Sally Sussman Morina Named ‘Y&R’ Head Writer

The Young and the Restless has named Daytime Emmy winning writer Sally Sussman Morina as the soap’s new head writer. She replaces outgoing controversial head writer/executive producer Charles Pratt, Jr., who is leaving the series to be the show runner for Lee Daniels’ new primetime soap on Fox, Star.

News of Pratt’s exit began September 13 when TVLine reported he would head up the Fox midseason drama. 

Daytime Confidential was the first publication to report Sally Sussman was in negotiations to replace Pratt.

“Sally was part of the team that first brought Y&R to its long-standing position as America’s #1 daytime drama and brings with her years of experience writing serialized storylines,” said senior executive vice president of programming for Sony Pictures Television Steve Kent. “Her long-standing familiarity with the citizens of Genoa City and her great storytelling make her a perfect choice to take the reins at Y&R.”

Angelica McDaniel, Executive Vice President, Daytime Programs and Syndicated Program Development, CBS Entertainment and CBS Television Distribution said, “We are thrilled to have Sally return to The Young and the Restless, both as an award-winning writer, and someone who is passionate about honoring the legacy of the series with character driven story. The powerhouse partnership of Sally and Mal Young, our talented new Executive Producer, sets an even brighter course for daytime’s #1 drama.”

Sussman earned her soap stripes under the tutelage of the legendary William J. Bell. She went on to create the short-lived but groundbreaking Generations on NBC, and later served as head writer for Days of our Lives. She’s also wrote for Knots Landing, Another World and MTV’s underrated short-lived soap opera Spyder Games.

My Take: Finally! I’ve been tossing her name around as far back as 2012 as someone who should be heading up the creative team. When the series had an opportunity to sign her as HW in 2014 and opted not to I was mystified.

THEY PASSED ON SALLY SUSSMAN MORINA?!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? #YR pic.twitter.com/pU93IXkM2C

— ryan w (@SourceRyan) September 19, 2014

How’d that work out? Anyways, Y&R recently changed executive vision when they promoted famed UK soap producer Mal Young to show runner; this creative move will hopefully bring about some much needed changes to the show.

What’s your top 5 things that need to be addressed under the new Sussman/Young regime? Tell us your thoughts below!