Tuesday marks two very special occasions on The Young and the Restless. Not only is a wedding taking place, but the show is also broadcasting its 12,000th episode! Veteran YR star Peter Bergman says that the show’s momentous occasion didn’t go unnoticed during the show’s taping.
As it’s the wedding day of Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) and Phillip “Chance” Chancellor IV (Justin Gaston), several longtime characters are in attendance. There are Abby’s parents Ashley (Eileen Davidson) and Victor (Eric Braeden), Victor’s wife Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott), Abby’s Uncle Jack (Peter Bergman) and Aunt Traci (Beth Maitland), and Chance’s mother Nina (Tricia Cast) and grandmother Jill (Jess Walton). In other words, a veritable “Who’s Who” of YR!
Peter Bergman On 12,000 Episodes
“It’s a funny thing,” Bergman tells Soap Hub. “Eric Braeden got everyone’s attention [for a moment] and said, ‘I’d just like to acknowledge Tricia Cast and Jess Walton and all the people here.” It’s worth noting that those assembled for this episode, save the bride and groom, were all on YR in 1988 when the show went to No. 1 in the ratings. And they’re still a part of the show today!
“We’re not all patting ourselves on the back,” Bergman says, “but we don’t get many reminders that this was not a giant team of actors. This was a small group of actors who helped put the show on the map [in terms of going to No. 1]. I thought, ‘Wow. I guess that’s true.'”
Indeed. YR is known for its stable cast. Unlike other soaps that have come and gone over the years, YR maintains consistency. “Eric mentioned [late cast members] Jeanne Cooper [ex-Kay] and Kristoff St. John [ex-Neil] as people who would have been present for this [episode],” Bergman notes. “It caught me short. I realized there was something to what Eric was saying.”
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Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) will act as officiator for the ceremony, representing the Winters clan as Neil and Dru’s (Victoria Rowell) son.
Since series creator, the late William J. Bell, stepped down as head writer in 1998, many different scribes have steered the course of the Abbotts, Newmans, and other Genoa City residents. How has Bergman kept Jack consistent?
“I have had the same approach to Jack Abbott for every head writer and executive producer we’ve had,” Bergman shares. “Put the script in my dressing room and I promise you I’ll find the drama in there. I’ve made a personal commitment to anyone who writes the show, you will get my very best.”
In addition to viewers witnessing Chance and Abby tie the knot, fans will also be treated to some flashbacks from classic YR loves stories from over the decades. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.
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