Big changes are underway at The Young and the Restless. Josh Griffith, who stepped down as executive producer in May, has now decided to relinquish his role as head writer as well and will soon depart the soap.

It’s a monumental task to conceptualize 260 episodes a year for a series that has been on for decades, where many of the characters have already lived through countless dramatic twists and turns. It’s the challenge every soap writing team has faced, made even tougher by a razor-sharp audience that often remembers the details of stories from years ago better than the writers — or even the actors — themselves.

I’ve always believed that people watch soaps today for the same reasons they did in the 1960s: to experience larger-than-life drama that makes their own problems seem a little more manageable, to be swept away by unforgettable romances, and to escape the everyday with stories filled with adventure, heartbreak and hope.

I’m eager to see where Y&R goes from here, and I feel the same way about Days of our Lives, which will welcome Ryan Quan back as co-head writer next month. Change always brings uncertainty, but it also brings the possibility of fresh ideas — and that’s something every longtime soap fan can appreciate.

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You may remember that in March, Last Week Tonight host John Oliver — inspired by Stephen A. Smith’s run as General Hospital’s Brick — put out a public plea for a soap to hire him. Well, John didn’t just get one job — he got two. Oliver will first appear on GH on July 2, 3 and 6 in a mysterious role, followed by a visit to Days of our Lives’s Salem on August 11, 12 and 14.

During Sunday night’s segment, Oliver recounted how the campaign began. “You may remember back in March, we discovered that Stephen A. Smith has been politely playing the role of Brick on General Hospital for the last 10 years, which filled me with, in equal measure, immense confusion and scorching hot jealousy,” Oliver explained. “So, I did the only thing any sane person would do in that situation: I offered myself to any soap opera that would create a role for me…. I wanted to play a character with a ridiculous name, I wanted a juicy storyline like murder or slapping, and I wanted a dramatic close-up of my face.”

The shows took notice. “When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn’t hesitate for a second,” said GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini. “He was everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared, professional, funny, and genuinely kind to everyone on set. He plays an integral character in the story and can’t wait for fans to see who he crosses paths within Port Charles.” In a statement, John said, “General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show.” Check out a preview here!

As for Days, Executive Producer Ken Corday says, “When John Oliver said, ‘Call me, soaps, I’m available and willing to travel. I want to be a part of that world,’ our world, we had to heed the call!”

Oliver concluded his show by expressing genuine appreciation for both soaps, while poking fun at tabloid reports suggesting that turning to soaps was a “desperate Plan B.” “I genuinely cannot wait for everyone to see what these two soaps have done,” Oliver enthused. “I am so grateful that they played along with us…. Does this look like a desperate man to you? Not to me, it doesn’t! That’s the face of man living his f***ing dream!”

Josh Griffith has stepped down as head writer of The Young and the Restless and will soon leave the CBS soap, I reported exclusively for TV Insider. The seven-time Daytime Emmy winner has enjoyed a lengthy association with the No. 1 soap, dating back to 2006 when he first joined as a writer. His most recent stint began in 2018, when he returned to Genoa City as a supervising producer. He was promoted to head writer in 2019 and was named executive producer in 2023. In May, Josh stepped down as EP, with Sally McDonald assuming those responsibilities. Josh’s former credits include head writing at One Life to Live and Days of our Lives, and co-creating Sunset Beach.

Lauren Koslow makes her Y&R debut as Jill Abbott on Monday, June 29. Lauren is filling in for Jill’s longtime portrayer, Jess Walton, who was unable to return to Los Angeles from Oregon to film due to a scheduling conflict. Lauren is pulling double duty while continuing in her other daytime role as Days’s Kate.

Access Hollywood correspondent Lauren Herbert plays B&B’s Linda on Monday, June 29.

Jennifer Gareis checks in as B&B’s Donna on Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30.

Delon de Metz appears as Zende on B&B on Monday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 1.

Denise Richards is back as B&B’s Shauna on Monday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 1.

Morgan Fairchild returns as Dottie on B&B on Monday, June 29.

Jim J. Bullock appears as Joseph on on B&B Monday, June 29.

Sissy Sheridan will play B&B’s Jessica on Monday, June 29.

Verina Banks is B&B’s Miranda on Monday, June 29.

Jesyka Harris plays an influencer on B&B on Monday, June 29.

Sofia Gordon appears as a photographer on B&B on Monday, June 29.

Jacob Martinez debuts as Javi Hernandez on Days on Tuesday, June 30. He replaces Al Calderon in the role.

Michael Ocampo first airs as Days’s Gus, boyfriend of Javi, on Wednesday, July 1.

Michael Rose portrays George O’Halloran on Days on Thursday, July 2.

Theodora Greece returns as B&B’s Alison on Friday, July 3.

Joseph Ihlenfeld and Jordan Perdue portray Trey on Days on Friday, July 3.

Newsletter-exclusive highlights from my recent interviews.

The artwork in Ava Jerome’s gallery on General Hospital has changed recently, and the subject is one of the show’s own: director Didy Masters.

According to Executive Producer Frank Valentini, the idea came together almost by accident. “We were in the production meeting and the production designer mentioned that Ava’s gallery was coming up and that we would need some new artwork,” he tells me exclusively. “I said, just to be a little silly, I said, ‘Oh, we’re gonna do paintings of Didy,’ or, ‘Didy is gonna be the star of it,’ something like that. And then Jennifer Elliott, our production designer, came in and she said, ‘You’re kidding, right?’ And I said, ‘No, no, no. I’d love to do some paintings of Didy because she has such a great smile.’”

From there, Scenic Artist Brent Myers took photos of Didy and turned those images into the gallery’s striking portraits, which Frank put in his office to reveal to the subject. Didy, who was on the original production call, admits she didn’t expect anything to come of it. “When Frank said, ‘We’ll do faces of Didy,’ I burst out laughing and I was like, ‘Oh, that's too much Didy for everyone to handle,’” she tells me. “I completely thought he was joking and everyone kind of laughed and we moved on. But then I opened the door to his office and literally, it was just filled with paintings of my face.”

Needless to say, the surprise landed exactly as Frank had hoped. “It was shock,” Didy says. “And then it's even in the video that I was like, ‘I thought you were kidding.’ I don’t even know how to describe it. It was so cool, joyous and flattering. I mean, what boss gives you like such an amazing gift like that? That’s just so extra special.”

Didy has since directed scenes in the gallery space. “It’s an interesting experience because you’re like, ‘Okay, go stand by the yellow Didy over there,’” she muses. “And just to see the actors reactions, seeing the artwork for the first time and then looking at me and going, ‘Wait, is that you?’ because some of them hadn’t heard or they hadn’t worked yet, was a lot of fun.”

Even the name of the exhibit, Insanely Alive, carries a personal connection, Frank explains. “Someone was talking to me about Didy, and I said, ‘I love her. She’s just so insanely alive,’” he says. “Because sometimes if the scene’s really good, she’ll say over the PA to the actor, ‘Awesomesauce,’ and it just always makes me smile. There’s only so many ways to say, ‘Good job,’ but awesomesauce is one of the most unique.”

Once the installation has concluded, Didy has two portraits picked out that she’s going to keep. “I'm going to hang them in my office at home, so I’m excited,” she enthuses.

Beyond the Gates: Anita showing grace to Leslie and letting her sit with the Duprees while they waited for word on Kat and Eva was a lovely moment…. The Eva/Kat scenes post-surgery were so good — exactly what you want to see after everything they went through. And I loved Kat asking Leslie not to call her “Kitty Kat” anymore as a thank-you for being Eva’s donor…. Wink, wink that Leslie said Eva wants to watch her “hot new soap.” … Bill isn’t giving Dani an inch in the wake of their sexcapade, and I have to admit, I don’t mind it. It’s deliciously uncomfortable…. I was glad to see Jason Graham back as Doug again to provide counsel to Deanna…. Anita’s explanation for wanting to postpone her doctor’s appointment was completely relatable. Between the tornado, the Kat drama and her chemo, she just wanted to feel normal.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The reveal that Hope is Logan’s new creative director was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was packed with tension and the stage was perfectly set. (The new logo is especially great!) I am sure Katie will be vilified for hiring her…. Brooke describing Katie as “angry” to Donna was a rich take coming from her. Brooke has been equally as activated as her sister! And enough with the “She stole my name!'“ It’s Donna’s name, too! … Will worrying about “lying” to Electra over the Logan designer and jewelry line feels juvenile. This is business, and frankly, it takes precedence over their relationship. Be professional.

Days of our Lives: While I hoped that Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena would get a full, standalone episode, I truly appreciated the incredible flashbacks the show used to highlight Marlena’s early years in Salem — especially the Samantha/Marlena scenes and Marlena finding DJ’s lifeless body after he died from SIDS. One quibble: We saw Don and John, but where was Roman? Sure, Josh Taylor has been playing the role for nearly 30 years, but it would have been nice to include a few Wayne Northrop moments as well.… Brady and Kristen’s scenes telling Rachel about Sophia’s death were beautifully played. But speaking of Sophia, thank you, Holly, for pointing out what many of us are thinking: Sophia is probably alive since her body was never found…. I know I sound like a broken record, but isn’t Liam too old for Ari?

General Hospital: Welcome back, Finola Hughes! Was Anna’s return a sight for sore eyes or what? …. Line of the week goes to Sidwell. When Willow asked him how he got into the house, he replied, “Same way you did, when you show your husband.” Brilliant! … Lucy following through on her and Brook Lynn’s plan to throw Willow’s name into the mix as a possible driver on the night of Curtis and Jordan’s accident was great, as was her subsequent “negotiation” with BL over Deception shares. Love seeing Lynn Herring in the mix so much…. Good for Trina for giving it to Portia and Curtis for putting her in the middle of their drama. And speaking of Curtis, I got a kick out of him being with Willow when Joe came to question her about the night of the accident, given how determined he is to bury Isaiah.

The Young and the Restless: Everything Newman-related last week was fantastic. Nikki giving back her rings to Victor was top-notch drama, as was her initial refusal to let him know what was going on with her health. She was absolutely right: Victor gave up his right to know about her life when he kicked her out of the house. But Victor learning about Nikki’s condition and subsequent hospitalization — and seeing the repercussions of their fallout — was outstanding. And Victor crying?! Perfect. You can also tell that Eric Braeden (Victor) enjoys working with Hayley Erin (Claire). Their scenes together were adorable, with a real emotional undercurrent. I also appreciated weaving Stephanie and Nate into the story.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

Beyond the Gates: Repeat episode: The Duprees get ready for Samantha’s cotillion; Jacob meets with Ren; Lia puts Derek in the hot seat; and Bill questions Hayley about her past.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The Forresters are left reeling in the aftermath of Hope’s shocking betrayal, and the Spencers celebrate a major victory.

Days of our Lives: Xander and Philip investigate who paid off Titan’s loan; Kristen and Gwen bond; EJ reveals a troubling secret to Johnny; and Lexie supports Abe.

General Hospital: Emma seeks answers from Anna; Alexis confides in Sonny; Cassius briefs Cullum; Felicia is skeptical; and Molly opens up about her parents.

The Young and the Restless: As the Newmans stand vigil at the hospital, Victor contemplates his future with Nikki, and Billy and Cane receive a surprise visitor.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Beyond the Gates: Repeat episode: Grayson completes his assignment; all hell breaks loose at the warehouse; and Samantha and Jessica make their cotillion debut.

The Bold and the Beautiful: The Forresters work to minimize the damage, and Eric is deeply hurt by Donna’s silence.

Days of our Lives: Chad opens up to Julie; Tate tries to cheer up Holly; Brady goes on a mission for Sarah; Leo and Javi agree to avoid one another; and Roman helps Ari.

General Hospital: Tracy confronts Sonny; Gio stands his ground; Nina makes an alarming discovery; Ava locks horns with Ethan; Josslyn and Obrecht find common ground.

The Young and the Restless: Kyle and Traci worry about Patty’s latest move; Diane plots her escape; and Jill forces Billy and Cane to settle their issues.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Beyond the Gates: Repeat episode: Someone dies while a Platinum Deb is crowned; Vanessa questions Joey; and Tyrell and Jessica slip away for their first time together.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Electra struggles with another one of Will’s lies, and Brooke makes it clear to Katie that their feud is just beginning.

Days of our Lives: Lexie keeps a secret from Abe; Gus questions Javi; Kate surprises Gabi; Gwen takes care of Leo; and Xander and Philip are blindsided.

General Hospital: Sonny is lured into a trap; Ava unleashes her fury; Nina must act fast; Lucas is floored; and Carly overhears stunning news.

The Young and the Restless: Jack sets a trap for Patty; Cane asks Lily for a favor; and Billy sabotages Sally’s latest venture.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Beyond the Gates: Repeat episode: Jennifer Holliday sings for a friend; Nicole takes Kial to her family’s Easter brunch; Ted advises Carlton; and Anita puts Anastasia in her place.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Hope pleads for forgiveness, and Ridge and R.J. fear what’s in store when Brooke comes face to face with Hope.

Days of our Lives: Stephanie vents to Kayla; Sarah confides in Brady; Joy tries to keep Alex distracted; Tate and Holly reminisce; and EJ discovers something is amiss on Smith Island.

General Hospital: Sonny is lured into a trap; Ava hears a shocking confession; Anna is grateful; Tracy supports Cody; and Carly is stunned.

The Young and the Restless: Victor plays his cards close to the vest; Stephanie and Nate discuss his past; and Nick and Noah aren’t buying what Matt Clark is selling.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Beyond the Gates: Repeat episode: Naomi and Jacob spend their anniversary apart; Izaiah helps his brother out; and Naomi leans on Ashley, Dani and Bill.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Deke tells Remy he’s not ready to give him another chance; Will faces the consequences of hiding the truth from Electra; and Brooke’s anguish over Hope’s betrayal leads to a dramatic breaking point.

Days of our Lives: The Carvers and Prices celebrate Trey’s birthday; EJ asks Johnny for help; Marlena shares her concerns with Belle; and Shawn and Jada stop denying the inevitable.

General Hospital: Carly is on the warpath; Britt is in the hot seat; Dante breaks bad news; Molly wants answers; and Charlotte seeks Lulu’s help.

The Young and the Restless: Jack plays a dangerous game with Patty, while Kyle’s plan to rescue Diane takes an unexpected turn.

Check out these recent articles I’ve written for tvinsider.com and swooon.com