News
Y&R's Michael Muhney on exiting female cast members & cast-trimming measures!
Photo Credit: Glenn Harris
The outspoken Michael Muhney (Adam Newman) of The Young and the Restless spoke recently with Dose.ca of Canada for a very thought-provoking interview. In it, Michael discusses the cast-cutting measures that have recently sent daytime favorites, Maura West, Stacy Haiduk, and Eden Riegel off the Genoa City Canvas.
But, Muhney also reveals that fans can look for more core characters getting plenty of airtime towards the holiday season. Here are a few interesting excerpts!
Muhney on seeing West, Haiduk and Riegel leave Y&R: ” I will say that it’s been quite an educational experience working with Stacy Haiduk (ex-Patty/Emily), Maura West (ex-Diane) and now Eden Riegel, where all three, upon being told they were being dismissed had a final six weeks to shoot, and in their final six weeks, they happen to be in a storyline with me. I’m acting with talented actresses that have been given really sad news and they have to soldier through it. It’s been such a eye opening experience to see three very professional women handle themselves and come into work and just nail it and still find a way to enjoy what they’re doing knowing they’re one their way out.
Maura West on our final week of work, she started breaking down and said “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get this emotional” and ran off. She was trying to thank me and said, “Thank you for being the only person who didn’t treat me like a dead man walking.” And that really hit me. I come to play and at some point in time, I’m leaving the show. Three to five years, or ten to fifteen years and upon my leaving, there’s going to be that time where I know I’m gone and even if it’s on my own terms, I’ll want people being there and bringing it with me, everyday, until the very end. I’m still working with Eden and it’s been interesting. She’s another classy actress who is doing a very fine job.”
Muhney on industry-wide cast-cutting talks to help soaps and Y&R’s longevity and to help ratings: “There’s been talk by journalists, my fellow actors, by fans and by the network that we have a rather large cast. What if we streamline the cast and knock off, and this is just an arbitrary number, 10 folks and we really cut the fat off? I think that’s happening. I want to tell people that I think there’s going to be a stronger focus on core characters. I think it’s going to take some time, after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas. It’s already happening. I can sense that the show is telling stories about more core folks and getting rid of other characters.Yeah, it’s losing viewers. It’s hemorrhaging viewers at times, and you have to wonder, how do you plug that leak?”
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
-
News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
-
Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
-
General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
-
Days Of Our Lives7 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
-
News6 days agoB&B’s Lawrence Saint-Victor to Guest Star on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoRaven Bowens Breaks Silence About Being Fired From ‘Days of our Lives’ and Her Future Plans
First, Latham and, then, Arena-Bell have destroyed this show. I never thought I’d see the day. The character destructions, the history re-writes and the plot driven nonsense have been allowed to go on for too long. I cannot even watch anymore because it’s simply intolerable to me. Y&R needs a renaissance like OLTL had with Carlivati and Valentini. Unfortunately, I’m beginning to think the destruction is intentional, and it’s very sad.
I have noticed recently that story lines are started on Y&R and left dangling just as they are on OLTL.
It makes it hard to keep up with show or at times care.
I suspect this ‘destruction’ as you call Jared,may be intentional.
It is a sad day…
Even sadder is the CRAP they are creating to fill its time slot.
Good interview and I totally agree with Mr. Muhney. The show needs to get back to basics. PLEASE no more new characters for a while!! At times the show is unrecognizable and I don’t know if I am watching AMC or GL.
Well, I hope he can comfort Debbi Morgan because I give it three months tops. MAB knows zip about running a soap opera. I have removed it from my DVR and watched a few minutes last night and I felt like I was at a bad high school play. And you do get the feeling they are letting her do it on purpose every actor is phoning it in. And the rumor is that there has not been this much back biting between the actors since Edward Scisssorhands rode on the back of my motorcycle!!!
With all the “cast member trimming down”, I pray that Michael Muhney’s status on “Y&R” stays intact!
To know that Maura cried and ran off set destroys me. No wonder she has no much hostility towards the show now. I hate Y&R right now.
Trimming the large cast is a start. However, even with a smaller cast, the show will still decline if better judgment and skill is not brought to the writing (quit wasting time on garbage like launching a real Jabot Cosmetics line!). It doesn’t matter if the show has 10 actors or 100. If the material continues to be as lousy as it has been for the past 3 or 4 years, this show is a goner!
I have watched Y&R since the first episode. I am absolutely stunned at how lousy this once great show has become. I can barely watch some of the episodes, let alone actually be interested in most of the plots!
Something is NOT working at this show. It just is not there. Hopefully, they will figure it out QUICKLY.
There is no excuse for the continued – destruction of each character on this show. Maria Arena Bell – is DESTROYING Bill Bell’s legacy and shame on CBS and Sony for allowing it to continue. Not to mention the idiotic casting and firing on this show. It is appalling.
We as old timers (I’m 78) have watched soaps for years.Y&R has been a favorite up until the beginning of 2011. Whoever took over the writing ( someone obviously has, or the staff has developed brain damage) has seriously damaged the shows ratings. The impression that evil always excels is not realistic. The power for persons to dominate accorded to them because they are wealthy is reasonable to assume in real life. However the limits imagined by the writers is not even conceivable. Further the reluctance for the intimidated to confront one another regarding the truth is unreal and sickening.
Y&R is now in a tie with B&B for boring, frustrating, unimaginative and unrealistic.
Maybe it’s time to get rid of writers, rather than actors.
Simple fix. Billy, Victoria and the baby girl get re-united, which reveals the truth concerning Billy’s transplanted marrow, and Victors lies.
The ratings will jump, allowing Diane’s murder accomplice and Nikki to go un-revealed for at least a year. Can’t handle anymore stupidity.