The Young and the Restless: Head Writer Josh Griffith Steps Down as Co-Executive Producer

There has been a major behind-the-scenes change at The Young and the Restless. It was confirmed today that Josh Griffith has stepped down as co-executive producer of the CBS soap.

Josh Griffith Steps Down as Co-Executive Producer at Y&R

Josh Griffith will no longer be co-executive producer with Sally MacDonald, but will remain with the show as head writer, a role he resumed in 2019. According to Soap Opera Digest, the decision was made so he could focus more directly on the writing side of the daytime serial. Sally McDonald, who was promoted to co-executive producer in 2025, will now serve as Y&R’s executive producer.

Griffith has had a long history with The Young and the Restless, and daytime television overall. He previously served as head writer and executive producer in the past with the soap and has also worked on Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and Santa Barbara. He also co-created Sunset Beach.

While Griffith is not leaving the show entirely, stepping away from executive producer duties marks a significant shift behind the scenes in Genoa City.

Sally McDonald has been part of Y&R for decades, first joining the production team in the late 1980s before becoming a director and producer. She has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards as part of the show’s directing team.

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