The Young and the Restless spoilers document that CBS’ top-rated daytime drama didn’t capture the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. ABC’s iconic and enduring General Hospital got that nod. But two fine actors and Y&R’s former excellent writing team received top honors in the industry.
Gina Tognoni (Phyllis) won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She beat cast colleague Jess Walton (Jill) and three other actresses. Tognoni received four prior Daytime Emmy nominations. She won twice (in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category) for her portrayal of Dinah Marler on CBS’ beloved Guiding Light in 2006 and 2008.
Tognoni’s win is especially noteworthy in that she replaced Michelle Stafford, who first embodied this character. Stafford’s celebrated run took place after she turned what was to be a temporary role into a prominent character in Genoa City. Becoming Phyllis was no easy task, but hardcore fans know that Tognoni’s efforts earned this distinction of honor.
Steve Burton (Dylan) won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in what possibly could be the last honor of his famed soap opera career. He was previously nominated six times. He won the the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Jason Morgan on General Hospital in 1998.
Burton’s decision to leave General Hospital in 2012, was linked to the actor’s desire to spend more time with his family. He later joined the cast of Y&R in 2013, but is believed to have been working under terms that afforded him personal time. Burton’s departure from Y&R was amicable, as he again invoked a need to be closer to his family.
Dylan was a likeable character who could have endured if Burton remained. He provided his employer with plenty of lead time in announcing his departure, which allowed Y&R’s writing staff to develop an engaging write-out for Dylan that was well-received by its discerning audience. Emmy voters might have incorporated sentimental feelings into their votes when awarding Burton this Emmy, but that’s pure speculation.
Y&R’s writing team took heat from a segment of viewers, who now mostly wish he was back according to social media, but still managed to gain an Emmy (Outstanding Writing Team, Drama Series). Chuck Pratt, Junior and his squad endured various critiques by factions within the audience before departing last fall. It may have been be an insider’s message to have recognized Pratt’s work now that he’s no longer in that slot.
Current buzz on social media and in the press is that despite The Young and the Restless fans’ complaints about the JFP/Pratt team, popular opinion is that they produced lots more excitement on screen than the Mal Young/Sally Sussman team have mustered so far. In fact Y&R buzz is that those storylines that have been most successful under the new regime are merely continuations of those started under JFP/Pratt.
However, the most-watched soap opera of the four remaining network broadcast steamers continues to hold the loyalty award. Mixing in all opinions, a number 1 show is supported by the majority of the daytime audience and therefore it must be good overall. CDL is a leading source for everything linked to The Young and the Restless. Check back regularly for Y&R spoilers and news! Please come and join in the LIVE discussion on our Facebook Page!