'The Young and the Restless' has major ratings drop

TV Line is reporting that the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless has taken a major hit in ratings since returning to the air. The ratings for the first week back in action were 1.9 million which was a decrease of 2.1 million viewers in May just before the final original episodes stopped taping. Ratings also slipped during the time that Mal Young was head writer on the show and chaos followed. Doug Davidson was fired, Eileen Davidson and Mishael Morgan walked away from the show, while Christel Khalil went on recurring status. Judith Chapman was released from her role as Gloria and Lauren and Michael were not given any airtime.

The 4 members of the Rosales family were brought to Genoa City and became front and center, which angered longtime fans of Y&R. Eventually, the voices of the viewers was heard and Mal Young was replaced by Josh Griffith. This may sound like a broken record for those who know the story, but it bears repeating because it plays a role in why the current ratings are down. The writers toyed with loyal viewers by teasing them with scenes that featured veteran actors. Lauren and Michael got more air time, and Doug Davidson was brought back. Christine and Paul were shown more and Kevin and Chloe returned to Genoa City.

Mishael Morgan, Christel Khalil and Eileen Davidson also returned but things quickly went south as these cast members were pushed to the back burner again. Viewers also did not like the flip- flop with the Kyle, Summer, Lola, storyline as well as the Chelsea, Nick. Adam triangle. Social media posts indicate that those who watch The Young and the Restless are not fond of the constant bickering between Abby and Phyllis, yet this is the direction the writers have been taking the show. A number of fans are not pleased with the storyline of Adam having killed someone when he was 11 years old.

Some viewers tuned out during the reruns of classic Y&R episodes and when they checked back in after the hiatus, they found that nothing much had changed. The consensus among most fans is that the storyline where Colin stole then returned Devon's money was rediculous and the stalemate between Amanda, Nate, Devon, and Elena is boring. There has never been a time when 100% of soap fans agree on what they like, but right now there are more who agree that Josh Griffith did not bring back the glory days of Genoa City as promised.

Spoiler alerts have suggested that Kristen Alfonso,(Hope, Days of Our Lives) and Courtney Hope,(Sally, The Bold and the beautiful) will be coming to The Young and the Restless. These are talented actresses but fans want to see more of the veteran characters. Until Josh Griffith gets this, the ratings will continue to plummet. Some viewers are still angry about the embarrassing scene where Paul and Michael had been playing racketball. There have been recent rumors that Greg Rikaart will be leaving the show again. Many fans thought Kevin and Chloe's baby would be born, and they would live in the Chancellor mansion with Esther, and perhaps Gloria might show up.

The writers are clearly out of step with the viewing audience and should take note from General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and The Bold and the Beautiful. They too had a decrease in viewers but their storylines have picked up and they are giving viewers must see television. For whatever reason the writers for Y&R seems to still be on haitus as the pace on the show is slow while the other soaps are bringing forth must see television. Some of the decrease might be that some viewers lost interest and found other programs to watch. it also could be that a numbr of soap fans just can't get back into the swing of things but this could change in time.

If The Young and the Restless does not give the fans something to look forward to, then they will lose even more. The Adam Newman storyline is distressing and depressing and that is not what viewers want in the age of COVID. On B&B fans are enjoying the drama with Quinn and Shauna tricking Ridge into divorcing Brooke and marrying Ms. Fuller. On General Hospital viewers are eagerly watching the Wiley kidnapping and anticipating the aftermath. Come on Y&R and step up to the plate. Give the loyal fans something of substance they can enjoy and come back for more of.