‘The Young and the Restless’: Show Recasting the Role of Summer Newman

'The Young and the Restless' character Summer Newman might be heading back to Genoa City, however, it won't be Hunter King in the role.

by Carol Cassada

Published on February 22, 2022

2 min read

‘The Young and the Restless’ producers recasting Summer Newman

In October 2012, King joined The Young and the Restless as Summer. While many actors have portrayed the character, the role has become synonymous with King. Summer was a bit of a trouble maker like her mom, yet as the years went by, Summer became a heroine. King’s performances were praised by critics and earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards.

#Skyle’s relationship status? VERY complicated now that Tara is in town. ? You won’t want to miss what happens next! #YR is new this week. ?Watch the latest The Young and the Restless episodes for free on @CBS or subscribe for more on @paramountplus. pic.twitter.com/eaXHZ9eF8S
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) June 16, 2021

After nearly nine years, King exited the role in 2021 after failing to negotiate a new contract. Since then, the actor’s been working on other projects and enrolled in school, where she’s studying psychology. With King not returning full-time and Summer a popular character, producers are looking at alternatives.

According to Soap Hub, the show has put out a casting call for a Summer recast.

Summer Newman and Kyle Abbott’s happy ending

The Young and the Restless fans were captivated by Summer and Kyle’s love story. The two childhood friends went through a lot of drama in their quest to be together. In 2021, the engaged couple was met with more trouble from Kyle’s baby mama Tara Locke (Elizabeth Leiner). Tara threatened to take Harrison Locke (Kellen Enriquez) away from Kyle if Summer didn’t break up with him.

Not wanting to come between Kyle and Harrison, Summer ended their engagement then accepted a job in Milan. However, Phyllis exposed Tara and Sally Spectra’s (Courtney Hope) scheme, and Kyle flew to Italy to reunite with Summer. The couple decided to stay in Milan, where they’re raising Harrison together.

Since then, Summer and Kyle have made a few appearances. The couple met with their families in Tuscany for Victoria Newman’s (Amelia Heinle) wedding, revealing they were married. Summer has also been shown in several video chats with her parents catching up on the latest happenings in their lives.

Possible storylines for her return

If they’re recasting the role, The Young and the Restless might have something big planned for Summer. Of course, her return to Genoa City will be exciting for Phyllis, who missed her daughter. Yet, Summer’s return may not be all cheers.

There appears to be no plans to recast Summer’s husband, Kyle, at the moment. This leads to speculation there may be trouble in paradise between the couple. With the two having marital issues, Summer could return to Genoa City to clear her head. While in town, Summer may fall for another guy, further confusing her about what she wants.

Summer’s life will be more complicated when Kyle returns with hopes of reconciling with his wife.