With ABC’s General Hospital employing a vaccine mandate and forcing stars like Ingo Rademacher and Steve Burton into leaving, there’s a very real chance it could deal the show a major blow.
Steve is a fan favorite, and while he’s been respectful like Ingo, he’s been quiet and keeping his opinions to himself.
But now that one of the four remaining soap operas have instituted a mandate, will the other three follow suit?
One show that could see an interesting exchange on this, depending on fans’ perspectives is ‘The Young and the Restless’.
CBS ‘The Young and the Restless’ Spoilers: Religious freedom
While there have been numerous cases where religious freedom hasn’t worked for people, one that could prove interesting is Michelle Stafford who plays Phyllis Summers.
She’s a known Scientologist, and given their practice of the higher you climb toward the top level the more invulnerable you are has raised a question with many if these mandates would affect her.
While it seems a legitimate question, according to abcnews.com, the official Scientology stance is:
“Scientologists seek conventional medical treatment for medical conditions,” the church said in a statement. “Scientologists use prescription drugs when physically ill and also rely on the advice and treatment of medical doctors. The Church does not involve itself in the diagnosis or classification of any medical condition.”
CBS ‘The Young and the Restless’ Spoilers: Out of the fire
While it looks like Michelle will be fine in that regard as she can see a regular doctor, it could still be interesting to see how any mandates will play out given the other shows cast’s personal viewpoints.
At the moment, personal autonomy is being called into question by a select group that are perfectly happy to call out those they disagree with on social media, so there’s going to be an interesting battle to be had between the two camps.
Then we have the other two shows and it’s a safe bet they have actors and staff that aren’t fully on board for the mandates.
CBS ‘The Young and the Restless’ Spoilers: Are we witnessing the end?
This could have ramifications beyond one or two shows as actors leave to pursue other projects of interest to them.
We could see other fan favorites leave, and with them will probably go good chunks of the viewers. At some point, the ratings will take a hit and the shows will be pushed to the brink.
Could the mandates be the final death blow to soap operas if they go to all the shows, or will the shows find a way to survive or even thrive under those conditions?
Let us know in the comments below and check back with ‘Young and the Restless’ for the latest updates, spoilers, and speculation around.
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