The Young and the Restless has been the No. 1-rated soap for 35 years. Now, for the first time, comes the definitive guide on the show that was created by the late William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell, in 1973. Eric Braeden reveals how he almost never got to play Victor Newman, Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki) names her favorite storyline, and the rest of the cast share their fondest memories from the show’s rich, incomparable 51-year history. Plus, take a look back at Genoa City’s most unforgettable weddings!
Soap Opera Digest - The Ultimate Young & Restless Guide
How it ALL BEGAN • Y&R brought the drama right away
THROUGH THE YEARS • Story highlights from 51 years of Genoa City
Eric Braeden (Victor Newman, 1980–present)
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman, 1979–present)
SHOOTING Stars • Look who got their big break on Y&R!
Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott, 1989–present)
Lauralee Bell (Christine “Cricket” Williams, 1983–present)
Super COUPLES! • From the scandalous to the storybook, here’s a look back at some of Y&R’s most memorable pairings
KAY QUIZ • For 30 years, Katherine Chancellor ruled as the grand dame of Genoa City society. See how much you can recall about the late Jeanne Cooper’s iconic alter ego
Sharon Case (Sharon Rosales, 1994–present)
Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman, 1994–present)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers, 1994–97, 2000–13, 2019–present)
Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott, 1982–86, 1988, 1999–2013, 2013–18, 2019–present)
WELCOME TO GENOA CITY • Starstruck! Unforgettable cameos
Bryton James (Devon Hamilton, 2004–present)
Christel Khalil (Lily Winters, 2002–05, 2006–present)
Tracey E. Bregman (Lauren Fenmore, Y&R, 1983–98, 2001–present/B&B, 1988–89)
Christian J. LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin, 1991–93, 1997–present)
What was your most memorable episode?
FAMILY TIES
The Gang’s All Here • The cast came together in 2023 for its 50th anniversary photo
Wedding Belles
Michael Damian (Danny Romalotti, 1980–98, 2002-04, 2008, 2012-13, 2022-present)
Tricia Cast (Nina Webster, 1986–2000, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020–present)
Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman, 2005–present)
Victoria Rowell (ex-Drucilla Winters, 1990–2000, 2002–07)
Jess Walton (Jill Abbott, 1987–present)
Susan Walters (Diane Jenkins, 2001–04, 2010, 2022–present)
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott, 1982–96, 1999, recurring 2001–present)
Kate Linder (Esther Valentine, 1982–present)
And The Emmy Goes To… And The Emmy Goes To…
Gone But Not Forgotten • Stars Pay Tribute To The Show’s Late Legends
Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher, 2003–17, 2018, 2019–present)
Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Mitchell, 2008–17, 2019–present)
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson, 2011–18; 2019–present)
Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott, 2016–present)
Camryn Grimes (Cassie Newman, 1997–2005; Mariah Copeland, 2014–present)
Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman, 2013–present)
Doug Davidson (ex-Paul Williams, 1978–2020)
Thanks FOR THE MEMORIES • Actors past and present share their Y&R stories
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
What comes to mind when you look back at your time on Y&R?
TRIPLE THREATS • Memorable Triangles
Location, Location, Location
What do you remember about your first day?
Answers
IT’S ONLY MY OPINION: Why Y&R Is No. 1