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.
Well, I'm back after my summer break and I have a lot to say. I am disappointed that there were no summer parties or barbecues on The Young and the Restless. There weren't any celebrations, not even for the Fourth of July. Comic moments were few and far between. Just more kidnappings and psychopathic behaviour. I'm also tired of characters with chips on their shoulders. I'm talking about Phyllis and Billy. They are always ranting about how terribly they've been treated, especially Billy.
Speaking of Billy Boy, what is the deep, dark secret that Jill is hiding. It's obviously about more than business and ownership of Chancellor. It's something very personal, probably having to do with Billy's paternity. Sainted John Abbott was probably not his biological father. That information will tear Billy apart. He will be shocked and devastated. He will feel that he's lost his identity, that he is not really an Abbott. By the way, I've tried to figure out who Billy's birth father is, but it doesn't seem to be any of the characters currently on the show.
I don't like the pairing of Victoria and Kyle. Ugh! First the daughter, now the mother. After reading online comments, it's clear that most fans agree with me. I realize that those two will cause more conflict between the Abbotts and the Newmans. It is also kind of nice to see Victoria defying Daddy Victor, but I still hope the new head writers put an end to it. They should give Victoria and Kyle better storylines. Y&R being a soap, Victoria will never be able to keep her secret hidden. Nikki, Victor, Claire and the Abbots are going to be furious with her when they find out, and they will find out.
There will be changes on Y&R this autumn. Head writer Josh Griffith stepped down in June. He has been replaced by two co-head writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O'Connor. They began work during the week of August 3rd, but their first storylines probably won't air until Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (CBS) and Tuesday, November 12 (Global TV), due to the show's production schedule.
Jamey Giddens has previously written for Beyond the Gates. He was a writer on Days of our Lives from 2020 to 2025, where he worked with Dan O'Connor. He also contributed to the Days of Our Lives spin-off Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem. In addition, Giddens is the co-founder of the soap website Daytime Confidential.
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| Jamey Giddebs |
Dan O'Connor first worked on One Life to Live. In 2013, he joined General Hospital, where he held the positions of associate head writer, breakdown writer, and co-head writer. He joined the writing team of Days of our Lives in 2024.
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| Dan O'Connor |
Here's the direction I hope the new co-writers take. Lighten the storylines. There have been more than enough kidnappings and addictions. The show needs to return to its roots. End the Nick Newman addiction storyline. It's depressing. Nick has reached rock bottom. I wish he'd clean himself up. He looks so sloppy. I guess the writers want him to look unkempt while he is in rehab.
I know we can't expect reality, but Y&R makes it seem so easy for psychotics and criminals to escape custody while in prison or in hospital. Ian Ward, Aunt Jordan and Patty Williams have all evaded the law. Patty has done it again.
I am pleased that Danny Romalotti is managing The Shadow Room nightclub. Michael Damien, who portrays Danny, released a new album on August 18th. The album, Rock On 26, pays tribute to Michael's classic "Rock On." It features the legendary John Waite on drums. The show needs a place for singers to perform and entertain. Longtime fans will remember Brock singing at The Allegro restaurant and Danny's sister, Gina, singing at Gina's. Danny could also bring Lauren Fenmore Baldwin (Tracy Bregman) and Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) up to the stage. They used to sing with him.
I would like to see more of Detective Burrow, played by Matt Cohen. Give him a first name and a decent storyline. Maybe get him involved with Sharon. So far, his talents as an actor have been wasted. He just comes in to make arrests and leaves. How about a love triangle with Sharon, Victoria and Burrow.
I hope that Summer returns to Genoa City. The new writers could certainly use her character. A new actor would probably have to play the role.
CAST NEWS
Noah and Sienna leave Genoa City
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| Lucas Adams |
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| Tamara Braun |
Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) keeps returning to Genoa City, but he never stays long. The character has never had a chance to really establish himself. It's always "hi and goodbye." This time, he and Siena Bacall (Tamara Braun) have returned to Los Angeles to keep their distance from Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Frankly, I am little disappointed because I wanted to watch Audra go after Noah.
Since his sudden departure from Y&R, Lucas has landed a role on an episode of R.J. Decker. According to New Beginnings Entertainment, he is also working on a 'really secretive project."
Jade Harlow has joined the cast as Marie Kirkland
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| Jade Harlow |
Jade Harlow is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, is best known for her role as Jessica Bennett on Passions. She has also played Sheryl Connors on Days of our Lives and Lianna Ramos on The Bay. On primetime, Jade has appeared on Sharing Christmas, Murder on he Cape, Bound by Blackmail, Christmas on the Ranch and Criminal Minds.
I'm not too pleased about her character because I'm not enjoying Nick's addiction storyline. I wonder what the writers will do with her once the addiction storyline is mercifully over. It's hard to believe that Marie's husband would die so easily, but you can't expect reality on a soap.
Marie has said goodbye to Nicholas, but I'm not sure that Jade Harlow is leaving the show. I wouldn't be surprised if she pops up again after Nick has left rehab.
That's all for now. Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on September 26, 2026.
Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL
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| Michel Mealor (Kyle) |
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| Amelia Heinle (Victoria) |
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| Michelle Staggord (Phyllis) |
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| Roger Howarth (Matt Clark) |
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| Vivica A. Fox (Stephanie) |
There are some couplings on Y&R that I am not exactly thrilled about. They are not exactly romantic super couples. So, fans, I would like to get your opinion. Respond to the poll below and let me know.
NOTE TO READERS
That's all for now. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Take care,
- Joanne
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