John Paschal/JPI Studios

Doug Davidson (Paul Williams, “The Young and the Restless“) may have been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor twice before, but the veteran actor admits that the honor never, ever gets old. In fact, he says the onset of social media has actually made receiving the honor all the more spectacular! “The support we get from the fans is so immediate now, because of Facebook and Twitter and all of that, and it’s almost like they’re riding along with you. So it’s really exciting!” he says. “Everybody should have something like this in their job, where you step back and get recognized by your peers.”

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The Hollywood Reporter

As Senior Vice President of CBS Daytime, Angelica McDaniel is ultimately responsible for the daily operation of television’s most popular daily lineup consisting of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “The Price is Right,” “The Talk” and “The Young and the Restless.” A few weeks ago, Soap Opera Network had the opportunity of speaking with McDaniel about her diverse lineup filled with soap operas, game shows and talk shows.

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Cliff Lipson/CBS

Tuesday, March 26 marks the 40th anniversary of “The Young and the Restless’” very first episode, and in celebration, the show is offering up plenty of special glimpses into its iconic past. For starters, the soap’s official website currently features 40th Anniversary photo galleries and videos, and there’s an option for fans to answer trivia questions for a chance to win a VIP trip to Los Angeles to tour the set and attend the show’s on-set Anniversary event. But as Angelica McDaniel, the Senior Vice President of CBS Daytime, says: The show’s 40th Anniversary is also the perfect opportunity to start focusing on what’s ahead.

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JPI

Earlier today we posted our ratings report for the week of February 4-8, 2013 and it looks as though the debut of Steve Burton on “The Young and the Restless” and Jack Wagner‘s return to “General Hospital” have helped bring new (or returning) viewers back to daytime television.

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Legion College

(SoapOperaNetwork.com) — New head writer Josh Griffith makes some changes to “The Young and The Restless” writing staff.

Associate head writer/breakdown writer Marla Kanelos has left the show.   Taking her spot on the breakdown team is Lisa Seidman, who returns for her second stint with “Y&R”.   Seidman wrote for the show from July 7 – October 2, 2008, and last worked on “Hollywood Heights” where Griffith was the head writer.    Brent Boyd, another “Hollywood Heights” alum, is the  show’s new script editor replacing Beth Milstein.   This is  Boyd’s first time writing for a daytime drama.   Milstein, who has been “Y&R’s” script editor since 2008, will transition over to writing scripts.

For discussion on these topics and more, join us in the Writers/Directors thread at the SON Community.

Robert Voets/Nickelodean

Soap Opera Digest grants Daytime Confidential‘s Jamey Giddens his wish. On Wednesday, August 15, Giddens had posted a Wishful Casting report shortly after word broke that Kevin Schmidt was out as Noah Newman on CBS’” The Young and the Restless.” The writer figured that Nickelodeon‘s “Hollywood Heights” actor Robert Adamson (Phil Sanders) would fit the role perfectly. Today the magazine reported on its Facebook page that Adamson is now heading to Genoa City!

According to Digest, Adamson begins taping at “Y&R” on Tuesday, September 4. His first airdate is scheduled for Monday, October 1.

Jill Farren Phelps and Josh Griffith, the newly installed executive producer and head writer, respectively, at “Y&R” also served in the same capacities at “Heights.”

No word on whether Adamson has been offered a contract. Schmidt had portrayed Noah while on recurring status.

Photo Credit: CBS

Daytime’s most watched soap is also daytime’s most heavily viewed series for African American audiences, but you wouldn’t know it based on the storyline’s written for its African American characters of late. With a new writing team in place, that will soon change. According to Soap Opera Digest, the series has put out another casting call for an African American character. Unlike the previous casting call, this one is for a female and it definitely sounds like a possible recast of a current character, but we could be wrong.

“Sally Tate” is described as a woman in her mid-20s who is ”vivacious, energetic, ambitious. She’s a mom balancing work and family. She’s had her share of tough times, but always bounces back from even the most trying situations. Sexy, romantic, fun-loving, with a delightful sense of humor and an eternal twinkle in her eyes.” The role comes with a contract attached.

This marks the second role being cast under new executive producer Jill Farren Phelps and head writer Josh Griffith. No word on when the show expects to cast the role nor when viewers can expect to see her on screen.

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Television

While “The Bold and the Beautiful” canceled its casting call last week following news of Ronn Moss‘ (soon-to-be ex-Ridge Forrester) departure, sister soap “The Young and the Restless” has announced its plans to cast the contract role of an African American male.

According to Soap Opera Digest, “Y&R” is seeking to cast the face of Tyler Douglas, who is currently in his late 20s or early 30s, and was orphaned at age 16. Douglas got himself through college and now holds an MBA. The character is “driven to succeed. Smart, energetic. Well-read. Smoothly sexy and confident, with a witty, sometimes cynical sense of humor.”

This marks the first role being cast under new executive producer Jill Farren Phelps and head writer Josh Griffith. No word on when the show expects to cast the role nor when viewers can expect to see him on screen.

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Television

Hint: He’s going no where!

When Maria Arena Bell was fired as head writer and executive producer of “The Young and the Restless” on Thursday, July 26, just one day earlier Soap Opera Digest reported that Scott Hamner, one of the soaps co-head writers, would be leaving at the end of his contract. “I had decided to let my contract expire but Maria[Arena Bell, executive producer/head writer] asked if we could call it a sabbatical instead,” explained Hamner in a statement. “She really didn’t want me to leave, so I agreed to take a few months off. She has been so gracious and generous about my need to take a break and I appreciate that.” Meanwhile, with the appointment of Josh Griffith as Bell’s replacement as head writer, many began to wonder whether Hogan Sheffer would remain as co-head writer of the soap or if Griffith would be the sole head writer of the series.

Although no additional changes has been announced by Sony Pictures Television or CBS since Griffith officially took over writing duties on Monday, August 6, Soap Opera Network reached out to a rep for Sheffer and a spokesperson for the drama series. According to a CBS spokeswoman, ”‘Y&R’ does not comment on contracts, rumors or storyline information.” A rep for Sheffer issued a “no comment,” while a close source to the series informs us that Sheffer has “not been fired.”

Should any writing changes take effect at “Y&R” or another daytime drama series, make sure to stay tuned to Soap Opera Network for the breaking story.

Bell, Hamner and Sheffer received the Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team in June 2011 for their writing work on the series during the 2010 nominating period (January 1 through December 31). It was the first win for “Y&R” since 2006, when it picked up the award for writing work during the 2005 nominating period.

Photo Credit: CBS

On Thursday, July 26, Sony Pictures Television announced Josh Griffith as the new head writer of “The Young and the Restless.” He replaced Maria Arena Bell, who also served as the soaps executive producer (she’s been replaced by Jill Farren Phelps in that position). In the days following the announcement of his appointment at “Y&R,” Griffith became a little more active on his Twitter account (@joshgriffith13).

On Friday, August 3, Griffith tweeted “My last day at ‘Hollywood Heights‘ studios. Sad to be leaving one show but excited about starting work on ‘Y&R’ on Monday!” Griffith and Phelps, who reigned over the Nickelodeon primetime drama series, officially took charge of daytime’s #1 drama series on Monday, August 6. Shortly after that tweet, Griffith responded to a tweet by “Y&R” star Michelle Stafford who asked her followers to “Do something today that u wouldn’t normally do!!! I am gonna!! I’ll tell u what it is tonight!!!” Griffith’s response was “@TheRealStafford Afraid. Very afraid.”

Today, Griffith tweeted “Back in action at ‘Y&R’ Great to see everyone. I’m thrilled to be back. Feels like home.”