In yet another blow to the already ailing soap opera world, Eric Braeden, the venerable star of CBS’ The Young and the Restless, has exited the top-rated daytime drama after a nasty negotiation with Sony. The production company wanted the popular actor to take a pay cut for playing mega mogul Victor Newman, but Braeden—who’s been on the soap since 1980—opted to leave instead. Barring any last-minute change, Braeden’s final episode will air on Nov. 2. Reps for Sony and CBS had no comment, though one insider indicated that no further talks are planned. EW talked with Braeden, 68, about Sony’s decision to exercise a draconian clause in his contract (his deal that was set to expire in November 2010 can still be renegotiated every 26 weeks) and what it means to the future of daytime dramas.
EW: Where do things stand? Did your representative counter Sony’s offer and you have yet to hear an answer?
Braeden: Precisely.
As of today, are you willing to take what Sony offered?
No. There is no appreciation of the fact that I’ve been an important part of the show for nearly 30 years that has been no. 1 in the ratings. That’s extraordinary. So to be dealt with in a perfunctory matter as if you had just known these people for a few months is what is most offensive. This is a certain corporate culture now that is very deleterious.
Is it true you offered to take a pay cut before?
I was the first one [to offer] because I knew that if we all did it, we would insure the continuation of the show. I did it two years ago when I signed my last contract, which I thought would last until next November.
Did you say your on-set goodbyes?
I said this could be a long goodbye, and I may not see you for a long time. Who knows? I’m not saying I’ve been let go – we’re still negotiating. But it feels like that.
What does this say about the state of the industry when a production company is asking the star of the No. 1 show in daytime to take a pay cut? Should everyone be worried?
Yes, though it depends on what the star does. All options are open right now. What can I tell you? I know there are certain economic realities that dictate the actions they are taking right now, but the manner in which its being done is most insulting.
You taped your last episode on Sept. 23. Was that the way you wanted Victor to go?
No. It was rushed. It was obviously meant to intimidate. It was obviously done with enormous forethought to coincide with the end of the 26-week cycle. Essentially that is what the business is doing now and has been doing for a while. And quite frankly, it’s outrageous. When I sign a three-year deal, I’m obligated to fulfill that deal. The producers, however, can come to me after a half-year and say, “We’ve changed our minds.” Where in the world of business does this kind of contract exist? Do I blame the people for wanting to squeeze as much out of us as they can? I do not. The question is, when do you squeeze too much?
Would you do another daytime drama?
I doubt that. Never say never in this business or in life, but I doubt that.
Can you see the genre still existing in 10 years?
Yes I can. How many reality shows can you watch? They’re so obviously phony. Our show deals with adult problems in a long continuous manner, and very much like the way things are dealt with in real life. In that sense I think there will always be a need for (soaps). They’re almost novelistic in their approach.
what?? Y&R is the only daytime soap i watch and it is precisely because of braeden’s character. pay the man his due!!! needless to say I will NOT be watching anymore if braeden’s victor newman is no longer part of the show.
too bad it has to be all business. i have watched y&r for over 30 years, and to take the heart of the show away for reasons like this, its just sad
I have been watching young & Restless for as long as I can remember and if you take Vicki and Victor off you will lose a lot of viewers here in my hometown. Victor is the show.
Business or not, they are out of their minds. Victor makes the show. If he goes then the ratings will go down the tubes.IT is a sad thing what Money does to people. They need to keep him on the show.
Nothing will be the same without him.
Hey Jessie -
IT’S NICKI …NOT VICKI ..you need to keep watching…idiot.
Hey Val: No need to be so rude to Jessie — perhaps it was a typo — and even if not, did you really need to call her an idiot? lighten up…
Wow, methinks someone takes their soaps just a wee bit too seriously.
It is the death knell of one of the last and greatest of the Soaps. Say farewell to this dying form of television drama. Too bad – I always loved Victor. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Eric Braeden in other roles, nevertheless. Love his accent!
VAL,YOU NEED TO KEEP-UP THERE IS VICKI AND NICKIE AND NIK AND VICTOR.STOP CALLING PEOPLE NAMES!! DAH!!!!
Wow! I had thought he left years ago. I use to watch this soap, and Victor is the show. I wonder what the heck Sony did to insult him. He stated he already took a pay cut, and he is saying it wasn’t the pay cut but the way they were going about it. Well Sony you can kiss The Young and The Restless goodbye, your viewing audience will go down. So how stupid are you?
This corporate espionage and culture has tainted the world of entertainment. It is tragic to see a talent like Braeden who is synonymous with Y&R’s legacy be dissolved as if they are oblivious to his intrinsic worth. I am a 2nd generation devotee to Y&R it has me befuddled how this could happen. Y& R might as well close shop because I am not alone when I say ramification for this action will surely supersede the egos of the powers at be when rating depletes beyond what his salary will afford them. What an impractical solution to a temporary financial quandary ….Ridiculously SAD!
Definitely the show will go down without Victor…He is Y&R…what a shame. I’ve been watching Y&R for 27 years, I won’t watch it anymore when Eric Braeden leaves.
SONY, ERIC BRAEDON IS TO Y&R, AS MICHAEL JACKSON IS TO SONY.
I agree that when victor goes so will the show. The writers are not very good any how this thing with Sharon baby They killed cassie now the baby thing.. It has gotten stipid. So when Victor goes and then maybe Nicki. I just not watching it all now.Till they get things rigth
SHOW IS NOTHING WITHOUT HIM! I think everyone has made that clear. I too hate the baby switch story line, but it’s not that terrible in my opinion, just stupid to reuse.. Also, BLAME NICK FOR ONCE, ladies! If your hubby cheats, please place blame on him! Ugh, lol. And, I love the Daniel & Amber storylines, but maybe that’s because I’m only 20 :]
I’m am so disappointed that Eric is leaving the show. I have watched the show too for 20 years and don’t know if I will be watching anymore. I wish Sony would make it work.
I agree with him about reality tv – I cannot believe there are people who watch that trash. Furthermore a lot of the CBS lineup is guilty of lazy, boring, repetitive writing like the CSI series, Without a Trace, Cold Case, Criminal Minds – they are all essentially the same show – I miss the days when shows had actually interesting characters and stories like the Rockford Files and Magnum PI
..and…Victor Newman
Quite. Perhaps we’ve all become too sedentary here…
The Rockford Files and Magnum – same shows also..maybe we are running out of ideas? But I know if Victor dies off the show now, the rest of the soaps need to pack up too.
I cannot wait for the day reality shows are done and also these prime time game shows like Deal or no deal , who wants to be a millionaire – I want real shows back again – the glory years of the 70′s/80′s early 90′s need to come back.
I agree with the CBS dig, those shows are totally the same show – and not too good either.
I hear that!!! It’s all junk now…I and my husband are on our PC’s most of the time now…sad sad
They need to bring back shows like The Carol Burnett Show. Maybe a modern version of it but without the vulgarness of some of the so-called comedies out there. Something the whole family can watch. And I agree 100% about the reality shows and the crime dramas. We need shows that entertain us, not depress us. Life these days is stressful enough, we don’t need shows that are depressing as well. We all need a good laugh.
Needless to say that Braeden’s character is one of the most popular on the soap and without him,i don’t see the ratings been as good.If he leave i will not watch Y&R anymore.I’ve watched the soap for over 30yrs.
If Victor leaves so am I..Also do not like the story line with Sharon
That is why I have not wathed it this past week …now victor.
I agree, I don’t like the Sharon story either and I quit watching this week. I am so very tired of the Kevin/Amber/Daniel story…as well. It’s been going on way too long.
Please don’t remove Eric and I don’t like what was done to Sharon. I want her and Nick to get back together. When that was done I really wanted to stop looking at Y&r. When Victoria left the show it wasn’t interesting. Please reconsider Victor, Drucilla and sharon with her baby.
I agree with you I have been watching Y&R for over 20 years and to take Victor off would be a terible mistake he makes the show and I do not like the fact they had Adam take sharon baby and give it to Ashley he need to get caught real soon but if Victor leave I will never know because when he leaves so am I.
I can’t believe there will be no more Victor Newman in Genoa City!
Sharon-I absolutely hate what they’ve done! I want Nick & Sharon back together.
I think when Victor leaves, I may take a little hiatus from Y&R. Unless of course, Sharon, Nick & baby Faith are back together! =D
I’ll be stunned if Victor leaves. He’s the man I love to hate. And I agree, HATE the storyline with Sharon. Hope they rectify it soon. I ff all the Amber/Daniel/Kevin crap.
I haven’t watched in weeks since I first heard about the baby switch with Sharon. Haven’t they done enough to her character. I mean she slept with everyone and she steals. Now she has to lose another child. I don’t even see a reason to watch anymore.
Sharon is a slut, always has been, always will be. How can you people forget that? Do you really forget how she has screwed Nick over time after time. Remember her and Brad, not even so long ago at that. If she is ignored for a nano second she goes out and finds a new guy to bed, remember Billy, who was even more recent in her slut history? Her and Nick do not belong together, she needs to be the one who leaves the show. As much as I hate Victor’s character, he is essential to the future of the Y & R.
Had you watched this week, you would have seen a NEW story line emerge with the Baby that was born. You missed it… Check soap net to catch up.
And Ellie, I don’t think Sharon is a slut, I think she is playing her part well. She’s exampled the part of an emotionally troubled woman with exhibiting deep psychological scars and acting out her subconscious thoughts at times. Very reactionary, unplanned, spontaneous. She’s not spiteful, devious, evil, or wicked. She is damaged and has been screwed over hideously by Phyllis who NEEDS TO GO. Phyllis is the tool. She is the one who needs a reality check and needs to be in the mental hospital. I’m sick that she’s gotten her way and is being rewarded for stealing Sharon’s husband. Sharon is the closest person to a living saint, if you ask me; her ‘sins’ included.
Sheri, when you say that Phyllis stole Sharon’s husband, you make it sound like it’s all Phyllis’ fault. Nick is the one to be blamed because he’s the one who left his wife. No one can MAKE him leave his wife, he wanted to. But I do agree that Phyllis does take some blame.
me too. I’ve watched the show for as long as I can remember. The character Victor, is pretty much the reason for this. He goes, I go too I guess. RIP Y&R!
Leave Victor there or you will lose a lot of viewers and doubt you will still be number 1 in ratings……
wow
it will be nothing without Victor. Bad on You SONY. Big corp power teams is NO good for business. I allplaud Eirk ‘s brave decision.
I’m out. No Eric, no viewers. I too have watched since the beginning. God I hope you work somewhere else Eric. We Canadians love to hate you too! I hope those who had commercials airing during this show cancel or move to another network.
The Y&R would not be the same without Victor. He deserves to be
paid what he originally agreed to.
I am really disappointed!!!!
same here, this is the only show i tape religiously every day and will stop watching is Victor is no longer there !!
I have been watching this show for over 20 years. If I cannot watch it my mom records it for me or I go online to keep up with the show. If Victor leaves the show, then what’s the use of watching it.
I have watched Y&R for many many years, I always said, if Victor leaves, that is the end of the soap. I will not watch w/o Victor
So, Colleen Didn’t have to die?!??
That’s the first thing I thought of too. Poor Colleen. My favorite girl killed off for nothing.
that was my first reaction. I can’t believe colleen died for nothing. why couldn’t chloe or amber be the one to die? poor tracey, i felt her pain. these writers need to get the abbott family more respect.
Same here it’t the only Soap I watch also…if Victor gose I will stop watching the show!!!!
P.S. I am a long time watcher…so it’s sad that it’s come to this.
i agree one hundred percent no victor no fan sorry love that guy alot
I LOVE HIM TOO:::::
NO VICTOR :::
NO SHOW :::::
NO RATING ::::::::::::
WILL NO LONGER TURN ON THE SHOW.
I like that one. I agree
I have been watching THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS since I was a kid with my grandma and I never miss not one episode and I’m 38 years old now and Eric makes the show
Because if Eric leaves then
who would JACK FIGHT WITH!!!
I agree hole heartedly.I am 40yrs old and have watched this show because of Eric he is hand’s down “the most talented male in the bizz i do not watch anyother show because they are not real-enough!! Give Eric his just and keep on doing what works!! “Don’t fix it if it is’nt broken”!! Go Eric we all love what you do!!THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME POST ON THIS!!
I agree. Y&R without eric braeden is like christmas without gifts and family, doesn’t go together.I have lost alot interest in this show in the last week also. This show is definitely going to go downhill fast. I agree that shows in the 80s and early 90s were so much better than the garbage that is on now.
I agree! I will also stop watching if he leaves the show. Pay up Sony he’s worth it!!!
Please, Sony, stop and think about what you are doing with one of the best actors on soaps past and present. You need to rethink your decision and keep Eric, you are making and Huge mistake, viewers like me who have been watching since the beginning, will stop
If the powers that be does not straighten this out with Eric Braeden, I will not watch the Young and Restless anymore. I have watch this show from day one and when he came on board, Eric (Victor) is the show, I am sorry to say that there are many great actors but there will never be one to replace him or might I add also Melody (Nikki). The Young and the Restless is Victor Newman, and the man that portrays him (Eric Braeden). If this will be the end of him then it will also be the end of me watching. Sorry!!! Sandra Palomares
SONY, Let me speak a language you will understand.
ERIC BRAEDON IS TO Y&R, AS MICHAEL JACKSON IS TO SONY.
I agree 100%.. That Is the ONLY one I watch and have watched for about 15years. If he leaves I won’t watch either! He is Y&R!
O.K. let’s face it. Victor Newman is absolutely the Young & the Restless. Take him away, and you will lose thousands even millions of viewers. I must say that I would be one of them. I shedule my life around Y&R. I can always find something else to do and I will!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also will stop watching… what is the point if Victor is gone.
My husband and I have been watching and taping this show for several years. Now, we’ll have to stop watching when Eric Braeden is no longer on it. I am so angry about this! Wish we could contact someone who would listen!
I agree without Victor it wouldn’t be the Young & The Restless. I will probably stop watching and I have been watching for 30 yrs!!!
I have watched this show for so long, I remember when Victor came on the soap…Y&R with no Eric Braden to play Victor, the man we love to hate, is like Xmas without Santa. They will be no more in a very short time. If Y&R is to continue, some drastic measures are called for…I think all fans of Y&R need to let the powers that be know just how we feel…bombard them with phone calls, emails, letters, protests etc. Boycott the show & support the evil but loveable Victor Newman & his importance to Y&R. I, for one, will be bowing out of watching Y&R the day after Victor’s departure. How sad after all these years…My one hour break from reality & reality TV…is to be no more.
I too have watched Y & R since it started and I am very sad indeed to see Eric Braeden leave. I completely agree with him about the way he is being played by Sony and the powers that be and even though I like the other characters on the show I DO NOT intend to continue watching after Victor leaves.
I agree with you totally and already plan to delete Y&R from my DVR after November 2nd. I’ll bet the big boys at Sony aren’t taking a pay cut!!!! Get rid of Adam (PLEASE)! Get rid of Sharon! Get rid of Ashley! NOT Victor Newman!!!!!
At least I won”t be wasting my time watching Y&R anymore. Without Victor, no interest. I might say that your plot line with Adam sucks. You have crossed the line when you got into baby-replacement. And for God’s sake, give Sharon a better role. Why does that rotten Phyllis always seems to thrive, despite the fact that she would kill any of us in our sleep if we disagreed with her. Oh, I forgot. It’s OK for her to ruin Nick’s family but God forbid that anyone would muck with hers. A complete loser too old for Nick. Goodbye Y&R. It has been a blast!
Crazy Canuck
ya i agree. This soap is truly getting dumb. I have watched this since Nick and sharon began dating. This whole baby switching thing makes no sense. I have feeling maybe they are getting ready to cut the show off. Many people i have read are losing interest due to the baby story line and now victor leaving. Wow this show is truly bull
If Eric Braeden is not allowed to continue the role of Victor Newman on Y&R, I will no longer watch it…or it’s sister show B&B. Get rid of the character of Adam or some other “expendable” character and give the salary to Eric Braeden. He deserves it and earns it with every scene he’s in.
Whoa! Quit knocking B&B I still watch it. I have not watched Y&R for nearly a yezar because the story line is stupid all the way around. You got away with replacing Heather Tom (Victoria) but you won’t get away with ditching Eric Braeden and his character Victor Newman. Stupid, stupid, stupid and a dumb idiotic business decision. Why not boycott all of Sony and send them packing back to Japan where they belong.
The leaving of E. Braeden, will compromise the show. I too will not watch this show after his leaving. After 30 years, he should be appreciated for the portrayal of a complex character. I believe he has earned better treatment than he is getting from Sony.
I actually saw it coming with the way the script was going last week and I am very disappointed. He is the main reason alot of us actually watch. Change your mind and reconsider as your show will really slip now. I am a watcher from the very start.
Keep Victor…..
I AGREE..NO VICTOR..NO Y&R..I SUGGESTED THAT SIR RICHARD TAKE A PAY CUT AND LEAVE THE SHOW ALONE..
I am sorry but if Eric Braedon is no longer on the show, I will no longer be watching. He is the show-I am sorry, I know there are a team of actors in the show but 90% of the show centers around his character. Most scenes mention his name. No other actor can play Victor Newman, . I am 32YO and have been watching since I was a child, I wont be watching anymore. They just can’t attempt to do things on the cheap and expect quality. Pay Eric Braedon whatever it is, he’s already earned it, he’s worth it!
Trust your viewers!
I agree No Victor…Y&R not the same…Is Sony that poor??? lol…i hope they read this…Eric was faitful to you for years can you plz do something for him now? I also hate the idea of Sharon’s baby i hope it wont last years as usual lets make her a xmas gift her baby back thanks
So long y&r you’ve made a big mistake no victor no me
Again, he said he’s fine with pay cuts, but he’s NOT fine with a contract that won’t be honored, meaning, if it’s a 3 year contract, then let an actor work for 3 years, and not be able to cut the actor after 6 months. He’s just asking for decency in their approach, and honoring an actor’s contract, nothing more, nothing less! He’s fine with pay cuts, money is NOT the issue! Y&R NEEDS Eric as Victor and that’s that!
It would be a travesty if they let him leave….
I agree. I have been watching this show since day one and if you let Eric go the show is not worth watching. He has been a thorn in everyone’s side since day one. These new writers need to get a grip and a touch of reality with their story lines. The Adam thing, Sharon and Nick, and the Amber, Kevin, Daniel stories have been drawn out way too long.
I will stop watching if there is no more Victor.
I think that Sony is greedy and must be out of there minds. I’ve watched Y&R for over 25 yrs. I love Nicki and Victor. They have the #1 soap opera and they’re willing to let the 2 most important characters go. There is no Y&R without Victor & Nicki. The kids are certainly not going to carry this show forward. This is a pathetic day for soap operas. I’m am totally disappointed. I DVR it every day so I can watch it when I get home from work. This is the stupid move I’ve ever seen!!!
This is absolutely crazy!!! I’ve watched this soap for over 40 years. If it is thought that this show is slipping in ratings….look out “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”. Shame on you Sony-get back to the bargaining table while you still can.
You’ve watched Y&R for over 40 years? That’s quite a feat…considering the fact that it premiered in 1973, 36 years ago.
to begin with you have not watched this soap for over 40 yrs, it only premiered in the early ’70s. Might want to put that bottle of gin down and dry out….
Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t Y&R replace The Secret Storm which was my lunch break from work. CBS is a lousy network, I lost GL and Y&R because it now sucks I enjoyed both so now I watch only B&B and ATWT on CBS and nothing else on that lousy network all day long
I have long been a fan of daytime drama, and am disappointed in recent years to see the genre ailing. The fans are there, but I am not sure the webs have the commitment to this programming. And I wonder about the fixes employed to shore up ratings: storylines with little regard to character and history; rapid unfolding of stories denying buildup and suspense; ignorance of longstanding characters; a lack of attention to present day lifestyles (more accurate portrayal of gay people, addressing economic issues). The “soap opera” does ask us to suspend belief, of course, but the integrity is missing more and more. I was sad to see GUIDING LIGHT go,and worry about my favorite AS THE WORLD TURNS.
It can be done but doubtful he will be gone for long. They tried same ploy with Jill and Nicky characters. On a separate note the show itself may be number one but the current storylines are horrid and good time to leave the show if any!
The Ashley storyline was one of the worst ever and I have been watching it for over 30 years. I will miss Victor madly.
Remember when Ashley Abbott used to be very smart & independent? What happened to her? They destroyed Ashley and they have ruined Victor. Victor was ruthless not heartless there is a difference.
I totally agree about the Ashley storyline. The writers have just gone downhill. If they want to save money, get rid of Ashley, Adam,Abby and Deacon. If EB leaves I stop watching Y&R too!!!
get rid of chloe, amber, deacon, kevin, adam, gloria, jeff and chance.
@Sophia, I totally agree with your assessment. Victor has a heart, he does some things that are out there sometimes but it is in response to something. The storyline now just has him as just evil and vindictive and that’s not what the character was about.
No,no,no Y&R X Amber can’t go! She is a great character and fantastic eye candy. I have followed the Amber charater from B&B to Y&R. I like the way she was written into Y&R and also the way Lauren went from Y&R to B&B and the way both characters kept all the personality traits in a new location.
I agree totally. I have been watchcing for a long time and the current story line with Adam and Ashley is so far off the deep end, they do not deserve the #1.
I think that they should get all new writers, the story lines have been just ridiculous, (Sharon, Adam, Ashley.) I know its a soap ,.but come on let get real. Unless you want to loose all your viewers, start all over again.
I completely agree. The Adam/Ashley storyline went way too far when he stole Sharons baby. I haven’t watched it since and dont plan on it until they move on to a decent storyline. Obviously there can’t always be a happy ending (like I wanted with Nick, Sharon & their baby) or it wouldn’t be a soap opera but they are reaching here. The writers need to pull their heads out.
Wait until the pair Sharon and Adam. That is coming and will be the last straw for me.
Don’t get rid of chance, just don’t pare him with chloe, give him and chance, excuse the pun, should have kept colleen and paired them together, victor, time to go, colleen should have stayed
I can’t believe they killed Colleen, to give her heart to Victor, Nicki should have married Paul and finally give up on Victor, back and forth, they are getting old with that, and poor Sharon, give her baby and Nick back, His wife forgets what she was like and ( still is) to be offended by him and Sharon’s relationship, i will continue to watch, if the Sharon and Colleen situation is cleard up
I’ve always read he was a bit of an ego maniac and this article kinda proves it. He’s living in a world where soaps still matter in the US but that was like 25 years ago.
I wonder how much money he wanted to stay on?? It is always about money, I wish I could walk away from my job if I did not get what i wanted. But I live in the real world NOT a soap opera!
I agree. Honestly in this economy he should just be glad he has a job. Look at the poor people from AMC, if they don’t agree to move to LA they are out of jobs. Suck it up!
well i won’t be watching anymore
From the article, it seems like he wanted the same as was already getting. Would you walk away from your job if you had enough saved for retirement (he IS 68 years old, remember) and your employer told you that he was going to cut your pay for doing the same work? I think most of us would.
(that was supposed to be a reply to Angie, oops)
Victor Newman has always been a douche bag, so I’m not sorry to see the character leave. Maybe now I might start watching Y&R. As it was, I couldn’t stand the show because they always focused on Victor and his frickin’ ego. The man was so self righteous!
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU. VICTOR
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU, VICTOR
IS A DOUCHE BAG
SORRY YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT……THERE’S NO SHOW WITHOUT VICTOR NEWMAN….
CANCELL IT…
BE DONE WITH IT……..
How dare you say that about The Black Knight! The Great One will crush you PUNK!
The fact you’re referring to Eric Braedean as Victor as if Victor existed for real shows the talent Eric brought to that character. Love the Mustache. Who will Peter Bergman’s character have as an enemy? They all keep dying or leaving. LOL
Um … he was supposed to be a douchebag. That was the character. Eric Braeden is not Victor Newman, he just plays him on TV. Saying that he deserves to be treated badly by his employer because the character he portrayed was a jerk is like saying that Sylvester Stallone should be in jail because he killed all those people in Rambo.
I’m commenting on the character of Victor Newman because that’s who I have a problem with on the show. In my opinion, the constant focus on Victor and basic glorification of this character is a waste of Y&R’s time. I get it, he’s the most awesome thing EVER!!! I would rather watch paint dry than sit through a scene with EB as Victor. I couldn’t care less about EB since I don’t know him personally, so I’m trying not to bash the actor, but rather the character. However, EB should realize that he’s not living in the glory days of soaps anymore. They’ve had to make drastic cuts. Nobody is immune or too important.
hahahahahahahahahahahaha!
i cannot believe this! up until a few weeks ago when i got into days again this was the only soap that i have watched, pretty much faithfully for over 15 years, and im 26! this show will suffer without victor! i was worried enough about nikki leaving, but victor? they must be out of their minds! its not like days where they have several veterans so if some leave (john and marlena) it might be okay. nikki and victor ARE the young and the restless!!!
Susan Lucci better watch her back. The soaps have gone crazy. How can you get rid of Eric Braeden? He is Young and the Restless. First, they got rid of Deirde Hall and Drake Hogestyn, now Eric Braeden. Like I said, Susan Lucci, watch out! You’re the next big name in Soaps.
Susan Lucci is one smart cookie. ABC is moving AMC to the West Coast from NYC to save on production costs, and she is moving where the money is, just like AMC’s other ‘heavy hitter’, David Canary. Lots of ‘soap superstars’ have taken salary cuts due to the economy, but the public only hears about the ones who refuse the cut and get fired.
Susan Lucci is not moving. She is going to commute to LA when they need her for scenes.
Did you not read what he said. He was the first one to take a pay cut.
Did you read the interview? he OFFERED to take a pay cut two yrs ago and its in his contract. His main issue is with the dismissive manner in which Sony is dealing with this matter. I applaud him for standing up to his principles. If only this was the norm, and not the exception.
This would not have happened if Bill Bell was still here.
Eric, the best to you, and I applaud you for standing up to your principles. Victor rules. He and Nikki are the soul of that show.
For those of you calling this man a douche bag and an egomaniac shame on you. ou don’t personally know him. He does few interviews and everything I have ever read about him is that he is reserved but committed to his craft. He is regardless of his personality, a man who showed up every day, knew his lines, played whatever they gave him good or bad, and helped keep his show at #1 for 27 years. That alone deserved more respect than the corporate bean counters were giving him and this is his beef. I respect him for standing up for what he believes.
They are calling Victor Newman a douchebag, not Eric Braeden. Eric, by all accounts, is a nice individual and certainly a fine actor.
I think all daytime soaps should be cancelled or severely changed in some way, they just don’t work in the modern world. They are too slow and fake. He talks about reality shows being fake, people on soaps act so fake! The way they react to things is so unrealistic. Primetime soaps have the leeway to be more creative and realistic, I used to like soaps when I was much younger but now it just seems like the storylines go nowhere and aren’t interesting anymore. The world of the bored housewife who watches soaps is over, most women have lives and those who stay home with kids are more interested in watching daytime talk shows or divorce court than seeing Erica get married for the 11th Time. It’s just so absurd. All my Children was the only soap I really loved and cared about and they ruined it with lame serial killer storylines and disrespect of killing off main characters in a really cavalier way. I’m done. Good riddance daytime TV!
More people watch Y&R in daytime than any program on the CW in Primetime!
Forget Y&R. Other than ‘Top Model’, every show on The CW draws less viewers than any soap.
True Blood on HBO (which is a paid premium channel) beats Y&R ratings but that is not the point. Daytime in general has lost ratings. Alot of people do not stay home and if they do work, they record and watch them at night or the weekends. The mothers who do stay home are busy taking kids to some sort of activity. I watched Y&R high school & college. Then I stopped because I got too busy. No matter how low the ratings get for soaps there are still core loyal viewers. Eric/Victor would be more recognized walking down the streets than Tom Cruise. Why? Because Y&R is in people’s homes M-F (free). Cruise is not.
Reality TV isn’t even real. Soap operas never tried to say they were real, they were a way for the housewives to escape for a few hours. Now all the stuff that’s done in primetime, I’ve seen it all b4 in soap operas first. I hope this doesn’t spell doom for the other soaps on CBS.
Linda, thank you for your insightful comments. We must remember that Eric was playing and PART!! Do we really know the real man? No, we know Victor, not Eric. Those of you calling him such a rude name should be ashamed of yourselves.
I certainly wasn’t calling Eric a douche bag. It’s was a comment on the character he plays… you know, on a soap that isn’t real.
You know after reading all the comments.. I don’t blame Eric for leaving… Can you blame him.. With the story lines about baby switching,Patty with plastic surgery & insane, Adam the devil son, Ashley who doesn’t know she’s carrying a dead child, Amber marrying Deacon to help her boyfriend stay out of jail, Gloria & her husband who can’t seem to be normal adults and I can go on… Who wants to work with such BAD SCRIPTS… ERIC THERE IS LIFE AFTER Y&R… I will definitely have to move on… I’ve got my own drama.. I live my own Y&R
I totally agree. I watched this for after I had surgery and was home-bound the first two weeks of September. I could not believe the STUPID story line, the abysmal writing (what family stands around reading nursery rhymes when your daughter is missing? Get out there and look for her, idiots!) The acting by Eric Baeden was laughable. He must have known the jig was up, because he looked as though he was half asleep, was reading his lines off cue cards, or just didn’t care anymore. I don’t know, since I’m not a long time viewer – maybe he always was that way. I think he’s kind of creepy, but apparently a lot of people love him. I wish him the best though – I am sure he can get work in night time TV in guest starring roles.