News
‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
After much speculation as to how the head writing regime would shape up after longtime scribe Josh Griffith made the decision to step down at The Young and the Restless, soap fans have their answer.
Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor have been named co-head writers of the CBS daytime drama per TV Insider. It was back in June that Josh Griffith announced his decision to step down as the head writer of the top-rated soap opera. A few months earlier, Griffith also made the decision to step away from his duties as the series executive producer as well.
For Jamey Giddens, this opportunity gives the former soap journalist, co-founder and editorial director of Daytime Confidential turned much-heralded soap writer, the chance to steer the ship of a broadcast network daytime drama series.
Photo: JPI
Giddens had currently been on the writing team of the 15-time Daytime Emmy-nominated Beyond the Gates where he serves as writer under creator and head writer, Michele Val Jean.
JAMEY GIDDENS AND DAN O’CONNOR JOURNEY TO THE NUMBER ONE SOAP
Prior to joining Beyond the Gates, Giddens served on the writing team of Days of Our Lives from 2020-2025, and had been a writer for the Peacock spin-off limited-series Days of Our Lives; Beyond Salem.
Giddens is already a WGA and Emmy winner and has the distinction for being nominated for two Daytime Emmys this year at the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on both Beyond the Gates and Days of Our Lives. In addition, in 2019-2020, Jamey served as the head writer on OWN’s Ambitions under Will Packard.
Those who followed the career of Emmy and WGA-winning writer, Dan O’Connor know that he got his soap start on the writing team of One Life to Live. When the ABC soap was cancelled, he eventually moved over to General Hospital in 2013 where he had held various positions over the years including associate head writer, breakdown writer and most recently, co-head writer until he left in 2024. He also was on the Days of Our Lives writing team in the summer of 2024.
Photo: JPI
JOSH GRIFFITH WINDS DOWN HIS TENURE
It is noted that Josh Griffith continued in his role as head writer with The Young and the Restless while the series and Sony were looking for his successors. The cast and crew were notified that Jamey and Dan are set to begin next week in their co-head scribe duties.
This move also marks the first time since 2013 that Y&R has gone the co-head writer route. The last duo was Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante. They were followed in succession starting in 2015 with Chuck Pratt Jr, Sally Sussman Morina, Mal Young and then in 2019 by Josh Griffith.
So, what do you think of The Young and the Restless choosing Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor as the new co-head writers of the number #1 daytime drama? Looking forward to seeing how their visions change the landscape of the lives of the citizens of Genoa City? Weigh-in via the comment section.
A change is a change, and this is a change.
Look, I have disliked Jamey Giddens’ scripts on Beyond the Gates since his debut. And he lives in a fan fiction-type world. But he does have a passionate feeling towards The Young and the Restless, so this could be a good shift for him. Provided he does not bring the nastiness that he learnt from Ron Carlivati or the ratchetness he tried with Ambitions.
Dan O’Connor I always felt he was the stronger co-head when he was at General Hospital. Wishing him luck in his new position.
Let’s give them both a chance to come in, see what shifts they make, and how their stories play out beyond one week.
Sounds promising. I gave up this 30 year old habit about 5 years ago due to redundant, circular writing that seemingly went nowhere. I watched talented actors sitting before uneaten food have the same conversations over and over. Periodically I tube in to check the status quo and last Tuesday there was a one woman show featuring Blind Nikki having a conversation with….well, herself, as she stumbled around in the dark at the Newman ranch house That was the entire show. Sigh. It can only get better from here. Let’s hope both Nikki and Y&R get their vision and footing back.
Let’s hope both Nikki and Y&R get their vision and footing back.
Well, surprise, she got her vision back! We can only hope that this new writing regime, under executive production by Sally McDonald, can begin writing so many wrongs. It will take patience and time.
Thank you. So Nikki must have regained her eye-sight on that episode I mentioned? I confess, I lost interest and stopped watching when she started yelling,” Stop it! Stop it!” at some invisible enemy- I think it was Patty-Cake Williams. Let us look at Nikki as a metaphor that suggests Y&R will regain its vision.
It was sometime this week that she regained her eyesight. I admittedly stopped watching this week as the storylines are just so insulting to me to watch. I’ll probably check back in next week.
Is it a good thing (or bad) that neither of them has a history with Y&R?
Giddens has shown promise in the industry. O’Connor proved to be the weaker of the Chris & Dan pairing. That said, this combination could work.
That TV Insider broke this story shows how far DC has fallen since Giddens departed.
Finally! Hoping the days of silly chat over coffee in every scene will be gone for good!!!
Y/R is a mess right now and has been for many years, except when Gina T was on it as Phyllis. She had the role and the show on a roll, sometimes it’s takes someone like her to get fans back and scripts too. I couldn’t miss a day of Y/R when she was on. After letting her go for the former Phyllis the show went to hell and it’s been that way for years now, BB for the 30min it’s on is on fire currently. Y/R storylines are awful and boring, and I am like why am I wasting my time with this when Inside Edition is better to watch.
i don’t understand the feeling that people have of Gina T as Phyliss Michelle Stafford owns the role hands down
We’ve been asking for a change and hopefully we get it. The multiple kidnappings, the AI mess along with the corporate takeover storylines from Griffith, hopefully we are in for something that will knock our socks off and have us tuning in on the regular.
The one thing that worries me about GIDDENS is that he takes ranch to an extreme. I could only watch the first episode of ambitions, and I was disgusted and never looked at it again.
His idea of passion/romance is not for me I do not want to watch soft porn on daytime television on any television for that matter. I hope that that is not the type of stories he will be pushing for a young and the restless..
I know what you mean. That kind of soft porn on daytime is so appalling that I almost have to look away. Thank God for my pearls!
He will have to answer to CBS and Sony Pictures Television, and I do not imagine they are going to allow the Ambitions-type storytelling. At all. Plus, that was a cable-based primetime series. CBS and Sony hold a lot of weight right now, plus they also have Sally McDonald as executive producer to contend with and the stories she is going to want to have be told.
This is a good thing, but do they know the characters on Y&R, since they haven’t written for them?
In any case, the show needs more action and a faster pace! I like action (catfights, deaths, weddings, mysteries, new characters, villains, fistfights).
Besides 80s Y&R, I really enjoyed it when Maria Arena Bell was the head writer. I remember during her time, every episode was like a Friday episode (that’s what we need nowadays with so many other options).
I’d like for the new writers to pair up Audra & Adam, Kyle & Victoria and Sharon & Det Burrows.
The show should bring on Ashley fulltime (I love my Abbotts).
Sorry, just giving my 2 cents!
Peace!
p.s. Loved the recent scene with Lauren and the Abbotts women! Classic Y&R!
p.s.s. Who do we need to contact to tell them to bring back the classic Y&R background musical cues???
This is a good thing, but do they know the characters on Y&R, since they haven’t written for them?
While I am not a Jamey Giddens fan, I can say that based on their tenure at Daytime Confidential, they did have a pretty good view point on The Young and the Restless and its history, et al.
Glad to know these 2 new writers know the characters! 🙂
Looks like they SHOULD bring back Summer, since she’s talked about every week on the show! LOL And how come Nikki’s sister Casey is NEVER mentioned, especially when Nikki was blind for a few weeks! I love to see her again (so would Nikki, literally)!
And I can’t stress this enough…Please bring back the background music/musical cues, heads @ Y&R!!!
Bring back Paul Williams!!!! He was on the show from 1978 until Josh Griffith took over. He was with Nikki and was married to Lauren and really could rile things up if he came back to Genoa City.
In response to your first question, Josh Griffith knows more about the characters than most recent writers, given how long he’s been a part of the Y&R team in various roles… and look at all the good that’s done for the writing. This change is badly needed.
For once, I think I’m glad Y&R doesn’t air down here in Hell.
I don’t know exactly what Giddens wrote while he was at Days, but the timing suggests he probably had something to do with that “Body and Soul” fiasco. And O’Connor was definitely writing GH during their worst period in recent history, the three year long nightmare of Tricky Dick Nixon Falls, and the aftermath of that which dragged the show down into the sewer until March 2024.
I also saw rumors elsewhere that a certain void of talent person who stunk up GH during the ReRon era might also be joining Y&R.
In either case, y’all have sympathy FROM the Devil for what you are about to deal with.
I don’t know exactly what Giddens wrote while he was at Days, but the timing suggests he probably had something to do with that “Body and Soul” fiasco.
Giddens was only a scriptwriter at Days of Our Lives, so he was only in charge of dialogue, not story.
And O’Connor was definitely writing GH during their worst period in recent history, the three year long nightmare of Tricky Dick Nixon Falls, and the aftermath of that which dragged the show down into the sewer until March 2024.
I attribute that to Chris Van Etten more than I do O’Connor. O’Connor is a much stronger writer than Van Etten could ever hope to be.
Well, Satan. I liked Nixon Falls. It was the first and last time I liked Sonny. So there’s that.
I am absolutely tickled pink! Jamey’s dream of writing for #YR!! Jamey’s journey to Co-Write this once proud and shining show! It’s also extremely thrilling that those of us that have been around when Jamey was writing for DC! What a ride, Jamey! Come on, let’s get rid of the dead weight that’s weighing the show down, always give an actor/actress at least 6 months to gel with the cast and perform in the manner in which the head writer wrote and in which direction the writer wants the character to go in.
As for Dan O’Conner, I know absolutely nothing about his writing as he’s been onshows that I don’t watch. But I will give him some latitude during the first 6-10 months that he’s writing #YR.
Here’s my 2 cents on what I would like to see from the new co-head writers:
1–Get rid of sets that just don’t work anymore
2–Stop stunt casting (it just doesn’t work and it’s ridiculous)
3–Get the younger set woven into the fabric of this show (Connor, Johnny and Katie).
4–Bring Mattie and Charlie back as the post teen set. Can’t have Lily and Cane on the canvas getting serious again and not having their kids giving them an earful before they go too far relationship wise.
5–Age Aria and Dominic and have them hang out with each other and Kyle’s son, Harrison.
6–It’s time to bring Summer Newman back. She’s been absent since she left GC and to wherever she went.
7–TBH, I really didn’t want Cane back at all because the character was an Aussie and finding another Aussie that is in the age range sounds daunting for me to play the role was the one reason why I didn’t want the character back. However, Billy Flynn has won me over.
8–Indulge me on this one……Bring Paul Williams back…..played by someone else since there’s no way that they would bring Doug Davidson back for a short stint. Anyone have any ideas as to who you would like to see take over the role temporarily?? Too many people would be seizing over if that happened. I say this to bring Paul back and remand his sister Patty to a maximum security prison for women overseas. In doing so, she never darkens GC’s front door ever again.
9–Wind down the Matt Clark SL (I love me some Roger Howarth, trust me, but I’m sick and tired of all of the times that this show brings a villainous character back) and put that man in a grave in which everyone in town watched get buried for good. Sienna and Noah…..an odd pairing given that both actors played Mom and Son on DOOL. Granted yes, they seem to have shaken their previous pairing on another show.
Someone asked either on here or another site about bringing back the music crew that was at the show until Jill Faren Phelps came in and fired them as one of her initial decisions with the show. Is she even still listed as a Producer with Y&R? I swear Josh hired her back but I also don’t recall seeing her name in the credits. Last I heard was that they got scooped up by Brad Bell to work at B&B. Are they even still working at Bold or not?
Okay, I’ve done enough writing for now. I’ll check back and see if anyone has anything that they’d like to share. I’m so looking forward to Jamey and Dan’s scripts!
1–Get rid of sets that just don’t work anymore
Writers have nothing to do with sets, lol. They only work with the sets available to them.
8–Indulge me on this one……Bring Paul Williams back…..played by someone else since there’s no way that they would bring Doug Davidson back for a short stint. Anyone have any ideas as to who you would like to see take over the role temporarily?? Too many people would be seizing over if that happened. I say this to bring Paul back and remand his sister Patty to a maximum security prison for women overseas. In doing so, she never darkens GC’s front door ever again.
HELL NO! Keep MAGA off of that set. Plus, he’s been given offers to return (per his own admission) and has declined them each and every single time.
Is she even still listed as a Producer with Y&R?
She is in the booth, where she is happy being uncredited (per her own choice).
Scott, if you go back and re-read what I said about Paul Williams. I said that it should be played by someone else OTHER THAN Doug Davidson, if only to just usher Patty off to an international maximum security prison. There’s no way in sam hell that I would want Doug Davidson back for even an under 5 line scene, no way, no how.
They’re not going to recast a character that was played by someone for 40 years. I’m sure everyone’s favorite frustrated publicist will correct me if I’m wrong though.
Again, it’s not needed. The character of Paul is not needed to usher Patty off-canvas, nor is a recast needed. They have handled the character of Paul Williams at this point. There is no need to backtrack for a simple guest spot.
Have a lot of faith in Dan O’Connor
as long as Eric Braiden/Victor continues to be the focal point then il give them a chance…the minute we get ppl like Devon as the focal point im out
Congratulations to Jamey Giddens. This is a dream come true for him. Wishing him the best. I hope that he and his co head writer look hard at what has worked and failed to work on the show. The show has its moments but has not been consistently good since the maligned Maria Bell tenure.
My take. There is too much corporate drama on this show. And the corporate takeovers always lead to no where. Rinse, Repeat. There are no working class people on the show. There are no doctor’s, teachers, policeman or nurses and not even a hospital set. There are too many criminals on the show. Almost everyone woman on the show has committed a crime that deserves jail time. The show has no romance other than Victor and Nicki. There needs to be romance for people under 60. There is no younger couple on that show that a viewer can say this is the one. They are destined to be together. It has no teen scene. Billy needs to win one and it’s time for the aging starlets to settle down and act there age.
Please please let the new writers research the history of Y&R so they can continue what we already know about the characters!
They need this younger very talented duo so bad. PLEASE give Phyllis good storyline and please I beg of you get rid of this SATAN AWFUL MATT CLARK MESS. Phyllis deserves a hunk of a man like Nick and Noah of the past! But little Cane and seemingly mentally stunted deer in the headlights Matt have gotta go NOW.
Yes! Such talented actors with such sad story lines. Welcome new writers!
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
There is nothing more soap fans love better than when their favorite daytime drama updates their opening title sequence to showcase all the new characters, replace long-held images of the cast and delete those who are no longer airing on the series.
Now comes word from the B&B app (Bold and Beautiful TV) that there is a brand new opening title sequence as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary celebration next year on March 23, 2027.
The new title sequence uses previously seen images mixed with brand new images and begins with series long-running stars, John McCook (Eric), then Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Thorsten Kaye (Ridge), Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), Tanner Novlan (Finn), then comes Lawrence-Saint Victor (Carter), Annika Noelle (Hope), Scott Clifton (Liam) and Rebecca Budig (Taylor).
Next up, the Spencer clan with Don Diamont (Bill), Heather Tom (Katie), Crew Morrow (Will), Sydney Bullock (Dylan), Delon de Metz (Zende), Brayan Nicoletti (R.J.) Laneya Grace (Electra), then Lawrence Saint-Victor, Murielle Hilaire (Daphne), Harrison Cone (Deke), Sean Kanan (Deacon), Kimberlin Brown (Sheila), a shot of Tanner Novlan as Finn, another of Jacqueline MacInnes Wood as Steffy, Naomi Matsuda (Li), Jennifer Gareis (Donna), a shirtless Scott Clifton, Annika Noelle, Darin Brooks (Wyatt) and Denise Richards (Shauna).
In the final set up, look for more shots of Heather Tom, Murielle Hilaire, Katherine Kelly Lang, Laneya Grace, Brayan Nicoletti, Crew Morrow, and at the end of the opening sequence, previously seen title sequence shots of Bill, Katie Ridge, Brooke and Eric, round out the conclusion,
You can check it out in the post below.
Then, let us know, glad to see The Bold and the Beautiful are updating their opening title sequence that includes the current main cast? Let us know what you thought of it, and how you would stack up B&B’s opening title sequence with your other favorite soaps. Share your thoughts in the comment section.
View this post on Instagram
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
Today, September 8 makes it one year since Bluesy Burke’s first appearance as General Hospital’s Charlotte Cassadine, the daughter of Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart).
To mark the one year anniversary of her time on-screen, Burke took to her Instagram with a post and photo of herself along with her GH co-stars including: Alexa Havins, Asher Antonyzyn (Danny Morgan) and Finn Carr (Rocco Falconeri).
Burke captioned the photo, “1 year on General Hospital. I truly can’t believe it. Time really flies!! I am so grateful I get to be apart of this amazing family. I feel as though I’ve grown so much over this past year and I’ve met some of my best friends. Thank you so much Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) and Mark Teschner (casting director, GH) for taking a chance on me. It’s the best gift i’ve ever received.”
Photo: ABC
Several other of Burke’s GH co-stars jumped into the comment thread with their congrats including: Laura Wright (Carly Spencer), Sawandi Wilson (Isaiah Gannon) and Kayden Brenna Tokarski (Scout Cain).
Back in 2025, General Hospital head writers, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte said of their plans for Charlotte and recasting Scarlett Fernandez in the part, “Charlotte returns to the canvas and assumes a pivotal role. She’s very useful to anyone who wants something from Valentin – and she knows it. She isn’t afraid to exploit her relationship with her father to get what she wants. She’ll draw closer to Danny and Rocco as we develop General Hospital’s next generation.”
Currently, Charlotte is about to be in a whole lotta trouble, after she was the person who discovered it was Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) who was floating in the pool at the Metro Court. Both she and Danny ran from the scene of the crime. Later, Charlotte realized her bracelet was gone which ended up on Brennan’s wrist before Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ava (Maura West) buried the body.
Something tells us the body will be found and Charlotte may be looked upon as a prime suspect in a murder case, even though she didn’t do it!
Share your congrats to Bluesy Burke for her one-year milestone as General Hospital’s Charlotte Cassadine via the comment section below, and if you think Charlotte will land in hot water.
View this post on Instagram
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals ‘Class of Season 62’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
‘General Hospital’ Fall 2026 Preview: Unexpected Arrivals and Romance; Sonny and Drew at War, What Happened to Jack?
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Drops First Look 40th Anniversary Opening Title Sequence
‘General Hospital’s’ Bluesy Burke Marks 1 Year as Charlotte Cassadine: ‘It’s The Best Gift I’ve Ever Received’
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Has Jasper Jacks Been Recast on ‘General Hospital?’
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Women on the Edge
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Trina Demands Answers from Brook Lynn, Scout Questions Rocco, and Can Anna Pull the Trigger on Britt?
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
-
General Hospital7 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Tabyana Ali Song ‘Pray’ Now Available on Major Streaming Platforms with Music Video Forthcoming
-
General Hospital6 days ago‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
-
General Hospital1 week agoHas Jasper Jacks Been Recast on ‘General Hospital?’
-
News3 days agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
-
General Hospital1 week agoGenie Francis Exits ‘General Hospital’ For Her Annual Summer Hiatus
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
-
General Hospital1 week agoChris McKenna Speaks Out on His Exit from ‘General Hospital’ and Thanks Fans for ‘The Support You’ve Shown Me and Jack’
