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.
Three of the four network soaps received nominations in the category of Daytime Drama for the upcoming 72nd annual Writers Guild Awards. Nominations in television categories were announced on Thursday.
The annual scribe-fest is based on voting by 15,000 WGA members, and awards will be handed out in coinciding ceremonies in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton and in New York at the Edison Ballroom on February 1st, 2020.
The eligibility are shows within the 2019 calendar year.
The nominated writing teams competing in the Daytime Drama category are as follows:
Days of Our Lives, Writers: Lorraine Broderick, Ron Carlivati, Joanna Cohen, Carolyn Culliton, Richard Culliton, Rick Draughon, Dave Kreizman, Rebecca McCarty, Ryan Quan, Dave Ryan, Betsy Snyder, Katie Schock; NBC Universal
General Hospital, Head Writers: Shelly Altman, Christopher Van Etten Associate Head Writers: Anna T. Cascio, Dan O’Connor Writers: Barbara Bloom, Suzanne Flynn, Charlotte Gibson, Lucky Gold, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Donny Sheldon, Scott Sickles; ABC
The Young and the Restless, Writers: Amanda L. Beall, Jeff Beldner, Sara Bibel, Matt Clifford, Annie Compton, Christopher Dunn, Sara Endsley, Janice Ferri Esser, Mellinda Hensley, Lynn Martin, Anne Schoettle, Natalie Minardi Slater, Teresa Zimmerman CBS
So, which soap do you think should receive the WGA Award for the best writing on a daytime drama series in 2019? Share your picks in the comment section below.
In shocking news to so many, This Is Us star Justin Hartley (Kevin Pearson) has filed for divorce after two years of marriage from former Days of our Lives’and Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause (Jordan Ridgeway).
According to court documents on Friday via TMZ, Justin is citing irreconcilable differences as the cause of the split.
The date of their separation is listed as July 8, 2019, which has perplexed those in the media when the pair have been seen together in recent months at Hollywood events and sharing posts of one another on their social media accounts.
Justin and Chrishell were last seen together in public last week on November 14th at a Hollywood Reporter-sponsored pre-Golden Globes party. Reps for both actors have you to share statements or make a comment.
Hartley and Stause tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch back in October 28th, 201, which was four years to the day after they met.
As daytime fans know, Justin and Chrishell met when they were both part of the soap opera community. Justin was last on daytime as Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless. Hartley has one child, Isabella, from a previous marriage to another soap actress, Lindsay Korman, who he met when they both were on the defunct NBC soap Passions. Justin and Lindsay were married for 8 years.
We will update you as they warrant in this developing story. And on personal note: we wish nothing but the best for both Justin and Chrishell.
Share your thoughts on the news of Justin’s divorce filing via the comment section below.
Fantastic news General Hospital fans! Daytime Emmy winner and longtime fan favorite, Jane Elliot is reprising her signature soap role as Tracy Quartermaine just in time for the holidays.
According to EW.com who broke the news, Eliot will make her appearances beginning in December, when Tracy comes home to Port Charles, and is embroiled in the ELQ family business.
Elliot’s last episode on GH aired May 4, 2017 when Jane made the decision to to exit.
Her character left Port Charles by telling her family she was ready to have her own life, away from the shadow of her father. A later episode revealed that Tracy settled in Amsterdam after meeting up with Luke (Tony Geary).
Jane began playing the role of Tracy back in 1978.
So excited to hear Tracy Q will be home for a visit and to stir up some trouble? Comment below.
WATCH: Steve Burton & Bradford Anderson Take On Grammy-Nominated Hit ‘Old Town Road’ With A GH Twist
DAYS Head Writer Ron Carlivati Talks On: Ben Weston, Soap Amnesia, Doppelgängers, and the Time Jump
A Friz Holiday Miracle On GH?
Paging Dr. Griffin Munro! Matt Cohen Makes A Return Visit To GH
Soap Stars At Hollywood Christmas Parade 2019 (Photos)
Noted Soap Opera Producer Lisa de Cazotte Has Died; Daytime Community Mourns Her Passing
WEDNESDAY: GH Stars Set To Perform Acoustic Holiday Concert On Facebook Live
TONIGHT: Rick Hearst Makes His AMBITIONS Debut
