Y&R Characters Who Went From Exciting To Boring

Published on September 23, 2020. Updated September 21, 2022

Daytime dramas are a unique type of television programming. Unlike primetime, shows are put on five days a week, and it can be a constant challenge for writers to come up with creative content to keep viewers loyal and tuned in. More often than not, some characters can suffer this consequence, and the land of Genoa City is no exception to this rule. Below are some Young and the Restless (Y&R) characters that went from exciting to boring.

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12. Ashland Locke

When Ashland Locke first came to Genoa City, he was touted as a ruthless business tycoon. His legend seemed to be on everyone’s lips, which is partly why it was so underwhelming when he turned out to be a thief who can’t think two steps ahead. Faking a terminal illness to attain more power? Great scheme, Ashland. By the time he passed away (unrelated to his cancer fib), even portrayer Robert Newman was relieved it was over.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

11. Chloe Mitchell

In all fairness, it’s nice to see Chloe settled, at peace and with zero mental health issues at the moment. Plus, being a new mom can keep a character on the sidelines for a bit, until they are ready for some excitement again. Still, Chloe, along with Kevin, need a little drama in their lives to shake them up and make them a little more interesting again. It won’t take a lot since they are such amazing characters.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

10. Theo Vanderway

When Theo first entered the little town, you could tell he was a real “mover and shaker” from the big city. Sadly, he was soon enough unmasked as a slime-ball who continually screws up. Y&R writers needed to make a decision: to either keep Theo as a schemer or redeem him as a hero. Trying to go back and forth just killed interest in the character and he eventually left town.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

9. Jack Abbott

Jack Abbott is one of the staples on Y&R. Yet there’s no denying that he became pretty dull beginning in 2021, when his romances failed and he began to look back on his life with melancholy. It’s hard to pair someone up with Abbott. He deserves a lady companion who is unique and full of adventure. Plus, there’s also the fact that he’s dated every major female character on the show, or is somehow related to them. That can turn things sticky.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

8. Gloria Bardwell

Gloria Bardwell made a splashing return during the 2016 holiday season, having an affair of comedic proportions with nemesis Jack Abbott. Gloria is a diverse character, one which Y&R fans love to hate. As of late, however, a lack of exciting storylines has made Gloria a little stale. Beyond the odd appearance in a supportive or comedic moment, Bardwell has been a no-show. Time for another comeback so that writers can re-visit this character.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

7. Tessa Porter

Tessa Porter dived into Genoa City and took Y&R by storm. She was once involved in a unique love triangle with Noah Newman and Mariah Copeland, and a human trafficking storyline with their mom, Sharon. Sadly, something fizzled with Tessa, and as exciting as she was, she seems a little boring now. She lays it on a bit thick with the sweetness, which makes Mariah the only believable character in the romance.

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6. Nick Newman

Resident good guy Nick Newman always does the right thing and stands up for the underdog. This often means that he tends to get taken advantage of by women in his life. Nick has had huge storylines in recent years. At one point, he was parading around as J.T. Hellstrom, whom everyone thought had passed. What makes Nick so boring when he’s a smart, charming and good-looking guy? The fact that he continues to get duped by the “exes” in his life. #HesTooNice
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

5. Michael Baldwin

One of Genoa City’s top heroes certainly needs something in terms of a storyline to remind Y&R fans who the real Michael Baldwin is all about. It just seems that as of late, Michael only shows up when it comes to someone needing legal defense. With his lack of drama and his successful marriage to Lauren, Michael has lost some excitement. In 2022, he was kidnapped by Ashland Locke and locked in a Peruvian prison. Sounds exciting, right? Alas, the whole storyline occurred off-screen, so nah… boring.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

4. Lauren Fenmore

Speaking of Lauren, sometimes a long-time character can lag when it comes to excitement. Fenmore herself has literally been woven into Y&R storylines for decades now and has been an integral part of the show for years. Therefore, it’s only natural for a character of this tenure to become a little boring, especially for someone who has seen it all and done it all like Lauren.
© ChrisD/jpistudios.com

3. Abby Newman

Has the corporate world stripped Abby Newman of her sparkle? Once an exciting character that paraded nude around Genoa City and created a ton of drama, Abby has grown very stale. Chance has spiced her life up a bit, but what happens if (and when) these two break up? Her character needs a serious re-vamp.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

2. Mariah Copeland

Mariah made a huge splash in Genoa City when she first entered the soap in 2014. Sadly, her storylines lately only revolve around her mom Sharon. Camryn Grimes is a tremendous actress who has played Mariah (and Cassie for that matter) flawlessly. Here’s hoping they can bring Mariah out of this slump.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com

1. Paul Williams

Doug Davidson, the actor who plays Paul Williams, is the longest-serving cast member in Y&R. Much like Lauren, Paul is someone who has done and seen it all. Therefore, it is no wonder that the character has lacked a little luster as of late, really only showing up when his role as police chief serves a storyline.
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com