someone who came close to telling the truth. That truth being, that this firing sucks and is the end result of the writers writing themselves into a corner.
While I was never comfortable with the Adam/Sharon pairing given the dark nature of what preempted their relationship, MM as Adam made it work.
i AGREE WITH HER , HE DID HIS PART GREAT AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR A OTHER PERSON TO STEP IN BUT PERSONALLY HERE LATELY I FEEL Y& R HAS HURT THEIR RATINGS BUT TIME WILL TELL ……ALL I CAN SAY IS I REALLY WISH THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK
I AGREE!!!!!! PLEASE BRING MM BACK !!!! OR STOPPING TALKING ABOUT IT!!!!!
I have stopped watching after being there from the beginning. JFP is killing the show and it will be RIP along with ATWT and Guiding Light. GH fired her and it is doing so much better without her. I am a DOOL and now GH fan. If JFP is gone then I may come back or if MM comes back. She kill children on the show and fire people just so she can have her friends on the show. All I can say is the Y&R is yyaaawwwwnnnnnn
I stopped watching the minute I heard about Adam’s firing and have deleted it from my DVD. There was such great potential there and he would have been the one to take on Victor. IMO, the show was doomed the minute JFP took over.
You & me both, @savemuhney #savemichaelmuhney the show is atrocious
Keep up the good work, Save Muhney fans. I have already stopped watching Y&R because I cannot bear watching Adam this close to happiness knowing it will be snatched away. Adam will go away only to return as some other actor who will be redeemed. It’s too heartbreaking and anticlimatic to watch.
Once again, I applaud Ms Bell for speaking the truth.
GH’s Johnny will be the new Adam. It is pretty clear who JFP likes and he is one of her favs.
Brandon Barash would be a great choice though. He would do the role of Adam justice.
Yes he woul. Brandon Barash would be fabulous as Adam. LOVE him!
THAT WOULD BE HORRIBLE!
I love Brandon–he’s got it down as the anguished, misunderstood Romeo in black jeans. But I have to agree with Meg–he can’t replace Michael as Adam. No one can.
Michael Easton is sexy – with that out the way, we had him pouting and constantly with his hands on his hips on OLTL hahaha. I am great fan of ME, but I don’t think he will be able to bring the dynamic as Adam the way MM did. I stand corrected.
She would Know all about problematic storytelling decisions . She herself is the Queen of problematic storytelling . An is also a Non Logic show runner
I think she had some serious story telling problems of her own during her tenure .. but I also think she’s right about what they’ve done to Muhney…..
Why keep up the subject…the actor was fired…ive read the alleged reasons from previous posters…obviously something seemed to happen…true or false…ive moved on!!! At this time it seems pointless to keep this subject going unless something new comes up otherwise it is just adding fuel to the fire!!! Only those invovled know the whole story!!!
I agree wholeheartedly
I totally agree with Maria Arena Bell, and applaud her for acknowledging the problematic stroytelling going on at Y&R. It must be hard to watch all of your hard work go down the drain after you leave a position. I thank her for making the wonderful decision to hire Micheal Muhney and understanding how difficult the role of Adam will be to recast. I bet if she was still in charge, he would never of been fired!! Miss her vision and leadership at Y&R!!!!!!!!
She is 100% correct!!!! She KNEW the magic that Michael Muhney & Sharon Case had together. Sharon & Adam had an electricity that very few soap couples have & if you are lucky enough to find that, you hold on to it for your show. Sharon & Adam were ruined by this new regime & they stuck a talented actor (Muhney) in a dull storyline with an annoying character (Chelsea). They have ruined so much of what was once a wonderful show and under MAB tenure, it was incredibly exciting every single damn day.
You guys have short memories. The writing was disgusting under MAB and was equally bad if not worse than the current staff. It’s easy for her to throw stones now that she’s out of the loop. That whole Lauren at the amusement park fiasco and I believe the reliquary(ugh) storyline. We were all waiting for her to be fired. We got our wish, then they hired JFP. We just can’t win and this longtime viewer since 1974, is DUN!
I stop watching this show after 40 years because they killed off a child. You dont kill a child for entertainment. They also did terrible in how they killed Catherine saying she didnt tslk to anyone and sent postcards. The show went off my DVR the day i figured out they were killing Billy’s daughter. And I am surprised how easy it was. Only reason I was reading this was TMZ posted the story about Adam.
I do agree the entire direction of the show has gone off a rail. Sharon and Phyllis and paternity switch. Killing Delia loosing key actors this soap is in trouble if they dont get back to core characters and better actors. All the new cast stink except he Hilary character. They also wrote out Tucker and never brougnt him back for Katherine’s death. Same old tormented Lauren stories. Ridiculous
She nailed it. She knows they screwed Michael Muhney. I hope the show gets the karma it so richly deserves.
Agree with your post 100%
I want MAB back! Fire JFP! #SaveMuhney
She is spot on about Adam and what he brought to the show. I was not a Sharon and Adam fan but I did enjoy watching him whenever he was on and the powers to be made a big mistake letting him go!
I think MAB was spot on! Alot of things with Y&R have been derailed since she left the show. I know some viewers did not care for her, but in my opinin anything would be better than the team we have now!
Adam and Chelsea r so great, leave Michael alone losing him will hurt the show
BAD!!!!!!!
NO sorry doll. Chelsea is boring as hell. I knew it would be a mess putting Chelsea back with Adam. Sharon was better. Dylan was okay with Chelsea. Chelsea acts like a idiot with Adam
I agree with you Carol. I really like Adam and Chelsea. He is so much happier with her and their baby. So sad about Michael, I can’t imagine the show without him. For those of you who like Adam better with Sharon, you are entitled to your opinion. 🙂
I like Adam with Chelsea too–they bring out the best in each other.
Absolutely. Why should a good actor be fired just because he sexually harasses his colleagues. They should just suck it up!
I am thrilled to hear the positive words for Michael Muhney from Ms. Bell. Michael Muhney was THE single best hiring decision made for Y&R in recent years. I have watched Y&R since the beginning. I am from Wisconsin and no matter what state or place I lived I always watched Y&R and felt at home. I am sorry to say that I agree with Ms. Bell that the story lines this pas year have been extremely problematic. Although the killing off of little Delia did showcase excellent acting abilty from Billy Miller, the character of Victoria, and Michael Muhney, that Y&R would kill off a young child in that manner was badly received. More importantly to me and many many fans, making Adam Newman/Michael Muhney look responsible for that hit and run is unconscionable and upsetting to all of us Muhney fans. There are many social media groups formed in outrage over Michael Muhney’s firing and we are saying “Give us our Muhney back”! We are hoping and asking CBS and Sony to reconsider and rehire Michael Muhney, the one and only Adam Newman or many of us long-time fans will no longer watch Y&R after January 30th which I Michael Muhney’s and Billy Miller’s last air date. We stand behind Michael Muhney! We thank Ms. Bell for hiring him, and hope she can have some influence on getting Michael Muhney back as Adam Newman.
I agree complety bring back Michael Muhney!!
100% Agree! Haven’t watched a single episode since Muhney was fired and don’t intend to until he returns. If he doesn’t….I will follow Muhney!
Maria is most certainly adding fuel to the fire. She and her co writers gave the show to Braeden & Stafford. She did not understand the meaning of balance. She, too, showed her own issues with Cane & Lily Ashby by not writing for them properly. SHE is the one who killed the character of Cane, was forced to bring him back, only to permanently put him on the backburner. By the time she was fired the show had lost over 800, 000 viewers. She needs to have a seat , & shut up.
One of her worst storylines was the Cane mess when she was forced by TPTP to bring him back. I don’t blame her for that. Her show was much more interesting than JFP’s.
Both JFP & MAB have trashed the show. How about option 3?! A capable EP.
It doesn’t matter what he was given to do, he excelled in his performance. His capacity for his wide range of emotions and acting abilities does not prevent him to be redeemed as a character. He can hold his own against Eric Braden and the fans love him as Adam. We do not want another actor. No can replace him as Adam, he is Adam.
well said!!
YES, he IS Adam!!!!!!! Don’t let him go!!!!!!!!!!!
The show is suffering enough with the poor story lines and to get rid of Michael is ridiculous. All they have managed to do is upset the regular viewers who love him.
Michael might be outspoken, but he has added so much to the show that without him will never be recovered. They need to put their pride aside and get him to come back. Put the show and the fans first!
The show has really gone downhill, the writing is boring. I use to care if I missed an episode, now I could care less. They are losing all the best actors and they don’t seem to care at all about how the fans feel. Can’t believe the show is still rated #1, that has got to be a lie if you bother to read how many viewers are complaining. Wise up Sony and CBS and start listening to the people who watched.
I think Maria is absolutely right. Story lines have been almost boring since the change with the exception of Adam and Chelsea. Sharon is a great Actress but the bipolar piece is a little much for her character, just not real. And to have child run down and killed . I almost stopped watching then. This is surely a reason to stop giving my valuable hour with no Michael muhney. Bring the real writer back along with Michael .
Sounds like bs to me. Michael’s storyline has taken a Hugh turn. It’s no longer about Sharon. Let’s be real and stop bullshitting us as viewers. We are not stupid.
Sharn is the best with Ada,. Chelsea is a snooze
Very bad idea to get rid of Michael.. He is the best thing to happen to this soap. Will not watch the Young and Restless anymore. Also way to many people have left that hold this soap together. Bring Red back and also leave Billy in this soap. Sorry your soap has become so boring especially without these actors. Bring Michael back. He is the only Adam for the job.
Sounds like she was just covering for the other producer. There are always good and bad story lines. No reason to fire a great actor.
I have to agree w/Maria on this one. It will be beyond tough to recast the character of Adam Newman. Michael Muhney clearly made Adam his own. I do have to disagree w/her about Sharon & Adam. That was a really toxic terrible pairing. I like him better with Chelsea & his son. Hopefully, with a little break Y&R will come to their senses and hire Michael back to be Adam. It’s want the fans want.
because Chelsea and Adam are not ‘toxic’ ?! Yeah right…eyeroll..At least Adam and Sharon had great chemistry, that made the relationship interesting..Adam and Chelsea are toxic AND boring..
Sharon and Adam were the hottest couple since Dru and Neil 🙂 Chelsea can leave
No one could ever fill Michael Muhney’s place as Adam Newman
Would love to see her back at Y&R! Firing Michael M. and letting Billy M. along with horrible and depressing storylines have made 2013 one of the hardest and least enjoyable years to watch! I’ve watched Y&R for 20yrs, love the characters and the actors who brilliantly portray them but these decisions are not making fans happy!
Agree with you Jeff!
I believe ms.Bell is absolutely right in calling it like it is. The story lines have gone down hill drastically, and now with the firing of Michael Muhney, letting go of Billy Miller, and Michele Stafford there isn’t much left of the Young and Restless to watch. It was a great show, but now after 30 years of watching it’s not worth it. R I P Young and Restless:((
Agree with you Kathy I quit watching 3 weeks ago and have not missed it.
I agree with MAB I loved Sharon and Adam together. I stopped watching Y&R when Michael Muhney was fired. I can not watch with out Michael Muhney and Billy Miller they are such great actors they made this soap! I know they will go on to bigger and better shows! I will miss watching Y&R I cannot watch Victor and Nikki get married then fight and hate each other get divorced then start all over again! Get rid of Victor and all the awful new people and bring Billy Miller and Michael Muhney BACK!
Since she’s a member of the family ( I assume) and presumably knows how we fans are feeling is she going to do anything or is she just going to let the soap go to XXXX, because she doesn’t care anymore.
I do not think the Bell’s have any influence concerning this show anymore. Look they went around her husband Bill Bell Sr. when they fired her. Once Louise Latham came in 2005 it has been downhill ever since. I was taking down Xmas decorations and watched a episode of Y&R from 1998 it was so sad to see how good the show the sets etc were. This show is nothing but of a shell of what it use to be.
I don’t know what is going on there, but the storylines are awful! Delia dying, Adam being the one who hit her, billy having am affair after everything they have been through! Actors being fired, actors and actresses quitting! If something’s don’t change there are going to be a lot of people to stop watching, including ME!!!
So the problem is not with the actor the problem is with your writers…why aren’t they fired…Michael Muhney is the closest thing to Victor no matter who you try to replace him with will not hold a candle to this actor…that like trying to replace Jeanne Cooper, or the actress that plays Phyllis if its not broke why try to fix it…what I see is that you guys are the only soap on, but you are not true to your followers. Get it together Y&R execs.
Also the stupid paternity test that once again was rigged!! Come one!! I don’t like who Sharon has become!
Sharon Case has been written so badly for how many years if the writing teams hate the character/actress then write her out and put the audience out of our misery. I do not like anyone losing a job but how much fun can a workplace be when you read your scripts and find out you once again have done something awful. Enough! Once Nick fins out he will dump her etc but yet it was fine when Phyllis tried to use Cricket as road kill he did not seem to have a problem with that. Phyllis falling down the stairs the reason over acting once again. Lol
I think she is right on the money with her statement. the very bad and very boring storytelling that is now the Y&R norm. The stories really make no sense, why did they give Nikki MS they have not gone into real detail about the illness or effects it can have on the person so what is the point. The firing of Michael is so horrible that I find myself at a loss for words. They will see what effect it has when the Feb sweeps are in, HUGE HUGE MISTAKE!!!!!!!! but it will cost them dearly when they lose us the viewers!!!
This is a huge mistake!!! The fans love Michael Muhney!!! He is the ONLY man to play the role of Adam Newman!!! Rehire him NOW!!!!!!
I don’t believe for one moment the reason Michael Mohney is let go .. Fired is because of derailed story line . Michael and Billy Miller should never been let go . These 2 men are your finest actors . Sad how Y& R has tanked in their story lines. . I’m glad I watch other soaps .sfter bring an over 30 yr watcher of your soap . I can say after these men are gone my following will go with them . Have a big feeling many people will follow suit . Save your following … Hold on to these two fine actors . You can never reace the character with anyone else . Michael and Billy own their character to never be replaced. !
What in the world can we do to get Michael Muhney back? Jill Faren what’s her name needs to go before she ruins this show!
She is speaking the truth. The story lines have become so absurd, nothing realistic happening on the show. As a long time viewer that was the one thing that kept me coming back, it was an hour away to watch a show that portrayed everyday issues and the viewers would root for their favorites and pray for the best….and we were never disappointed….now we are taken for short sighted and having no memory at all…I feel so let down and terribly disappointed that the best are being chopped for whatever reason. I would tend to believe at this point it is the almighty dollar that is calling the shots here. Even the storyline they have Jess Walton in with the music box is absurd and been going on far too long. She is a fabulous actress and deserves better….Hate to say it but if Jeanne Cooper was here she would be raising some noise over the whole fiasco. Well enough ranting from this very disappointed ex viewer…. Cathie (Speaking from Canada)
Hell a two year old could write better than the writers now!!!!Get anyone to replace them and Y&R stays #!otherwise just watch it go down the tubes……the fans have spoken and is anyone listening???? Time will tell…..I am a die hard Y&R fan and have been since day one, but on January 30 I will bury a dear, old friend……
If there were a taented two year old writing the show, he or she would be run over.
Totally agree with her,ths was one of the stupidest things Ive ever seen.Adam make Y&R
I don’t disagree with MAB but she shouldn’t throw stones in glass houses. She’s a hot mess of a writer/producer in her own right. The show was every bit as wretched under her killer pen.
Should have read “JFP and MAB are both equal in the horrible….”
Never thought I’d agree with her bit I do…
She is entitied to her opinion. However, she made many of her own “problematic storytelling decisions.”
I for one, if MM is not rehired am Quiting the show. This is a horrible decision by the powers that be. Keep MM as Adam…Listen to your fans please…
To lose muhney an amazing talent and a key player in my mind that keeps this show afloat, it’s now going to be a sinking ship.Also not negotiating with billy miller was such a stupid move. I have watched since day one but if Michael is not rehired I’m truly done. Pathetic storyline, Victor is now such a controlling arrogant prick I can’t watch him. I miss billy too
YawneR is comatose!
In my strong opinion, no one can replace Michael Muhney as Adam Newman. The producers and decision makers need to get past whatever happened and rehire him immediately. It is about time they finally listen to their loyal fan base/viewers…..otherwise, they will have a significant dip in ratings from the February sweeps onwards…I plan to completely boycott the show and CBS.
What actually did happen? Can someone bring me up to speed as I just joined the forum yesterday.