There aren't many ratings streaks in the biz like that of "The Young and the Restless," the CBS daytime sudser which has been on top since the final weeks of the Reagan administration.
The genre as a whole has been hit by declining ratings over the years, but "Y&R" remains its bellwether program. Show, which celebrates its 35th year on the air later this month, just achieved a major milestone by winning the ratings race in households for an amazing 1,000th consecutive week.

Nielsen data for the week of Feb. 25-29 reveals that "Young and the Restless" averaged a 4.2 household rating/18 share, translating to 5.79 million viewers -- a bigger aud in the frame than primetime shows including "According to Jim" and "Lipstick Jungle."

And for the season, the show's average aud of 5.78 million towers over the daytime drama pack. Its CBS skedmate "Bold and the Beautiful" runs second (3.98 million), followed by the Eye's "As the World Turns" (3.18 million) and ABC's "General Hospital" (3.16 million).

"Y&R" also leads all daytime dramas in the key demos of women 18-49 (1.9/12) and women 25-54 (2.6/15).

Set in the Midwestern town of Genoa City, Wis., "The Young and the Restless" premed as a half-hour skein in 1973, but was extended to an hour in 1980. The late William J. Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell, co-created the series, and Josh Griffith is the current exec producer and head writer.

Show first hit No. 1 in the ratings in December 1988.

"Reaching the milestones of 1,000 weeks at No. 1 and 35 years on the air simultaneously is unheard of in this industry," Barbara Bloom, senior VP of daytime programs, CBS, said in a statement. "Our congratulations go out to the Bell family, to Sony and to the entire cast and crew on these remarkable achievements."

"Y&R" will celebrate its 35th anniversary on the air March 26. Michael Damian, who played Danny Romalotti from 1981-1990, 1993-1998 and 2002-04, returns for several episodes, and Eileen Davidson, whose character of Ashley Abbott moved from "Y&R" to "Bold and the Beautiful," will also be back.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981975.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

i've watched this show of and on for years now..this achievment is a milestone. but i myself do not credit this show for it's success. i credit the success to the ability that this show has managed to retain it's audience through the good and the bad. not that the show is all that great, they've just found their niche to keep the fans to where all the rest seem to drive everyone away from watching.
personally, i find Y&R to be atrocious at times with the acting and dialog. but no matter how bad i find it, the show does not daily insult my intelligence the way the rest do.
translated..i think the show is more or less an average show. but the formula to keeping the viewers has been the key to it's success. cause it sure ain't the writing and acting at times....

but the formula to keeping the viewers has been the key to it's success. cause it sure ain't the writing and acting at times....

I'll give you the writing part at times, but who's acting do you have a problem with? To me, that is one of Y&R's strong points. For the most part, the entire cast are great actors, and I find that to be lacking in other soaps. Off and on, I'll turn on another soap and find the acting to be ridiculous, over the top, and complete fluff.

victoria whats her face that played(s) drucilla. she is horrible.
and that woman playing gloria..i think. the one that is with ted shackleford's character now. haven't liked her since i first saw her.
i've never liked jess walton either.

now this boy they got playing victor,jr..he is good. he is a real good find on the casting person. i am impressed by him so far.

victoria whats her face that played(s) drucilla. she is horrible.
and that woman playing gloria..i think. the one that is with ted shackleford's character now. haven't liked her since i first saw her.
i've never liked jess walton either.

now this boy they got playing victor,jr..he is good. he is a real good find on the casting person. i am impressed by him so far.

Victoria Rowell was definitely over the top at times...sometimes even laughable when she was overdramatic, but I like her just the same. I can see why people would think Judith Chapman isn't a great actress, but I think they write her that way. The character is meant to be over the top. Though, Jess Walton shocks me. I've always thought she was great, and that she very much deserves the Emmys she has to her name.

that's it. i couldn't remember how to spell Rowell correctly.
as for Jess Walton, i guess it's just a prefence thing.