Full Breakdown
Executive Producer Transition at CBS’s “The Young and the Restless”
5/7/2026, 10:34:13 PM
Executive Producer Transition
On May 7 2026, longtime head writer Josh Griffith announced he is relinquishing his role as executive producer of the top-rated CBS daytime drama *The Young and the Restless*. Sally McDonald, who has served as co-executive producer since 2025, will assume sole responsibility as executive producer. Griffith will continue to lead the series’ writing team, a position he has held since 2019.
Background of Key Personnel
Josh Griffith began his daytime career in 1988 as a writer for *Santa Barbara* and co-created *Sunset Beach* in 1997. His résumé includes head-writing stints on *One Life to Live*, *As the World Turns*, *General Hospital*, and *Days of Our Lives*. He first joined *The Young and the Restless* in 2006, returned as head writer in 2012-13, and resumed the role in 2019 before adding executive-producer duties in 2023.
Sally McDonald entered the series as a director in 1996, became a producer in 2008, and served as supervising producer (2011-12). She was promoted to co-executive producer in 2025 and now steps into the sole executive-producer position.
Timeline of Roles
| Year | Josh Griffith | Sally McDonald |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Writer, *Santa Barbara* | — |
| 1997 | Co-creator, *Sunset Beach* | — |
| 2006-08 | Writer, *The Young and the Restless* | — |
| 2012-13 | Head writer, *The Young and the Restless* | — |
| 2015-16 | Co-head writer, *Days of Our Lives* | — |
| 2018 | Supervising producer, *The Young and the Restless* | — |
| 2019-present | Head writer, *The Young and the Restless* | — |
| 2023 | Sole executive producer (added) | — |
| 2025 | — | Co-executive producer, *The Young and the Restless* |
| 2026 | Steps down as EP, remains head writer | Becomes sole executive producer |
Awards and Recognitions
- Josh Griffith: Seven Daytime Emmy Awards for writing and producing across multiple soaps.
- Sally McDonald: Eight Daytime Emmy Awards as part of the directing team (1996-1999, 2001-2002, 2011, 2019) and a Directors Guild of America Award (1997).
Official Statements & Responses
Soap Central, cited by multiple outlets, reported that Griffith’s decision was motivated by a desire to concentrate on the series’ writing responsibilities. Soap Opera Digest confirmed the change and noted that the transition was initiated by Griffith himself. Both publications emphasized continuity for the show’s creative direction, with Griffith retaining his head-writer role and McDonald assuming full production oversight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Josh Griffith is no longer the co-executive producer at The Young and the Restless.” — *Soap Opera Digest*
- “Sally McDonald will be the EP moving forward.” — *Soaphub*
- “Griffith made the decision to step down in order to focus on his writing duties for the show.” — *Soap Central* (as reported by *Soap Opera Network*)
- “During her time at Y&R, McDonald earned eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing Team.” — *Soap Opera Digest*
- “Over the years, Griffith has earned seven Daytime Emmy Awards for his writing and producing of the different soaps.” — *Soaphub*
- “Griffith will continue in his role as head writer of the soap.” — *Soaphub*
Future Outlook
With Griffith concentrating exclusively on head writing, the series’ current story arcs—including Malcolm’s bone-marrow transplant, Cane’s legal entanglements, and Nick’s addiction storyline—will receive dedicated narrative focus. McDonald’s expanded production authority is expected to maintain the show’s long-standing ratings dominance while guiding upcoming episodes through these complex plots.
