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The Young and the Restless Wins 2025 WGA Award for Writing in a Daytime Drama

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

In ceremonies on Saturday night, the 2025 Writers Guild Awards are being handed out concurrently in Los Angeles and in New York City in the categories of motion picture, television, streaming and news, radio and audio and promotional writing.

This year’s Daytime Drama writing award included three of the four current soaps: Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless. The Bold and the Beautiful did not send in submissions for the competition. When it was time to announce the winner in the category, actress Justine Lupe (Succession) took to the stage to present it during the livestream broadcast.

The Young and the Restless were named the 2025 Daytime Drama winners. The winning writing team is comprised of: Head Writer Amanda L. Beall Writers Susan Banks, Jeff Beldner, Marin Gazzaniga, Lindsay Harrison, Marla Kanelos, Rebecca McCarty, Madeleine Phillips, and Dave Ryan. It should be noted Y&R’s head writer, Josh Griffith is not eligible for the award due to his Fi-Core status with the writer’s union, which began with the 2007/2008 writers’ strike.

Photo: JPI

In their acceptance speech, writer, Dave Ryan expressed, “We want to thank our team at CBS Sony, the Bells and the amazing cast and crew led by our showrunner Josh Griffith, who bring 255 episodes to life each year.”

Writer, Madeleine Phillips, added a special nod to the incoming newest daytime soap in the CBS  line-up, Beyond the Gates, “And we want to say to our colleagues at Beyond the Gates, which is a new soap opera starting in just a couple of weeks, we welcome you to daytime. We’re so happy you’re here, and we look forward to seeing you here next year!”

Courtesy/WGAW

During the presentation of the WGA writing award for a Daytime Drama Series, clips were shown representing the work of the nominated scripts. Y&R featured moments from the two-person episode featuring Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) trying to stop Nikki’s (Melody Thomas Scott) bender, only to put his own life and addiction in peril, and Sharon (Sharon Case) talking to the illusion of Cameron Kirsten (Linden Ashby), while Nick (Joshua Morrow) looked on.

Y&R’s previous wins in the Daytime Drama writing category occurred in: 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2020. For the last four consecutive years, Days of our Lives has won the prestigious writing award under former head writer, Ron Carlivati in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Photo: WGA

Tonight, writing for a primetime Drama Series went to Shogun, Limited Series went to The Penguin, and Comedy Series went to Hacks. For a complete list of tonight’s 77th WGA Award winners, click here.

So, what do you think of Y&R taking the top writing prize for a Daytime Drama Series at the 2025 WGA Awards? Comment below.

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Get rid of Josh G, please…………………..

Yes, and please hurry!

I’m speechless. Josh Griffith has to be one of the worst headwriters on-record. No one writes BORING quite like Mr. Griffith.

He needs to GO like last week.

i can fast forward thru many episodes until i get to characters i care about, some days i delete the show 15 minutes in. He is easily the worst. No cliffhangers, no reason to watch tomorrow, nothing that leaves me on the edge of my seat. CBS would be better off re-running the best of Y&R every day instead of what we get now.

Ahem, it’s because of the writing that I gave up this 30+ year habit. Yes, I understand they’re under tremendous budget constraints but that doesn’t explain the recycled, boring and pointless writing. How many times must we watch the nearly fifty year old Billy find himself before he’s ready to put his big boy pants on? They’ve got a talented cast but even they can’t compensate for the stale and redundant writing.

I totally agree.

Yes, when the coming attraction at the end of last week was that Victor was going to go for Jabot Cosmetics, I was like how many times does this make, 4…5? When a big storyline on Y&R is the talk of doing a refresh of the Abbott home???? Talk about just working to pick up a pay check. And one wonders why daytime tv is dying.

Undeserved win Going around in circles with some insipid storylines. Sharon and Phyllis are missing. Who has them? Ian Ward, of course. Where is Jordan? A zombie?
Then there’s Damian Kane who looks as old as his mother and is not the right actor for this role. Please to not couple him with beautiful Lily. His friend; yeees!! Yum!!

Celia…I CANNOT STAND that Damian dude!!!!! To me, he looks like he always wants to punch someone…and (to me) he has the face of a psychopath. BEYOND BLECH!!!!! Oh…and you are SO RIGHT ON about that Holden dude…YUM YUM YUM!!!!! To me, Holden is WAY MORE LIKEABLE than that HUMORLESS CLOWN Damian!!!!! LOL

Have a good one, dear.

Hey, Jay, my friend!! Everything you said!!Damian looks like a bulldog ready for a fight. No class, no looks, no character or personality. Then, there’s Ian. Why is he still here? This guy has nine lives. Maybe the PTB want Sharon and Phyllis to finally become besties?? ❤️

These comments are weird. Many viewers prioritize pretty boy looks above talent, but this is just an attack. The actor referred to here is a breath of fresh air and works with an intensity that got him the part. It’s refreshing and far sexier than the usual way of phoning it in. Something else seems to be the reason for deeming him unattractive.

We are entitled to our opinion. And, yes—looks are a major part of soap’s “decor”, especially when the acting skill is lacking. “Damian” has no passion or “light”. And, he is too old for the role. Are you this actor? Sounds like it.

Don’t like either of these men! After all the hype in the beginning of the main actor, Damien being so good looking, etc Can anyone see our refined, classy, etc, Lily being attracted to him, really? Holden, the good looking one, so suave and smooth at least seems to have a little more character. Makes me sick watching Amy, practically on her knees begging for her son’s forgiveness. Also Audra is acting like a human being, almost. I hate this whole SL and will probably just give up on it, the more they drag Lily into it.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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