Connect with us

Breaking News

24

Y&R Recasts the Role of Summer Newman with Allison Lanier

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Photo: Christian Delfino

The Young and the Restless is set to bring back Summer Newman to the canvas, but with a new actress.

In casting news, the top-rated soap has recast the role of Summer, last played by two-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Hunter King, with actress Allison Lanier.

King departed the show in the summer of 2021, when reportedly she and her co-star Michael Mealor (Kyle) departed over contract talks.  The two returned for a guest appearance in August of 2021, when Summer  and Kyle attended Victoria and Ashland’s wedding in Italy.

Now with Mealor back at Y&R and set for a major storyline (now that Kyle’s mom, Diane, is back-from-the-dead), the show is also bringing back the love of his life.

Look for Lanier to make her Y&R debut later in May, while Mealor will return on-air next week on the CBS daytime drama series.

Allison’s other credits include: a recurring role as as Annabelle on the Amazon series, Red Oaks, the indie films Mia and Fish Bones, and she was featured in the role of Megan in Michelle Morgan’s (Amanda, Y&R) film, It Happened in L.A, that was shown at the Sundance Film Festival.

So, what do you think of the casting news of a new Summer coming to Genoa City? Comment below.

24 Comments

24 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Maybe now I’ll like ‘Summer’. Didn’t like Hunter in the role.

SHIMA
Ditto!

Ditto

Violet– I’m not up to the actor’s cast’s actual ages but——
The ‘new’ Summer looks 16 years old..
Look at here= a child..
((way I see her))

Maybe Summer should change her name to Lolita. She looks about 12 to me.

Jill
I agree but I bet the photo isn’t recent. A lot of the photos look nothing like the actors do now.

SuOOO
Hi how are you these days? She probably was 16 in the photo. I just said to Jill that it most likely was a photo taken when she was a lot younger. I was not a big Hunter King fan, so Iam hoping this gal works out, especially now I hear Phyllis is leaving.

i disagree hunter was great in the role good luck to new summer won’t be as easy as everyone thinks

Summer should ve stayed in Italy and Lola should get been the one to return with a recast since Sasha’s unavailable. Summer could get returned later after Kyle and Lola reunited . But ofcourse the show would also need a new HW to actually pen a triangle. Now that Rey’s leaving the show desperately needs diversity. As a white viewer I enjoy different faces and cultural viewpoints. Let’s face it. Lily, Devon, Nate and Elena are a snooze. The only exciting characters in that group Amanda and Imani got benched. The Rosales should have presence.

HunterKing should have been kept in the role! There was chemistry between her and Mealor.

She looks more like Phyliss’s daughter now.

I Agree!

Yes– My thought too!

Thank God ! Bring on some new characters maybe a new family that could rival the Newmans and Abbotts . Please bring back Judith Chapman . I watched todays episode and it was pretty good , Sharon Case and Joshua Morrow had a great scene . Just bring back the old school music and the show will be right on.

Everytime they bring on a new family, Eric Bradean has a fit. See the Rosales. We have the remaining Winters, boring and all

Y&R should have kept Hunter King. She won 2 Daytime Emmys. This recast will not work, mark my words. Hunter King will be back before we know it. Good luck to the new actress.

I just hope Kyle and Summer can stay strong. Don’t want either wandering. They just married, took in a child. We shall see about the recast. Will take some getting used to. Miss King really owned the role. But recasts are part of daytime drama life.

We need to have an open mind and give her a fair chance to prove her acting. I’m sure it’s hard to adjust to a new role. Some people liked Hunter and some did not. It’s just a matter of opinion.

I agree, Bella. I’ve eaten A LOT of humble pie when it comes to pre-judging recasts. I’ve been happy with several in the past few years, like Michael Mealor’s Kyle, Nicholas Chavez & Marcus Coloma on GH, and Matthew Atkinson on BB. So, I’ll reserve my feelings for now.

Nope she won’t do I like the old summer Newman. Hunter king was summer Newman

That’s what I love about people like you. So judgmental, and haven’t even seen what the girl can do with the part given to her. I think she will do fine, maybe even better than Hunter. So I will save what to say till I see her act.

Maryann
If you like her so much you could at least give her the courtesy of capitalizing her name. It’s Summer Newman and Hunter King.

Boring. Hunter king was a much better actress. There’s no chemistry with Kyle. Such a shame.

Charlotte
I tend to agree with you. I was not a Hunter King fan either. It’s like they are playing house. Also, if my mother acted like Phyllis , I’d disown her!

Breaking News

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Breaking News

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

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced

Published

on

By

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7.  That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.

The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.

Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.

Photo: JPI

In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”

She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”

The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.

Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.

So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Finn Carr & Dominic Zamprogna as Rocco & Dante

General Hospital

Airdate: 5-14-2026

Popular

24
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x