The Young and the Restless

The date is March 26, 1973. Richard M. Nixon is two months into his second term as president of the United States. The #1 song on the pop charts is Roberta Flack’s "Killing Me Softly," and the novel The Odessa File tops the New York Times best-seller list. William J. Bell, head writer of the popular serial Days of Our Lives, has just launched what is to become television’s most successful and groundbreaking daytime drama ever – The Young and the Restless.

The continuing drama takes place in the midwestern town of Genoa City and revolves around the loves, enmities, hopes and fears of its residents. When The Young and the Restless premiered March 26, 1973, it revolutionized the daytime drama genre with its emphasis on storylines geared to younger audiences, its frank sexuality, sleek production values and use of rock and popular music. The show has also been acclaimed for its serious, in depth treatment of timely social issues and concerns such as abortion, AIDS, alcoholism, smoking, black market babies, sexual harassment, illiteracy and drug addiction. In March 2003, the show proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary and continues to dominate the genre as the #1-rated daytime television drama since 1989.

The Young and the Restless was co-created by William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell. They also co created the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful, and Lee is a long-term story consultant on both serials. Their daughter, Lauralee, stars as Christine Blair Williams in The Young and the Restless, while Bill Bell, Jr. is president of Bell Dramatic Serial Company and Bell Phillip TV Productions, Inc. Bradley Bell, the Bells’ other son, is head writer and executive producer of The Bold and the Beautiful.

The Young and the Restless has been the recipient of numerous awards for artistic merit, program excellence and social responsibility. It has won the prestigious award for Outstanding Daytime Drama seven times. It has won 100 Emmy Awards to date. Additional honors include The People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime Drama and three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Daytime Drama, the first daytime drama ever to be so honored by the organization.