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.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
As many are celebrating their nominations for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on October 30, for some it was a “mixed bag of emotions,” as detailed by first time nominee Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree, Beyond the Gates), who was named as one of the five women in the coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress category.
The Lead Actress nominations were actually announced on Monday on Entertainment Tonight, ahead of the full nomination announcement by NATAS on Tuesday. Sadly, on Sunday night, Tamara’s longtime friend, and former As the World Turns co-stars, Scott Bryce (ex-Craig Montgomery) passed away from cancer at 68-years-old.
Michael Fairman TV first reported the heartbreaking news of Scott’s death, and his beloved son, Jackson took to his Instagram to announce the death of his father, sharing, “What began as stage three esophageal cancer eventually spread and became brain tumors that took his life away from him.”
Photo: JPI
THE LOSS OF ‘AS THE WORLD TURNS’ CO-STAR
Tamara spoke on receiving the recognition from peers while mourning the loss and trying to process the news of Bryce’s death via heartfelt message on her Instagram on Wednesday. Tunie had appeared on As the World Turns as Jessica Griffin from 1986-1995, 1999-2007 and 2009. She crossed paths with Bryce during several of his runs on the show 1982-1987, 1988-89, 1990, 1993-94 and 2007-08.
In her video message, Tunie explained she was at the airport in Atlanta (where Beyond the Gates is taped) and was heading to Pittsburgh for a speaking engagement, but she took a few moments to address these two moments in her life.
Tamara began her video with, “Hey family. I didn’t want to let any more time go by without expressing some of the emotions I had been feeling over the past couple of days. Many of you know that a dear friend of mine passed Sunday night. He was like a brother to me. We were friends for 40 something years and we actually met on the set of As the World Turns, a daytime drama. Monday, a mere 24 hours later, it was announced that I was nominated for an Emmy award for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama.”
Sharing how the loss of Scott Bryce has deeply-affected her, Tamara added, “So, you can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions that I have been feeling since Sunday night. I know my daytime soap opera brother is smiling down on me and cheering me on, and I am so grateful for this recognition from my peers. Being nominated for the first time it’s a mixed bag of feelings I have to tell you.”
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES FAMILY SCORES BIG IN EMMY NOMINATIONS
However, Tamara took some moments to recognize Beyond the Gates Emmy nomination haul, expressing, “I’m looking forward to the next couple of months leading up to the awards as we continue to create great television. I am so proud of the rest of my cast members, not only those who are nominated, but every single person who works on this show and gives a hundred percent of themselves every single time they show up. Our crew, our production staff, the Beyond the Gates family is truly special.”
“To have these 15 nominations is really extraordinary. Thank you family for watching. Thank you for supporting us. Thank you for supporting me,” concluded Tunie.
You can check out Tamara’s emotional video message below.
Now, let us know, are you happy to see Tamara receiving the first Daytime Emmy nomination of her career for her role as Anita on Beyond the Gates? Do you remember when Tamara and Scott Bryce both appeared on As the World Turns? Share your thoughts on Tamara’s heartbreaking words on his passing via the comment section.
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There’s another new face in Port Charles, when on today’s Wednesday, July 15 on General Hospital, Grady Eldridge made his debut as Simon, a new music executive, who is scouting talent for his record label.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Eldridge is on recurring status with the ABC soap opera, and in story, Simon is the A&R rep responsible for signing music acts and he enters the scene as Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) sets up a musical showcase for Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Gio (Giovanni Mazza) who accompanies her on guitar. As the showcase kicks off, Simon arrives.
While his GH role marks his first on daytime, Grady can currently be seen in the final season of HBO’s comedy hit, Hacks. He has numerous credits in primetime including: Doctor Odyssey, The Sex Lives of College Girls and appeared as Max in the recently released in Jennifer Lopez’s movie office romance.
Eldridge joins several other newcomers have joined the ABC soap including: Dean Geyer as Dr. Tristan Roberts (who first showed up on Monday’s July 13 episode), and Troy Lennon Appel as mysterious businessman, Hudson who shows up later this month.
In addition, GH fans will get the chance to see Kayden Brenna Tokarski who takes over the role of Scout Cain, and Kelly Kruger (ex-Mackenzie Browning, The Young and the Restless) who is the recast Serena Baldwin, who debuts on July 30.
So, do you hope Simon sticks around Port Charles? Do you think Trina and Gio will become a major recording act, or will trouble be brewing with this new music executive, and Brook Lynn will spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e? Let us know your thoughts and impressions after checking out Grady on today’s GH via the comment section.
The world of microdramas (otherwise known as verticals) continue to be the burgeoning new form of entertainment storytelling often with romance novel-like soap opera storytelling, and all accessible in bite sized short 1-2 minute episodes on your phone.
After The Bold and the Beautiful’s Brad Bell (executive producer and head writer) land his son Oliver Bell announced that in August they will premiere their first microdrama Hollywood Startlet under their Red Flair Entertainment banner for aTwist (formerly MicroCo), comes word that now WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment is developing their first live-action microdrama series in collaboration with ReelShort, the world’s leading microdrama platform.
This new endeavor brings together WWE’s iconic Superstars, world-renowned creative strategy, and global fanbase with ReelShort’s expertise in premium vertical storytelling to create an entirely new entertainment experience for audiences around the world. Together, the companies are introducing a new way for fans to experience entertainment through mobile-first storytelling, while expanding the possibilities of the rapidly growing microdrama format.
WHICH WWE SUPERSTARS WILL APPEAR IN THE MICRODRAMA?
The initial series will feature WWE Superstars: Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu and Joe Hendry, among others, alongside fan-favorite ReelShort stars Marc Herrmann and Chase Mattson. Production is scheduled to begin next month, with the series expected to premiere this early fall.
“Brand partnerships are evolving beyond product placement. We’re creating entertainment ecosystems where brands, talent, and storytelling come together to build cultural moments that audiences actively engage with and share,” said Sammie Hao, Head of Talent & Business Development at ReelShort.
THE EVOLUTION OF STORYTELLING
“By bringing WWE Superstars into the ReelShort cinematic world, we are creating a new storytelling experience for the WWE Universe, while reaching a fresh audience with premium content on ReelShort’s innovative platform,” said Ben Houser, Head of Original Content and Development, WWE.
ReelShort is the world’s leading microdrama platform, delivering premium original scripted series through fast-paced, mobile-first storytelling. Available in more than 100 countries and reaching more than 70 million monthly active users, ReelShort is redefining how global audiences discover and engage with entertainment through original productions, bestselling IP adaptations, and collaborations with leading creators, brands, and entertainment companies. ReelShort is developed by Crazy Maple Studio, a global entertainment company behind some of the world’s most successful mobile storytelling platforms.
WWE is the global leader in sports entertainment. The company creates and delivers original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, Premium Live Events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion households worldwide in more than 20 languages through world-class distribution partners including Netflix, ESPN, NBCUniversal, USA Network and The CW. WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
So, what do you think about WWE, getting into the microdrama business? It’s seems like a great way to utilize the WWE superstars and mix them up with some of the top stars in vertical dramas and for consumption for the global pro wrestling fans who will have yet another platform to watch their favorites. Weigh-in via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Tamara Tunie Shares Bittersweet Moment of Learning She’s a Daytime Emmy Nominee Following the Loss of ATWT’s Scott Bryce
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
Grady Eldridge Makes His ‘General Hospital’ Debut as Music Executive Simon
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Tells Danny: ‘The Place They Were Holding Me Was Bad, Really Bad’
WWE and ReelShort to Partner for Original Live-Action Microdrama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Amanda Setton Talks Her Reaction, Scenes, and Co-Stars After Becoming a Daytime Emmy Nominee for the First Time (Exclusive)
TONIGHT: Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 Live: Nominated Guest Line-Up
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
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As The World Turns4 days agoScott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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Breaking News6 days agoRandolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
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Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
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General Hospital6 days agoSteve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
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Beyond the Gates4 days ago‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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Beyond the Gates2 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 15
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General Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Rory Gibson Ties the Knot with Alicia Ruelas
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General Hospital1 week agoKelly Kruger Set to Debut on ‘General Hospital’: Why Serena Baldwin Comes Back to Port Charles Revealed
