Isn’t it cute how CBS just confirmed that The Young and the Restless has been renewed until 2017? You guys don’t actually think that the timing of this announcement is a coincidence, do you – because I can assure you that it’s not. The network big wigs really did think that they could play off Michael Muhney’s firing as a simple end of contract change in direction and that it would be smooth sailing. Maybe that would have actually worked if long-time fans hadn’t already watched as many of their other favorites had been quickly given their walking papers. There had to be a breaking point right? One that would cause backlash and the firing of Muhney has proven to be it.
When fans reacted, then it was purposely accidentally leaked that there were allegations about Muhney’s behavior on set. Did he sexually harass Hunter King? We’ll likely never know what really happened between the two of them and the speculation at this point probably does more damage than good. Was he arrogant? Muhney has admitted as much. So what, that makes him like millions of other people. The point is that CBS thought that by throwing info and allegations out there the fans would back off and this scandal would go away. Then Muhney would be gone and you guys would just get over it and keep tuning in as you always have, except that isn’t what happened!
CBS has instead been met with a sturdy fan base that is really tired of feeling ignored and all but made fun of. You guys are the reason that this show and this genre exists, yet they continue to publicly minimize what you’ve been asking for (clarification) and seem to think that a boycott come Jan. 30th may not really happen. After days of fans saying that they are finished with Y&R the network through in your faces the fact that it has been renewed through 2017. It was intended to send the message that the network is mightier and the fans have no real say.
Let me reassure you, that is not the case. Just because Y&R was renewed doesn’t mean that it’ll even see the end of this year. It is all about numbers. If the ratings fall then the advertisers walk. If they pull their spots then no money is being made and how does the cast, crew and production team get paid? Exactly, it won’t because CBS isn’t going to front the money for a flailing show for very long in any part of their line up.
My point? The network wants you to be discouraged and then to settle onto the couch at 12:30 pm to tune in, maybe disgruntled, but they want you to sit through the show hoping for the best. The truth is, you do make a difference and everyone connected to Y&R from CBS heads all the way down to random day players that pop up for a scene a week are all worried – really worried. They will not admit it but they know that soaps are already a dying breed and it doesn’t take much for another show to bite the dust simply because they are not as respected by the upper echelon in Hollywood as they once were. The decision to kill a soap and replace it doesn’t come from a team of people raised on the genre or familiar with the impact of daily story telling. It’s done by younger, more cut-throat decision makers that believe the future of daytime television is anywhere but in soap operas. They are looking for reasons to bring in a new show (Jill Farren Phelps!!) and this whole scandal could easily turn into a pretty big reason.
Everyone working at Y&R is daunted by the fan reaction because after several weeks they finally get it, this could really be the end and CBS’ red herrings aren’t going to help them to sleep any better at night. Rest easy knowing that you are making a difference.