The Young and the Restless spoilers report a variety of cast changes in recent months. Most notably, Steve Burton is ostensibly exiting Y&R voluntarily when his contract ends in December. That opening means that the role of Adam Newman, recently vacated by Justin Hartley, must be filled.
Soap operas like The Young and the Restless record episodes approximately six weeks ahead of their air dates. So, Steve Burton’s departure means that his Dylan character will most likely last be seen on Y&R in January, or February 2017. Since a slate of full-time contracted players are budgeted, Y&R will be hiring, or has already hired or rehired, an actor to take Burton’s slot.
Justin Hartley (Adam Newman) gave proper notice to The Young and the Restless earlier this year after he landed a role (Kevin) on NBC’s prime time series ‘This Is Us’. His subsequent departure left a time gap for decision-making.
It seems plausible that Y&R was waiting to see if Hartley’s new show would be canceled, or greenlighted through a complete first season. NBC’s recent choice to approve a full season of its dramedy was an easy call after the show scored early ratings success.
So, with the potential of Hartley’s return now unlikely, if not gone, the Adam Newman role can be addressed. Either an actor will be hired, Michael Muhney is the current favorite to take the role, unless one already has, or the role will remain dormant indefinitely.
It would seem odd for Y&R to move away from Adam, considering the dramatic effect this particular character has had on the show since the late 2000’s.
Despite what a faction of self-proclaimed fans believe, it’s not impossible for Michael Muhney to be re-hired. The actor previously advised that he was interviewing for a return to the show in 2014, after having been dropped from the cast in December 2013.
Whether executive producer Mal Young believes Michael Muhney is the best overall choice for this role is an open question. As former executive producer Jill Farren Phelps proved through Hartley’s hire, alternative options can prove successful if played smartly.
The nature of Adam’s purported death obviously allows for his return at any point in the future. The Genoa City Police Department did recover tissue samples from the scene of the cabin explosion. They were confirmed as a match to Adam’s DNA.
However, the final scene in which Hartley appeared on Y&R (along with Elizabeth Hendrickson, Chloe) allowed various imaginable scenarios to have unfolded. Whether Chloe moved Adam’s body out before the explosion took place, Adam somehow left on his own accord or another unknown person dragged him to safety isn’t known.
But, in the world of daytime drama anything was possible. Now, with Burton’s exit forthcoming another opportunity has been created to fill, or refill, the Adam Newman vacuum.
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THIS WEEK: Romance, surprises, and scheming… Also, @TheGeorgeGray from The @PriceIsRight guest stars! WATCH MORE: https://t.co/QHikWAe2sd pic.twitter.com/oLfZ1WhN0Z
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) October 9, 2016
