CBS and Sony Pictures Television have not officially announced Josh Griffith as its new head writer of “The Young and the Restless,” following the recent departure of Mal Young, but actor Kristoff St. John (Neil Winters) is speaking up, loud and proud, over the writer’s return to series.
In a Twitter post in response to the recent ratings report published here on Soap Opera Network, St. John rejoiced over Griffith’s return to the writer’s room. “His inspiring leadership, focusing on the core characters, will prevail,” said the actor of Griffith’s talents. “The character assassination of Paul [Doug Davidson] was brutal. Raise your voice! Bill Bell Sr. created this legendary show. It is our duty to protect his legacy.”
St. John’s comment comes just days after Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) told fans of big changes to come at daytime’s number one drama series. As he boarded a flight to Atlanta to visit his grandchildren for the holidays on Friday, Braeden tweeted, “Some big changes at Y&R! Be patient! Changes will come…in time!!”
Last week, Braeden cautioned fans about how much work goes into overseeing a daily serial shortly after Young confirmed his exit as head writer and executive producer. “Before more well meaning comments continue ( and some not so well meaning ), let me just say that WRITING FOR A SOAP IS, BY FAR, THE HARDEST JOB IN OUR BUSINESS!! I WOULDN’T WANT TO DO IT!” said the actor.
Braeden also noted that he’ll be back on air on Monday, December 24, in scenes comprising of a comatose Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) envisioning life with her beloved while her body fights for its survival after being struck by a hit-and-run driver. The episode includes heartwarming music by composer and “Y&R” music supervisor RC Cates.
In addition to Griffith replacing Young as head writer, long-time producer Anthony Morina is said to have been promoted to the position of executive producer after serving as a supervising producer on the series for more than a decade.
Changes at “Y&R” are expected to be announced after the series returns from its holiday break in the new year.