As The Young and the Restless closes the book on 2025, it’s clear this was a year that deeply divided fans. The long-running CBS soap delivered moments of genuine excitement and emotional power—while also frustrating viewers with uneven pacing, controversial character choices, and storylines that sparked endless debate online.
From the much-talked-about return of Cane Ashby to Sharon Newman’s relentless emotional spiral, 2025 proved once again why Y&R remains one of daytime TV’s most passionately discussed shows.
Here’s a look back at the best and worst of The Young and the Restless in 2025.
THE BEST OF Y&R IN 2025
1. Cane Ashby’s Return Brought Real Buzz
Cane Ashby’s return was one of the year’s biggest wins.
After years away, his reappearance instantly reignited fan interest and nostalgia. The show wisely leaned into Cane’s complicated history—his regrets, unfinished business, and unresolved relationships—rather than treating him as a simple legacy cameo.
What worked especially well:
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Cane felt older, more layered, and changed
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His scenes carried emotional weight rather than gimmicks
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His presence naturally shook up existing dynamics
For longtime viewers, Cane’s return felt like Y&R remembering its roots.
2. Sharon’s Performance Was Powerful—even When the Story Hurt
While Sharon Newman’s storyline was emotionally brutal (more on that later), Sharon Case’s performance was undeniable.
Throughout 2025, Sharon was asked to carry heavy material—grief, guilt, fear, and emotional isolation. Case delivered with restraint and vulnerability, reminding fans why Sharon remains one of the show’s most iconic characters.
Even critics of the storyline agreed on one thing:
👉 Sharon Case elevated everything she was given.
3. Character-Driven Moments Still Shine
Despite its flaws, Y&R continued to excel in quieter, character-focused scenes.
Some of the year’s standout moments included:
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Intimate conversations between longtime rivals
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Emotional reckonings rather than explosive confrontations
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Scenes that allowed actors time to breathe instead of rushing plot
These moments didn’t always trend on social media—but they’re what keep core viewers loyal.
4. Veteran Cast Members Got Meaningful Material
In 2025, Y&R made a noticeable effort to give veteran characters real purpose, not just background status.
Characters with decades of history weren’t simply decorative—they drove story, influenced decisions, and faced consequences. That respect for legacy remains one of the show’s strongest qualities.
THE WORST OF Y&R IN 2025
1. Sharon’s Endless Torment Crossed a Line
While Sharon’s arc showcased strong acting, the storyline itself pushed many fans too far.
Week after week, Sharon faced:
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Emotional devastation
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Moral blame
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Isolation without meaningful support
Instead of growth or payoff, viewers felt trapped in a loop of suffering. Many fans asked the same question:
Why does Sharon never get to truly heal?
By year’s end, what began as compelling drama had started to feel like punishment.
2. Inconsistent Writing and Pacing
One of 2025’s biggest problems was uneven storytelling.
Some plots moved at lightning speed, while others dragged on endlessly with little payoff. Major reveals were sometimes rushed, while smaller conflicts lingered far too long.
This inconsistency made it difficult for viewers to stay emotionally invested—especially when story momentum suddenly disappeared.
3. Fan-Favorite Characters Felt Sidelined
Another frequent complaint: certain beloved characters seemed pushed to the background with little explanation.
Fans noticed:
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Promising arcs that quietly vanished
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Characters reacting instead of driving story
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Long stretches with minimal screen time
For a show built on ensemble storytelling, these absences were especially noticeable—and frustrating.
4. Missed Opportunities With Big Twists
Y&R attempted several major twists in 2025, but not all of them landed.
In some cases:
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The buildup was stronger than the payoff
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Consequences were quickly reversed
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Emotional fallout was skipped or minimized
Soap fans don’t just want shock—they want lasting impact. When twists fail to change relationships or characters long-term, they lose power.
A Year That Divided the Fandom
If one word defines The Young and the Restless in 2025, it’s polarizing.
Some fans praised the emotional depth and legacy focus. Others felt exhausted by repetitive suffering and uneven execution. Social media debates were constant, passionate, and often intense—proof that even when fans are frustrated, they still care deeply.
And in daytime television, that passion matters.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Y&R moves into 2026, viewers are hoping the show:
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Gives Sharon a true path toward healing
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Balances nostalgia with forward momentum
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Lets consequences stick
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Re-centers character-driven storytelling
2025 showed both what The Young and the Restless does best—and where it risks losing goodwill if patterns continue.
Final Verdict
The best of 2025 reminded fans why Y&R has endured for decades: strong performances, emotional honesty, and respect for legacy characters.
The worst of 2025 revealed lingering issues with pacing, balance, and storytelling restraint.
Whether loved or criticized, one thing is undeniable—The Young and the Restless remains a soap fans can’t stop talking about. And as the show heads into a new year, viewers are hoping 2026 brings more payoff, more hope, and fewer emotional breaking points.
