1300 weeks. 25 years. Whatever unit of measure you choose, The Young and the Restless has been the most-watched daytime drama series for a really long time. And that's cause for celebration.
For the week of December 2, 2013, The Young and the Restless notched its 1,300th consecutive week as the number one daytime drama series. In case you don't have your soap abacus nearby, that equals out to be 25 years in the top spot. The Young and the Restless has been the most-watched soap opera since the week of December 26, 1988.
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"I am so proud of the talented cast and crew, past and present, for making The Young and the Restless #1 for 25 years," said Angelica McDaniel, Senior Vice President, CBS Daytime. "A special thank you to our loyal and passionate fans for helping us reach this incredible milestone."
When The Young and the Restless hit #1 in the ratings, Ronald Reagan was president, the cost of a gasoline was just a smidge over $1.00 per gallon, the federal minimum wage was $3.35 per hour, and a quarter could buy you a first class stamp. If you were flipping around the television dial at the time, there were 13 different soaps to choose from.
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While other soaps have come and gone, Y&R has continued its dominance. For the 2013-2014 season, The Young and the Restless is averaging 5.10 viewers per episode. That's the show's largest audience to begin a season since 2011-2012. Y&R is also ranked first this season in Women 25-54 and Women 18-49.
Over the years, The Young and the Restless and its cast members have also led the way in many areas. In 1993, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) became the first daytime actor to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Y&R became the first daytime drama to be broadcast in high-definition in 2001.
The Young and the Restless won its first Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Drama series in 1975. It's been named the top daytime drama series six more times since then. The show's most-Emmy-nominated performer, Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott) has received 17 Daytime Emmy nominations. He's won three.
The CBS Daytime lineup also marked a milestone -- it's been number one for 27 years.
How long have you been watching The Young and the Restless? Do you have a message of congratulations to share with the Y&R cast? Tell us in the Comments section below or share your thoughts via Feedback by clicking here.
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