The Young and the Restless (YR) News: Unprecedented Ratings’ Win Streak – Y&R Tops For 1,500 Weeks

Fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ have outranked those of all other soap operas for 1,500 consecutive weeks. The win streak dates back to December 1988. Y&R debuted on CBS’ daytime schedule in March 1973.

Y&R issued a public statement via social media to honor the occasion which said, “We’re grateful to our fans for this incredible milestone and for many wonderful years of The Young and the Restless!”

All savvy viewers know that the soap opera landscape has changed dramatically through the years. Long gone are the days of the Big Three broadcast networks (ABC, CBS and NBC) and the plethora of soaps that filled each powerful media outlet’s afternoon slate.

The advent of cable television, which fully took hold in the 1980’s, was followed by satellite TV options. Those advancements in technology provided the populace with an increased amount of programming choices and thus reduced the amount of eyeballs that tuned in regularly to see their favorite soaps. But Y&R, along with a handful of other daytime dramas survived.

The advent of widespread internet access created a different dynamic in recent years. The invention of a truly interactive medium further fragmented entertainment consumers. An ever increasing amount of web sites now adds ongoing competition to what are seen, by some, as old-school viewing choices.

While changes in modern society have surely impacted the size of the overall soap opera audience, CBS and the other broadcast networks have been adapting to modern viewer’s needs. Today, Y&R fans can see Genoa City whenever they like through a variety of platforms, rather than simply through a traditional broadcast signal. Social media also affords Y&R devotees the ability to interact directly with behind the scenes power players, as well as with many members of the cast.

Fans of the soap opera genre support the continued success of this form of escapist entertainment. Light-hearted personalities remain willing to suspend disbelief and enjoy the often fantastic facts that are presented to them. Y&R fans also know that in June their show was renewed through 2020, which verified CBS’ confidence in its iconic steamer.

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