The Young and the Restless (Y&R) spoilers’ fans know that Justin Hartley has left his role as Adam Newman because he’s now part of NBC’s This Is Us cast. Loyal supporters of the show want this key part to be filled as soon as possible. But, what if Y&R decides not to recast Adam Newman for a variety of reasons?
Nothing in life is guaranteed. That fact holds true in the soap world as well. It’s not that Genoa City devotees should believe that the Adam Newman role will never be recast. Anything is possible and it wouldn’t seem logical to leave what has become a crucial part open indefinitely. Yet, would it be wise to quickly inject another return-from-the-dead storyline into the plot right now?
Y&R was obviously preparing viewers to swap out Adam for Nick (Joshua Morrow) as the summer unfolded. Nick didn’t like this brother from Day 1. Yet, after he became convinced that Victor (Eric Braeden) had framed Adam, Nick evidenced strong compassion for the first time. That was very unusual and because it felt a bit rushed, winked at a coming change in plot direction.
So, Chelsea and Nick seem likely to become very familiar with each other this fall. Both people will find comfort in a fellow grieving soul. Nick will also fulfill a promise made to Adam, to look out for Connor (Gunner and Ryder Gadbois). That point will instantly allow Nick to become a trusted companion in Chelsea’s world. Friendship could easily lead to romance by somewhere around the always emotional Christmas-New Year’s season.
The Young and the Restless has survived various other main character losses in the past. While fans likely don’t want a key figure like Adam to actually be dead, or gone indefinitely, the show could be written in that direction. If Adam’s absence extends deeply into the future, a classic character could be reprised, or reinvented, to replace him.
With a number of months lead-time Y&R has been able to prepare for Hartley’s departure. The Young and the Restless spoilers previously reported the show’s casting call for a male character (Dean) in his mid-30’s. Whether that new face will look familiar (hello again Michael Muhney), or be owned by someone different, is unknown. Of course, Dean might not have been a coded reference to Adam. But, soaps are often linked to speculation and Hartley’s departure opened the digital floodgates as August kissed September this year.
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