
The Young And The Restless (Y&R) is about to go through a major shakeup, as Head Writer Josh Griffith has decided to step down.
News of Griffith’s exit shook the soap world on Friday night. This was shortly after he announced his departure to the Y&R cast and crew. The writer will remain in the role, according to TV Insider, likely until a replacement is found.
Griffith was hired at the soap in 2006 as a writer and co-executive producer, but left just two years later. He returned in 2018 and was promoted to head writer after Mal Young was fired. Two months ago, he stepped away from his co-executive producer role and Sally McDonald became the sole executive producer.
Young And The Restless – Twelve Kidnappings Since November 2023
Griffith’s departure was welcome news for the majority of Y&R fans, who felt the sudser had become repetitive and depressing. The endless chatter at restaurants and coffee shops and the business musical chairs made the show almost unwatchable at times.

However, one of the biggest beefs fans had with this particular head writer was his lack of original ideas. Most telling was the number of kidnappings. Since November 2023, when Claire Newman (Hayley Erin) and Aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk) kidnapped Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott), there have been 12 abduction storylines on Y&R.
Many fans were relieved by the news and many reacted with glee. “Please make this show a real soap opera again with tons of romance, great storylines, couples with chemistry, and focus more on the younger generation,” one Y&R viewer posted on X.
Young And The Restless – Another Said Exit Was Better Late Than Never
“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty!” another fan posted. “No more kidnappings! But it makes me wonder, what was the final straw?” Yet another viewer said Josh Griffith should have been gone six years ago. “But it’s better late than never!”
So what will the future hold for the CBS sudser, now that Griffith is stepping down? And who will be hired to replace him? Stay tuned!
Keep reading The Soap Scoop for Young And The Restless spoilers and news. And make sure to also join our Y&R Facebook Group or leave us a reply in our comments section. But if you miss an episode, don’t fret. You can watch The Young And The Restless online at CBS.com.


Nate violated HIPPA rules by telling Lily about Nikki