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.
Breaking News
‘Guiding Light’ and ATWT Alum Tom Pelphrey Wins Supporting Actor in Drama Series Emmy For ‘Task’
Tom Pelphrey, one of the greatest actors of our time, who got his first big break on the soaps, can now add a primetime Emmy to his two Daytime Emmys after receiving the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series tonight for his memorable role as Robbie Prendergrast in HBO’s Task.
Taking to the stage for his acceptance, Pelphrey delivered one of the more impassioned and touching moments at the 78th annual Primetime Emmys airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Pelphrey shared, “I thank God for my life and my sobriety. I thank my family and my friends for all your love and support all these years, from Emmys to black box theaters and everything in between.” He added special thanks to his Task co-star and Emmy nominee, Mark Ruffalo, sharing, “Thank you for this incredible role and this opportunity and your friendship. I’m so proud to be your friend.”
Photo: NBC/TVAcademy
TOM PELPHREY GIVES BEAUTIFUL SHOUT OUT TO KALEY CUOCO
In conclusion, Tom gave a shout to his fiancée, Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco, when he expressed, “And to my favorite actor in this room, my love, my best friend, my partner, the very pregnant Kaley — I love you more than anything, and our family is the crown jewel of my life.”
Cuoco is the mother to their first child together named Matilda, and she is pregnant with their second child. Tom also gave shout oust to his children, the one they have, and the one on the way. “Matilda, daddy loves you. Baby girl, daddy loves you. Thank you. God bless,” an emotional Pelphrey said.
The now Emmy-winning actor beat out a stellar field for the gold statuette that included: Three men from the cast of The Pitt: Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy and Gerran Howell, The Morning Show’s Billy Crudup, Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden and Pluribus actor Carlos-Manuel Vesga.
Photo: JPI
TWO-TIME DAYTIME EMMY WINNER FROM GUIDING LIGHT
Pelphrey had previously been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2022 for his guest star role as Ben Davis in the hit series Ozark. On the soaps, Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his role as Jonathan Randall on Guiding Light in the Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series in 2006 and 2008 and was nominated a total of four times.
For six years, Pelphrey played the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer) from 2003-2009, before later joining the cast of As the World Turns in the role of Mick Cain from 2009-2010. From there, it’s been all primetime television, stage and films for Pelphrey.
So, were you happy to see Tom Pelphrey winning an Emmy for his role in Task? What did you think of his acceptance speech? Do you think he was one of the best actors to ever get their start on soaps? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Kirsten Storms Gives Update on Apartment Break-in That Caused “Unnecessary Custody Case”
Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH) is sharing more details on the December 2025 apartment break-in and the difficulties she has had with the Tennessee police, plus how the original incident, according to the actress, played into her ex-husband, Brandon Barash (ex-Johnny, GH and ex-Stefan/Jake, Days) filing a restraining order against her and the custody case involving their daughter, Harper.
The popular actress had played GH’s Maxie Jones on and off since 2005, after coming to the ABC soap opera following her run as Belle Black on Days of our Lives. As GH fans know, Storms last appearance on General Hospital was back in March of this year. In recent episodes, the character of Maxie was written-out along with her entire family and Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) and relocated to Australia.
Now, Kirsten explained via Instagram and with shared photo of the December police report, which indicated Storms had placed a call to the Franklin Police Department to report a break-in at her Tennessee apartment. The report states that Storms was away from her apartment for about a week in August of 2025, and when she returned home, she found damage to the deadbolt on her door, as well as other missing items.
Photo: JPI
KIRSTEN STORMS SPEAKS OUT ABOUT CUSTODY CASE OVER HER DAUGHTER
Then, Storms fired back at naysayers in the ongoing comments on her break-in situation, stating: “Please do not tell me (or ask me) not to post these things. I’m hoping this is the last item I post (of the documents I have on the break-in at my old apartment in Tennessee). I’m only doing this because that lead to an **unnecessary custody case** being filed against me.”
It was back in April that TMZ learned, through obtaining of court documents, that Barash cited Storms for having mental health issues so he filed a restraining order against her. Kirsten expressed in her latest post, that she was asked to meet with a mediator in the custody case for her daughter, not a judge, and that her mental health issues were being used against her instead of people focusing on the break-in.
Storms added, “However, the break-in … followed by a ‘custody case/now mediation request’ where the break-in was the main reason for the initial custody filing, was unwarranted.”
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CHECK
Kirsten also shared on her health status,”I have always been proactive about my medical care (all aspects), as well as Harper’s (<—— the MOST important person to me). I’ve also been attempting to get checkups with a neurosurgeon/neurologist for my brain aneurysm and brain cysts. And tbh, I have a psychologist that I’ve seen for years, who I’m kinda attached too. She’s f’ing incredible and understands the kind of therapy sessions I need. Addressing what should NOT be the focus (mental illness), is frustrating for me”
You can check out Kirsten’s latest post on the custody matter, and her ongoing battle over the apartment break-in while in Tennessee below.
Now let us know, glad to hear from Kirsten and hear more of her side of the custody story and her ongoing issues with this apartment break-in? Let us know via the comment section below, and if you miss seeing her on-screen on General Hospital and hope one day she will come back.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
The Stone Cold and the Jackal brand will now expand into movies, in news today on Monday, September 14. Fans of General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) and Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) will be excited to learn that the two will be starring in and are co-writing and producing a holiday flick.
Working alongside producers, Zero Gravity Management, the production team behind the hit and critically-acclaimed Netflix series Ozark, though the title and details are bering kept under wraps, fans can look forward to an upcoming movie that is said to be a “quick-witted comedy, holiday romance, and a playful whodunit, that follows two unlikely partners as they stumble into a mystery in a charming small town at Christmas.”
Burton, Anderson, and their creative partner, Stacy Asencio-Sutphen are working on the script. According to the official Stone Cold and the Jackal Instagram account, “While financing and distribution continue to be ironed out, there’s a casting call out for the two female leads who’ll star opposite the dynamic duo. At present, the film is being considered the first entry in a franchise of annual romantic mysteries.”
Photo: StoneColdJackal.com
STEVE BURTON AND BRADFORD ANDERSON’S JOURNEY TO THE SCREEN
In a statement, Bradford Anderson, expressed: “We have the best fans in the world, and the constant question we ask ourselves is, ‘What more can we do to entertain them?’ When we came up with this idea for a series of holiday films, we knew we had something special.”
Steve and Bradford initially developed their on-screen. and later on-stage chemistry on General Hospital when Spinelli, the computer nerd would help Jason solve crimes or infiltrate the bad guys software system on GH. From there, the two begun touring in comedy and music venues around the country and since 2018 have co-hosted That’s Awesome with Steve and Bradford on their You Tube Channel, and have continued to grow their brand.
While Steve Burton started on General Hospital as Jason Quartermaine in 1991, it wasn’t until 2006, when we first met Damian Spinelli, that the two eventually linked up as the most unlikely pairing of “crime” fighters, even though Jason worked for Sonny and the mob.
In story in 2026, Jason and Spinelli remain close friends, although recently Spinelli was written off the canvas when he received a job offer in Australia that he could not pass up. So far now, Spinelli is living down under with Maxie and the children, while Jason remains in Port Charles.
So, we ask you, who would you like to see cast as the two leading ladies opposite Steve and Bradford in their first holiday movie?Would you want to see a holiday franchise featuring Steve and Bradford that delivers a project each year? Do you remember when Spinelli first met Jason? Let us know via the comment section below.
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Break Up After Realizing They Can’t Trust Each Other
‘Guiding Light’ and ATWT Alum Tom Pelphrey Wins Supporting Actor in Drama Series Emmy For ‘Task’
‘General Hospital’ Favorite Kirsten Storms Gives Update on Apartment Break-in That Caused “Unnecessary Custody Case”
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
Franco LoPresti and Sydney Malakeh Makes Their ‘Days of our Lives’ Debuts: What Were Your First Impressions?
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
RATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Break Up After Realizing They Can’t Trust Each Other
Franco LoPresti and Sydney Malakeh Makes Their ‘Days of our Lives’ Debuts: What Were Your First Impressions?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: An Arrest is Made in the Disappearance of Jack Brennan
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Kyle and Victoria, Stephanie and Nate, Sally and Billy: Do Any Couples Have a Chance at Lasting Happiness?
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
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