Breaking News
Network Exec, Angelica McDaniel On Y&R’s Staying Power: “We Have This Award-Winning, Ratings-Generating, Money-Making Show, And It Really Adds Value To CBS.”
This week, The Young and the Restless celebrated 30 years as the number-one rated daytime soap opera. That is a streak of 1,560 weeks in the top spot.
Angelica McDaniel, executive vp daytime programs and syndicated program development at CBS, spoke to the Hollywood Reporter on what has made this remarkable run; attributing it to strong storytelling and a cast that includes several beloved veterans who have been around the entire time.
The executive noted that while other soaps over the years have fallen by the wayside, and even though we are down to only four surviving network soap operas, that Y&R will be around with no end in sight.
McDaniel stated, “We have this award-winning, ratings-generating, money-making show, and it really adds value to CBS. We expect it be a part of our lineup in the future.”

Photo: CBS
She also added, “The Young and the Restless has some of the best actors in the industry — not in soaps, not in daytime, but in television. We have iconic, legacy characters that have been on our show for decades. Melody Thomas Scott will be celebrating her 40th year on the show in February. Peter Bergman just reached his 30th anniversary in November. Eric Braeden started in 1980. We just have an incredible arsenal of actors who are so talented and play these characters so well that you don’t even realize they’re characters. They become people who are part of your life, part of your daily existence.”
As for the continual investment and ways the audience watches the show on various platforms, McDaniel expresed: “The great thing about daytime television is we have loyal, passionate viewers, and they really like to tune in day and date. They want to stick with their stories and see what’s happening today. … Having said that, The Young and the Restless is also one of the top streamed shows on CBS.com. As trends evolve, we are where our viewers are, and we’re making shows readily accessible so they can get their fix and follow their stories.”
So, what do you think about Y&R? Will it remain if and when all other soaps have come to theirconclusion? Do you think it will continue on for years to come, given its position at number #1? Comment below!
Even in saying this, I’m sure people will still piss, moan and complain that she’s lying and that CBS is trying to tank the serial. But, I believe Angelica and TPTB at CBS, and their continued support of their daytime lineup. I cannot wait for the continued years of watching my daily dramas! I am ready for it! My main questions, however, are:
• When will changes be made at The Bold and the Beautiful?
• What’s going to happen in five years when their deal with Television City is expired? (Ultimately, I’d be open to either moving to a new space that allows more dynamic sets or staying put)
Have watched this soap from the first day. Don’t understand why the fire actors that have been a part for so many years. Bring back Doug Davidson. And where is Kristoff St John? And now Hunter King too? Really folks. Come on already!!!!!
I don’t know what happened to Kristofer in “real life”, but according to comments made on recent episodes, Neil moved closer to the prison, so Lily wouldn’t be so alone
I continue to watch the show since 1978 and believe in its staying power but something is presently missing from the canvas. I’m all for new character development but not with key players taken away. You can infuse new talent but do not let the veterans go by the wayside. Just mix it up more.
Well said
Don’t forget Doug Davidson, he’s been on for…oh wait, never mind.
There is a stench about it..
during 30 yrs there have been many Great soaps, many..
and yet– not one, not one ever got atop of Y&R, never.
There is hanky-panky going on, the odds of 30 yrs and not one other, ‘just once’ — nope the odds are totally against that happening
I truly do not recognize it being on… I skip past 11: a.m… and mind the ratings bug for @DAYS and @GH
that’s it
I watched ; once upon a time; it caught
just nevertheless
how explain this ?
Y&R Sucks!
^^^^ Finally at last at least changing the marquee “Money Making Show”
that lets up the be all… it never will
dead Victor lacked the care AND muster of Abbott reel
If the show was number one when was the last time it won a daytime Emmy. This show is going Down like the titanic. Mal Young is taking away all of our favorites actors from the beginning when it started. Let’s see who wins this daytime Emmy. Doug Davidson should be brought back Michael Muhney should come back as Adam. Might get back the emmy.
I agree, Linda. How I miss Michael Muhney. Who knew that so many other mainstays would also be gone by now. It breaks my heart to tune in lately. The Rosales family (Rey & Mia) are dragging the show waaayyy down. We barely know these clowns, why should we care about their boring marriage? Where’s lovely Traci? And they’re only throwing Michael & Lauren a few bones so they can bring back the new and “not so improved” Fenmore. Yeah, the actor is cute, but the character is another schemer we don’t need. And don’t get me started on Miss Kerry. Poor Jack! One loser after another. And this one can’t even ACT yet. I hate to dump on the show but the fact is that I’ve never fast-forwarded until this year. That says a lot.
Well stated, I recently began FF through the show myself. I have never done this before.
Soaphound, I think a tree trunk would be more exciting than Kerry. Jack deserves so much better. And Mia? Bring me the head of casting! Mia is unattractive, unappealing and a horrid actress and we are supposed to believe she is so bewitching and beautiful that she was able to turn two loving brothers into Cain and Able? Please. It’s bad enough that the rapid character induction has been performed so badly, but could they not find better actors? As I keep repeating it’s just downright odd that Paul suddenly disappeared and Rey now sits in his office and nary a word is said about it. Where is Neil? Why is that Mattel doll Dr Super Nate (parts and accessories sold separately) suddenly acting like he’s the new Winter’s patriarch?
And oh goody–yet another character gets hit by a car in Genoa City but this time it’s Nikki being hit. As I recall, she once hit Victor’s girlfriend Sabrina when she was drunk behind the wheel. Now, she’s drunken pedestrian.I can’t watch this drivel. I also cannot stand Phyllis anymore–she’s so horrible she’s not fun to watch,and yet the men all fawn over her. Why? I don’t know. I guess they enjoy being cheated on and being betrayed over and over. Bright spot? Kyle and Lola. They’re Romeo and Juliet meets Greg and Jenny.
Agreed and then some, Harry. Love Kyle and Lola, so creepy Fen better keep his paws to himself and go find Summer. I don’t know where to start with Miss Kerry. The expression “the lights are on but nobody’s home” can’t even apply because I don’t even see any lights! And, oh, the car accidents in Genoa City must be a national record-breaker. Noah hits Billy; Adam hits Delia; Nikki (with Neil) hits Christine; Chloe hits Adam (or tried to…can’t recall); Sage rolls her car and dies; Billy & Adam are injured during a revenge trip; Lily & Hilary crash…imagine the insurance premiums in that town!
Well, Soaphound, it’s Christmas time. So Sung, “Grandma got ran over by her grandson” to the tune of Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
Best post of 2018!!
Car accidents are a far more realistic occurrence than other things that happen on soaps. I myself, a 40 year old, since the year 2000, have been involved in SEVEN vehicle “accidents”. I was NOT at fault in any of them…and four of the seven drivers who hit me were drunk. I have been in physio, rehab, etc. due to injuries sustained in these accidents. I would rather live in Genoa City where bad drivers are my biggest worry. If I lived in Port Charles, I would have to wonder why there are NO surveillance cameras ANYHWHERE. A Serial killer can dismember someone, deliver her body parts all over town, and NO ONE sees a thing and NOTHING is captured on video! Young and the Restless is different from GH and DAYS. With their reliance on crime plots, GH and DAYS can only offer audience insulting stories with plot holes galore. In this day and age of heightened security and surveillance…telling stories that completely ignore or overlook this reality is just lazy, old school writing that is NOT keeping up with the times. Y and R rarely insults the audience’s intelligence, whereas DAYS and GH do it constantly!
Hi. Just a few comments on your post. I think you were too harsh on Mia. When I first saw her…I had basically the same feelings as you. But then I watched…and waited. And then she started to remind me of Brenda Dickson as Jill! Jill was also a cosmetologist…wanting to make it big. When Mia had Nikki over before Christmas…it was like a new version of Jill (girl from wrong side of the tracks) and Katherine…the classy, elegant older rich alcoholic lady. There was total chemistry as friends and confidantes for Nikki and Mia!! I say give Mia a chance! I think with good writing and more integration…she could go far! I want to see her go after Jack. This Kerry thing is just not working!
Next…you say Nikki ran over Sabrina. No she didnt. Sabrina was killed with David Chow in a limousine. Nikki and Neil were in the car that hit Christine several years ago.
Last…I love how you look so favourably on Lola and Kyle. They are a refreshing breath of fresh air! Just pure, old-fashioned romance….what soaps were built on, based on, and forgot about somewhere along the way. Mal Young had a certain style with his writing…it was sophisticated and often bracingly realistic and non soap like. I am very disheartened that he is leaving and Josh Griffith is returning. I like the unique spin that Mal put on many characters. Lola is a delight!! And the show FINALLY hit the jackpot with a Kyle! Let them be the young supercouple!
I think this is great news for the people at Y&R who might already be concerned for the shows future. Especially long term employees who have so much more emotionally invested in the series. And for the fans still watching, this is seemingly good news.
But I do have to say, I was originally a card carrying member of the Angelica McDaniel fan club, but no more. I’ve seen this executive spin things too many times, declaring this soap in particular, has the best of the best. But let’s look at the tangibles here. Since her appointment in 2012, Y&R has had 4 EP’s (JFP, Pratt, Sussman, Young) and 7 HW’s collectively (JG, Thompson, Altman, Passanate, Pratt, Sussman and Young). If you believe you have the best, the ratio of turnover would not be this extreme. I think CBS daytime in general has been hard hit over the last few years and CBS as a network, is currently under a lot of scrutiny where sexual harassment is involved. I think McDaniels heart is probably in the right place, but she seems like a helicopter executive who manages from a place of fear for her job, where confidence in the people hired for key roles is obviously not there.
I gave up Y&R this year after over a decade of struggling to like this show and the direction it took. But I did get 20 solid years out of it and am grateful for the 2 decades of sublime entertainment it offered prior to 2006. I will always root for the shows success and for that to happen I think at some point McDaniel needs to be let go. She is without question one of the problems.
That’s all fine and nice to hear, but perhaps Ms. McDaniel might want to address the continuing slide in ratings along with the viewer dissatisfaction with both the direction and the style of the show since Mal Young has taken over.
The show is suffering, the cast has been cut, particularly the vets, characters are acting OUT OF CHARACTER (sometimes it feels like watching All My Children in the dismal Frons years) and we’ve lost not only iconic sets (Chancellor Mansion) but the show is also under the cloud of some serious misbehavior allegations, none of which bide well for the future of the show.
So forgive me if I don’t completely buy Ms. McDaniel’s protestations and praise, it all smells like a huge load of B.S., based on what I see, daily.
I’m sad to agree, boes. Lately, the show is barely recognizable. Repetitive, endless stories (J.T’s death mystery), repulsive new characters (Rey, Mia, Kerry, Nate, nuFen), absence and/or dismissal of necessary core characters, amateurish newbies (Kerry, Mia)… it’s so sad. A frothy media story won’t solve these issues.
I dont buy it at all
..sounds like someone is trying to save face and save dwindling viewership!
If the show is sooo outstanding why is ratings falling?. All the main stars jumping ship?! Ashley, Chelsea, Hillary?! To lose three leading ladies in 1 year is not a sign of a healthy show. Male vets, Paul, Michael, Neil?!..
Nothing has happened of any significance since Ash left on a plane to Paris! Thank god for the remaining actors who make me tune in daily because if it was up to the writing and plots the show would be toast.
If y n r doesnt shake up behind the scenes ms mcdaniel s going to have more b.s. to shovel to the fans!
Boes, well said–nothing pisses me off more than a PR snow job and this is what it that was. I am tired of being told not believe my lying eyes and ears.
Congratulations to Y&R and CBS. Hope ABC feels the same to GH
I am happy the show been around since 1973 and has been the number# 1 soap for many years, but Y&R is slightly off. Too many new characters added at once. Veterans disappear, placed on recurring status or just leave. Kinda stange happenings for a #1 soap. ENUF of the Rosales family! Yes, the actors are good, but they are being shoved down our throats and we are suppose to care about them. However, I do enjoy the actress who plays Mia. She’s a trip! As someone asked, where is Kristoff St. John as Neil? You bring Christian LeBlanc back, just to introduce us to the new Fen? These actors are still young enough to carry story. I wish Y&R a long life, but if you continue to ignore your core viewers, it will be a short one.
While I don’t believr CBS is trying to tank the show, it’s definitely gutting it’s budget. While I didn’t notice weeks ago but someone posted that entryways to homes have disappeared from cane and Victoria’s homes. It wasn’t til Reed arrived the other day did I notice it.
Budget. Only way to explain it. Remove that part of set, less time AND MONEY TO PAY CREW to set up and tear down.
Even the Jabot offices.. I think it’s time to turn the CEO’S office into a open space workspace as it’s used by everyone for anything. I wouldn’t dare have a meeting or make out in my CEOs office. Give JABOT another set and not a tiny office kitchen like Newman.
Stars need more incentive to stay. Concerned by Eileen Davidson leaving and Doug, as well. We see Lauralee Bell in anniversary commercial but does christine even live in GC anymore cause we havent seen her in many months.
Be respectful not only to fans. If budgets are tight fine but dont dispose of Doug Davidson’s Paul by just not writing for him. Give the actor and character an amazing send off. Either have him shot in the line of duty – maybe tied to the JT story somehow – or have the character have a heart attack or something, have it as a PSA about heart health or something and have the two character, Paul and Christine, leave town.
The character of Rey is not paul. And not having Paul is not the answer either.
Sorry… i agree cast and crew are some of the best on television. But can only be the best with good story, great contiunous cast and writing rhat makes sense for Y&R.
Budgetary restrictions may not be in CBS’ control. It might also be up to TPTB at Sony Television, as the same thing happens at DAYS.
Pjc, do you notice the inconsistency, too? Nick has this new, multi-angle set posing as a house, while Jabot has board (bored?) meetings in the CEO’s office, with members practically sitting on the rafters…or each other’s laps! The Rosales “apartment” is like a walk-in closet with a stove and I’ve never liked the nuNewman ranch… looks stifled. The Abbott house looks cozy, though they always seem short on bedrooms. Now, the Chancellor mansion, that was a fun set. Guess that’s why it got remodeled… oy vey!
“Y & R” is a hot dumpster fire of a mess with Mal Young at the helm! All I’ve seen and heard are lame, plot-driven, never-ending stories with veteran characters being pushed aside for politically-correct newbies like the totally needless Rosales family (swing and a miss – THEY SUCK!!) and foisting an inter-racial pairing which is NOT WORKING!!!
What about Dina’s Alzheimer’s story – is this in limbo or is Mal just lazy??
This “JT is Dead” story-line was DOA from the get-go – insipid and plot-driven crap!!
Enough with the “Will they/won’t they” lesbians – either use them or ditch them!!
What happened to the Chancellor Estate??
THIS SHOW LOOKS AND FEELS CHEAP NOW!!!
UP THIS WEEK: Even more plot-driven shizz on the horizon and it’s not going to get any better with this Limey at the controls!!!
I completely agree with you about the show looking so cheap. It really struck me when Neil and Ashley were on a date supposidly listening to a live jazz event.
In the past, you would have a few session players, tons of extras and maybe even a brief cameo from a well-respected jazz performer.
All they did was have red lights in the foreground to simulate a live event and backgournd music on the outdoor patio set near Newman Top Of The Tower.
I have watched Y&R since the late seventies– not quite from the beginning but close to it. I have seen the show hit some low points, but I have never seen it as bad as it is right now. I only watch the last 15 minutes, to keep abreast, more out of habit, than genuine enjoyment.
The title of the show might say Y&R, but this isn’t Young and the Restless– and the only reason it might be number one now is because the title links it to the high quality, outstanding daytime drama Y&R was– but if one renamed the show and removed any traces to
the legacy show it was– and presented the stories and characters on their own– it would tank in no time.
Their number one record is a bit like me saying I am the best cook in my house– when I am the only cook in my house— it has no real competition — also some soaps long cancelled had higher numbers than this so called number one show has now–so if I was CBS I wouldn’t be popping any champagne corks over this record. The real credit for this record goes to Bill Bell who created a great show, built a huge following for it, that this show has managed to live off the fumes of that success for years.
I totally agree with this.
I totally agree 100% Mary SFIM…YOU write so well and I appreciate your comments.
If you look at her face quickly, she kind of looks like Kelly Clarkson
Oh McDaniel. The one that publicly supported Les Moonves and not the women who accused him? She’s awful. Scary.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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Breaking News
Patrick Muldoon, ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Melrose Place’ Star, Passes Away at 57
This week starts with heartbreaking news. Patrick Muldoon, best known for his roles as the original Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives and later as Richard Hart on Melrose Place, died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 57. Reports indicate his death was sudden following a heart attack.
Muldoon’s sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, told TMZ on Monday more details on her brother’s death, “Patrick went to take a shower Sunday morning after drinking coffee with his girlfriend in their Beverly Hills home. His girlfriend decided to check on him after he was taking too long and found him unconscious on the bathroom floor?” Shana added that paramedics rushed over and tried to revive Patrick, but there was nothing anyone could do.
Soap fans first saw Muldoon as Kate’s (Lauren Koslow) son on DAYS back in 1992, where he quickly became a fan favorite during the on-screen love story between Austin and Carrie Brady (Christie Clarke). Patrick left the series in 1995. He later made comeback for appearances in 2011 and 2012.

Photo: JPI
On Melrose Place, he played bad buy Richard Hart from 1995-1996. Patrick launched his acting career while in college landing the role of Matt in the 1990 sitcom Who’s The Boss? alongside the likes of Judith Light (ex-Karen, OLTL) and Tony Danza. Following his graduation, Patrick nabbed a recurring role as Jeffrey Hunter in Saved By The Bell by 1991.
Throughout his decades long career, Muldoon also starred in several motion and TV series including his leading roile in Starship Troopers (1997). He also had parts in Deadlock (2021), Vanquish (2021), Dakota (2022), Marlowe (2022), and Murder At Hollow Creek (2023).

Photo: JPI
Not only was Patrick an actors, but a producer and a musician and singer. He often made appearances and put out music with his band, The Sleeping Masses. Muldoon was the band’s lead singer and guitar player. Patrick was also a producer of TV and film projects.
At the time of his death, Patrick was also an executive producer on a the movie “Kockroach,” which is currently in production.
Taking to his Instagram, just a few days before his death, Muldoon expressed,“So excited to be a part of this amazing project KOCKROACH directed by Matt Ross starring Chris Hemsworth, Taron Edgerton, Zazzie Beetz And Alec Baldwin. Filming now in Australia,” he captioned his post.
Sadly, on April 24, Muldoon can be seen in his 2025 film Dirty Hands also festuring Denise Richards (ex-B&B, RHOBH), which will be released on digital streaming platforms on VOD.
Muldoon is survived by his partner, Miriam Rothbart; parents, Deanna and Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shana and Ahmet Zappa; and their children, Muldoon’s beloved niece Halo and nephew Arrow Zappa.
Share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Patrick Muldoon via the comment section, which is followed below by the trailer Dirty Hands due out later this week on digital platforms.
Breaking News
Jonathan Bennett Tapped to Play New Role on ‘General Hospital’
All My Children and Hallmark alum, Jonathan Bennett has been cast in the newly-created role on General Hospital as Joe Fitzpatrick.
Look for Bennett to make his debut on the ABC soap opera next month in May. Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans for his work as JR Chandler on All My Children from 2000-2001. Later, he landed the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout role.
Jonathan would go on to star in seven Hallmark Channel movies and then hosting and producing the network’s reality competition show Finding Mr. Christmas, Bennett has also appeared as a contestant on Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars, plus Celebrity Big Brother in 2019, and he starred on Broadway in Spamalot.

Courtesy/ABC
Frank Valentini, the executive producer of General Hospital shared to Deadline who first reported the casting news, “We’re so excited to have Jonathan joining our cast. He’s a tremendous talent and will be a fantastic addition to ‘GH.’
After the news broke, Bennett took to his Instagram and shared, “There’s a new guy in town…” Meanwhile, the official General Hospital account shared a pic and expressed, “He’s already tired of us telling him his hair looks sexy pushed back. Welcome to the family, Jonathan Bennett.
Bennett is married to Jaymes Vaughan. Back in 2022, they became the first gay couple to appear on the cover of the wedding magazine, The Knot.
So, what do you think of the casting of Jonathan as Joe Fitzpatrick? Is he the new man for Lucas? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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