LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A significant creative transition is underway behind the scenes at CBS’s long-running daytime drama The Young and the Restless as Josh Griffith is stepping down from his role as head writer, ending a tenure that has shaped the series’ storytelling since 2019. The decision marks one of the most notable leadership changes for the award-winning soap opera in recent years and leaves one of daytime television’s most influential writing positions vacant.
According to multiple industry reports, Griffith informed the cast and crew of his decision on Friday, June 26, with his departure described as a personal choice rather than a network-mandated exit. Although he has announced his intention to leave, his resignation will not take effect immediately, and CBS has not yet revealed when his final episode will air or who will succeed him as head writer.
A seven-time Daytime Emmy Award winner, Griffith has spent nearly four decades shaping the landscape of American daytime television. His writing career began in 1988 with Santa Barbara before expanding to major creative roles on One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns, and several other acclaimed soap operas. His experience across multiple networks established him as one of the genre’s most accomplished and recognizable creative figures.
Griffith’s relationship with The Young and the Restless spans multiple chapters. He first joined the series in 2006 as a creative consultant and later served in various production and writing capacities before returning in 2018. He assumed the position of head writer in 2019, overseeing many of the show’s major storylines while helping maintain its standing as one of daytime television’s highest-rated dramas. From 2023 to 2025, he also served as executive producer before relinquishing those duties earlier this year to focus exclusively on writing.
During Griffith’s tenure, the fictional city of Genoa City experienced numerous dramatic developments involving iconic characters portrayed by veteran cast members including Eric Braeden, Melody Thomas Scott, Peter Bergman, Sharon Case, and Michelle Stafford. His storylines generated passionate discussion among viewers, with fans frequently praising some creative decisions while debating others across the soap opera community.
The announcement arrives during a period of continued evolution behind the scenes. Earlier this year, Sally McDonald became the show’s sole executive producer following Griffith’s decision to step away from that position, and she will continue overseeing production as the search begins for a new head writer. Industry observers expect the eventual successor to play a pivotal role in determining the creative direction of one of television’s longest-running scripted series.
Despite the leadership change, The Young and the Restless remains a cornerstone of CBS’s daytime programming, consistently attracting a loyal audience more than five decades after its 1973 debut. Griffith’s departure closes another important chapter in the program’s history while opening the door to a new creative era that fans and industry insiders alike will watch closely in the months ahead.
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