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!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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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.