Josh Griffith Steps Down as Executive Producer, Sally McDonald Takes Over

Josh Griffith and Sally McDonald

A major behind-the-scenes shake-up is happening at The Young and the Restless. Head writer and executive producer Josh Griffith is officially stepping down from his role as sole executive producer of the long-running CBS daytime drama.

Josh Griffith Steps Down as Executive Producer, Sally McDonald Takes Over

Soap Central was first to report the news, revealing that Griffith made the decision in order to focus more fully on his writing responsibilities for the soap. While he will no longer serve as executive producer, Griffith will remain an important creative force behind the series as head writer.

Griffith became the sole executive producer of Y&R on February 7, 2023, but his history with the show goes back much further. He first joined the soap in the executive ranks as co-executive producer in February 2019 and previously served as executive producer from October 2006 until October 2008. Over the years, Griffith has played a major role in shaping many of the show’s biggest storylines and creative directions.

Taking over as executive producer is longtime Y&R veteran Sally McDonald, whose history with the soap spans decades. McDonald first joined the series as a director in 1996 before becoming a producer in 2008. She later served as supervising producer from 2011 to 2012 and returned to Genoa City in 2025 as co-executive producer.

McDonald’s resume speaks for itself. During her time at Y&R, she has earned eight Daytime Emmy Awards as part of the directing team, along with a Directors Guild of America Award. In addition to her extensive daytime television work, McDonald also worked as a production supervisor on classic game shows, including Win, Lose or Draw, The $10,000 Pyramid, and Card Sharks.

The transition marks a significant change for the top-rated daytime soap and what this could mean for the future of Genoa City. With Griffith remaining as head writer and McDonald stepping into the executive producer role, viewers will be watching closely to see whether the shift brings a fresh new energy to the beloved series.

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