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.
News
Y&R’s Victoria and Kyle’s Love Affair to Kick-Off; Amelia Heinle Says EP Sally McDonald Shared Why; ‘You’ve Got Chemistry’ with Michael Mealor
A day many fans of The Young and the Restless have been dreading, and others are down for, is here. Beginning with the Thursday, August 27 episode of The Young and the Restless, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) will have sex taking their growing attraction to each other to another level.
But why is Y&R heading down the path of an older woman/younger man, Newman/Abbott, former love interest of Victoria’s daughter Claire (Hayley Erin) and all the complications with longtime waring families? Because to the series, it will generate story to come.
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Amelia Heinle revealed to TV Insider, how she found out what she suspected that the powers-that-be were setting up a romance between Victoria and Kyle.
Photo: JPI
“At one point a while back, I noticed Kyle was always coming to talk to Victoria or we’d run into each other and I told Michael, ‘I don’t think they would ever put us together, but this is kind of funny because it feels like they’re trying to test our chemistry, which would be really, really odd,” recalled Heinle. ”
“But that memory passed quickly. And then I walked off set one day after finishing a scene with Michael and I got called up to our executive producer, Sally McDonald’s, office and she said, ‘We’re giving you a romance with him.’ And I’m like, ‘Who?’ And she said, ‘Him,’ and she pointed at the monitor because Michael was still on set. I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Are you sure?’ And she was like, ‘Uh-huh. Yup. You’ve got chemistry.’”
Once she learned the news, Heinle talks with Michael Mealor to make sure he was OK with the romantic story turn. “I walked up to him one day on set when I found out and said, ‘Do you know about this yet?’. Hw was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then I said, ‘So, are you OK?’ And he said, ‘Are you OK?’ And I said, ‘I’m good. I think we could make something out of this,’ and he said, ‘I do, too. I plan on leaning into it all.’ So, we were in agreement. Michael and I have always gotten along. We’ve always liked each other.”
Amelia Heinle, Michael Mealor
“The Young and the Restless” Set
CBS television City
Los Angeles
05/22/26
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
310-657-9661
Episode # 13419
U.S. Airdate 07/15/26
The storyline was started by now former Y&R head writer Josh Griffith. So now that Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor are in place as the new co-head writers of the top-rated soap, things could change dramatically or go full steam ahead.
Heinle offered up, “It’s not going to be boring, that’s for sure. I feel like right now with the new writers coming in, it’s a work in progress. I feel like we’re seeing how it goes. They’re fully committed to it, but nothing is set in stone in terms of the story yet.”
So, where do you stand? Do you want to see Kyle and Victoria rip the clothes off of each other, have sex and have a torrid affair? Do you think it’s wrong for Victoria to be sleeping with her daughter’s former boyfriend? What side of the fence do you land on with this pairing? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Dolly Parton Remembered: Y&R Alum Alyvia Alyn Lind Shares Heartfelt Tribute to the Legendary Singer and Songwriter
The world is in mourning on Tuesday, August 25 with the news of the passing of iconic and beloved country western singer/songwriter/actress Dolly Parton. The 11-time Grammy winner crafted and performed memorable hits such as “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” 9 to 5″, and “Here You Come Again, ” to name but a few.
Parton died in Nashville today. She was 80-years-old. Not only was Dolly an iconic name in the world of music, she was also an actor, producer, playwright, theme park founder (Dollywood), and a noted philanthropist.
One of the people lucky enough to know and experience the life of Dolly through a different lens was Alyvia Alyn Lind, the one time Faith Newman of The Young and the Restless. Lind played the role of Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon’s (Sharon Case) daughter on and off from 2011-2021.
Photo: HallmarkChannel
ALVIA ALYN LIND PLAYED A YOUNG DOLLY
However, it was Lind, who portrayed a young Dolly in the television movie adaption of Parton’s song and book “A Coat of Many Colors” in 2015, and its sequel in 2016 Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
Parton and Lind shared a close bond following the project, famously performing a touching, emotional duet of Parton’s song “Angel Hill” together on Hallmark’s Home & Family.
Taking to her Instagram just a short time ago, Alyvia paid tribute to the one and only Parton, expressing, “I am truly at a loss for words. There are some people who come into your life and leave a mark that can never be erased. Dolly was one of those people. will forever be grateful that I had the privilege of knowing her, learning from her, and carrying a piece of her with me through such an important and formative part of my childhood. Getting to play Dolly changed my life, but getting to know her changed my heart. Memories, lessons, laughter, and a light that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Alyvia added, “The world will never be the same without her, but that light will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to experience it. Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me, for letting me be a small part of your story, and for being such a meaningful part of mine. Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will be missed more than words can ever say. Thank you for everything. ❤️
FAMILY ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF DOLLY PARTON
Parton also starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman in the smash 1980 film 9 to 5, and later roles in films including: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, and Joyful Noise.
Parton’s death was announced via her official Instagram post by her nephew, Bryan Seaver on behalf of the Parton family. He shared the news in a video statement. You can see that below.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Josh Swickard Recalls Emotional Moment After His Final Scenes with Michael Easton, and Favorite ‘Chase’ Storyline
Josh Swickard (Harrison Chase, General Hospital) is the special guest on this week’s all-new episode of Soapy Hosted by Rebecca Budig and Greg Rikaart. The GH fan favorite and leading men opened up about his life pre and post GH, his marriage to actress and producer, Lauren Swickard, and some of his toughest and most memorable moments during his eight-plus years as officer Chase of the PCPD.
One of the most heartbreaking moments came when Josh had to say farewell to his on-screen brother Finn played by soap veteran, Michael Easton. It was back on the Thursday, June 27, 2024 episode of General Hospital.
In it, Chase drives Finn to a rehab facility and the two brothers share a heartfelt talk in the car. Finn thanks Chase for allowing him to say goodbye to his daughter, Violet (Jophielle Love). Chase promises to take good care of her. However, Chase warns Finn to not to take any shortcuts on his way to sobriety and to always think of Violet’s wellbeing. It is apparent, the brothers don’t want to say goodbye, but on the count of three, Finn leaves Chase’s car and walks through the door of the rehab facility, while Chase in tears beats the steering wheel before drives away.
Photo: ABC
MISSING HIS TV BROTHER
Josh spoke to the “Soapy” podcast hosts about it and recalled, “In our last scenes together, and it was like his last day. Michael was like, ‘It’s okay.’ And I was like, ‘No, it’s not.’ I was supposed to be crying in the scene, I think. I was like a little glassy-eyed, a little glazed over. And then they were like, “And cut.” I was like, “Great.” I just like went behind the car and wept.”
Speaking of his professional and personal relationship with Easton, Josh expressed, “Michael is an awesome guy. He’s such a sweetheart. We’ve done fan events together in New York and he would show me things, like, ‘This where I used to live …’ He’s like an older brother to me.”
Not only did Josh lose his on-screen brother, but he also lost his on-screen father, Gregory, played by Gregory Harrison, when he was killed-off the show after the character battled ALS. “I think I was more just mourning friends that play family on a show, but a show that goes year after year, year round, and so they become family,” explained Swickard. “So, that part’s been hard for me of just losing friends that while, yes, you get to see each other, you get to call each other, it’s different (when they leave).”
Photo: JPI
CHASE IN A COMA IS FAVORITE OF JOSH’S
When asked, what has been his favorite storyline during his run on GH thus far, Josh took it back to when Chase became became critically ill after being poisoned by a toxic from Peter August (Wes Ramsey) meant for Finn. Eventually, Finn had to rescue his brother with the antidote for the toxin. That story played out from April to June 2021.
Josh explained, “Where I was in a coma and I was seizing and coughing and I had no blocking for like four months! It was great! It was a storyline where I was about to die and I had to say goodbye to a lot of lovely people and it was so exhausting. You get in the car and you feel like you got hit by a train every day because your body doesn’t fully know what acting is, apparently. I remember multiple days being like, ‘Oh, this is why I signed up for this.'”
Swickard also answered if there were moments in the storyline if he felt Chase was not going to survive. The GH star answered, “There were moments that I wondered. However, I think they were pretty upfront with me. They were like, ‘This isn’t what’s going to happen.'”
Check out the full conversation with Josh on the ‘Soapy’ podcast via the comment section below.
Now let us know, what has been your favorite scenes of Josh as Chase on General Hospital during his run? Do you miss the relationship between Chase and his brother, Finn? Let us know via the comment section below.
Y&R’s Victoria and Kyle’s Love Affair to Kick-Off; Amelia Heinle Says EP Sally McDonald Shared Why; ‘You’ve Got Chemistry’ with Michael Mealor
Dolly Parton Remembered: Y&R Alum Alyvia Alyn Lind Shares Heartfelt Tribute to the Legendary Singer and Songwriter
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