TV BANTER

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Y&R Report (October 31, 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, how did you enjoy Billy and Sally's wedding? There was plenty of drama with Sally giving birth on her wedding day. To top it all off, Adam ended up delivering the baby. Then there was the news about Jill. It was all very emotional.

Billy and Sally have a beautiful baby girl named Ruby. But I see big trouble ahead for them. In most cases, happiness doesn't last till long on a soap. Adam's focus on baby Ruby does not bode well for the newlyweds or for Adam and Chelsea.

I expected Jill to survive. Jess Walton will return to the role and she will reveal a secret that will absolutely devastate Billy. I suspect that John Abbott may not be Billy's biological father.

The idea of Sharon treating Matt Clark is ludicrous. She is not a doctor. Furthermore, she cannot be objective because of her past relationship with Clark. I know it's a soap but I think it's grossly insulting to all the certified psychologists and psychiatrists. She is not Dr. Sharon. She has a university degree in psychology.

I am pleased that Lily's cancer tests turned out negative. The show does not need another cancer storyline.

CAST NEWS

Michael Damien has new single on pop charts

Congratulations to Michael Damien, who plays Genoa City rock star Danny Romalotti. His new single, "Mixed Emotions, " is on the charts. According to an October 18 Mediabase report, "Mixed Emotions" jumped from Number 143 to Number 89 on the U.S. Top 40 Radio Chart.

I am looking forward to Michael and other singers performing in the Shadow Room in Genoa City now that Romalotti is the manager of the establishment.

Nathan Owens (Holden Novak) has left Y&R

Holden Novak has not been seen on our screens for quite a while now. Viewers have been given the explanation that Holden is enjoying an extended vacation in London with his biological father, Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore). There is online speculation that Curtis Washington will be taking over the role once Holden returns to Genoa City. Audra, of course, couldn't resist needling Claire about Holden's long absence.

Holden is an important character on the show, so he needed in upcoming storylines. He will eventually discover that his mother, Stephanie, and Nate Hastings are an item. I doubt he'll be too happy about that. He will also have to give Claire support when she finds out about her mother, Victoria Newman, and Kyle Abbott. Kyle and Victoria are getting very careless and it shouldn't be too long before they are discovered. I think Kyle will dump Victoria once the thrill of their secret is over caught. They are enjoying living dangerously, but it can't last. Victoria has more to lose from the affair than Kyle.

I watched the Daytime Emmys last night and I was not too impressed. There were far too many categories and too many awards for individual episodes. The Young and Restless did not do too well. Roger Howarth, who plays Matt Clark, won the Daytime Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. This was not Roger's first Daytime Emmy. Back in 1994, he won the award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series or his role as the villainous Todd Manning on the now-defunct One Life to Live.

I was very disappointed that Eric Braeden did not win the Best Leading Actor category for his role as Victor Newman. He really deserves it, and he has been a very vocal supportive of daytime drama. I was looking forward to seeing him up on that stage. However, I did enjoy the tribute to Genie Francis. She was very gracious.

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, November 14, 2026. I am looking forward to the November Sweeps and the new writers.

Take care,

- Joanne

Monday, October 12, 2026

Heartland's 20th season is here

Heartland is Canada's longest-running one-hour scripted drama. It began airing in 2007. On October 4th, the show's 20th season began airing on CBC. I've watched the first of this season's 11 episodes. A Christmas special, airing on December 13, 2026 will serve as the season finale. Here are a few

Here are some notes Season 20:

* Georgie Fleming-Morris, played by Alicia Newton, returns to Heartland, marking her first appearance on the show since 2023. Her return is more than just a cameo and is expected to have a pivotal influence on the Bartlett-Fleming family.

Georgie, an orphan, was first introduced in the 6th season of Heartland. She had a history of running away from foster homes. Jack Bartlett discovered her hiding n a barn and she was eventually adopted by Lou and her husband Peter Morris.

Alicia Newton (Georgie)

Alicia Newton was born in Vancouver and is 25 years old. She is engaged to her longtime boyfriend Trevor.

* Chris Potter portrays Tim Fleming, the father of Lou and Amy. His future with the show remains unclear. There is speculation that the Toronto-born actor has health issues.

Chris Potter (Tim)

* A new character this season is Winn, Becker, played by Brynn Godenir. She is a brash new horse trainer who comes to the fictional town of Hudson. Winn's presence challenges Amy professionally. She is an ambitious social media influencer.

* Dex Cashman, played by Dylan Hawco, appears in his second season on Heartland. Dex is a former hockey goalie who had to give up his career due to an eye injury. Dex's girlfriend is Katie's friend, River.

Dylan Hawco (Dex)

Dylan Hawco is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada. A native of Cambridge, Ontario, his age has been listed as 23 in recent articles. He has appeared in five episodes of the CBC comedy Son of a Critch.

Heartland has lasted so long because it is constantly renewing itself with new characters or bring back characters who have left. The character I miss the most is Ty Borden, played by Graham.Wardle. Wardle officially left the series in the premiere episode of Season 14. Instead of replacing him with another actor, the writers killed Ty off, leaving Amy as a widow with a young daughter to raise. I think that was the correct decision. Most fans would not have liked a new actor in the role.

Amy grieved over Ty's death for a long time. She is now engaged to Nathan Pryce, played by Spencer Lord, a native of Kamloops, British Columbia. Nathan is a likeable character, but doesn't have the chemistry that Amy had with Ty.

- Joanne

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Y&R Report (October 10, 2026): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Nicholas Newman is a piece of work. He thinks that he alone can deliver justice. He's a vigilante and has no use for the police. He has to be the hero, the one who rescues damsels in distress. This time he was determined to punish Joe, the drug dealer. He believes that he must take the law into his own hands to save his fellow addict Marie. Sharon and Adam are trying to control him, but to no avail.

Kyle and Victoria have a new secret hideout. However, we all know that it's just a matter of time before their affair is revealed. Nikki and Victor will be angry. So will Dianne and Jack. However, the strongest reaction may come from Claire. Although Claire is with Holden now, she still has feelings for Kyle. To see her own mother with Kyle may well drive her over the edge. She is still affected by having been raised by her wicked Aunt Jordan. Who knows what she'll do if she feels greatly betrayed. The scars are still there.

I'm not pleased that Y&R has another cancer story involving Lily. We're still watching Josh Griffith's work, and he seems to focus on very dark subjects. The show really needs to lighten up. I hope Lily's cancer scare turns out to be a false alarm. The new writers should abruptly drop that storyline. People watch soaps for a little escapism. We don't need to be constantly reminded of illnesses that many of us are facing ourselves.

I am pleased that Detective Burrow is being shown on screen again. This could be a sign that he's going to actually do more than just talk about police matters. We still don't know anything about his personal life. I've said it before and I'll say it again, isn't it about time they gave him a storyline and a first name? How about a romance between him and Sharon. She can't wait around forever for Nick.

Matt Cohen (Detective Burrow)

I read an online comment that is likely quite accurate. The commentator seems to have pinpointed the location of Kyle and Victoria's hideaway. It's probably in the building that Phyllis purchased, across from Newman Towner. That's got to be the reason for her buying the property, along with the Athletic Club. That's why it's in the storyline, which means that Phyllis will check out the building and may be the one to catch Victoria and Kyle. If Phyllis discovers their secret, it one stay a secret for long. All of Genoa City will find out. They are behaving like teenagers with raging hormones.

I really enjoyed the bachelorette and the bachelor party for Sally and Billy. Credit to Billy for being a good sport for all the roasting he received. Billy Boy truly seems happy. However, he'll be devasted when he finds out Jill's secret.

Have you noticed that children and younger characters have not been shown on Y&R for a while? We haven't seem Harrison or Connor or Lucy or Faith of Katie and Johnny. Well that may be changing with the advent of the new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O'Conner. The good news is that Y&R will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a big Romalotti family reunion. According to Soap Dish, Lucy Romalotti (Lily Brooks O'Bryant) will return to Genoa City for the holiday. Get ready for a more grown up Lucy. O'Bryant hasn't appeared on the show since December 2024 at Christmastime.

A younger Lily Brooks O'Bryant

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 longtime Y&R viewer, Carly in Barrhaven, Ontario. Here is what she wrote:

Y&R is just pathetic. I am hoping that the new writers improve the storylines. My neighbour stopped watching. I can’t stand the Kyle/Victoria so-called secret love affair. Phyllis has become so pathetic with whatever feelings she has for Matt Clark. I’m not a fan of Vivica Fox & Nate’s romance & Billy with no shirt & sporting an apron . There was one episode last week, I believe, where it went from one pathetic love scene to another that I fast-forwarded the whole episode.

The Nick/Marie storyline, I can handle. I think she will be back and surprise, surprise, will be pregnant.

Well Carly, I haven't been thrilled with the writing either. However, I have been enjoying it more recently. I also fervently hope the new writers improve the storylines. The show needs to resemble the way it was in the Bill Bell days. I believe that's what most fans want. The fact that there is going to be a big family Thanksgiving sounds very promising.

Marie, of course, came back. I don't think she'll be pregnant. I'm just tired of the whole addiction/rehab storyline.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Melody Thomas Scott

I don't blame Diane (Susan Walters) for being irritated with Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott). Nikki is constantly showing up at the Abbott doorstep. She just can't stay away from Jack and Jack can't stop obliging her. Nick doesn't have to have Jack as his sponsor, but Nikki is eager to have him on board. Why does she have to be super friendly to Jack, who is not just any man. He's her ex-husband and her current husband's greatest rival. Can't she be cordial without intruding on his marriage to Diane. It's obvious that Nikki's feelings for Jack go beyond friendship. There was jealousy on Nikki's face when Diane cozied up to Jack? What do you think, fans? Should Nikki stay away from Jack? Is she really happy with Victor or does she just enjoy being Lady of the Newman Manor? Respond to the poll below and let me know.

That's all for now. I am looking forward to the Billy/Sally wedding and the November sweeps. Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Take care,

Joanne

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Y&R Report (September 26, 2026): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

What gives with Princess Victoria Newman? She is a member of the rich and powerful Newman family and has always been pampered and spoiled. So why has she meeting Kyle Abbott at a seedy motel, especially since the Abbotts are the sworn enemy of her father, Victor Newman? Do Kyle and Victoria think they were less likely to be recognized at a cheap place? Is that their idea of being discreet?

Victoria is behaving like a giddy schoolgirl. Is she getting her thrills by defying daddy Victor? You can be certain that this will not end well for her or Kyle. Things are about to get very messy. It's just a matter of time before the secret is revealed to all of Genoa City, and it won't be much longer. Many people will be upset, including Claire, Victor, Nikki, Nick, Diane and Jack. Victoria's mother, Nikki, is already a bit suspicious of Victoria's behaviour. She caught her daughter looking flushed and hiding her phone. Matt and Phyllis saw Kyle leaving the seedy motel, so it wasn't so discreet. However, Princess Victoria got away without being seen. What will Phyllis and Matt do with their knowledge? Will they be able to link Victoria with Kyle? Will Claire eventually walk in on her mother and her former boyfriend.

Kye and Victoria decided on a change of venue for their next rendezvous, a more upscale place. Victoria noted that they had almost gotten caught at the shady model. There's no doubt they will eventually get caught, and the fallout won't be pretty.

Sally Spectra will regret marrying Billy, if the wedding actually happens. Billy Boy Abbott is not a stable partner. Will Sally end up raising her baby alone? Well, she does have the support of best friend Audra and her surprising new friend, Chelsea. She has even asked Chelsea to be a bridesmaid, even though Chelsea and Adam cheated on Sally and Billy. Sally wants to leave the past behind, but Billy is unable do the same. Audra was not too pleased about Chelsea being in the wedding party.

Sally also has some family support. Her sister, Coco, and grandmother, Shirley Spectra, will come to town for her wedding and the birth of the baby. Sally recently went to Los Angeles to help take care of Coco when she underwent an operation, which went smoothly. Coco will be played by Ashley Campbell, Shirley Spectra will be portrayed by Patrika Darbo, who originally played the character on The Bold and the Beautiful in 2020.

There is bound to be a disruptions and plenty of drama surrounding the wedding of Sally and Billy. The nuptials will not go smoothly. It's inevitable that Patty or Matt or Phyllis or even Adam will cause a disturbance. Maybe Billy will discover the true secret that Jill is hiding. I think he will learn that John Abbott is not his biological father. Billy will not take that well, to put it mildly. He'll blow a gasket.

I really enjoyed the talk that Traci (Beth Maitland) had with Billy (Jason Thompson). Traci is really a breath of fresh air in Genoa City. Unlike most of the other characters, she is sensible and wise. She is the voice of reason.

CAST NEWS

Eileen Davidson (Ashley) recovering from accident

Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott) is recovering from knee surgery. She posted an update to her Instagram on Friday, September 18th, revealing that she had slipped in a cold plunge accident and fractured her patella. Eileen posted two photos of her swollen knee, one of which is in a brace. She wrote, "I'm gonna be down for the count for quite a few weeks recovering from surgery."

Eileen received get well messages from many fans and from her fellow Y&R fans. Lauralee Bell (Cricket) commented, "Heal well and in time knowing you you'll get your groove back."

Vivica A. Fox (Stephanie) leaving Y&R for a while

Vivica A. Fox (Stephanie)

Just as her involvement with Nate is heating up. Vivica A. Fox will be temporarily stepping away from her role as Dr. Stephanie Simmons. She is filming a new Netflix movie called Women Like Us.. She is expected to return to Y&R in the future.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jade Harlow

Marie Kirkland (Jade Harlow) has left Genoa City for now. However, I could not find any indication that she has left Y&R. I expect that she'll be back fairly soon. I doubt that we've seen the last of her. So, what impact would Marie's return have on the storyline? Well, it would certainly affect Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow). The two addicts bonded while in rehab together. They will likely continue their connection if and when Marie comes back. Of course, Sharon will also be affected because she would like to reunite with her former husband. However, Nick hasn't made any really romantic gestures where Sharon is concerned.

Sharon asked Nick about Marie and was told that she had left town. She won't be too pleased to have Marie as a rival for Nick's affections. Nikki and Victor won't like their son's involvement with Marie either. So fans, tell me what you think. Would you prefer Nick with Sharon or Marie? Respond to the poll below and let me know.

NOTE TO READERS

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, October 10, 2026.

Take care,

- Joanne

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Saturday, October 31, 2026

Y&R Report (October 31, 2026): The latest on The Young and the Restless

Monday, October 12, 2026

Heartland's 20th season is here

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Y&R Report (October 10, 2026): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Y&R Report (September 26, 2026): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

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