There's a buzz around this UK drama series

In the UK, a period drama, based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice has delighted fans of the English author.  The BBC series, entitled The Other Bennet Sister, focuses on Mary Bennet, the sister of Austen's protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet.  The ten-episode series debuts in Canada and the United States on May 6, 2026, and will be available to stream on Britbox and the Britbox Apple TV Channel.  It can also be accessed through Amazon Prime.  The first three half-hour episodes will be released on May 6, with seven more half-hour weekly releases to follow on Wednesdays.

The Other Bennet Sister is adapted from the eponymous novel by Janice Hadlow.  The series was filmed primarily in Wales.  It is directed by Jennifer Sheridan (Extraordinary) and Asim Abbasi (Cake) and produced by Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials, Industry)..  Bad Wolf was founded in 2015 to create relevant TV drama throughout the world.

The Other Bennet Sister has a talented British ensemble cast, with Ella Bruccoleri in the lead role as Mary Bennet.  Bruccoleri is known for her roles as Sister Frances in the BBC drama Call the Midwife (2018-2022) and Winnifred Barragan in the Netflix series Bridgerton.  Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella) plays Mrs. Bennet in seven episodes and Richard Coyle (Heads of State, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) portrays Mr. Gardiner  in seven episodes,  Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Night Manager) takes on the role of Mrs. Gardiner in eight episodes).

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, there are five Bennet sisters.  Jane Bennet is the eldest, followed by Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine (Kitty) and Lydia (the youngest).  Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813.  It is set in Regency England and follows the fortunes of the Bennet family, who live in Longbourn House in Hertfordshire, a county in the East of England.  

Mary Bennet is the forgotten middle child in Austen's novel.  Mary is intelligent, bespectacled and very shy.  She is awkward, bookish and doesn't play the piano well at parties.  The Other Bennet Sister is the story of Mary's transformation from a wallflower into a confident woman.  It happens when she leaves Longbourn behind and travels to London to live with her kindly aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, in their elegant home on Gracechurch Street,

Here's what Ella Brucoleri had to say about Mary's character: "From a young age, she's seen as not having the same desirable qualities as her sisters.  She comes to believe that she's innately unlovable.  And then the minute she steps away from her family, she begins to see things differently.  I mean, she has setbacks all the time, but it's a story about the transformative power of kindness, really."

Ella Brucoleri as Mary Bennet

Some critics have dubbed The Other Bennet Sister as "fanfic," inferring that it strays too far from Jane Austen's original work.  They contend that it puts too much emphasis on the "cute" and "interesting."  Others have praised its fresh outlook on the themes of the novel.  What would Jane Austen think of the series?  Perhaps that's an unfair question because Austen lived in another era, and 2020s TV show formats and streaming would be strangely foreign to her.  However, one could argue that Austen's truths are timeless and universal.  Whether The Other Bennet Sister has done justice to her work is open to debate.  Still, for Austen fans, it is well worth watching.

SOURCES: Yahoo News; "'The Other Bennet Sister': How to watch the show in Canada and U.S. with Bridgerton 'Young Sherlock' stars," Elisabetta Bianchini, April 5, 2026; "The Kansas City Star, "The Other Bennet Sister: US Premiere Date, Cast and Streaming Details," by Hanna Wickes, April 1, 2026; The Charlotte Observer, "Pride and Prejudice's Most Overlooked Sister Now Has Her Own Show: When Does It Drop In the US?" by Hanna Wickes, April 1, 2026; The Conversation (the conversation.com), "The Other Bennet Sister: this fresh take on Pride and Prejudice transforms the overlooked Mary," March 18, 2026; Wikipedia

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 28, 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, two marriages are in deep trouble -- Victor and Nikki and Jack and Diane.  I must commend the four soap veterans (Eric Braeden, Melody Thomas Scott, Peter Bergman and Susan Walters) for some fine acting.  It should be interesting to see how this plays out.  However, I think somewhere along the line, the two couples will reconcile.  In the meantime, will Jack and Nikki get together, at least for a while?            

Are you wondering how long Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) will be in Genoa City?  According to Soap Opera Digest, expect her to stick around until late 2026.  By that time, Patty will be sent back to a psychiatric hospital and Stacy will return to her other role as Kristen DiMera on Days of Our Lives.  Because Days shoots so far in advance, she will continue to be seen in Salem until late his year.  Here is what Stacy told Soap Opera Digest about filming so far ahead: "They do a lot of that on Days, which is always sad for me.  I was getting a little depressed because I was like, 'Oh, I miss it, I want to be working,' and blah, blah, blah."  However, two weeks after she completed her latest Days stint, Y&R head writer and executive producer Josh Griffith texted her unexpectedly and asked if she were available to return as Patty.  "It was just perfect timing," said Stacy.        

This is the opportune time to bring Patty's brother, Paul Williams (Doug Davidson) back, provided Doug agrees, which seems doubtful.  Not only is Patty back, but Danny and Cricket (Paul's ex) are newly married.  Paul is mentioned from time to time on the show, but that's all.  By the way, I don't think fans would accept another actor playing the role.

Nikki is going to join with Jack Abbott to bring Victor down.  They are planning to team up to teach Victor a lesson he'll never forget.  That should be very very interesting, but will it work?  Will anything stop The Moustache from getting what he wants?                                 

Holden has been encouraging Audra to get back together with Kyle Abbott.  He obviously wants to prevent Claire Newman from reconciling with her ex-boyfriend so that he has a better chance with her.  Holden is really smitten with Claire.  Audra, however, isn't listening to Holden.  She may have other ideas.  She ran into Noah and they waxed nostalgic about their past.   This could be a sign that the two of them may get together again.  Noah betrayed Allie and hooked up with Sienna.  He hasn't been very loyal in his relationships.  As for Audra, she would probably cavort with Noah in a minute if the opportunity arose.

Lauren is quite enthusiastic about her new partnership with Phyllis.  She considers it an exciting challenge, although Michael is clearly not thrilled about it.  I wonder how long Phyllis will be able to keep control of Newman Enterprises?  If Victor gains control again, Lauren and Phyllis are out the door.

Is there a TV character who is as much a daddy's girl as Victoria Newman?  I don't think so.  She defended her daddy when he treated Nikki miserably.  She is a chip off the old block, that's for sure.  She knew about the deal between Victor and Lily, but didn't tell Nate.  If Nate were considering a reunion with Princess Victoria, that may have been the deal breaker.  He'll think twice before getting romantically involved with her again.

Christel Khalil (Lily) has returned from maternity leave.  Lily is under fire for her secret deal with Victor.  As Devon and Nate pointed out, you'd think she'd know by now that Victor can't be trusted.  He'd throw anyone under the bus to get what he wants.  Cane is extremely angry with her.  He declared that he wants nothing more to do with her.  I wonder how long that will last.

Congratulations to The Young and the Restless for celebrating its 53rd anniversary on March 26, 2026,  The show debuted in 1973, in the midst of the Watergate Scandal.      

CAST NEWS

Tina Casciani is back on Y&R as Riza Thomas

Tina Casciani has returned to her role as Riza Thomas, Adam Newman's Las Vegas connection on The Young and the Restless.  Riza is a reminder of Adam Newman's bad old days in Vegas as card shark known as Spyder.  

Tina played Riza on Y&R from 2019 until 2020.  The Italian-Brazilian actor hails from New York and began her career as a dancer and model.  Her fist big role was in the independent film Mob Rule She also appeared in Role Models, along with Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott and the biographical sports film Bleed for This, as well as the television series How I Met Your Mother, Revenge, Jane the Virgin, Donny and CSI: Miami.

Riza didn't waste any time causing trouble.  When Adam arrived to meet her, she immediately pulled a gun on him.  She ended up sharing a drink with him and then kissing him.

Conner Floyd (ex-Chance) gets married

Some big changes for actor Conner Floyd.  He left his role as Chance Chancellor on Y&R when his character was killed off.  He now plays Chad DiMera. on Days of Our Lives.  Conner replaced Billy Flynn who went on to portray Cane Ashby on Y&R.

Conner has also become a married man.  On March 21, 2026, he wed his girlfriend Carly Frei in a ceremony in West Hollywood with over 200 guests in attendance.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins Abbott)

Diane is devastated.  She set out to rescue Jack and found him on a yacht in a compromising situation with her nemesis, Patty Williams.  She can't accept Jack's explanation that Patty drugged him and he lost his self-control.  She left the Abbott home and took up residence at the Athletic Club.  She ran into Patty there, and Patty tormented her mercilessly.  Patty scratched her with her claws, figuratively speaking.

It turns out that Diane's two enemies, Nikki and Phyllis are both living at the club.  Poor Diane!  She should find accommodation elsewhere.  She doesn't need any more salt rubbed in her wounds.  She's going to need some time to get herself together.  But should she forgive Jack?  Can she forget that his romp with Patty never happened?  What do you think, fans?  Reply to the poll below and let me know.

Should Diane forgive Jack?

Yes, he was drugged and manipulated. Patty Williams and Victor Newman are to blame.

No, Jack shouldn't have been drinking with Patty. Why did he let himself lose control?

Maybe after some time and space, she should take him back.

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.

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 11, 2026.  A very Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate.

Take care,

Joanne

(Because DAYS shoots so far in advance, she will continue to be seen in Salem until late 2026.) “They do that a lot on DAYS, which is always sad for me. I was getting a little depressed because I was like, ‘Oh, I miss it, I want to be working,’ and blah, blah, blah. But the beauty of it was that two weeks after [she wrapped her latest DAYS stint], Josh [Griffith, Y&R’s executive producer/head writer] texted me unexpectedly and was like, ‘Are you available to come back as Patty?’ It was just perfect timing.”

The trouble with streaming

I subscribe to Neflix, but not to any other major streaming service.  I do have access to many cable stations, as well as Crave, YouTube, CBC Gem, Filmrise and Tubi.   Although I really enjoy watching TV, I can't spend all my time in front of a screen.  However, I certainly can't complain that there's not enough to watch.  There is plenty of choice for viewers.

It is impossible to subscribe to every streaming service or to keep up with all the programming. There is just too much available, and we are being inundated. I have no desire to subscribe to a streaming service just because it has one specific program that I am interested in.  Although I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan, I refuse to subscribe to Apple TV because some Blue Jays games are streamed on Apple.  It's really annoying not to be able to watch a game on TV.  It's really unfair to we much-maligned baseball fans who are the lifeblood of the sport.

Since people don't subscribe to the same streaming services, nor do they watch the same shows at the same time, it's more difficult to share opinions or watch programs together.  Your friends could be discussing a series they watch on Prime or Apple TV or Disney+.  If you don't subscribe to Prime or Apple, you can't contribute to the conversation and you feel left out.  Unfortunately, streaming in some ways, creates more of a disconnect among people at a time when when we need to connect more than ever.  We talk about what we've viewed, but we don't watch much together in the same room.

- Joanne 

Y&R Report (March 14, 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.        

She came back!  Patty Williams, that is.  Now we know why.  Naturally, Victor Newman was behind her sudden appearance.  Patty is still weird and she's still obsessed with Jack Abbott after all these years.  Why was she released from a psychiatric facility, when she's clearly mentally unstable?  Why is she in cahoots with Victor?  What did her in return?  It was most likely the chance to take advantage of Jack Abbott, and she succeeded. Why did Jack even share a drink with her, only to be drugged.  He doesn't have the best judgement, does he.  Diane was so angry at Jack when she saw him with Patty that she slapped him.  Will Diane forgive him or will she cast him out?  He may eventually turn to Nikki, now that she may finally have had enough of Victor's ruthlessness.

Victor Newman is behaving like a cartoonish villain. The Black Knight is acting the way he did when Eric Braeden first joined Y&R over 45 years ago.  At that time, Eric requested that Y&R provide his character with a back story, explaining why Victor turned out that way.  The writers came up with the story of Victor growing up in an orphanage and having to make his own way in the world.  It seems that 45 plus years later, the character is regressing to the original Victor.  He is conducting himself in a cruel and criminal manner - kidnapping and extortion.  He doesn't even care what Nikki thinks.

What has happened to the Genoa City Police Department?  The police station is never shown, nor are any police officers.  The Newman family and the Abbott family have their own security.  Jack's kidnapping hasn't been reported to them.  Phyllis has also committed a crime.  She knocked out Cane with chloroform.  Where are the police in Genoa City?  It's more like Dodge City.  At least Dodge City had a sheriff.  GC doesn't even seem to have a police chief.  Where is Paul Williams when you need him?  Maybe he'll reappear now that his sister Patty is back.  For more on Doug, check out the CAST NEWS section below.

So, Victoria has decided to go to Milan after all.  Her plan is to turn Summer against Phyllis.  Does that mean Summer is headed back to Genoa City?  I really hope so.  Speaking of Phyllis, she has disappeared for the time being.  What is she up to?

Sally Spectra has reconciled with Billy Abbott.  He seems sincere this time, but I don't trust Billy Boy to stay that way.  Sally will probably have another visit to heartbreak hotel in her future.

The writing on Y&R often frustrates me.  Why does head writer Josh Griffith leave things hanging for so long.  What happened to Ian Ward?  Where is Matt hiding?  Why does Griffith wait until we are no longer on the edge of our seats to give us some answers?

CAST NEWS

Keeping up with Doug Davidson

Doug Davidson

"My entire identity was tied up in the show. It was the first position, even above family in the moment-to-moment thing. So the fact that it was cut off after 40 years was shocking to my spirit."

- Doug Davidson when asked by Soap Opera Digest what he missed most about Y&R.

To the disappointment of many Y&R fans, Doug Davidson (Paul Williams) departed from The Young and the Restless after more that 40 years of dedication to the show.  On March 23, 2023, Doug wrote on his Twitter account.  "I guess I should do an interview with a trusted publication to explain what went down."  In July of 2023, the actor cleared out his dressing room.  In a September 2023 interview with Soap Hub, Doug hinted that money issues were involved in his departure from the show.  He stated that lack of storylines wasn't the problem.

Now that Paul's sister Patty has returned, does that mean that Doug will also show up again?  I have mixed feelings about him returning to Y&R.  Yes, I would like to see him back in Genoa City, but why would he would want to return after the way he was treated?   I have to admit, however, that due to the current storylines, this would be an ideal time for Paul to return, at least temporarily.

Signs point to Michelle Stafford doing a crossover to Beyond the Gates

It's not official, but many soap sources report that Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), has been teasing about doing a crossover to Beyond the Gates.  Could she be planning a future visit to Fairmont Crest?  Will she encounter Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix of Beyond the Gates?  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki)

Nikki has had enough of Victor's latest moves.  It seems as if she can't take much more of his cruelty and vindictiveness.  But will she break up with him and give up her status as Lady of the Newman Manor.?  She may not have a choice as Victor has ordered her to leave.  What do you think, fans?  Is Victor and Nikki's marriage over?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.<

Do you think Victor and Nikki will break up over Jack's kidnapping?

Yes, II think Nikki has finally had enough of Victor's behaviour..

No. Nikki likes the Newman lavish lifestyle too much.

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 the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 28, 2026.  Remember also that Y&R will be pre-empted twice next week by March madness college basketball.  It will not be shown on CBS on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 (Wednesday March 18 and Thursday, March 19 on Global TV).   

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (February 28, 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 free again.  The charges against him have been dismissed by a judge.  That is hard to believe, but necessary, I guess, for the storyline to continue.  My frustration with head writer Josh Griffith is that so much happens that viewers aren't shown on screen.  Then we just hear about it.

Nicholas Newman is filled with rage.  He's angry and frustrated by Matt Clark and the pain in his fractured leg.  He ran out of painkillers, but continued to looking at Matt Clark's fentanyl, which he had in his pocket.  He threw a fentanyl pill in the snow, then picked up and swallowed it.  Matt will be happy to supply him with more of the dangerous opioid, because he will use Nick's addiction in his battle against the Newmans.  Nick will beg him for the drug.  But do we really need another addiction storyline?

The Newman family likes vigilante justice.  They always prefer to take the law into their own hands.  I was surprised, however, to hear Detective Burrow, a cop, condoned the Newman's use of vigilante justice to bring down Matt Clark.  

The blind loyalty to the Great Victor Newman is unbelievable.  Why doesn't anyone stand up to Victor, who behaves like a mob boss.  They all defend The Moustache, although he treats them terribly.  Let's start with Victoria. Victoria is a daddy's girl extraordinaire.  Victor has ruined all of her relationships and marriages.  He has controlled her life, but she remains 100 per cent loyal to him.  Despite Victoria's loyalty, Victor has chosen to confide in Adam and to shut her out.  Adam used to resist the Great Man, but now he's become Victor's loyal servant.  As for Michael Baldwin, he's Victor's lackey, ready and eager to do Victor's bidding.  Even Nikki won't really stand up to him.  She doesn't want to give up her position as Lady of the Newman Manor.  

Victoria is on a mission to save daddy's company.  She is planning to travel to Milan to turn Summer against her mother, Phyllis.  She hopes that Summer will side with the Newmans.  Victor and Nick do not support Victoria's plan, and it's uncertain whether she will actually go to Italy.  If she does go, I wonder if Summer will return to Genoa City.  I hope so.

Why does Jack Abbott have to goad Victor every time he runs into him at a restaurant?  Why doesn't he just ignore him or go somewhere else?  What good does it do to accost Victor and annoy him.  Speaking of Jack, the previews show that Victor has apparently kidnapped him.  Oh boy!  Another kidnapping!

We still don't really know what happened to Ian Ward.  That's poor writing.  We should know by now.  Will Ward join forces with Matt Clark and Patty Williams, who will returning to Genoa City?  

Phyllis has asked Lauren to work for her.  Will this cause a rift between Lauren and Michael, since Michael supports Victor?

CAST NEWS 

Shemar Moore (Malcolm) returning to Y&R

Two more blasts from the past are returning to The Young and the Restless for a multi-episode story arc that will begin airing in April.  Shemar Moore will be reprising his role as Malcolm Winters, the half-brother of the late Neil Winters (Kristoff St. John, who played Neil, died in on February 3, 2019).  Returning with Shemar will be Vivica A. Fox, who played Dr. Stephanie Simmons on Y&R over thirty years ago.  Back in 1985, Malcolm and Stephanie had a romantic relationship.  Will Malcolm rekindle his romance with her?

Vivica A. Fox

Shemar Moore first appeared on Y&R as photographer Malcom Winters in 1994.  He left the show in 2002, but has returned for story arcs and guest appearances over the years.  In 2019, Malcolm attended Neil's funeral in Genoa City.  Even though Neil has passed away, there are still many characters around to interact with Malcolm.  Don't forget that Malcolm, not Neil, is Lily's biological father.  Neil raised her and she always regarded him as her dad.  Could things change now that Neil is no longer in the picture?  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Amelia Heinle (Victoria )

Sean Dominic (Nate Hastings)

Nate Hastings and Victoria Newman  have been flirting with each other lately.  They also keep running into each other.  So, will they become romantically involved again?  Possibly, but Victoria is also deeply involved with saving the Newman legacy.  Furthermore, she has been distracted by her ex, Billy Boy Abbott.  She's decided to send her kids back to boarding school.  She claims that she is not trying to punish Billy by keeping their children away from him.  She says that she doesn't want the kids around when things get really nasty with their father.

Victoria told Nate that she can't even consider the possibly that her family would lose Newman Enterprises permanently.  When Nate suggested other possibilities for her career, she expressed no interest.  Her mind is laser focused on getting Newman Enterprises back.  Everything else seems secondary to her.

Poor Nate is between a rock and a hard place. If he goes back to Victoria, he has to deal with her father.  If he goes back to Audra, he will be caught up in her L.A. crime.  Fans, do you think Nate should hook up with Victoria again?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Should Nate reunite with Victoria?

Yes, they make a good couple.

No, Victor would just ruin the relationship.

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, March 14, 2026.  

Take care,

Joanne

The world of sitcoms in the 1950s and 1960s

Since I am interested in the history of television, I enjoy watching old TV shows.  When I view them, I marvel at how much the world has changed.  Some of what is shown on the comedy classics would never ever be acceptable today.   Let's take I Love Lucy for example.  I Love Lucy, one of the great television sitcoms of all time, ran on CBS from 1951 to 1957.  However, its plots reflect the prevailing attitudes of the 1950s, as well as the customs and styles of that era.

In one particular episode, entitled "Ricky Loses His Temper" (Season 3, Episode 19, Air Date: February 22, 1954), the hot-tempered Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) becomes fed up with Lucy buying so many hat, which were considered a must-have fashion item back then.  The couple decides to find out who can hold out the longest: Lucy has to stop buying hats and Rick can't lose his temper.  By the end of the episode, Ricky realizes that Lucy has been manipulating him into buying her a hat.  He pretends to laugh about the situation, but then orders her to return her hat.  He punishes her by taking her over his knee and spanking her bottom as the show fades out.  It was a portrayal of domestic violence that would never never be considered acceptable on television today.  

Here are some other things that were considered acceptable on old TV shows. 

* Smoking was promoted.  I Love Lucy was sponsored by the Philip Morris tobacco company.

In fact, doctors promoted cigarette smoking on television sitcoms and on commercials.

* Nobody wore seatbelts while driving.

*  Women had to ask their husbands for permission to purchase items, as they did not earn any money themselves.

* On old TV shows, native people are sometimes described as "wild Indians" or "savages."

* On the game show What's My Line? (1950-1957), host John Charles Daly always asked the female contestants they're marital status.  They had to reveal whether they whether they were a "Miss" or "Mrs."  Everything was much more formal.  The panelists were not always called by their first name.  Arlene Francis was often "Miss Francis" and Steve Allen was often "Mr. Allen."  Daley and the male panelists mostly wore tuxedos.

* Women such as comedy writer Sally Rogers (Rose Marie) on The Dick Van Dyke Show were expected to quit their jobs if they got married.  In the episode "Jilting the Jilter" (Season 2, Episode 31, Air Date: May 1, 1963), Sally becomes engaged to comedian Freddy White (Guy Marks), who wants to marry her for the comedy material she would provide for him.  She prepares to leave her job until she realizes the truth about Freddy.  Below is a photo or Rose Marie and Guy Marks in "Jilting the Jilter."

* On Leave it to Beaver, little boys, such as Theodore "Beaver Cleaver" (Jerry Mathers) wore suits and ties to attend birthday parties.

* Don't forget the malt shops on Leave it to Beaver and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.  

Yes, it was a very different world, in some ways much better, in some ways much worse.  It's was an almost all-white world, foreign to Generation Y and Generation Z.  There was black and white TV on small screens, no cell phones or personal computers. No texting.  People actually conversed with each other.  Very few beards and tattoos.  Much more formal.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (February 14, 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.        

Let's begin with the Y&R 's romantic overtures for Valentine's Day.  Well, Billy's attempts to impress Sally Spectra fell flat.  However, given that Billy has teamed up with Phyllis in order to throw Cane under the bus, I didn't expect Sally to be amused.  Billy and Phyllis will never learn.  They are a lethal combination, but maybe they deserve each other.  Billy's relationship with Sally is doomed.

Adam and Chelsea shared a romantic Valentine's dinner, even though Adam was somewhat districted by the Newman troubles.  Jack managed to calm Diane's anger over his closeness with Nikki, and they celebrated together.  However, Jack is playing with fire.  Diane may not be able to take much more of his "friendship" with Nikki.  Meanwhile, Noah followed Sienna to Los Angeles, declared his love for her, and convinced her to return to Genoa City with him.  

Audra found Kyle drinking alone at a bar on Valentine's Day.  They couldn't resist throwing a few barbs at each other.  Of course, Audra was quick to inform him that Claire had gone to L.A. with Holden.  Kyle pointed out that her past in L.A. with would be exposed.  Then the two began to kiss until Kyle pulled away.  Audra was left with an amused look on her face, as if she were still able to put Kyle under her spell.  Will he eventually weaken, especially since he seems to have lost Claire?

I'm pleased that Detective Burrow has joined the GC Police Department, but will the writers please give him a first name.  If that doesn't happen soon, I suggest that CBS runs a contest for fans to come up with a name for him.  Years ago, fans picked a last name for Esther.  They decided to call her Esther Valentine.

I'm also pleased that Victoria caught Phyllis and Billy Boy's conspiring.  However, I am not pleased that she vowed to turn Billy's children against him.  Children should not be used as pawns when their parents are battling.  

Now that Mariah's kidnapping of Dominic is over, let's not have anymore kidnappings for a while.  I must say that I was impressed by the acting of Ethan Ray Clark, the young boy who plays Dominic.

CAST NEWS

Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) has given birth to her third child

Christel Khalil and husband Sam Restagno have welcomed their new baby.  There has been no formal announcement and no details about the baby.  However, Christel posted a photo of herself on Instagram with a newborn.  This is the second child for the couple.  They became engaged in 2022 and married in Italy in October 2024.  They have a son named Remy, who was born in March 2024.  Christel has a 15-year-old son. Michael Caden, from a previous marriage.

Fans will now await Lily's return to Genoa City.

Stacy Haiduk to return to Y&R as Patty Williams

Three-time Daytime Emmy nominee Stacy Haiduk is returning to her role as Patty Williams after an absence of ten years.  Patty's return to Genoa City will stir the pot because she is dangerous, unstable and unpredictable.  Her brother, Paul Williams, is not around as Doug Davidson has left the show and his Paul character is living in Portugal.  Remember how Paul used to call her "Paddy Cakes."

So, whom will Patty's return impact?  Mostly likely Jack Abbott.  Patty has always been obsessed with Jack and she won't be happy that he's married to Diane.  Patty arrives at a time when Jack and Victor Newman are engaged in open warfare.

Remember Mr. Kitty, Patty's taxidermized cat?  She also triggered an allergic reaction in Summer by exploiting her peanut allergy, almost killing her.  Oh yes, she took Traci Abbott's daughter Colleen hostage and she shot Victor three times.  

Stacy Haiduk is a good actor.  My only concern is that the show is adding yet another mentally unbalanced character.  Maybe this time Paddy Cakes will team up with Ian Ward.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Matt Cohen (Detective Burrow)

Sharon Case (Sharon Newman)

Now that Detective Burrow is back on the scene, there has been online speculation that he will become romantically involved with Sharon.  Given that Sharon has a history of relationships with cops, I wouldn't be surprised if that happens.  Just look at her history with Dylan McAvoy, Rey Rosales and Chance Chancellor.  

For a long while, Sharon has dealt with one trauma after another - kidnappings, mental illness, the return of Matt Clark.  Now she's blaming herself for Mariah's meltdown.  Sharon deserves a break from all that.  Some fans would like her to reunite with Nick Newman.  However, Nick is very distracted and filled with anger.  He's also becoming addicted to prescription medication.  Nick seems to want to rescue Sharon rather than romance her.  I think he will eventually have competition from Burrow, which may cause him to be very jealous.  

What do you think, fans?  Do you like the idea of a romance between Detective Burrow and Sharon?  I'd be pleased if she could get through one episode without crying.   Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you like the idea of a romance between Sharon and Detective Burrow?

Yes, I think they would make a good match.

No, I'd rather see Sharon with Nick.

I think more time is needed to see if they are suited to each other.

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.  Today is Valentine's Day.  I hope you have a good one.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 28, 2026.  

Take care,

Joanne