If you thought The Young and the Restless had peaked, think again. In a year full of twists and exits, the show just delivered something fans have been begging for — a series of shocking, emotional, and long-awaited returns that are shaking Genoa City to its core.

From courtroom drama to buried family secrets, the Y&R comeback wave is more than just nostalgia — it’s power moves, emotional reconnections, and characters reclaiming their place in the spotlight.

Here’s how five familiar faces came back swinging — and why their return is sending shockwaves across daytime TV.

1. Amanda Sinclair: The Queen Returns With Power and Purpose

When Mishael Morgan stepped away from Y&R in 2022, fans were heartbroken. Amanda Sinclair was no ordinary character — she was smart, composed, fearless, and carried the emotional depth of someone constantly fighting for more than just justice. Her exit left a hole no other character could fill.

But on May 16, 2025, everything changed.

Amanda returned to Genoa City with purpose — not just as a guest, but as a major player. Representing a mysterious, high-stakes client, she re-entered the legal arena with the kind of energy that instantly shifted the storyline’s tone.

“This isn’t just a legal war,” Mishael said in a recent interview. “It’s a psychological one too.”

Her comeback wasn’t just celebrated — it was craved. Fans lit up social media with comments like, “She’s the missing piece!” and “Amanda’s back, and I’m watching again.”

Clearly, this return wasn’t just about Amanda. It was about restoring balance — and drama — to a storyline that had been missing its spark.

2. Abby Newman: The Heart of Y&R Finds Her Way Home

When Melissa Ordway’s contract wasn’t renewed in late 2024, Abby Newman’s exit felt abrupt and unearned. But Melissa wasn’t done — and neither were the fans.

On May 22, 2025, Abby stormed back into the scene, caught between the legacy of her powerful father, Victor, and the murky past of her partner, Devon. Her reentry wasn’t just timely — it was explosive.

Melissa’s return proved one thing: Abby was never “recurring” to fans. She was core, she was soul, and her absence had left a noticeable void.

Producers called her return “the final puzzle piece.” Viewers called it justice.

3. Cole Howard: A Blast From the ‘90s With Unfinished Business

When J. Eddie Peck returned as Cole Howard, it wasn’t for a nostalgic cameo. It was for a reckoning.

After more than two decades, Cole came back not as Victoria’s ex, but as Claire’s father — a man with years of silence and regret catching up with him fast.

Peck admitted he jumped at the chance: “I didn’t hesitate.”

His calm, introspective energy is exactly what this generation of Y&R needed — a bridge between old wounds and new stories. Cole’s return is not just about tying up the past — it’s about facing it head-on.

4. Connor Newman: From Sweet Kid to Raw, Real Teen

When Judah Mackey left in 2024, fans knew Connor Newman would be back — but no one expected this version.

Returning on April 30, 2025, Connor was no longer the boy hiding behind toys and homework. He came back as a teenager battling OCD, with pain that simmered just beneath the surface.

“This is resonance,” Judah posted on Instagram. And he was right.

The show didn’t shy away from the reality of adolescent mental health. Connor’s struggles add depth to the often-polished world of the Newmans, and Judah’s performance is already being called one of the most authentic portrayals of teen life Y&R has offered in years.

5. Damian’s Death: Jermaine Rivers Says Goodbye

While some characters returned, one said a powerful goodbye. Damian, played by Jermaine Rivers, was killed off — marking the end of a complex, layered presence in the show.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Rivers shared.

Damian’s death wasn’t just an exit — it was a turning point. His storylines impacted several characters, and his departure leaves questions in his wake. Who gains from his absence? Who loses the most? That emotional fallout is still unraveling.

Why These Comebacks Matter
Each return brought something deeper than just screen time. It brought heart. It brought history. And more importantly, it brought stakes.

Amanda’s fire, Abby’s fight, Cole’s redemption, Connor’s vulnerability — each comeback is a chapter in a larger narrative that’s once again made The Young and the Restless must-watch TV.

This isn’t just about fan service. It’s about returning to the roots of what makes soap operas so compelling: flawed characters, emotional risk, and bold storytelling.

So, if you’ve been away from Y&R, now is the time to come back — because everyone else just did.