Liberty City

The kids playing Steffy's kids cannot act, and the fashion was horrific. So embarrassing. And the rinse-repeat for Christmas episodes is tired, just like everything Bradley Bell does.

Considering he is sharing show-related things on IG, I'd wager he is still there. I know he isn't in Georgia for the holidays per his social media, so that's likely why he wasn't visible at the holiday event.

Seeing the O.G. ranch set again today really makes me appreciate how much better the current set is. However, the way in which production (especially post) is done in today's classic episode, I much prefer it. It has that classic Y&R look that we always had, even prior to going high definition. And, even in 4:3, the 2003 opening is better than the PowerPoint we have now. Truly. We need a major update to the opening to something brand-new. We really do. Hell, bring back this opening but with actual clips from the show.

week ending January 2 Thursday, January 1, 2026 (Episode #200) Nicole delivers some devastating info to Kat and Martin, which causes an argument between the siblings. Dani demands Bill's attention while Hayley gets an earful. Naomi and Chelsea are sideswiped by what they learn during a visit with their grandparents. Friday, January 2, 2026 (Episode #201) Dani supports Vernon as Bill offers some unsolicited advice to Anita. Tomas comforts a secretive Kat while Martin shares all with Smitty. Ted reaches out to his daughter and surprises her with his stance on the matter at hand.

week ending January 2 Monday, December 29, 2025 (Episode #198) Anita and Vernon struggle to accept their new normal. Leslie courts Joey with a scandalous offer. Dani and Vanessa compete over the same man. Eva pulls back where Izaiah is concerned. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 (Episode #199) Special guest star Kenny Lattimore sings for New Year's Eve. The Dupree sisters receive heart-wrenching news. Ted and Shanice's friendship takes a turn. Chelsea schemes while Ashley and Derek have an awkward conversation. Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Pre-empted due to CBS Sports coverage.

week ending January 2 Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Repeat Episode Original Airdate 7/27/2015 Luke (the late Anthony Geary) says goodbye to Port Charles. Friday, January 2, 2026 – Episode #15867 Sonny warns Michael. Kristina is taken aback. Alexis decides upon a new strategy. Dante confers with Justine. Laura gets new marching orders.

week ending January 2 Monday, December 29, 2025 – Episode #15865 Tracy cautions Michael. Laura gets new intel. Sidwell issues a warning to Drew. Cody dispenses advice. Willow becomes privy to a secret. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 – Episode #15866 Britt wants to celebrate her birthday. Lulu and Nathan bond. Trina makes a commitment. Curtis and Jordan reach a decision. Valentin reassures Carly. Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Episode #15618; REPEAT Jason stuns Anna. Michael seeks advice. Trina assists Kai. Alexis is in for a shock. Brennan makes a request.

An underappreciated era.

I agree; reminded me of Christmases on the Snyder farm from my childhood. Miss those times.

date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | Sara A. Bibel, Lynn Martin | Steven Williford Thoughts: Anita distracting herself by making this the perfect Christmas to remember. It is very, very realistic, and the home is decorated as warmly as ever. Not a plaque for the 'shouse'. Whew. I cannot wait to see it on what I am sure will be the tackiest front door in Fairmont Crest in 2026. I appreciate these moments between Dana and Eva. The humanisation of Dana in these moments is what we should be seeing more of. Okay, those Vegas-themed ornaments that Andre and Dani got each other were cute and very personalised. Love that. Chelsea and Naomi talking about the 'ho ho ho' is hilarious. "Go bake some cookies for him. Hell, be the cookie." Ooo-wee, Dana, I can agree on that one. That is the sound advice you should be giving. Nicole is a bit... frosty towards Sharon... and I get why, but it is the holidays, so she should temper herself. The gang-up on Anita in such a playful way by her family is hilarious and very heartwarming. I love it. So, so much. And Vernon's gift to Anita is precious and shows their history together. There is a Christmas version of Shanice? Okay, then. So, there we have it (as I have suspected since day one): Sharon was giving Vernon private singing lessons for this Christmas miracle for Anita! So beautiful! Notes: Bibel and Martin provided the perfect holiday episode! Love their work together. I love the introduction of history and traditions by way of telling them via modern happenings (i.e., the worst gift/the best gift, etc.). Seeing everyone gather within the Dupree set singing Christmas songs is beautiful and shows the true meaning of family that this soap represents, and that is long missing from American daytime soaps. So blessed to have it back. The final scene of Clifton Davis singing a song he wrote, a genuine classic, is amazing. And the looks from Tamara Tunie (Anita)? Yeah. I'm choked up.

Credits for Wednesday, December 24, 2025: Created by: Frank & Doris Hursley Executive producer: Frank Valentini Head writers: Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten Writers: Suzanne Flynn; Stacey Pulwer and Cathy Lepard Director: Gary Tomlin

Writers: Sara A. Bibel Lynn Martin Director: Steven Williford

The set designers did a good job decorating for the first Christmas at the new studio. That's all I've got. 🤷🏻

Honestly, a cute Christmas episode this year. No AI discussions, no business arguments, etc. it is just about family and history. Also, the flashback to the O.G. Newman Ranch makes me appreciate how much better the 'new' Ranch actually is as a set.

Well, when the main viewing is DAYS....

I feel like that's their target heading into 2026. New blood has been nice, but 'names', especially those we do not often see, could do well for this soap in the New Year.

date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | Michael Montgomery, Jazmen Darnell Brown | Sonia Blangiardo-Goins Thoughts: Nicole laughing in Ted's face is the right reaction. Ted really should have prefaced it with that Dana is the one who fed him his information, which alone should be a glaring problem. The look of shock on Vernon's face and the heartbreak on Anita's face have been in my absolute feels. Looks like the con artist child bride is not getting everything she wanted. St Barts is not happening. Get over it, sweetiekins. DONNELL! BABY! HI! WELCOME HOME! PLEASE STAY THIS TIME! Not the 'deep throat message blower'. I never, ever thought American daytime would give me the words 'deep throat'. Ever. Oofmph, Vernon's frustration is well placed and is very, very real. His wife's battle is now facing him right in the face. Aw, the support and fight from Vernon is exactly what Anita needed to hear! Bill, ditch the bitch. Save yourself from the nightmare you are in. And of course she would walk out. Dani's reaction to the supposed thought of Vernon cheating on Anita with Sharon is priceless. Absolutely priceless. Joey inching his fingers into the con artist child bride's mind is something else; he is a master manipulator, truly. Aw, Donnell is such a good son to Vanessa. And he is very, very perceptive of Joey's involvement with her. I think it is admirable that Anita wants to give her family their Christmas together, and it is beautiful that Vernon wants to give it to her. So sweet and emotional. Oh yeah, she is falling for Bill more than she wants to ever admit. She is. Notes: Montgomery is a wonderful breakdown writer and his scripts paired with Brown are a match made in American soap Heaven. They work well together. More beautiful direction today by Blangiardo-Goins. The direction team know how to create visual masterpieces. Clifton Davis (Vernon) and Tamara Tunie (Anita) are the true leaders for this soap and its cast; they could all learn a thing or two from watching these two Legends do what they do. Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole) brings the heat when it is called upon her, and it showed in today's episode.

Credits for Tuesday, December 23, 2025: Created by: Frank & Doris Hursley Executive producer: Frank Valentini Head writers: Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte Writers: Ryan Quan; Kate Hall and Cathy Lepard Director: Robert Markham

Writers: Michael Montgomery Jazmen Darnell Brown Director: Sonia Blangiardo-Goins

CHANNEL 5 TEASE REBOOT OF 'VERY BIG' DRAMA TITLE AND CHANNEL'S FIRST COMEDY DRAMA