The Young and the Restless (Y&R) Spoilers extensively covered Justin Hartley’s hire in 2014. The cast member he replaced was an electric daytime presence and that actor’s completely unexpected termination just prior to Christmas 2013, set the Internet on fire. So, does Hartley’s lead role on NBC’s new nighttime series This Is Us signal that Michael Muhney will become Adam Newman again?
Jill Farren Phelps was the Y&R executive producer who advised Michael Muhney that he wasn’t being retained in December 2013. Rumors erupted regarding the cause of his contract non-renewal. But, those loud whispers were disputed by everyone involved and never confirmed by ANY actual evidence. Then, Muhney was included in the later round of interviews that resulted in Hartley’s hire, which put to rest any questions reasonable observers had.
Hartley’s full and final departure from The Young and the Restless hasn’t been formally announced because This Is Us will only debut this fall. If that show succeeds, then the likelihood that Hartley would leave CBS’ soap surely increases and he has said so himself. That would also create an interesting set of decisions for current executive producer Mal Young.
Adam was recently unjustly convicted and jailed for the preposterous murder of Constance Bingham (Sally Kellerman). The framing evidence Victor (Eric Braeden) enabled Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) to hang around Adam’s neck could be used to massage the amount of scenes Hartley can film on The Young and the Restless through the remainder of this calendar year. The arrival of the New Year will also enable a clearer view of where Adam’s long-term arc is going.
Muhney’s fan base never dissipated after he left Y&R. Hartley was a smart replacement because he’s performed well and was embraced by all fair-minded observers. His interpretation of Adam has been different than Muhney’s, which is reflective of the different skill set he’s brought to the role.
Soap opera history is filled with returns of once popular stars to iconic parts. If Michael Muhney is ever rehired, the Nielsen Ratings system would surely register an earthquake-like jump in viewers on Day 1. After that major media event ended, devoted fans and returning viewers would surely be taken on another epic ride. As for connected social media effects, the buzz would easily be historic.
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