The Young and the Restless’ Kyle, Summer Return: Too Little, Too Late?

Fans barely got the chance to adjust to the exit of Kyle Abbott and Summer Newman, and now comes word that actors Michael Mealor and Hunter King are heading back to The Young and the Restless — albeit short-term. While the pair’s pending return is nice, is it really just a case of too little too late?

The Young and the Restless: Present Perfect

Kyle and Summer are the new generation of the show’s core families, the here and now of the Abbotts and Newmans. Teaming Jack Abbott’s (Peter Bergman) son with nemesis Victor Newman’s (Eric Braeden) granddaughter was a no-brainer that helped bridge the divide between the rival clans. As such, the couple’s love story has been integral to the soap’s present and, perhaps, is even more essential to its future.

Y&R: Picture Perfect

That’s why the show should have pushed harder to renegotiate with the two actors and found a way to keep them on the canvas full time. The soap is titled The Young and the Restless, and Mealor and King brought both to the table — youth and restlessness –- as Kyle and Summer.

The two actors are both attractive and in their prime as 20-somethings. They’ve also both portrayed Kyle and Summer as two interesting, determined, and constantly moving go-getters. They’ve made the couple an easy one to become invested in and root for.

The Young and the Restless: They’ve Got Talent

Aside from the above, Mealor and King are both quite talented performers, who have really connected with their characters and each other. Y&R finally got the Kyle-Summer pairing right, when Mealor was cast as Kyle.

There’s always been a sweet playfulness between Mealor and King that has resonated with fans. Plus, there’s plenty of natural sexual chemistry between them, too. Together, they’ve proven they’ve got what it takes to lead the soap, but, of course, they need new contracts to get the opportunity to do it.

Y&R Happy Ending

In the meantime, all viewers can do is wait and hope and enjoy the duo’s pending return. Perhaps the soap is planning a happy ending for the couple, like have them finally exchange wedding vows. That would make their short visit a lot sweeter, however, it will only make fans yearn for more.

The Young and the Restless (YR) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Genoa City, check out all the latest that’s been posted on Y&R spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.