‘The Young and the Restless’: Why Stars Like Eric Braeden and Peter Bergman May Not Return From Hiatus
Considering the state of the country, daytime soaps are still having a moment. Production for The Young and the Restless shut down amid coronavirus concerns but has held its viewership with classic episodes through various theme weeks. Y&R production will resume eventually but there’s a chance some fan favorites may not return.
Production remains shut down on ‘The Young and the Restless’ set
It’s been many weeks since the last new episode of The Young and the Restless aired. Luckily, The Bold and the Beautiful plans to resume filming in June and Y&R is set to follow.
While the news is exciting, it doesn’t actually equate to a new episode on the air likely until the end of summer — if everything stays on target. That said, the unions involved with the cast and crew have to give their blessing regarding any plans to get everyone back to work.
When everyone is able to return, they’ll all have to follow the CDC and state-regulated guidelines including social distancing which may prove challenging for a workplace like The Young and the Restless (or any soap).
Soap Dirt reported that the Australian soap, Neighbours, is already back to work filming and abiding by all safety measures. Writers may have to re-work storylines and character arcs to suit the socially-distant new “normal.”
Why ‘Y&R’ veterans may not return from hiatus
When stars of The Young and the Restless return to the set, some veterans may not b there. A CBS source recently revealed that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the older actors and actresses may need to keep their distance while longer.
Eric Braeden, who plays Victor Newman, is the show’s leading man. At 79 years young, he’s in the “at-risk” category for catching the virus. The outlet reported that Y&R (and other soaps) could potentially delay the return of any stars 65 and older, as well as those with health concerns that also put them in the “at-risk” category.
Some of the Y&R cast members potentially sidelined when filming resumes would be Braeden, Peter Bergman (who is 66), Doug Davidson (who is 65), and possibly Melody Thomas Scott (she is 64).
The news doesn’t mean the stars won’t return — it’ll just be delayed to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Are any stars leaving ‘Y&R’ altogether?
That aside, rumors have swirled about a few other Y&R stars and their possible exits. Some wonder how long Sharon Case will stick around since her character, Sharon, was diagnosed with cancer. For now, Case doesn’t seem to be leaving, according to multiple outlets.
Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks) may not be shown as much n the coming weeks and months. Fairbanks moved from a contract to a recurring position meaning she could have less screen time.
Lola Rosales (Sasha Calle) and Theo Vanderway’s (Tyler Johnson) have had fans concerned over their possible departures. Johnson confirmed he’s not going anywhere, but with Lola’s possible exile, Calle has more time to focus on her music career.
Nothing is set in stone and with the new way of doing things, there are going to be moving parts that impact the outcome. For now, theme weeks continue with all the fan favorites in Y&R encore episodes.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.
