News
Josh Griffith Out as Head Writer at ‘The Young and the Restless’
In a major behind the scenes move, The Young and the Restless current head writer, Josh Griffith is stepping down from his duties and is soon exiting the top-rated soap opera.
TV Insider was first to break the news and according to their report, Griffith’s departure was his own choice and the cast and crew learned of his decision earlier today on Friday, June 26.
Griffith’s resignation is not effective immediately and for now he will be continuing to tell the stories in Genoa City. As of this writing, Y&R has not named Josh’s successor.
Photo: JPI
Previously, Josh stepped down from his other major duty as the soap opera’s co-executive producer. It was just two months ago we learned that longtime Y&R vet Sally McDonald took over the EP role, while Josh was remaining the series head writer.
A SOAP WRITER WELL-TRAVELED
The seven-time Daytime Emmy winner has had a storied career and tenure in the field of daytime drama. Josh began his soap writing career in 1988 with Santa Barbara, then went to One Life to Live, where he was promoted to co-head writer. He ended his time in Llanview, at that time, in 1995. Later, he co-created Sunset Beach with Bob Guza Jr. The series ran from 1997-99 on NBC. One Life to Live called again and Josh returned as co-head writer again alongside Michael Malone from 2003-2004. Next, he joined the writing team of As the World Turns.
It was back in 2006 that Griffith first came to Genoa City and The Young and the Restless. He started in the capacity of creative consultant, as a breakdown writer, and then was tapped as the series co-executive producer. After departing in 2008. It was not until 2012-2013 that he made a short return before heading to Days of Our Lives to become the co-head writer of Salem from 2015-2016.
Eventually, Josh resurfaced at Y&R as Supervising Producer before becoming head writer in 2019 after Mal Young’s exit. Griffith had served as both head writer and executive producer from 2023-25. In 2025, Sally McDonald joined him as the series co-executive producer until the recent change a few months ago where McDonald is the sole EP.
So, what do you think of Josh Griffith stepping down as head writer at The Young and the Restless? Who would you like to see as his successor? Share your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Buh-Bye! This is long overdue. He’s been a head writer since 2019, and I never thought this day would come. Guess it didn’t take a plummet in ratings/demos. I just hope that whoever comes in is someone new. We need some new blood on this soap who can bring in some new ideas.
Thank you Universe!! About time he left the damn show!
HALLELUJAH! THANK THE LORD ABOVE! Now let’s bring some EXCITEMENT back to the show instead of boring corporate stories and monthly kidnappings!
Someone go find Kay Alden!
Kay Alden is retired; when she left the last time, she left to retire.
I can’t believe it! Please bring in a fresh pair of eyes. This show needs a major overhaul!
Prayers do get answered–there have been so many disgruntled fans who have tolerated stories that have strayed into another orbit from the Bill Bell/Kay Alden origins. Just looking at the current story-lines that have been nothing more than “characters taking the law into their own hands” or “characters doing things completely out of their character” repeatedly begs for a new era of writers. For me, the biggest frustrations I’ve had with this show are a)missing time scenes–where action takes place off camera time and again b)redundant dialogue c)the total loss of both “young” cast members and “restless” characters d)completely compelling plots–for example, you could expect a terrific summer story that thoroughly probed a current social issue e)keeping too many veteran characters as the front-burner stories ALL THE TIME and finally e)MUSIC– it made scenes riveting, surprising, and most of the time, emotional. This was the heart of Y and R, and honestly, it has lost its heart.
I do not write this note as a rant; rather, it’s my hope that a few recommendations will help improve the show because it has a fantastic repertoire of actors and production crew up and down the line.
1000% agree
Lets bring back the ‘ young’!!! Maybe Faith, Moses , Lucy
Lets bring back the classic beautifully composed background scores yes!
Lets bring back ” Shick”,
Intelligent stories like a Michael , Christine criminal case, give Lauren her due too in that.
Rotate fan fave s maybe in short arcs, Nina, Paul, Jill, Traci etc ..
On a positive note aside from some of the worst years in YnR history looking forward to brighter days for my fave soap!!!
Sorry, but this was way overdue. I haven’t been able to get into Y&R the way I used to for a long time now. Hopefully the next writer can bring back the focus of what made the show so good.
Guess that rape apologist storyline is what gave him the boot
Nope! He made the decision to leave himself.
Finally!!!! Yayyyyyy!!!!
Good Riddance
I realize it’s just a soap opera and there are more important things in life. On that note, I will wish him well on what I’m assuming is his retirement.
Bye Bitch! Josh Griffith is a hack!
Y&R doesn’t air down here, but I’d be willing to bet a few souls that ReRon will be the new head writer.
If that proves to be the case, you Y&R fans have a Devil’s condolences.
Oh, I hope not.
CBS/Sony Television does not want the writer unless it’s a last-ditch decision, but even he’s petrified of the job.
It took long enough, hoping the door slams your ass on your way out. This took so long, and he says it was his choice, yeah right. You ruined this show, got rid of Gina T who had this show on top.
It saddened me to give up watching Y&R two years ago due to poor, exhaustingly redundant storylines. But I was attached to the gifted veteran actors so I would sporadically check in to check the pulse when I had time off from work. My latest check in only reaffirmed my decision when I tuned in only to discover that Nikki was sick again. Even on her best day, Nikki gives off a somnolent, low energy vibe as seen with her tendency to whisper her dialogue and therefore, when she is afflicted with yet another malady, I cannot tell the difference. So I clicked off. I will tune in again if the writing meets the actors’ talent half way. They deserve that- as do their loyal viewers. PS. I am a longtime Peter Bergman fan. I want better for him and his cast mates.
I think soap head writers should only stay five years on the job and then leave because the job is so demanding they burn out. Wishing Josh Griffith the best in the future. Hopefully the show will hire from within for the position but bring in some younger more diverse voices on the writing team willing to try something new other than endless corporate stories.
Thank God, it’s about damn time. Josh G.’s writing was boring and, honestly, made very little sense. I can barely watch this show anymore, and that’s coming from someone who grew up watching it.
If you don’t understand the history of this show, you shouldn’t be writing for it. The characters have decades of history that matter.
If you don’t know that Jill Foster Abbott once did Kay Chancellor’s hair and nails, became her paid companion, and was involved with Philip Chancellor, then please don’t write this show. Ever.
The history, the relationships, and the legacy of these characters are what made this show special.
I don’t want Steve Kent bringing in a bunch of his friends — maybe one
understand the show. No more Jill Phelps, LML, or Mal Young.
We need Bill Bell’s people back because they understood the history, the characters, and what made this show work. Bring back voices like Kay Alden, Sally Sussman as story consultants. Jack Smith, MAB (but someone remind her we hated Sharon throwing someone into a volcano).
If they could snag Bob Guza. The show needs writers who respect its past.
The story line that really upset me was that Phyllis’s kids were mad at her for taking Newman from Victor. Victor has been ruthless to everyone. Why would her kids be mad at her for giving poor Victor a taste of his own medicine.
And, poor Daniel who Phyllis has saved so many times, lecturing Phyllis and being so self righteous is ridiculous. Why would Summer be mad about this?
That what did it for you huh?
Phenomenal news! The show has been a wreck since he took over (although he’s not the only person who has had a bad helm at y&r). Boring, repetitive storylines, stale dialogue, and way too much corporate drudgery. (Bill Bell and Kay Alden could write business storylines perfectly, because the focus was always personal… it wasn’t about business).
I hope tptb find a co-head writing situation. I would love a great old school soap writer (like Nancy Curlee) working alongside someone new with fresh perspective. Hopefully, this way there’s a nice balance of storytelling.
That being said, please get rid of some of the characters no one cares about or do something with them to make them multifaceted. Audra is boring. I’m sorry. Make her interesting or let her go. Same with Holden, Claire, etc. But even classic characters are boring right now (Victoria, Michael, Lauren, Jack). And can we not write a storyline where Victor loses? Victor was always an anti hero, but now he’s really a one dimensional villain with zero redeeming qualities.
There’s so much more that could be said, but this rant is getting as repetitive as Josh Griffith’s version of the show.
I agree with everything you said.
THANK GOD! He finally got pushed out, there’s no way he left on his own accord. But he’s done so much damage…..we’ll still see his crap on screen for most of the summer. A step in the right direction, Now the challenge of someone who can write. Sally McDonald’s big test. I don’t want to see anyone elevated to that job from the current staff. We need someone fresh to run with this one. Holding my breath for a better fall and winter.
In the world of real life despised soap villains, Griffin would be the Top 5, below Brian Frons and Jill Phelps but above Megan McTavish.
Where does ReRon come in on that list?
Ron has about 18 months at a show where he does good work and then things get convoluted. That, and his writing has contributed to a show demise (OLTL ratings were higher than AMC when both were cancelled). He has many that don’t like him (like you) but there’s a contingent that support him. For that, I would leave him out of the Top 5. Now, Sean Kanan and Ian Buchanan might have a different opinion.
Ron Carlivati
Josh as writer and EP has been a disaster. Y&R turned into a villain of the week show where incredible talent such as Robert Newman, Colleen Zenk, James Hyde, etc were wasted in short-term roles. Josh is trying to set the record for bringing back the most dead characters in the shortest amount of time.
The new writer has to start planning the eventual (sooner rather than later) retirement of Eric Braedon. Have him retire on the short and bring him back for special events and holidays or kill him off and have the biggest who dunnit in soap history followed by an incredible trial. (When was the last great trial on Y&R)
Where is the summer teen storyline? The actor playing Lucy seemed ready for a big storyline.
The show needs to refocus on Michael and Lauren and bring back Gloria. Bring back Paul.
Where can we list all the problems that Griffith caused. I would say the biggest issue is he’s banished all the young people from Genoa City. You see a child visiting a day or two a year. Lily’s twins haven’t been seen in years. Victoria’s missing kids, Billy’s missing offspring. The show is still focused on the over 65 citizens…which is ok, but most days they are all you see. If I’m a college student or high school student checking out Y&R for the first time, after a day of this, I’d be turning it off because nothing appeals to them. Summer teen stories used to be what drew viewers in during the months of June, July and August. There is so much that has to be fixed on Y&R, wonder where Ms. McDonald will start.
The 2 things that bother me most are that we have never seen Mrs. Martinez or Christian, is the budget that overtaxed?
Love the idea of who killed off Victor Newman! I watched the show since it began in early 70s and I loved those great trial stories– most fondly Lorie Brooks’ arrest for Vanessa Prentis’ murder and the absolutely tremendous 2 year stint of twists and turns with Paul Williams and Cassandra Rawlins. These were as tidy and clever as an Agatha Christie!
Ron, I also watched the show since the 70s and YES, the stories involving Lorie and Vanessa and Paul and Cassandra, those were the days…
A great head writer would be a novelist. Someone who has written many fiction books. Michael Malone is a good example.
I’m a Days fan, but I think I could do a good job writing for YawneR.
Won’t make a difference they will hire another idiot and your actors will defend them if they are front and center an paycheck so no I won’t come back ever again do not care if they stay on the air or not
Josh Griffith quit of his own volition. I haven’t really liked Y & R that much since Covid caused a lot of unrealistic interactions & afterwards it seems it wasn’t the best. IMO that’s been the case many times before. There were times I really enjoyed the actors, characters & storylines. There were times I didn’t.
Whoever gets the job I wish them well because people have such different opinions on characters & storylines. So whoever comes next they can expect complaints for sure.
General Hospital
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
General Hospital introduced the character of Hudson Parker back on July 30, 2026 marking the first appearance of Troy Lennon Appel in the role.
Quickly, we learned there was some connection to Ethan Lovett, after Hudson tracked him down and beat up the guy, the potential that Hudson is the biological father to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase’s (Josh Swickard) adopted daughter, Phoebe, and that he is now Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) right hand man at JJE.
On Sunday, October 25 in a brand new episode of the That’s Awesome Podcast with Steve Burton (Jason) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), the Stone Cold and the Jackal duo welcomed Troy Lennon Appel to the show to delve into his background, landing the role of Hudson, and what may come next in a teaser for upcoming episodes of GH.
Photo: ABC
A NEW CHARACTER CREATED JUST FOR TROY WAS THE TICKET TO PORT CHARLES
As it turned out, Troy revealed that he had actually auditioned for General Hospital on six different occasions before being cast as Hudson, the last audition being for the role of Joe Fitzpatrick that went to Jonathan Bennett.
Appel explained, “Every time I showed up (to audition), I was like, ‘All right, I gotta nail this because it’s General Hospital.‘ It was my sixth one where I auditioned for Joe Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Bennett’s character. That was last November. Then, it was February of this year when I came in for an in-person callback. My wife and I were just like, ‘You gotta nail this.’ I didn’t get that character. Obviously, Jonathan got that, but then, they created Hudson Parker for me. I’m shocked I’m even on this show right now!'”
The General Hospital newcomer was even more stoked when he realized that not only did the producers and writers create a role just for him, but that he was going on contract as a series regular.
Appel recalled, “All at once, they were like, ‘We’re going to offer you a three-year contract and we’re creating a character for you.’ It was just something you never expect to hear. I was on the phone and I just fell down to the ground. I went through the range of emotions you could have. I know I cried. I hyperventilated. I’ve never hyperventilated in my life. But now, I get to essentially live the dream I have.”
Photo: ABC
HUDSON AND JOSSLYN
Eden McCoy shares many a scene with Troy, and he gave her major kudos for getting him through the beginning weeks of his run as Hudson. “We did a chemistry test, together and I give her so much credit because obviously, she’s a pro. She’s been doing it for so long. I’ll do scenes with her where I’m like, ‘I got to just try to meet her where she’s at because she’s just so talented.'”
Troy added, “Eden took me under her wing, and just helped me out so much with understanding the process of all of this and even just knowing where to go, when, when to be where I need to be. I don’t know how I would be feeling if I didn’t have her always working with her and just helping me out the entire time.”
The mystery of just who this guy is will become clear in the weeks ahead as Appel revealed, “We actually just shot what Parker’s background is. Right now, I am the Vice President of Operations for JJE. I manager the company’s financials, essentially. But, there’s more to Hudson which we will eventually find out.” Getting the chance to mix it up with the cast, Troy added of Hudson, “He’s up to some stuff.”
Check out the full conversation with Troy Lennon Appel with Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson below.
Now weigh-in: what do you think about Troy having a role specifically creating for him after 6 auditions for GH? What do you think will be revealed of Hudson’s background in the weeks to come? Do you want to see a Josslyn and Hudson pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital fan favorite Kelly Monaco (ex-Sam McCall) will be making a rare public appearance teaming up with her longtime friend and former leading man, Greg Vaughan (ex-Lucky Spencer), at a special fan event.
The announcement came from the stars on their social media accounts, but you can circle, Sunday, December 13, at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey as the spot to see Kelly and Greg at this meet and greet.
As General Hospital viewers know, Monaco spent 21 years as Sam McCall before being killed-off on the October 30, 2024 episode. Before that, she had become soap-famous for her dual roles as Livvie and Tess on the GH spinoff, Port Charles.
Photo: UncleVinnie’s
Vaughan is currently appearing on daytime’s newest soap opera in the recurring role of Dr. Kial Rollins, a role which he debuted back on December 8, 2025. Throughout his daytime career, Greg has appeared on The Young and the Restless (ex-Diego), Days of our Lives (ex-Eric) and as GH’s Lucky.
SAM AND LUCKY
It was back in 2007 that in story, Sam started pursuing Lucky (then played by Greg Vaughan) as a form of revenge against Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Sam was furious after learning that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) had a child with Elizabeth while Sam and Jason were broken up. That child was Jake. Eventually, Sam and Lucky became a hit with viewers and would continue to cross each other’s paths.
Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club took to their Instagram and shared, “The fans asked and we always deliver!!” Tickets going fast! Order on our website.”
In addition, Shanna Moakler, who is in a relationship with Vaughan, took to the comment thread and exclaimed, “My two favorite people.” Moakler and Monaco had previously announced in March of 2025 the start-up of their podcast called Bad Bunnies. It was expected to cover pop culture, personal stories, and Hollywood secrets.
Then, in July 2025, it was confirmed that Kelly Monaco would no longer be participating. At the time, she stepped away due to personal family matters, focusing on maintaining a private life, and new work commitments.
So, would you love to see Kelly and Greg together again? Happy to see that Kelly is making a public appearance for her fans? Let us know via the comment section below.
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News
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
The one and only Susan Flannery (ex-Stephanie Forrester) dropped in to see her former co-stars on The Bold and the Beautiful at their Sunset Las Palmas Studio in Hollywood, along with her good friend and another B&B co-star Ian Buchanan (ex-James Warwick) on Tuesday October 20.
It was the first time in a very long time that The four-time Daytime Emmy winning actress was reunited with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), executive producer and head writer, Brad Bell, Jennifer Gareis and even her TV sister, Alley Mills (Pam, B&B now Heather, GH) showed up for the day too!
Flannery played the Forrester matriarch from 1987 until 2012. It was then that after playing the part of Stephanie for 25 years that Susan made the decision to retire from acting and in one of the most heartbreaking sendoffs, passes away from lung cancer in Brooke’s arms in November of 2012. During her B&B tenure, Flannery won 3 of her 4 Daytime Emmys, the other being for her first soap role as Laura Horton on Days of our Lives back in 1975.
Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
As for Ian Buchanan, he played Dr. Warwick, psychiatrist, from 1993 to 1999. He returned for other runs in 2014 and 2017. Buchanan took home his Daytime Emmy in 1997 for his work as James. Soap fans also remember, Ian as mobster Duke Lavery on General Hospital, and Dr. Greg Madden on All My Children,
Both Susan and Ian shared their thoughts on coming back to The Bold and the Beautiful, for Susan 14 years later since he exited and for Ian close to 9 years since his last appearance below.
Susan said, “It’s definitely like coming home in a way, even though it’s not the same studio. It’s really lovely to see old faces and old faces with new faces. It takes you back mentally. You start remembering what it was like back then, even things like how much your feet would ache at the end of the day from wearing six-inch heels. It was just lovely to be back and see everybody.”
Photo: Bell-Phillip TV
Ian expressed, “It’s a mind trip, you know. When I was sitting looking at the big Forrester set, it was like stepping back in time, almost. It takes you back mentally, and you start remembering what it was like when you were here before.”
“It’s lovely to see all these people again, even if you don’t know everybody,” explained soap vet Buchanan. “There’s something really special about coming back and seeing the show and the people who have been part of it for so long.”
So, happy to see Susan and Ian with some of their former castmates? Do you think Stephanie and Brooke is one of the greatest frenemy stories in daytime history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Hesitate to Sign Divorce Papers, Elizabeth Reveals Aiden’s Leaving For Paris, Willow Flashes Back to Her Crimes
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
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