The Young and the Restless spoilers look at Michael Muhney replacing Justin Hartley as Adam Newman when the allegedly dead felon makes his secret return to Genoa City. Justin Hartley announced that he left the cast of ‘The Young and the Restless’. Michael Muhney, who portrayed Adam Newman from 2009-2014, maintains a strong fan base within the audience. But, should he be rehired if this role is recast?
Hartley’s status remained uncertain until he announced on his Facebook page that his work on NBC’s prime time series ‘This Is Us’ would now take career precedence. The self-deprecating actor mainly offered his heartfelt appreciation for Y&R’s fans. His classy gesture capped a solid run on CBS’ iconic steamer. Hartley’s hire came during a time of major turmoil for daytime’s number 1 drama.
Considering those circumstances and the actor he replaced, many seasoned soap observers rightfully gave Hartley high praise for his excellent work and ability to win over a deeply discerning audience.
Michael Muhney joined the cast of ‘The Young and the Restless’ in 2009. It was readily apparent that this actor’s energy was special. His ability and a series of engaging storylines enabled Adam to become and remain a major figure in Genoa City.
As fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ spoilers know, great actors combine with others fine thespians to create classic moments and storylines. Muhney’s work with Sharon Case, Billy Miller, Melissa Claire Egan, Eric Braeden and others repeatedly confirmed the previously mentioned success principal. The passion Muhney exuded and engendered served to induct him into Y&R’s unofficial Hall of Fame.
An article that considers Muhney’s rehire wouldn’t be balanced without addressing the controversy connected to his departure. Former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps decided to non-renew Muhney’s contract late in 2014. Public statements from Phelps and Muhney at the time and since have centered upon non-legal issues.
However, some members of the public opted to believe, or construct, rumors regarding this unexpected change in the cast of ‘The Young and the Restless’. Unless some type of confirmed proof is presented in the future, there is no evidence that Michael Muhney, or Y&R, did anything wrong. Phelps appears to have made a pure business decision, which Muhney accepted.
No member of the public was, or is, able to cite a credible source for opinion-based comments. While everyone holds the ability to state beliefs, those ideas don’t then become facts. Muhney and the show endured significant public attacks when his release was announced and for an extended period thereafter.
So, any Y&R decision that might be made to rehire him would surely need to incorporate anticipated assaults from individuals (and groups) who feel that its okay to unjustly denigrate reputations, often via the internet.
Muhney confirmed that he was under consideration to be rehired in 2014. But, a different executive producer (Mal Young) now heads Y&R. Muhney’s return would surely generate significant buzz. But, a factual support statement for the actor would likely need to be linked to his actual rehire in order to neutralize an anticipated squall.
Ruling Michael Muhney out as Adam Newman would seem to embolden a segment of society into believing that it can successfully defame public figures and, in some instances, unjustly damage their career options. Assuming Y&R does recast this Adam role, would it be best for the show to rehire Muhney when all factors are considered?
Fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ rightfully express their opinions on a regular basis. Do they believe that Michael Muhney should be rehired to play Adam Newman? Vote in our poll below and come back to CDL for all your The Young and the Restless spoilers, updates and news!
High Drama next week on #YR as a family picks up the pieces! @CBSDaytime pic.twitter.com/etNCiHsMG0
— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) September 3, 2016
