Keeping Up With Nancy McKeon

"Just understand that you'll never miss out on anything that's meant to be yours.  It will find you somehow, someway.  And sometimes we just have to breathe and have patience."

- Nancy McKeon, 2025 interview with Adam Rothenberg on Call Me Adam

Nancy Justine McKeon was born in Westbury, New York on April 4, 1966.  She is the daughter of Barbara McKeon and travel agent Donald McKeon.  At the age of two, Nancy began modelling clothes for the Sears & Roebuck catalogue.  She and her elder brother, Philip McKeon, appeared in numerous commercials.  When Philip was cast as Tommy Hyatt in the TV sitcom Alice, the family relocated to Los Angeles.  

The move to California wasn't an easy one for Nancy.  "I was getting up at quarter to five,"  she said, "practicing singing and dancing before school and again when I came home, but nothing was happening.  I thought of quitting."  Of course, she didn't quit and things began to happen for her.  She made her television acting debut as Vikki Mayer in a 1977 episode of Starsky and Hutch entitled "The Crying Child" (Season 3, Episode 6, Air Date: October 22, 1977).

In 1979, Nancy appeared on the soap operas Secret Storm and  Another World.  That same year, she was discovered by a casting director for the sitcom The Facts of Life, an NBC series that began in 1979 as a spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes.  The show followed the fortunes Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), the Drummonds' housekeeper, as she became the housemother of Eastland School, a fictional all-girls boarding school in Peekskill, New York.

The Facts of Life did not have an auspicious first season.  It was not originally a ratings hit in its summer debut in 1979.  For the second season, there was an overhaul of the show.  The producers felt that there were too many characters, and four of the original actresses were written out, including Molly Ringwald.  14-year-old Nancy McKeon was introduced as the gritty, street-wise Joanne "Jo" Polniaczek, a new student from the Bronx.  The show lasted nine seasons and became one of NBC's hit comedies of the 1980s.  When it ended in 1988, Nancy was able to continue her career successfully.

Nancy as Jo

During the 1980s and 1990s, Nancy starred in many made-for-TV movies, including Strange Voices (1987), A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story (1989) and In My Sister's Shadow (1997),  In a Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, she had the lead role as a victim of domestic violence.  In Strange Voices, she portrayed a college student who is diagnosed with schizophrenia.  In In My Sister's Shadow, she played Joan Connor, a florist who falls for her younger sister's ex, despite the fact that he is stalking her younger sibling.  

Nancy dated Michael J. Fox after they met on the set of High School U.S.A. (1983).  At first, they kept their relationship secret, but appeared as couple on the game show Tattletales, hosted by Bert Convy.  Their relationship ended after three years, and they have kept the circumstances of their breakup a private matter.  In October of 1985, Nancy and Michael attended Ronald and Nancy Reagan's state dinner for Prime Minister Lee Kuan of Singapore.  

Nancy with Michael J. Fox and Nancy and Ronald Reagan

In 1995, Nancy starred in her own TV sitcom, You Can't Hurry Love.  She played Annie O'Donnell, a single woman living in a New York studio apartment.  The CBS series focused on the romantic interests of Annie and her friends.  Despite having average household ratings, it was cancelled after only one season of 19 episodes.

In 1998, Nancy and Jean Smart starred in Style and Substance.  Jean Smart portrayed Chelsea Stevens, the star of her own how-to home show, while Nancy played Jane Sokol, her producer.  The CBS series was short-lived.  

On June 8, 2003, Nancy McKeon  married film technician Marc Andrus, primarily recognized for his work behind the camera.  According to his IMDb biography, Marc grew up in Texas and has worked on films such as Escape from L.A. (1996), Arlington Road (1999) and The Day After Tomorrow (2004).  The couple met on set of the 1995 Hallmark TV movie A Mother's Gift.  Their wedding was intimate, with only 20 guests in attendance.  The couple has two daughters: Aurora Andrus (born March 6, 2004) and Harlow Andrus (born December 2006).  They reside at a ranch near Austin, Texas.

Nancy and Marc

From 2001 to 2004, Nancy played Inspector Jinny Exstead on the Lifetime police drama The Division.  She was pregnant with her daughter Aurora at the time, and her pregnancy was written into the storyline.  From 2009 to 2010, Nancy appeared in a recurring role in the Disney Channel Original Series Sonny with a Chance.  She portrayed Connie Munroe, the mother of Devi Lovato's title character.

In 2019, Nancy appeared in the TV drama You Light Up My Christmas.  In 2021, she appeared as Jessica Mason in six episodes of the Amazon Prime psychological thriller series Panic.  In 2025, she made her Off Broadway debut in Michael Griffo's play Pen Pals, about two women who live in two different countries, but maintain an extraordinary friendship over decades.

END NOTES

* Nancy McKeon's brother Philip died in Texas on December 10, 2019, following a long illness. He was 55 years old at the time of his passing.  His family did not disclose the specific nature of his illness publicly.  However, various sources confirmed that he died of cancer.

Linda Lavin, who portrayed the title character in the sitcom Alice, saw Philip in a Broadway performance and was impressed by his talent.  She recommended that he play the role of her TV son Tommy.  Philip played Tommy from 1976 until 1985.  He also made guest appearances on CHiPs (1979), Fantasy Island (1984), The Love Boat (1984).  His last TV credit is the 1988 miniseries Favorite Son.  

Philip was one of the producers of 1994 action comedy Teresa's Tattoo, which featured his sister Nancy.  He later worked in radio in Los Angeles and then in Wimberly, Texas.

Child star Philip in 1976

* In 1994, Nancy auditioned for the role of Monica Geller on Friends, but Courtney Cox was chosen for the role.

* In 2018, Nancy competed on Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars.  She finished in 11th place with her partner, professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

SOURCES: Do you remember? (doyouremember.com), "At 59, Nancy McKeon Misses Famous Brother And 'Facts of Life' Reunion," by Dana Daly, August 7, 2025; Yahoo.com, "Who is Nancy McKeon's husband?  Marc Andrus' Job & Kids," Arpita Adhya; May 1, 2025; Wikipedia; IMDb

- Joanne

Whatever happened to child star Ricky Schroder

Richard Bartlett Schroder was born on April 13, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York City.  He was raised on Staten Island.  Ricky is the son of Diane Katherine Bartlett and Richard John Schroder, both former employees of AT&T.  After Ricky and his older sister were born, their mother quit her job at AT&T.  She began taking her son to photo shoots when he was only months old.

By the age of six, Ricky had appeared in numerous catalogues and advertisements. A few years later, he made an impressive screen debut in Franco Zefferelli's 1979 film The Champ, portraying T.J. Flynn, the son of Jon Voight's character in a remake of the 1931 film of the same title.  Ricky was seven years old when he was cast for the movie, and eight years old when he acted in it.  At the age of nine, he received the Golden Globe Award for "Best New Male Star of the Year," becoming the youngest ever Golden Globe recipient.

Ricky in 1976

After his successful debut in The Champ, Ricky Schroder moved to Los Angeles with his mother.  He appeared in the 1980 Disney film The Last Flight of Noah's Ark, alongside Elliott Gould and Genevieve Bujold.  He also starred in the 1980 version of Little Lord Fauntleroy alongside Alec Guinness.

Ricky then went on to become a child television star on the NBC sitcom Silver Spoons.  He was 12 years old when the series began in 1982.  It ran for four seasons on the network and an additional first-run syndication during the 1986-87 season.  In Silver Spoons, Ricky played Ricky Stratton, the son of divorced parents, whose mother had remarried and sent him to military school.  The youngster finagled an invitation to live in the palatial home of his wealthy father, Edward Stratton III, played by Joel Higgins.  The elder Stratton, whom Ricky had never known, was more childlike than his son.  His massive estate was filled with video games, stuffed animals, and a miniature railroad.

Below is a photo of Joel Higgins as Edward Stratton III in a conductor's hat, riding the train with son Ricky.  In a February 2010 interview with Will Harris for Bullz-Eye.com, Schroder stated, "I cannot tell you how many people were, like, blown away by and lost themselves in the world of Silver Spoons.  And everybody asks about the train.  Everybody!  I think the train is in a train park at Griffith Park, over by Universal"

In 1988, the year after Silver Spoons ended its run, Ricky starred in Too Young the Hero, a prime time CBS TV movie based on a true story.  He portrayed 12-year-old Calvin Graham, who poses as a 17-year-old to enlist in World War II.

After graduating from Calabasas High School in California., Ricky enrolled in Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado.  He continued his acting career, searching for more mature roles, and billing himself as "Rick Schroder."  In 2007, however, he stated that he was changing his credit back to "Ricky" because "no one wanted to call me Rick."

In 1989, Ricky played played Newt Dobbs in the television Western miniseries Lonesome Dove, an adaptation of the 1985 novel by Larry McMurtry.  The four-part series had an ensemble cast, including Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane and Angelica Huston.  Lonesome Dove garnered very high ratings.  It earned 18 Emmy nomination and seven wins.

Ricky in Lonesome Dove

 

From 1988 until 2001, Ricky played Detective Danny Sorenson in 59 episodes of the police series NYPD Blue.  In 2007, he portrayed Mike Doyle in 12 episodes of the action series 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland. He also played Robert Lee Parton, Dolly's father in the 2015 TV movie Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Color and its 2016 sequel Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.

Ricky Schroder has been married twice.  On September 26, 1992, he married 20-year-old Andrea Bernard, a Canadian-born interior designer/real estate developer.  The couple met in  Canada in 1991 while Ricky was filming Blood River in Calgary.  In 2008, Andrea appeared as a contestant on Top Design, Bravo's interior design competition.   In 2017, she became a reality star after appearing in the Lifetime docuseries Growing Up Supermodel.  The show, which focused on the careers of the children of celebrities as they attempted to build their own careers in the fashion industry.  

Andrea Bernard

Andrea took the last name "Schroder." and Ricky eventually converted to Andrea's Mormon faith.

The couple had four children: sons Holden, (born January 8, 1992) and  Luke (born August 1, 1993), and daughters Cambrie (born September 14, 1997) and Faith (born August 8, 2001).  Son Holden is named after actor William Holden with whom Ricky co-starred in film The Earthling (1980).  Faith and Cambrie starred in Growing Up Supermodel, along with their mother.

Ricky and Andrea maintained a residence in Grand Junction Colorado, but Arizona was their year-round home of record.  They owned a sprawling ranch-style residence in a gated community near the DC Ranch area of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Below are photos of daughters Faith (left) and Cambrie

In September of 2016, after almost 24 years of marriage, Andrea filed for divorce in the Los Angeles Superior Court, citing "irreconcilable differences."  After the breakup of him marriage, Ricky went through a difficult period.  In 2019, he was arrested twice within a month on suspicion of domestic violence,  However, no charges were laid.  

During COVID pandemic, Ricky clearly opposed the wearing of masks.  In May of 2021, he uploaded a controversial video that showed him pressuring a Costco employee about the company's policy and California's mandate requiring wearing face masks or coverings in stores.  Ricky later uploaded a second video apologizing for his treatment of the employee, but stating that he stood by his beliefs regarding the mask mandate.

On July 9, 2025, Schroder wed for a second time.  He married theatre actress Julie Trammel at the Four Seasons resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  The couple shared photos of their seaside beach wedding on Instagram.  Ricky and Julie told People that their nuptials were a "dream come true" and that they chose their venue after viewing the latest season of White Lotus.  "Cabo is much closer than Thailand," they said.      

Julie Trammel

END NOTES

* Ricky Schroder has an older sister, Dawn Schroder, sometimes known professionally as Dawn A. Gregg.  Dawn and her husband, Bradley Gregg. are filmmakers.  They have five children.

* Ricky's paternal grandparents were German immigrants.

* Ricky played Jon Voight's son twice: first in the The Champ (1979) and 14 years later in Return to Lonesome Dove (1993).

* In 2000, Ricky delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in support of George W. Bush.   A 2001 article in the East Valley Tribune, a Phoenix, Arizona area newspaper, described Ricky as "one of the few out-of-the-closet conservatives in the entertainment industry."

* Ricky did not appear in the May 2001 season finale of NYPD Blue due to the impending birth of his youngest child, Faith.  He later announced his decision to leave the show in order to devote more time to his family.

* In 2004, Ricky made his debut as a writer and director with Black Cloud, a drama about a Navajo man who embarks on a journey of personal growth to prepare himself to box at the Olympics.  Eddie Spears played the title role of Black Cloud, while Ricky and Tim McGraw also appeared in the film, which marked McGraw's acting debut.

* Ricky is a strong advocate for Childhelp, a nonprofit organization devoted to preventing child abuse.

* Recently, Ricky and wife Julie travelled to Provo, Utah to support Charlie Kirk's family as the preliminary hearing for Kirk's alleged murderer began.  The former child star sported a grey beard, with his blond hair tucked underneath a tan trucker hat.  He wore black-framed glasses and a navy blue T-shirt with a blue patch that read "The Hell I Won't."

SOURCES

People, "NYPD Blue Star Rick Schroder Marries Theater Actress Julie Trammel in Seaside Cabo Wedding: 'Our Hearts Are Grateful," by Kimberlee Speakman and Erin Clack, August 25, 2025; East Valley Tribune (eastvalley.com), "From child star to director," by Craig Outhier, Septemeber 26, 2004, Updated October 6, 2011; In Touch, "Ricky Schroder Looks Unrecognizable in New Video as He Supports Charlie Kirk's Family at Trial," by Whitney Danhauer, July 8, 2026; Wikipedia; IMDb (Internet Movie Database

- Joanne

Y&R at crossroads

As regular readers know, I write a column called Y&R Report which appears on TV Banter every second Saturday.  At the moment, I am taking a summer break from writing the column until September 12th. However. something happened that has compelled me to comment.  The Young and the Restless is at a crossroads.  There has been a major shakeup at the soap.  Head writer Josh Griffith has suddenly decided to leave the show after six years on the job.  His departure was confirmed on June 26th, but he will remain with Y&R while CBS searches for his replacement  Griffith's departure comes weeks after he stepped down as executive produce.  Veteran producer Sally McDonald became the show's sole executive producer, while Griffith concentrated on his writing.  

So far, I have not been particularly impressed with the show's summer storylines.  Y&R really needs to lighten up.  I hope that Griffith's successor will not have as many dark storylines.  There have been far too many kidnappings, addictions and mental breakdowns.  Where are the summer barbeques and swimming parties?  Why was the Fourth of July completely ignored?  Younger characters such as Faith Newman, Lucy Romalotti, Johnny Abbott and Connor Newman seem to have disappeared.  

I also think that some of the show's storylines have been very uneven.  For example, we never did find out what happened to wicked Ian Ward.  After being assumed dead, he inexplicably opened his eyes in the ambulance.  Mariah had visions of him, but we have never learned his fate.  

Recently there was concern that singer Danny Romalotti was missing.  He showed up and the storyline was was quickly dropped.  For months, Holden and Audra have been keeping a secret about their connection to the death of a man in L.A.  Will anything ever come of that?  Sometimes the writers just drop stories as if they hadn't been planned.  

Furthermore, there doesn't seem to be any storyline right now for Daniel and Tessa.  Mariah seems to be out of the picture.  I like Detective Burrow, but they should use him more,  His appearances have been few and far between.  The writers should give him a real storyline and a first name.

 

The choice of Y&R's new head writer is crucial.  It will direction of the soap for years to come.

- Joanne

Season 6 of Emily in Paris is on the way

Lily Colins

Emily in Paris fans will be pleased to know that the sixth season of the show is currently being filmed in Greece, Monaco and Paris.  However, Netflix has announced that this will be the final season for the series, starring Lily Colins in the title role of Emily Cooper.  Production of the sixth season commenced on May 11, 2026 and will conclude at the end of September.  

Season 5 ended with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) sending Emily a postcard from a yacht in Greece, inviting her to joint him there after learning that she had broken up with her Italian boyfriend, Marcello.  Most of the cast is expected to return for the final season, including Colins, Bravo, Eugenio Franescini (Marcello Muratori), Ashley Park (Mindy Chen), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie). Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie Grateau), Bruno Gouery (Luc) and Samuel Arnold (Julien).

So, will Emily rekindle her romance with chef Gabriel, her former downstairs neighbour?   At the end of the show's fourth season, Lucas Bravo, the French actor who portrays Gabriel (no last name given) made some critical comments about the direction his character had taken.  Bravo  felt that Gabriel had lost his charm and confidence n the way he had evolved over four seasons.  In an interview with IndieWire, Bravo stated., "In Season 1, there was a lot of me in him.  But thy they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being complete lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned in guacamole.  I really grew apart from him."

Bravo questioned whether he wanted to be part of Season 5, especially because his contract had ended at Season 4.  He wanted to see if Gabriel "got back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self.   Although Bravo did appear in Season 5, he had verry little screen time.  He explained that he had had scheduling conflicts and that he had filmed two movies.  In August 2024, he appeared in The Honeymoon, a Dean Craig film.  In October, he was cast in the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

Lucas Bravo

It seems likely that we will see a great deal more of Lucas Bravo in the final season of Emily in Paris.  My guess is that Emily will reunite with Gabriel, although I wouldn't count Marcello out so easily.  The show's creator, Darren Star, told Variety, however, that Gabriel is Emily's "big love."  Star said. " I don't think it'll be an instant relationship, though I do believe that people can find their way back to each other." 

Meanwhile, Emily's close friend Mindy Chen's engagement to Nicolas de Leon, heir to the JVMA fashion conglomerate, is on shaky ground due to her connection with British banker Alfie Peterson.  Alfie noticed Mindy's engagement ring and advised her to reconsider her decision.  Get ready for lots of drama and comedy in Season 6.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (May 23, 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.       

NOTE TO READERS:  I am taking a spring/summer break.  Y&R Report will return on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Nick Newman is a complete and total mess.  He will hit rock bottom in the next few episodes.  Victor will take measures to save his addicted son.

So, Danny Romalotti is missing.  Why?  It seems that Patty Williams and Matt Clark may have something to do with his disappearance.  After all, Patty mentioned Danny to Matt.  Who else would go after Genoa City's own rock star?  Ian Ward is not around and he has no reason to harm Danny (We are still waiting to find out what happened to Ian , if we ever will).  Here's my criticism of the show's writers.  Why mention that Danny seems to be missing and then drop it for several episodes.  There is a lack of continuity.

I must say, Patty and Matt are quiet a lethal combination.  They have a certain chemistry.  But Patty has clearly not reformed and she is set to betray Matt and anyone else who crosses her path.

What's with Devon?  I know he's angry at Mariah for kidnapping Dominic, but as Mariah pointed out, Devon is more angry with himself.  Mariah warned him not to allow himself to be consumed with anger.  Will he heed her advice?  I doubt it.

I am still waiting for the dashing Detective Burrow (Matt Cohen) to make another appearance on Y&R.  He hasn't been seen on screen for a while.  Nick Newman mentioned that he was going to  contact Burrow.  Nick's diabolical plan is to provoke Matt Clark into attacking him with Burrow witnessing.  Nick could then claim he killed Matt in self-defence.

Not only does Y&R need a police detective in the cast, the show needs a doctor.  

Claire is not as sweet and innocent as we once believed.  She seems to have some of the vindictiveness of her grandfather, Victor, and her aunt, Jordan.  Is she using Holden so that she can get some dirt on her enemy, Audra?  Is that why she really went to New York with him?

CAST NEWS

Melissa Ordway (Abby) appears Amish mini-series.  

Fans can see a different side of Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman Winters), and it's a far cry from her Y&R role.  Melissa appears in the drama series Sugar Creek Amish Mysteries.  She landed a guess role in the fourth episode of the series, titled "Off the Beaten Path," which aired on May 14 on UPtv.  The episode is currently available for streaming on the UP Faith and Family platform.  Melissa portrays a character called Lacey, an actress who arrives in an Amish community to escape the constant glare of the media.  Instead. she gets drawn into local mystery.  The mystery unfolds in the delightful town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, where Melissa, her husband Justin Gaston, and their two daughters, Olivia and Sophie, spent some quality family time.

Justin plays the role of Michael Neal in the same episode in which Melissa appears.  He previously played a recast Chance Chancellor on The Young and the Restless for a few episodes, including Abby's wedding to Chance.  He originated the role of Ben Weston on Days of Our Lives.  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Fan, are you satisfied with the work of Josh Griffith as head writer of The Young and Restless, or would you prefer a new head writer?  Do you think it's time for a change?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Are you satisfied with Josh Griffith's work as head writer of Y&R?

Yes, I think he's done a fine job. I'm happy with the show;s writing.

No, absolutely not. The writing could be much better. Griffith should be replaced.

He's doing an okay job, but there's room for improvement.

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.  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, September 12, 2026.  Have a great summer.  See you in September.  It would be wonderful if Y&R had some lighter storylines for the summer.  How about some pool parties and barbeques?  Where are the teens and younger characters?  Lucy Romalotti and Connor Newman and Johnny and Katie Abbott haven't been seen for ages.

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (May 9, 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.       

So, Matt Clark is still alive.  Sienna didn't kill him.  Why am I not surprised?  He has to stay around to cause more trouble for the Newman family.  The twist is that Clark is suffering from amnesia after the blow to his head from Sienna.  Matt's scene at the Athletic Club bar with Phyllis was enjoyable.  Then, after running away from Noah, who should Matt run into but Patty Williams.  Those two make quite a pair.  The looks they gave each other were priceless.  What a combination!

Nick Newman recovered rather quickly form his addiction, or did he?  Not so fast!  Despite confessing his addiction to Nikki and Victoria, he pulled another pill from his pocket.  Will he swallow it?  At any rate, it was good to see Nick humbled for a change when he admitted his mistake to his family.  But the guy has serious problems.  Before Phyllis took over Newman Enterprises, Nick seldom appeared at the office.  He was too busy being Sharon's knight in shining armour and venting his rage at Matt Clark.  In addition to rehab for his pill addiction, Nick needs anger management therapy.

Why did Cricket have to look so self-righteous when Phyllis and Cain were arrested?  She claims she is a professional and that she won't allow her animosity toward Phyllis affect her performance as district attorney.  I think it already has.  She doesn't seem neutral to me.  Why has she accepted the e-mail evidence against Phyllis so easily?  Why isn't she checking out Victor's actions more?  

Phyllis and Cricket had quite a confrontation, witnessed by Michael and Lauren.  Phyllis couldn't help herself.  She ripped into Cricket about being Victor's puppet and threatened to expose her to every media outlet.  Cricket declared that she'd win a defamation suit against the redhead.

Although Phyllis has behaved abysmally, I am so disgusted with Victor and his princess daughter that I am on her side this time.  I know Victor will take over again eventually, but it's great that Phyllis is making him squirm.

Get ready for an epic court battle between the Cricketmeister and Michael Baldwin.  It should be fun.

It seems as if there's going to be trouble ahead for Adam and Chelsea.  Adam was affected by his stint as Spyder in Las Vegas.  He admitted to Chelsea that he was still attracted to that lifestyle.  Also, Adam does not like Chelsea's sympathy for Billy, while Chelsea does not think he deserves to be thrown under the bus.

There's been a shakeup behind the scenes at The Young and the Restless.  Josh Griffith is stepping down as executive prodTucer of the show in order to concentrate solely on his head-writing duties.  Meanwhile, Sally McDonald, who has been co-producer since 2025, will remain as the show's only executive producer.  Will this mean an improvement in the show's writing?  Fans can only hope so.

Josh Griffith

CAST NEWS

Lauren Koslow to play Jill temporarily

Jess Walton

Lauren Koslow

Lauren Koslow, best known for her role as  Kate Roberts on Days of our Lives, will be playing Jill Foster Abbott temporarily because Jess Walton, who has portrayed Jill since 1987, is unavailable due to a scheduling conflict.  Head writer Josh Griffith and executive producer Sally McDonald said the following in a joint statement: "Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R.  We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott."

Meanwhile, Lauren Koslow is no stranger to The Young and the Restless.  Longtime fans will remember that Lauren began her daytime career on Y&R as the crafty Lindsey Wells, who fell for Jack Abbott many years ago.

Jill's appearance means that she will show up in Genoa City or that son Billy will be visiting her in London where she has cardiac issues.  I doubt that that Lauren Koslow will only be seen in video calls.  I don't think Jill will be very pleased when she hears the news about Billy's engagement and his impending fatherhood.  

Where oh where is Detective (No first name) Burrow, played by Matt Cohen?  He hasn't been seen for a long time.  I like him.  I hope he's back soon.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra)

Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott)

Yes, Billy Boy Abbott and Sally Spectra are engaged and they are having a child.  But will they make it down the aisle?  Expect problems ahead.  Billy has been implicated in the case against Phyllis and Cane.  Will he fall into his old ways again?  Can Sally really trust him?  What do you think, fans?  Should Sally marry Billy?  Will the wedding even happen?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Should Sally marry Billy and will the wedding ever happen?

No, Billy always messes up. Sally shouldn't marry him. I doubt it will happen anyway.

Billy really cares for Sally. She should marry him, but circumstances may prevent their marriage.

I see big trouble ahead for those two if they marry.

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.  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.  Don't forget that he next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on May 23, 2026.

Take care,

Joanne

Here's what to expect in Season 5 of Son of a Critch

Finally!  It's official.  Filming is underway in St. John's Newfoundland for the fifth and final season of Son of a Critch, Mark Critch's semi-autobiographical sitcom about coming of age in Newfoundland in the 1980s and 1990s.  The fifth season will consist of 12 episodes. It will air on the CBC and CBC Gem this fall.  On May 4, 2026, the show's co-creator and executive producer Mark Critch posted a video alongside the following statement on social media:

To all of you who’ve been watching along, we’ve officially started filming Season 5 of Son of a Critch. We’re heading back to 1992 – the year I graduated high school –  so you can expect all the awkwardness and growing pains that come with it.

And since it’s the last year of high school, it will also be our final chapter. Growing up is hard to do – but it sure is fun to watch.

We hope you’ll join us this fall as we go back to school one last time on CBC and CBC Gem.

Class dismissed, 

Mark Critch

Here's how the final season of Son of a Critch is described in a media release:

In its final season, Son of a Critch finds Mark in his last year of high school just as Newfoundland’s cod moratorium crisis turns his world upside down. While the adults scramble and the future feels suddenly uncertain, Mark is more determined than ever to chase his dream of becoming an actor—whether anyone’s ready for him to grow up or not. As friendships evolve, first love gets complicated, and the family faces changes they can’t outrun, this season captures the messy, funny, and deeply human moment when everything ends and begins at the same time. After five seasons of growing up together, it’s a heartfelt goodbye to Mark’s childhood—and to the Critch family we won’t soon forget. 

FIFTH SEASON CAST                            

The cast of Son of a Critch consists of Mark Critch as his own father, Mike Sr., with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Legend of Zelda, Everything's Going to Be Great) as young Mark.  Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Entourage) as Patrick Critch, Mark's grandfather, "Pop."  Claire Rankin (Stargate Atlantis) portrays his mother, Mary Critch, while Colton Gobbo (Ginny and Georgia) plays his older brother, Mike Jr.  Mark Ezekiel Rivera is his best friend Ritche, and Sophia Powers is his girlfriend Fox.  Secondary cast members returning for the final season include Richard Clarkin (Memory of a Killer) as Dick, Nicole Underhay (Hudson &Rex as Fox's mom Suzanne, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll (Doc) as Father Garcia and North McLellan (Stays) as Sister Rose.  Guest stars are Shawn Doyle (Star Trek: Discovery) as Kevin Lewis, Mark former theatre instructor, Susan Kent (The Snake) as Linda Lahey and Rick Mercer as radio station owner Mr. Bartlett.

It sounds like the fifth season of Son of a Critch well be worth the wait.  By the way seasons 1-4 are available to stream now on CBC Gem.  American viewers can stream the show on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

- Joanne