About
The Young and the Restless
On March 26th 2013, The Young and the Restless celebrates four decades of romance, drama and betrayal when the iconic series turns 40 years young. To commemorate this milestone birthday, GlobalTV.com is featuring exclusive online content that celebrates one of television's most successful series, a series which began with simple idea by William J. Bell:
The date is March 26, 1973. Richard M. Nixon is two months into
his second term as president of the United States. The #1 song on
the pop charts is Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly," and the
novel The Odessa File tops the New York Times best-seller list.
William J. Bell, head writer of the popular serial Days of Our
Lives, has just launched what is to become television's most
successful and groundbreaking daytime drama ever - The Young and the Restless.
The continuing drama takes place in the midwestern town of Genoa
City and revolves around the loves, enmities, hopes and fears of
its residents. When The Young and the Restless premiered March 26,
1973, it revolutionized the daytime drama genre with its emphasis
on storylines geared to younger audiences, its frank sexuality,
sleek production values and use of rock and popular music. The show
has also been acclaimed for its serious, in depth treatment of
timely social issues and concerns such as abortion, AIDS,
alcoholism, smoking, black market babies, sexual harassment,
illiteracy and drug addiction. In March 2003, the show proudly
celebrated its 30th anniversary and continues to dominate the genre
as the #1-rated daytime television drama since 1989.
The Young and the Restless was co-created by William J. Bell and
his wife, Lee Phillip Bell. They also co created the daytime drama
The Bold and the Beautiful, and Lee is a long-term story consultant
on both serials. Their daughter, Lauralee, stars as Christine Blair
Williams in The Young and the Restless, while Bill Bell, Jr. is
president of Bell Dramatic Serial Company and Bell Phillip TV
Productions, Inc. Bradley Bell, the Bells' other son, is head
writer and executive producer of The Bold and the Beautiful.
The Young and the Restless has been the recipient of numerous
awards for artistic merit, program excellence and social
responsibility. It has won the prestigious award for Outstanding
Daytime Drama seven times. It has won 100 Emmy Awards to date.
Additional honors include The People's Choice Award for Favorite
Daytime Drama and three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Daytime
Drama, the first daytime drama ever to be so honored by the
organization.