The Young and the Restless (YR) Poll: Doug Davidson’s Stunning Cast Exit – How Do Y&R Fans Feel About It?

The end of an era has happened on ‘The Young and the Restless’. Doug Davidson (Paul Williams), who has appeared in the most episodes (nearly three thousand) in show history has been let go.

Davidson started on Y&R in 1978. He’s the second-longest tenured actor behind Kate Linder (Esther Valentine), who’s appeared in less episodes (over twenty-two hundred), but debuted when this daytime drama did in 1973.

This stunning announcement may not mean that Davidson’s character won’t ever be seen again, as he could be moving to recurring status. While the actor has responded via social media, no official word has been offered yet by Y&R. So this contract point isn’t yet confirmed. Davidson’s understandable emotions about his job status must also be considered regarding any potential recurring contract offer that could be made to him.

Soap operas have traditionally been followed by an audience that skews older, a subjective term that lies in the eye of the beholder. In general devoted soap fans grew up in an era when major broadcast networks were received through antennas. Cable and satellite had not yet become dominant and the internet was not yet available to the public.

Y&R is still seen by over five million-plus live daily viewers in the United States and Canada combined. Millions more watch the show in other countries around the world each day. Plus, modern technology allows the show to be seen by viewers everywhere via time-shifted recordings and streamed through various digital devices.

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The remaining daytime soap operas, which also include Y&R’s spinoff, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, and Days of our Lives appear to remain strong enough to draw advertising dollars. As long as the devoted audiences of each show endures, so too should each soap.

Fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ rightfully express their opinions on a regular basis. So, how do you feel about Doug Davidson apparently being dropped from Y&R? Please vote in our poll below!

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