It was a delight to sit down with two pillars of daytime television, Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott, who have portrayed the complex, often-married, and perpetually intertwined Jack Abbott and Nikki Newman on The Young and the Restless for decades. Our interview took place last month in Toronto, while the beloved actors were in town for a special fan event. With the festive season upon us, our conversation first turned to what the holidays mean for the famously dramatic families of Genoa City. While the Abbotts and Newmans are perpetually locked in corporate and social rivalry—a tension currently dominating their storylines—it’s the personal, complex ties between the characters, particularly Jack and Nikki, that always draw them together this time of year, whether for moments of shared reflection or unexpected camaraderie.
Beyond the holiday drama, the actors offered a fascinating, candid glimpse into their shared history on the show, including the little-known fact that Melody Thomas Scott was instrumental in suggesting Peter Bergman for the role of Jack. They discussed the unique challenges of maintaining creative consistency over four decades, reflecting on the rewarding evolution of their characters and the most memorable changes to the show’s iconic sets. From this remarkable collaboration that launched an iconic pairing to insights into the show’s enduring design, the stars provided an engaging look at the lasting legacy of Y&R.
Listen to The TV Watercooler Podcast episode with The Young and the Restless stars Peter Bergman and Melody Thomas Scott in the players above, or listen and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram.
