Josh Griffith, a central creative force behind the long-running CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, has told cast and crew he plans to step down — a change that could alter the show’s writing direction as it moves into planned 2026 storylines. The departure, first reported by TV Insider, comes as the series prepares for a year its current head writer described as full of twists and new developments.
Griffith remains in his post while an exact leave date is not yet public, but colleagues were recently notified that he will be stepping away. CBS has not announced who will take over the series’ writing duties.
His relationship with the soap stretches back nearly two decades. Griffith first joined in 2006, returned several times after brief departures, and has held a mix of senior creative roles since 2018.
- Key roles: writer, co-executive producer, head writer, supervising producer, executive producer on The Young and the Restless
- Awards: seven Daytime Emmy Awards, including multiple honors for writing
- Other credits: stints on As the World Turns, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, Santa Barbara and Sunset Beach
The Young and the Restless has been on air since 1973 and has produced more than 13,000 episodes, making any change in its leadership noteworthy for viewers, writers and advertisers alike. In daytime television, a head writer influences tone, character arcs and the cadence of long-term plots — areas that fans watch closely.
In May, Griffith shifted away from producing responsibilities to concentrate on scripting, a move that preceded the announcement of his planned exit. Late in 2025 he previewed an ambitious slate for the coming year, saying fans should expect a dense mix of suspense, romance and surprises during 2026.
What happens next matters beyond one name in the credits. A new head writer can mean retooled storylines, altered pacing and different opportunities for cast members. It also opens a window for emerging writers to shape a flagship daytime property.
For viewers, immediate signs to watch for include changes to episode credits and any network statement naming a successor. Industry observers will be tracking how CBS responds — whether it appoints an internal successor with continuity credentials or brings in fresh external leadership.
Griffith’s departure is both a personnel update and a potential pivot point for a show that has remained a fixture of daytime television for half a century. As details about timing and replacement emerge, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching the credits and early 2026 episodes for the first clues of how the creative direction evolves.
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