Y&R Report (Saturday, January 17, 2026): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

It's 2026.  I'm back and roaring to go with my comments as a whole new year begins on The Young and the Restless.  I hope you enjoyed your holiday season.  It wasn't an especially happy Christmas for the Newman family.  Nikki and Victor were at odds.  The family was tormented by Matt Clark.  Meanwhile, the Abbotts were devastated over Victor's threat of destroying Jabot with Cane's AI program.  However, Traci's presence eased their tensions.  Traci brought the family together.

Well, fans, Newman Enterprises is in deep trouble.  Cane and Phyllis have unleashed their AI program on Victor's company.  Phyllis, of course, can hardly contain her glee about the takeover of Newman.  She believes that she has finally brought down The Great Victor Newman.  Of course, she is deluding herself.  This is only a temporary setback for the Victor.  I don't doubt that he will regain control of Newman Enterprises.  Phyllis and Cane's relationship is just a fling.  It's all about Phyllis' lust for power and the chip she has on her shoulder.  Phillis and Cane's alliance will not last because it's an "alliance," not a romance.  The fiery redhead will have to enjoy her "victory" while she can.  She's already concerned about how her actins will alienate Summer and Daniel.  

Phyllis won't back down, though.  She's too drunk with power, and her desire for revenge against Victor.  By the way, I was amused by Phyllis' comment when she was taunting "The Moustache" about taking over his office.  She declared that she would leave his portrait on the wall so that she could throw darts at it.  As good as it is to see Victor Newman brought down a peg or two, I wish it weren't Phyllis and Cane doing it.

Cane is not as excited as Phyllis about destroying Newman Enterprises, and he is concerned about Billy.  He even offered Billy what Billy has always wanted - Chancellor.  Billy is obsessed with regaining control of Chancellor and it's all about proving himself to his mother, Jill.  His obsession is stronger than his feelings for Sally Spectra.  That does not bode well for their relationship.  That is why Billy and Sally will never last.

There's something amiss with Nick Newman.  Nick has been stabbed and punched countless times in his never-ending quest to protect Sharon and his family.  As a Newman, Nick prefers to take the law into his own hands.  He thrives on vigilante justice.  He broke his leg after a car crash caused by Matt Clark.  Of course, Nick was handling the criminal all by himself.  Matt was bound up in Nick's vehicle, but he managed in free himself.  He tried to choke Nick and the car careened off the road.  Nick fractured his leg and required surgery.  Matt was captured by the Abbott security forces, who were following the Newman security forces.  No wonder the Genoa City Police seem irrelevant!

After checking himself out of the hospital, Nick made a deal with Jack Abbott.  He promised that Newman will stay away from Jabot if Jack gives up custody of Matt Clark.  Jack agreed and released Clark to Nick.  That's right.  Nick doesn't want to call the police.  He thinks he can deal with Clark all by himself.  This will be a disaster and Matt is going to escape again.

Nick may find himself in much deeper trouble than a fractured leg.  Remember how he demanded that the nurse to bring him a painkiller after his surgery.  After forcing Adam to help him leave the hospital prematurely, he went to confront Cane and Phyllis.  Throughout the confrontation, he was in obvious pain.  When he returned home, he took more painkillers to ease his discomfort.  Some fans have been speculating online that drug dealer Matt is going to get Nick hooked on Fentanyl.  But do viewers really want another addiction storyline?

Will Sharon ever get a break from all her trauma and distress.  It's been one heartache after another for her.  There's been nothing but kidnappings and psychos terrorizing her.  I've never seen a character on a soap cry so much.  Her latest heartbreak was the news that Tessa is seeking a divorce.  What will she do if Matt gets away from Nick and is on the loose again?  

Audra is one tough cookie.  Almost everyone in Genoa City, except Sally, wants her to leave town.  Yet, she continues to stay.  She made a deal with Holden to leave Claire alone if he kept quiet about their criminal past in L.A.  However, the secret may not be hidden much longer.  Claire is very suspicious and determined to find out what happened.  Furthermore, Y&R spoilers and updates suggest that Victor Newman might uncover a hidden body and DNA evidence with the assistance of his associates.  That could mean that Holden will face a criminal investigation.  This could also mean big trouble for Audra, unless Holden leaves her name out of it, which I doubt.

Diane asked Michael Baldwin directly why he has such loyalty to Victor Newman, especially after the way Victor has treated him.  It doesn't make sense and Michael has never really made sense of it.

CAST NEWS

Christel Khalil (Lily) is on maternity leave

Christel Khalil

Christel Khalil has begun her maternity leave.  She is expecting her third child, her second with husband Sam Restagno.  Christel has a son, Michael, 15. from a previous marriage, and another son, Remy, a toddler, with Restagno.  To accommodate the pregnancy, Christel's Y&R character, Lilly Winters, has left town to visit her daughter, Mattie, one of the two children she shares with ex-husband Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn).

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Roger Howarth (Matt Clark)       

What would a soap opera be without villains?  Y&R is no exception.  The show has plenty of villains right now - Matt, Victor, Phyllis, Cane, to name a few.  What I would like to know is who you think is currently the worst villain, the meanest.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Who is the meanest villain currently on Y&R?

Victor Newman

Ian Ward

Matt Clark

Phyllis Summers

Came Ashby

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me.  I am disappointed by the lack of response to my polls from readers.  I have not been receiving many email comments either.  I wish I knew why I am getting so little response.

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Take care,

Joanne

Will there be fifth season of Son of a Critch?

As a fan of Son of a Critch, I have been wondering if the Newfoundland coming-of-age comedy has been renewed for a fifth season.  As of this writing, I have been unable to find official confirmation from the CBC that there will be a fifth season of the show.  However, there is a Facebook announcement from comedian Mark Critch himself in which he states that there will be a fifth season.  Nevertheless, CBC has not yet issued a renewal announcement and no premiere date has been released.

Mark Critch's Facebook posting pretty well confirms that there will be a fifth season of the sitcom.  It suggests that the news of its renewal has been broken internally, although CBC has not yet updated its website.  Otherwise, why would Mark Critch make such an announcement on social media?

Although Son of a Critch is very popular, this will most likely be its final season. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the British actor who portrays the young Mark, turned 17 years old on September 25, 2025.  His character on the show will be in his second year of high school, and  is already taking his first steps toward a career in comedy.

Last season, Mark's grandfather, Patrick Critch (know as "Pop,") begrudgingly agreed to have a dementia assessment, although he has not yet been diagnosed with the illness.  "Pop" is played by Malcolm McDowell, a fine actor.  It is my hope that the entire cast of Son of a Critch will return for its fifth season.  I enjoy the dynamic of the Critch family.  Mark plays his own father, St. John's radio broadcaster Mike Critch.  He also serves as the narrator.  

I am also enjoying the budding romance between the red-headed Fox (Sophia Powers), whose first name is Jennifer, and the young Mark.  Another of my favourites is P.E.I. native Claire Rankin, who portrays Mark's mother, Mary Critch.

I will keep you posted as to any update on the status of Son of a Critch's fifth season.  

- Joanne

My tribute to Rob Reiner

All in the Family is among my all time favourite television shows and Rob Reiner shone brightly as one of the stars of that groundbreaking sitcom.  Although Rob went on to become an accomplished filmmaker, I will always think of him fondly as Michael "Meathead" Stivic, son-in-law of Archie Bunker.  Rob's Mike Stivic was the perfect foil for Carroll O'Connor's Archie.  Rob played the "Meathead" role from 1971 to 1979.  It was a role that earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Below is a 1975 cast photo of Rob Reinter with Carroll O'Connor (bottom), Jean Stapleton. left, Sally Struthers, right.

Rob's character, Michael Casimir Stivic, was a Polish American from Chicago.  Mike was orphaned at a young age when his parents were killed in a car crash.  Mike married Archie's "little girl," Gloria (Sally Struthers), and he moved into the Bunker home to save money for his college education. The Stivic character was an American version of Mike Rawlins, the Trotskyist son-in-law in the British original Till Death Do Us Part.  The American Mike was softened for U.S. audiences.  He was definitely a social liberal, but he was by no means a communist or a radical revolutionary.  In fact, he often mentioned people such as Ralph Nader as his strongest influences.

The liberal Mike and the conservative Archie were always at odds.  Archie called him "Meathead" to show his disdain for his political views, such as his opposition to the war in Vietnam.  The first time Archie used the moniker "Meathead," he accused Mike of being "dead from the neck up."  Their arguments exposed the cultural and political divide in America.  They also exposed Archie's bigotry and his ignorance in a humorous way.  

Yet, Mike's flaws were also exposed and the two men had what can only be described as a love-hate relationship.  Although Archie frustrated his son-in-law, Mike still cared deeply about him.  It was Archie's wife, Edith (Jean Stapleton), who enlightened Mike about her husband.  In one episode, she told Mike that Archie was envious of the fact that he had an education and a promising career ahead of him.  She pointed out that Archie was not highly educated and did not have promising future prospects. It was always Edith who shared the wisest words.

I still watch episodes of All in the Family on YouTube.  Norman Lear's show changed the face of American television.  It dealt with societal issues that had never been dealt with on American TV before. I was deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle. Rob and Michelle, rest in peace!

- Joanne

Y&R Report (December 13, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

First, a note to readers: I am going to take a short Christmas break.  I will be back in the New Year.  My Y&R column will return to this space on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

So, Sienna has come to Genoa City, much to the annoyance of Sharon and Nikki.  Sharon doesn't want her son involved with Sienna and Nikki doesn't like it at all.  Did you see how she looked at Sienna?  Longtime fans will remember when Nikki disapproved of Nick and Sharon because he thought Sharon was a gold digger.  I'll never forget the look of disapproval on Nikki's face at her son's wedding to Sharon.  She had that same look when she saw that grandson Noah had brought Sienna, a married older woman, to Genoa City.  

Sienna and Noah are not being discreet about their affair.  They kissed in the open at Sharon's home, and Sharon saw them.  Sharon is not too pleased about her son's involvement with Sienna.  She is rightly concerned that Sienna with attract Matt Clark to Genoa City.

As for Noah, he certainly doesn't have a good track record with women.  First there was Audra, then Allie and now Sienna.  He just can't seem to get his act together.  It appears that he hasn't gotten over Audra yet.  He had a very strong reaction when he ran into her in Genoa City.  He kept staring at her nervously.

Thanks to flashbacks, we finally learned about the crime Audra and Holden committed in Sienna's nightclub in Los Angeles.  We also learned that Audra changed her name from Audra Cortez to Audra Charles  to cover up her involvement.  Claire is determined to find out what really happened, not the bits and pieces that Holden has fed her.  Meanwhile, Claire's feud with Audra is really heating up.

I should have been more certain that Detective Burrow would turn out to be a good guy.  Genoa City is in dire need of a police detective now that Paul and Chance have departed.  It would be interesting if Burrow became attracted to Sharon?  That would certainly create a love triangle and drive Nicholas Newman crazy.  He devotes his life to protecting Sharon, whether she approves of his actions or not.

I enjoyed Michael and Lauren's 20th anniversary celebration.  I also enjoyed the flashbacks (I noticed that Gloria and Kevin weren't in any of them).  It doesn't happen very often that a couple manages to stay together on the soaps.  I just wish Michael wasn't such a lackey for Victor, especially after the way The Big Man has treated him.  Would he have left the celebration if Victor had summoned him to the ranch for an emergency meeting regarding?  

Michael is the one who informed Victor of Jack's plan to close down Jabot so that it couldn't be destroyed  by AI.  I am on the side of the Abbotts.  Somebody has to stop Victor's reign of terror.  Somebody has to bring him down.  Nikki may be the one to stop her ruthless husband.  

What's with Lily?  First, she has a change of heart and decides to accompany Cane to the Abbott Communications launch, then she verbally attacks Audra.  Audra is far from a model of good behaviour, and she has not been the nicest person - far from it!  However, she was minding her own business when Lily ambushed her and slammed her.  It was obvious that Audra was down and disheartened.  So why did Lily have have to kick her when she was down?  She wasn't bothering Lily or interfering in her life.

I watch Y&R on Global TV, so I have already seen the episode in which Abbott Communications is launched.  I enjoyed seeing all the characters in their 1950s retro outfits.  Of course, Victor chose that time to attack Jabot.  Will someone please stop that man?  Everyone is so afraid to stand up to him.  Why does Michael do his bidding?

CAST NEWS

Cait Fairbanks (Tessa Porter) is engaged

Cait Fairbanks announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend, musician and producer Jay Rudolph.  The couple has been together since 2020 and recently celebrated five years together.  Cait confirmed the good news on Instagram, showing a photo of her engagement ring. Another photo showed the beaming couple with some beautiful landscape in the background.  Jay expressed his joy with the comment, "She said 'Yes.'"

Cait and Jay have been working on an album together, which is expected to be released "in early December."

Eric Braeden denies rumour

Eric Braeden is 84 years old and he has portrayed Victor Newman for almost 46 years.  There has been a rumour going around on the internet that Eric might be retiring.  However, it seems that he is not the retiring type.  He quickly shut down all the speculation with three simple words and three exclamation points on his personal Facebook page - "SIMPLY NOT TRUE!!!"  Along with this response, Eric posted a photo of himself with Y&R castmates Courtney Hope (Sally), Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), and Christian LeBlanc (Michael).  Eric's fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Zuleka Silver (Audra

Luca Adams (Noah)

Noah has quite a history with Audra.  She even revealed that she had miscarried their child and that she wanted to get back together with him  He refused and chose to remain with Allie.  Noah and Allie eventually moved to London, where Noah opened a nightclub.  Although he seems to be in love with Sienna right now, but he appears to be quite fickle.  Look how he just dropped Allie when they seemed so happy together.  I was struck by how strongly Noah reacted strongly when he ran into her recently in Genoa City.  Fans, do you think those two will become an item again, much to to the disappointment of Nikki and Sharon?  Nobody seems to like Audra except Sally.  What do you think about the possibility of Noah and Audra reunion?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Noah and Audra will reunite?

Yes, Audra is desperate and Noah is fickle.

No way. It's over. That ship has sailed.

It's possibility. I wouldn't rule it out.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  All the best in the New Year.  I will be back in with more Y&R news and discussion on Saturday, January 17, 2025.  I'm looking forward to the holiday season in Genoa City.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy New Year

Take care,

Joanne

Happy 100th Birthday, Dick Van Dyke!

Dick Van Dyke was born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri, and raised in Danville, Illinois.  The beloved comedian/actor turns 100 years old today.  He is the son of Hazel Victoria (née McCord), a stenographer, and Loren Wayne "Cookie" Van Dyke, a salesman.  He had a younger brother, Jerry McCord Van Dyke, born in Danville in 1931.  Jerry, also an actor, passed away on January 5, 2018 at the age of 86.

Dick started out as a stand-up comedian while still attending Danville High School.  At Danville High, he joined the drama club and the a cappella choir  During his senior year, he left high school to join the United States Army Air Force for pilot training in World War II.  He was denied enlistment several times because he was underweight.  However, he was eventually approved as a radio announcer before joining the Special Services and entertaining the troop in the United States.  He was discharged in 1946.  

After World War II, Dick became a disc jockey at a radio station in his hometown of Danville, Illinois.  In 1947, he formed a comedy duo with pantomime performer Phil Erickson.  They called themselves "Eric and Van" and toured the West Coast nightclub circuit.  In the early 1950s, Dick appeared on a New Orleans television station, first as a comedian, and then as the host of a comedy program.  He appeared  on Chance of a Lifetime with Dennis James, in 1954, and two episodes of The Phil Silvers Show in 1957-58.  He also appeared on ABC's The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom and NBC's The Polly Bergen Show.  During that period, a friend of Dick, who served as CBS executive, recommended  him to the network.  Van Dyke eventually signed a seven-year contract with CBS.

In 1959, Dick made his Broadway debut in the Girls Against the Boys.  In 1961, He received a Tony Award for Beast Featured Actor in for his performance as Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie.

Van Dyke in 1959

Dick is a very versatile performer.  He is known for his film performances in Mary Poppins (1964), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), Divorce American Style (1967) and Bye Bye Birdie (1963),  He also appeared in Night at the Museum (2006) and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014).

Dick has delighted audiences with his singing and dancing,  He is also celebrated for his television role as comedy writer Rob Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show along with Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie.  Carl Reiner created the sitcom and cast himself as the lead in the pilot.  However, CBS insisted that the role be recast, and Reiner chose Dick to replace himself.  The Dick Van Dyke Show aired on CBS from 1961 to 1966, with a total of 158 half-hour episodes, all filmed in black and white.  Dick's portrayal of Rob Petrie earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Below is a photo of some major cast members of the Dick Van Dyke show.  From left to right: Dick, Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam and Richard Deacon.  All of the main cast members have passed away except Dick and Larry Mathews, who played Ritchie Petrie, the son of Rob and Laura Petrie (Mary Tyler Moore).  Larry is now 70 years old.  Mary Tyler Moore and Rose Marie died in 2017, Morey Amsterdam in 1996 and Richard Deacon in 1984.  Carl Reiner passed away in 2020 at the ripe old age of 98.

Mary Tyler Moore and Dick with Larry Matthews

Larry Matthews

Ann Morgan Guibert and Jerry Paris played Rob and Laura's neighbours, Millie and Jerry Helper.  Ann, who portrayed Millie, died of pancreatic cancer in 2016.  Jerry Paris, who played Millie's dentist husband, Jerry Helper, passed away in 1986, as the result of a brain tumour.

Ann Guibert

Dick with Jerry Paris as Jerry Helper

From 1971 to 1974, Van Dyke starred as Dick Preston, a Phoenix television host, in The New Dick Van Dyke Show, with Hope Lange as his wife, Jenny, and Angela Powell as their daughter, Annie. CBS had high hopes for the show and even agreed to film the production near Cave Creek, Arizona, where Dick and his family lived at the time. Carl Reiner created the sitcom, which ran for 72 episodes over three seasons. During the early years of the series, Reiner was was very involved, writing and directing episodes.  However, he left the show when CBS refused to air an episode, "Lt. Preston of the 4th Cavalry."  The episode featured an off-camera moment in which Annie walked in on her parents during an intimate moment.  CBS claimed that this did not fit Van Dyke's wholesome image.  A frustrated Reiner vowed not to work with the network again.  

After Reiner's departure, Dick opted not to renew his contract.  Dick was also not pleased that during its third season, the show had been retooled.  Filming and setting had been moved to Hollywood and he had been uprooted from his Arizona home.

Dick appeared in a 1971 episode of The Cosby Show and a 1974 episode of Columbo with Peter Falk.

In 1977, he replaced Harvey Korman as a regular on The Carol Burnett Show, but left after only 11 episodes.  Unfortunately, the show's writers couldn't adapt to Dick's comedy style.  However, he has remained good friends with Carol. 

Dick Van Dyke has not always played comedic roles.  From 1993 until 2001, he starred in Diagnosis Murder as Dr. Mark Sloan, a medical doctor who solves crime with the help of his son, Steve, a homicide detective son, Steve.  Steve Sloan was portrayed by Barry Van Dyke, Dick's real-life son.

Dick and Barry Van Dyke

I think that the three greatest all-time TV comedians are Dick, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball.  Lucy passed away in 1989.  Fortunately, Dick and Carol are still with us.  Carol is 92 years young. 

In a recent interview with People magazine, Dick said he felt "really good."  He credited his attitude for his longevity and his lack of pain and discomfort.  "I've always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person's insides."  He said that he's "rather lazy" and has never felt driven by the type of resentment that can worsen over time.  He told People that "Sometimes I have more energy than others - but I never wake up in a bad mood."  He explained that although disapproves of certain things and people, he "never really was able to work up a feeling of hate," and definitely not "a white-heat kind of hate."  Dick also mentioned that his father, Loren Van Dyke, was "constantly upset by the state of things in his life and it did take him at 73 years old."

Here are Dick Van Dyke's secrets to longevity:

* Positive attitude

* Regular exercise

*Active lifestyle

* Healthy mindset

Dick has one simple indulgence, though.  It's vanilla ice cream.  He says the perfect ice cream sundae snack before bedtime is two large scoops of vanilla ice cream with a topping of chocolate syrup.

Dick Van Dyke has been married twice.  He wed his first wife, Margie Willett, in 1948.  They married on the radio show Bride and Groom because the show paid for a wedding ring, a honeymoon and household appliances.  Dick and Margie had four children - Christian, Barry, Stacy and Carrie Beth - and divorced in 1984 after a lengthy separation.  In 1976, Dick began a long term relationship with actress Michelle Triola Marvin.  The pair lived together for more than 30 years, until her death from lung cancer in 2009.

On February 29, 2012, Dick married markup artist Arlene Silver, 46 years his junior.  The couple first met six years earlier at the SAG Awards, where Arlene was working backstage.

I think that the three greatest all-time TV comedians are Dick, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball.  Lucy passed away in 1989.  Fortunately, Dick and Carol are still with us.  Carol is 92 years young.

END NOTES

* Dick Van Dyke released a new book on November 18, 2025.  It is titled 100 Rules For Living To 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life

* Dick has been greatly influenced by the physical comedy of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.  He delivered the eulogy at Stan Laurel's funeral in 1965.  He has also admired the work of Buster Keaton and Carl Reiner.

*  In 2023, Dick appeared in four episodes of the soap opera Days of Our Lives.  He played amnesiac Timothy Robichaux, also known as Mystery Man.  In 2024, he won a Daytime Emmy for his guest performance on Days.  At the age of 98, he became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy.

* Dick was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993 and the Television Walk of Fame in 1995.

SOURCES:  The Independent, "Dick Van Dyke's secret to a long life? Not being angry," by Ellie Muir, December 4, 2025; Fox News, "Dick Van Dyke says living longer linked to his lack of hate and anger,"  by Khloe Quill, November 30, 2025; Yahoo.com, "The Simple Sweet Treat That Dick Van Dyke Loves," by Laura Christine Allan, November 30, 2025; Remind, "Inside Dick Van Dyke's Forgotten 1970s Sitcom," by Lauren Novak, December 13, 2025; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne

Y&R Report (November 29, 2025: The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

First of all, my apologies that this post is late.  Well, did you enjoy the wedding of Cricket and Danny?  I certainly did.  It was great to see Nina Webster (Trisha Cast} and Gina Roma (Patty Weaver).  Phyllis' behaviour would have been much worse if her mind hadn't been on Cane.  I also enjoyed the Thanksgiving episodes, especially the Abbott Thanksgiving.  I was pleased to see the show go back to its family roots.  I think that The Young and the Restless should be more like its creators, Bill and Lee Phillip Bell, envisioned.

Claire spent Thanksgiving with the Abbotts, although she is a Newman.  It was mostly to please Harrison.  However, she did give Kyle a rather lingering kiss before she departed.  Talk about mixed messages!  Claire seems confused.  She really doesn't trust Holden, but she is not ready to commit to anyone, including Kyle.

Has anyone on a soap cried as much has Sharon in 2025?  Has anyone been kidnapped or tormented as much as she has this year?  As for Nick, his sole purpose seems to be to protect Sharon.  When do you ever see him at the Newman office working?

Victor Newman is the most vindictive character on the soaps.  He doesn't just want to defeat his rivals.  He wants to "crush" them.  How many times has he expressed a desire to "crush" Jack Abbott.

It was good to see Ashley Abbott (Eileen Davidson) back.  I wish she were on screen more often, but I'm happy to see her occasionally.

This week, Victor Newman is going to Los Angeles to face Matt Clark.  It should be very interesting. One thing for sure, Victor will shake things up like an earthquake in Los Angeles.  

Lucy Romalotti hasn't been on screen for a while.  She was unable to attend the wedding of Danny and Cricket because she was ill.  Don't get wrong.  I enjoy watching the veterans and the 30-something actors.  However, there hasn't been a storyline with the younger set in a long time.  Where are Johnny and Katie and Connor and Faith?

CAST NEWS

What's going on with Camryn Grimes (Mariah)?

Fans have been wondering what's going on with Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes).  She hasn't been on the show regularly for a while.  She may just be taking a break.  After all, she is the mother of a young child.  Her son, Bridger, was born on December 13, 2023, and he's not quite two years old yet.  Perhaps she's taking some time off to be with him.  There has been no official announcement that she is leaving the show.  However, she may eventually be let go if the writers can't find a suitable storyline for her,

We still don't have any answers yet about Mariah and Ian Ward.  We still don't know if Mariah was hallucinating or Ward was really there.  As I've said before, the writers haven't done a good on this storyline.  They've taken far too long to reveal Ward's fate.  They've also made his apparent visit with Mariah very vague.  When will we know if it really happened?

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Matt Cohen (Detective Burrow)

Now that Chance is gone, Y&R has another detective on the scene - Detective Burrow (no first name yet).  There is something very mysterious about him and the woman detective who works with him.

Fans, what is your impression of Detective Burrow?  Do you trust him?  Do you think he is a corrupt cop?  Is he in league with Matt Clark?  Is he as shady as he seems?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you trust Detective Burrow?

Yes, I think he's working to bring down Matt Clark.

No. There is something shady about him. I don't trust him at all.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  The next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Take care, 

Joanne

Y&R Report (November 15, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

So Adam told Chelsea that he is going to stand up to daddy Victor Newman if he attacks Jack Abbot and Jabot. because he likes Jack.  I doubt Adam will succeed, but it's worth a try.  if Adam defies his father, I'll be cheering him on.  Somebody has to show some backbone and stop that insufferable man.  It certainly won't be Michael Baldwin.

The new Noah, played by Lucas Adams, has been unmasked.  The bandages are off.  His affair with Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) has been revealed.  Fans of Days of our Lives will find this unsettling because on Days, the two played mother and son when Lucas was Tripp and Tamara was Ava.  I'm glad that I never watched them in those roles.

As for Noah's girlfriend, Allie Nguyen, played by Kelsey Wang, her status is unclear.  She remains in London, where she has been living with Noah, at least for the time being.  It is uncertain if and when she will return.  If she does return, it may not be for long.  Not surprisingly, Noah is in no hurry to contact her as he feels guilty about Sienna.  It doesn't appear that Allie's relationship with Noah will last.  She'll be in for a shock when she learns what he's been up to.  Allie does have roots in Genoa City, though.  After all, she is Jack Abbott's granddaughter.

Detective Burrow, played by Matt Cohen, is a shady individual.  He is connected to that slimy Matt Clark/Mitch Bacall (Roger Howarth).  We don't even know Burrow's first name yet.  He's very mysterious.  Will he be trouble for Sharon, Nick and Noah?

Nate and Victoria seem headed for romance again, but will Nate be able to stand Victor's interference?  Victor will interfere because he is so terribly controlling, especially when it concerns his  daughter, the Princess Victoria.  Speaking of Victoria, why doesn't she ever mention her son Reed, with ex-husband J.T. Hellstrom?

Cane has given up on reconciling with Lily, at least for now.  He's about to embark on  a reckless affair with Phyllis, even though he suspects she hacked his AI program and made a deal with Victor, who now has possession of it.  This will end in disaster.          

Maybe it's time for Kyle Abbott to move on from Claire.  She's obviously not ready for a serious relationship and wants to sew her wild oats.  However, I think she has become quite suspicious of Holden, and has been watching him carefully, as she should.  

The more Kyle chases Claire, the more she runs away.  He should just let her be.  Dealing with Claire is difficult for the entitled Abbott heir because he is so used to getting his own way.  This time he can't have what he wants.

Kyle could always try to get back with hie ex, Summer, but she seems to be settled in Milan for now.  Another possibility is Tara Locke, Harrison's biological mother, played by Elizabeth Leiner.  Tara was arrested for embezzlement and sent to prison.  Kyle was then granted custody of their son, Harrison (Redding Munsell).  His former wife, Summer, adopted the child and became a mother to him.  The return of Tara would really stun the Abbott family.  It would definitely shake up Harrison.

We haven't seen Lucy Romalotti (Lily Brooks O'Briant) for months.  We did hear that she will be spending Christmas with Summer in Milan.  I wonder what she would think about her father Daniel's relationship with Tessa.  It's hard to figure out what's going on with Mariah and Ian Ward.  That storyline is so confusing.  

A distraught Tessa has asked for Daniel's friendship.  He has agreed to stand by her and has encouraged her to be patient with Mariah, but they have definitely developed romantic feelings for each other.  Daniel has invited her to be his date for Danny and Cricket's wedding.  That should get some tongue's wagging.

One more thing.  Are we ever going to see Nick's son, Christian?

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from CC in Etobicoke, Ontario, a longtime Y&R viewer.  Here it is.

Hi Joanne,

Here are some tidbits for now.

Though I am happy about the reintroduction of the character of Noah, I am not finding the new storyline revolving around him to be interesting.  I am also wondering if he is meant to be sticking around or just stopping by. 

It looks like Sharon Case (Sharon Newman) is giving herself another run at getting a Daytime Emmy after losing out this year.  Michelle Stafford won the award in 2024.  Sharon and Michelle Stafford were both nominated this year, but they did not win.

Hi CC

Thanks for your comments.  I too am pleased about the reintroduction of the Noah Newman character.  However, I am also interested in the storyline revolving around him.  I like the mystery surrounding Noah in Los Angeles.  I think he will be sticking around for a while because a new actor, Lucas Adams, has taken over the role of Noah.  The show seems to be focusing on the L.A. storyline.  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Luca Adams (Noah)

The new Noah has certainly gotten himself into a heap of trouble.  He has unwittingly put himself and his family in a dangerous situation.  He is having an affair with an older woman who happens to be married to psychopath Matt Clark, a vicious criminal and rapist, who tormented his parents.  That's quite a storyline for Lucas Adams, the new Noah Newman  Fans, how do you think he's doing so far?  Are you impressed with his portrayal of Noah?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you impressed with the new Noah, Lucas Adams?

Yes, I think he's doing a great job with the character of Noah.

No, I am not impressed with his acting.

I need to see more of him before I decide.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne