Best of 2025: Top Soap, Breakout Star, Recurring Star, Villain & More

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Soap Opera News is ready to reveal the Best Soap of 2025! After carefully highlighting the year’s standout talent, from the best child actors, teens, and young adults to the top female and male performers, plus the most impressive newcomers, we’re now ready to crown the soap that truly ruled the year.

But that’s just the beginning. We’re also celebrating our favorite breakout star, the most memorable recurring character, the soap moments that had us gasping or cheering, and of course, the villains who kept us on the edge of our seats.

It’s been a year full of drama, emotion, and unforgettable storylines, and we can’t wait for you to see who made the list. Dive in below and let us know your 2025 favorites!

Best Soap – Beyond the Gates

We can’t say it enough: Beyond the Gates is the show. It’s like being in a relationship where something’s been missing, and suddenly BTG shows up, sweeps you off your feet, and reminds you exactly what this genre is supposed to feel like. Fresh. Bold. Wild. Alive.

From the very beginning, BTG made it clear it wasn’t here to play. We opened with a gun-wielding, bitter ex crashing a wedding. Hello, Dani Dupree. Then came that jaw-dropping anniversary party; what should’ve been a sweet celebration turned explosive thanks to the always-mischievous, always-delicious Dana, Leslie, or Sherrie (depending on the wig of the week). Trisha Mann-Grant brings so much spark to that role. Girl, you rock. And dropping the tea about Ted being Eva’s father at his own anniversary party? Iconic villain behavior.

And then there’s Shanice Johnson. The ever-attentive, always-listening, tea-spilling nurse who gives this genre exactly what it needs. Ernestine is a treasure.

BTG delivered twist after twist in its very first year, and mind you, we haven’t even hit the one-year anniversary yet. That shocking reveal that Hayley has been scheming with her cousin Randy Parker to #KillBill and collect the cash? Nobody saw that coming. Maurice P. Kerry and Marquita Goings are absolutely tearing up that storyline.

Meanwhile, Martin’s nightmares surrounding a dark secret from his past gave us some of the most gripping storytelling of the season. The buildup. The reveal. The emotion. It was all handled with such care. The writing. The acting. The directing. Everything clicked. Pure perfection.

And of course, we can’t talk soaps without talking romance. BTG serves it all — forbidden love, messy triangles, slow burns, sudden sparks. Derek, Andre, Dani, and Ashley. Vanessa and Joey. Smitty and Martin. Vernon and Anita. The list goes on, and every dynamic feels lived-in and deliciously complicated.

Casting Jon Lindstrom as Joey Armstrong was a masterstroke. Nobody else could’ve stepped into that role the way he has. He was born for this kind of character.

And the rest of the cast? Just look at this lineup: Brandon Claybon, Lauren Buglioli, Jaden Lucas Miller, Najah Jackson, Jibre Hodges, Timon Kyle Durrett, Karla Mosley, Daphnee Duplaix, Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Colby Muhammad, Arielle Prepetit, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Mike Manning, Jen Jacob, Jasmine Burke. Talk about a powerhouse ensemble. What a get. What a cast and what a show.

Beyond the Gates is a win on every level. So, raise your soap glasses high and toast with us — to BTG, the cast, the crew, and a genre revived. Cheers to the fam on being Soap Opera News’ best soap of 2025.

Honorary Mention – General Hospital

General Hospital delivered some really good soap in 2025. It was a year that brought loss, shock, legacy, chaos, and some good, classic soap. Below are just some of the reasons why GH gets our nod as the honorary pick for Best Soap of 2025.

The show gave us a poignant and fitting farewell to the iconic Monica Quartermaine following the passing of Leslie Charleson. The loss of both Monica and Charleson hit deeply for longtime viewers and the entire daytime family. So much history lives within those hospital walls, and it was felt, expressed, and portrayed with love and reverence. The tribute was heartfelt, moving, and truly befitting for two beloved women.

Then we had Sidwell going toe-to-toe with Sonny. And the romance that kicked off between Carly and Brennan. This delivered that danger-filled, power tug-of-war dynamic that GH does so well. Watching Carly and Brennan grow closer was a bonus that fans couldn’t get enough of.

And of course, there were character resurrections, which at this point are pretty much a soap staple. The brother-sister duo of Britt and Nathan’s rebirths sent shockwaves of surprise, suspense, and emotional whiplash rippling through Port Charles. Even after all this time, resurrections, when done right, still work.

Drew being shot? WOW. Secrets spilling out at Willow and Drew’s wedding? Tell it! We loved it. Ric being held captive? Classic GH.
And Portia’s secret finally coming to light? A long time coming, and worth the wait.

In 2025, General Hospital delivered all the goodies: reveals, confrontations, jaw-on-the-floor moments, soapy payoffs, and good old-fashioned soap drama. The show’s momentum and storytelling were strong all year, honoring its roots while still throwing in a twist — or two… or maybe three.

Messy. Dramatic. Enjoyable. Entertaining. Melodrama. GH did the thing in 2025 and gave fans exactly what soaps should give.

Best Soap Moment of 2025 – Rachel Shot EJ Reveal on Days of Our Lives

The “Who Shot EJ?” storyline had been teased and set up for months. In the weeks and months following the shooting, potential suspects were investigated, interrogated, and side-eyed from every angle. Salem PD had its hands more than full. After all, the DiMeras are known for having more than their fair share of enemies, so when EJ was shot, it wasn’t a question of who could have done it; it was about narrowing the list.

Ultimately, EJ’s own son Johnny found himself on trial with his fate hanging in the balance. And just as the jury deliberations loomed, the truth came to light. The truth triggered by the shattering of a glass ball. While Rachel was playing with the glass ball (and ignoring Grandma Marlena telling her to put it down), it fell and shattered on the floor. That sound unlocked EJ’s deeply buried memories of the night he was shot.

It was a DiMera-on-DiMera incident — but not Johnny. Not Kristen. It was Rachel, EJ’s niece.

With her DiMera DNA in full effect, Rachel stormed into the room where EJ was, gun in hand, threatening to shoot him if he didn’t tell her where he had stashed her namesake grandmother. A rattled EJ lied (no surprise there) and told her he didn’t know where her grandmother was and begged Rachel to put the gun down. The gun went off… accidentally… accidental or not, Rachel did shoot EJ.

EJ loves Rachel, but he made it clear to his sister Kristen that he wasn’t willing to sacrifice his son to protect her daughter. Can you even blame him? Kristen ultimately took the blame and confessed to shooting EJ to protect Rachel. And that was good soap for two major reasons: first, the all about me, Kristen, does have kryptonite, Rachel. And second, let’s be real… after all Kristen has done in her lifetime, she was probably due for another stint in jail.

But there was still more to the story, and that’s what made this moment doubly good.

After EJ’s memory returned, it took months for Rachel, who had suppressed the trauma, to remember what she’d done. However, she remembered after she attempted to send Sarah into an epileptic shock by lacing her ice cream with pistachios, which Sarah is severely allergic to. That act activated Rachel’s memory of another time she had tried to kill someone.

Poor Rachel. Our hearts go out to her. It’s one thing to watch DiMera DNA wreak havoc, and it’s another thing entirely to realize it lives inside you. That’s a heavy truth for a young girl to carry. Stay strong, Rachel.

Tragic. Layered. DiMera drama. Just the way we like it.

Honorary Mention: Dani Pulls Gun at Wedding on Beyond the Gates

If you’re the first new daytime soap opera on a major U.S. network in the past 25 years — and the first to center on a Black family in about 35 — how do you end your first week on the air?

With a bang, of course. And Beyond the Gates meant that literally.

Dani probably didn’t display the best judgment, “begging” Bill to leave Hayley and come back to her on the day of the wedding. Still… Bill didn’t have to shun Dani the way he did. Cold. Cruel. When Dani walked away from that encounter, you could see the rage simmering just beneath the surface.

Dani played nice, except for throwing the drink in Bill’s pre-wedding face, right up until the officiant asked if anyone objected to the union.

Dani did. And so did her pistol. BANG.

When viewers tuned in the following Monday, it turned out the only thing that actually got “popped” was the poor floral arrangement. But Dani wasn’t done. With her Glock still in hand, she let Bill and Hayley have it—unloading every frustration she’d been holding in. She didn’t hold back, laying into them for how they’d destroyed her life, humiliated her, and left her feeling alone and exposed in front of everyone. She threatened, toyed, and made them sweat, taking her sweet time deciding who, if anyone, was actually going to catch that bullet.

Staring down the barrel of that gun, Bill and Hayley were shaken and terrified, though not exactly remorseful.

The Dupree clan and the remaining wedding guests (after Dani graciously told everyone else they could leave) looked on, horrified and frozen in fear. Chelsea, Vernon, and Anita all pleaded with Dani to put the gun down. She wasn’t interested.

Maybe Dani felt her power a little too much, because the moment she ordered Bill to get on his knees and beg for mercy, Bill finally got the jump on her. The two struggled for the gun. It went off a second time — and once again, lives were spared.

Bill gained control of the weapon, and Dani’s revenge fantasy came to an abrupt end.

In the end, Bill and Hayley still got hitched… and Dani walked away scot-free. It pays to know people in high places. Although the entire ordeal was inadvertently live-streamed, Dani’s son-in-law Jacob, who also happens to be a cop, managed to work things so Dani avoided jail time altogether.

Rich folks always getting off! Hmm.

Looking back on that explosive first week of Beyond the Gates, and considering where things stand now, we’re starting to think it might not be long before Bill wishes Dani had popped Hayley after all.

Best Wedding – Hope and Liam, as Beth officiated on The Bold and the Beautiful

It’s often said the third time is the charm, but for Liam and Hope fans… hopefully it’s the fourth.

“Lope” tied the knot for the fourth time. As we know, The Bold and the Beautiful loves a wedding. This one wasn’t about life-altering reveals or last-minute chaos (though those absolutely have their place in daytime). No, this wedding was sweet, intimate, and rooted in love, family, reconciliation, and restoration.

From Kelly, Douglas (making the trip), adorable homemade signs for the happy couple to heartfelt words of love and affirmation, to Brooke walking Hope down the aisle, every moment held meaning. And of course, there was the beautiful Beth, dressed in blue, officiating the ceremony, which made the momentous occasion that much more so.

Beth warmed our hearts as she spoke about what it meant to her to have her parents back together, to have her family back together again. It was tender, sweet, and adorable.

This wedding was a full-circle moment for both the Logan and Spencer families. At its heart, it wasn’t just a wedding; it was the start of many reunions. Heck, even Bill and Kaie couldn’t resist and went ahead with their own impromptu, right-on-the-spot nuptials. Thankfully, the guests hadn’t left yet.

Honorary Mention – Danny and Christine on The Young and the Restless

Danny and Christine’s wedding on The Young and the Restless wasn’t just a trip down the aisle for the couple—it was a moment for longtime fans too. This was an event decades in the making. Their love story started years ago, with Christine, aka Cricket, as a wide-eyed teen crushing hard on rock star Danny. That crush grew into a love that has survived decades of both reel and real-life ups and downs.

Time, life, and circumstance kept them apart for a while, but what’s meant to be always finds a way. Now, as seasoned adults, they’ve begun their love and life anew. Y&R deserves props for bringing back Nina and Gina, giving longtime fans of the couple a big nostalgia boost. Having them there made the day even more special.

Paul sending the couple flowers was such a nice touch, and Lauren helping Cricket get dressed gave a wonderful full-circle moment for the former on-screen rivals—they’ve come a long way. Even Phyllis played nice for the day, though those “mums” had Christine’s eyes itching and us all wondering! And Daniel and Tessa’s duet? Absolute chef’s kiss.

Christine and Danny’s wedding was a love letter to their fans. #DannyAndChristineForever

Best Recurring Star of 2025 – Ernestine Johnson, BTG

It didn’t take fans long to realize that Ernestine Johnson’s Shanice may be a recurring character, but she’s one fans want front and center. Beauty, smarts, sass, wit, swag; Johnson and Shanice have it.

Nurse Shanice doesn’t hold her tongue. She’s the one in the know… and probably not the person you want to confide in if you’re trying to keep a secret.

Shanice hears everything, sees everything, and processes it all with signature side-eye timing that keeps the characters — and the audience — on their toes. For soap fans, she’s the kind of must-have character every show needs. BTG won in that department.

As Shanice lit up our screens in the show’s early months, viewers naturally started wondering who she’d be paired with. Her brief “fling” with Derek was mostly for Derek’s benefit in his quest to make Ashley jealous. But now with Shanice and Ted on the horizon, we want to see where this pairing might go.

Office romances are tricky — hospital romances even more so — but if anyone can navigate the tricky terrain, it’s Shanice. And if Leslie even attempts to test her, Shanice is more than capable of holding her own. Leslie vs. Shanice?! Bring it.

As fans of daytime, one of our greatest joys is actors who step onto the canvas and immediately feel like they belong. That is Johnson. She is carving out her place and space, and we’re looking forward to watching both the character and the actress continue to unfold. We know we’ve only just begun. We want more.

Honorary Mention – Carlo Rota, GH

When any character comes along and immediately shifts and alters the energy of a show, you know you have something. And when a recurring character can accomplish that feat? Watch. Out.

Carlo Rota’s Jenz Sidwell shook things up on General Hospital this year. Formidable, cunning, and not to be underestimated—those are just a few ways to describe him.

Since his debut, he’s mostly been locking horns with Sonny Corinthos, but it’s clear there’s more to him than meets the eye. His villain energy is precise, controlled, and deliberate—the kind of villain you can actually root for.

Carlo Rota brings gravitas and restraint to every scene. He elevates moments and makes his character feel like a real threat, which is no small feat for a recurring role.

Simply put, Carlo Rota understood the assignment and quickly became a favorite in the GH fan community.

Best Onscreen Friendship: Tessa & Daniel (The Young and the Restless)

This connection is just good soap. It didn’t happen overnight—we actually got to watch it grow on screen. It felt real, organic, and totally believable. Daniel was still reeling from the tragic loss of his wife, Heather, while Tessa was dealing with the stress and distance in her marriage to Mariah. Neither of them was looking for anything more than someone to talk to, someone who’d listen, someone who’d get it.

Both of them were hurting, and both needed someone there as they tried to heal and find themselves again. And their shared love of music became that bridge between them. It wasn’t about instant sparks or sexual chemistry. It was mainly about passion, collaboration, conversation, and just showing up for each other.

Over time, that friendship started to shift into something deeper. Sure, there are still a lot of questions. Will Tessa and Daniel act on these feelings? Will Y&R actually make them a couple? How will the show explore Tessa’s sexuality now and later? And how will fans react? Only time will tell.

For now, though, we can just appreciate this friendship for the rare gem it was in 2025.

Honorary Mention: Ashley & Naomi (Beyond the Gates)

Ashley and Naomi’s friendship works because it’s real, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. Naomi comes from the rich, powerful Dupree family, while Ashley is the not-rich, white “regular girl” who’s often figuring out where she belongs.

Their bond was already strong before Hayley, who was supposed to be their friend, swooped in, slept with Naomi’s dad, Bill, and became her stepmom. Yikes. That betrayal only pulled Ashley and Naomi closer.

They really balance each other. Naomi tells Ashley the truth, the raw, unfiltered truth. She calls her out on her wants, her impulses, and the gap between who she wants to be and who she thinks she should be. Ashley, on the other hand, is Naomi’s safe space, steady and grounded, someone to lean on while navigating the chaos in her very own world.

Obviously, every friendship has its ups and downs, and Ashley and Naomi have had their fair share. Things got a little awkward when Ashley started having feelings for Andre, who, as life would have it, was married to Naomi’s mom. You see where this is going.

Things can definitely get complicated, but somehow their friendship has survived. They’ve been each other’s rock, the kind of on-screen friendship soap fans can really root for.

Best Breakout Star of 2025 – Colby Muhammad as Kat Richardson, BTG

Stunning, brilliant, in Vogue, just the right level of bougie, fiercely loyal, protective, headstrong, and fearless — Colby Muhammad’s Kat is all that and then some. From the jump, Kat was the one who didn’t buy what Eva was selling. While others were willing to extend grace, the benefit of the doubt, or outright denial, Kat trusted herself and her instincts, lo and behold, and she was right. About Eva. About her mother, and about the danger they posed. And yet, Kat didn’t exactly get the flowers she deserved for calling it early. That hasn’t stopped her.

Even as others seem ready to move on, Kat remains unwavering in her belief that Leslie and Eva should be held accountable. She isn’t swayed by pressure, optics, or convenience, and she is never shy about making that known. Her family may not always understand her methods or fully support her motives, but Kat’s heart has always been in the right place: protecting the people she loves and standing up for what’s right. That same fire shows everywhere, from her drive as a successful entrepreneur launching a purse line with cousin Chelsea, to her full-on sleuth mode as she worked to try and uncover the truth and bring justice for Laura.

However, Kat’s romantic choices haven’t always been her strongest decisions (a work in progress), but even there, she leads with her heart. What makes Kat, Kat, is refusal to shrink and stay silent, and Colby Muhammad plays every beat with stellar confidence, nuance, and an undeniable presence. She doesn’t just command the screen, she owns it. Colby Muhammad didn’t just arrive in 2025… she broke out, and we can’t say enough good things about Colby and Kat.

The ability to go from sleuthing to comedic to emotional, she’s got it all. She’s got what it takes, and she’s clearly a real asset to this genre. BTG definitely struck gold with this hire.

Honorary Mention – Christian Weissman as Remy, B&B

What a get! Christian Weissmann brings so much fire to the role of Remy Pryce on B&B. The character, young, ambitious, entitled, deceptive, and dangerous, made Electra’s life a living hell in both Texas and Los Angeles. His obsession with her was alarming, unnerving, and downright creepy, and the show never asked viewers to excuse or romanticize his behavior. It was meant to unsettle, and it absolutely did.

In the aftermath, layers were added when it was revealed that Remy had been struggling with his sexuality and clearly needed help. Since then, he has been on what looks like a redemption tour, trying to convince Deke that he has changed and put his past behind him. Is Remy truly a changed man? Will Deke believe him and give him another chance? That is still up in the air.

But what really stands out is Weissmann’s ability to ACT. He brings top-notch performances to every single scene. No matter how viewers felt, or still feel, about Remy, Weissmann made sure we felt something. That is no small feat, especially for a younger actor. With acting chops like that, he makes us want to watch him.

Honorary Mention: Lauren Buglioli as Vanessa (Beyond the Gates)

Lauren Buglioli’s Vanessa appeared to have it all figured out, until you looked a little closer. If you’ve been watching since day one, then you’d realize that she is polished and affluent, a successful real estate agent catering to the DMV’s elite, living a picture-perfect life with her husband Doug and their two children. However, while Vanessa loved Doug, he didn’t satisfy every part of who she was, especially her wilder, freer side. Just ask Joey Armstrong, Fairmont Crest’s resident baddie.

That unmet need from her husband led Vanessa down a dangerous path and right smack into Joey’s arms, and bed. Doug and his gambling debts helped push things along, too, of course. Joey was treacherous, charismatic, and intoxicating. When Vanessa agreed to launder money for Joey in order to cover Doug’s gambling debts, the stakes rose fast. And Joey awakened parts of Vanessa that had long been denied and left dormant. Their chemistry lit up the screen, and that casino table.

Fast forward: in the aftermath of Doug’s death, Vanessa spiraled, grieved, and became more determined than ever to live boldly, both personally and professionally. How will all that change when she learns that Joey had a hand in Doug’s demise? Only time will tell.

Lauren Buglioli shines because she never lets Vanessa be just a one-note character. We get to see the composed, public woman and the conflicted, private one, sometimes in the same moment. For many women, especially those with experience, Vanessa is someone you can’t help but live vicariously through. That tension between who the world sees you as and the parts of yourself you’re not sure are acceptable is so relatable. Buglioli plays Vanessa’s sensuality with such depth. And when given those emotional scenes, it like she gives you a gut-punch with her outstanding performance. Every emotion hits you right through the screen, and not every actress can do that.

Best Villain: Lisa Yamada as Luna (The Bold and the Beautiful)

Luna started out sweet, in need of guidance, and maybe a little lost. By the end, she was manipulative, unstable, and dark. Her character arc was one wild swing. After kidnapping Steffy in 2024, she spent much of the next year falling apart as her lies caught up with her.

In classic soap fashion, she bought herself some time by drugging Will Spencer, getting pregnant, and trying to use the baby as leverage or maybe even a get-out-of-jail-free card. Luna got a second, maybe third chance, and basically said, thanks, universe, I’ll be that much worse. Soap villainy at its best.

Her life was chaotic in every way. Her paternity was uncertain. Jail or freedom constantly shifted. Dead or alive? Who even knows? She had a lot going on.

In her finale, Luna broke out of jail in a laundry cart and made one last-ditch effort to win Will back or maybe to make things right. She tearfully told him she tried to keep the baby safe, but she miscarried. Then, just as the cops were about to catch her, she fled, got hit by a car, and was revealed to be dead. But in soap world, who really knows?

Lisa Yamada’s performance was amazing. She went from a sweet, innocent young woman to a full-on agent of chaos without skipping a beat. She made us believe she could be Sheila Carter’s granddaughter. Yamada didn’t just flip a switch between the two sides of Luna. She layered the transformation so it felt completely natural and believable.

Honorary Mention: Trisha-Mann Grant as Leslie (Beyond the Gates)

Leslie is the kind of soap villain who doesn’t just wreak havoc — she sustains it. Trisha-Mann Grant’s portrayal has been a masterclass in long-game villainy, stacking lie upon lie, betrayal upon betrayal. If commitment to chaos were an Olympic sport, Leslie would be taking home gold. She tried to kill Laura twice, lied to her own daughter by claiming her father abandoned them, and maintained a deeply unsettling obsession with Ted that she insists on calling love. It is not.

She blew up Nicole’s marriage. She weaponized friendship by manipulating Mona for insider information. And she emotionally terrorized Anita and Vernon by building a house using money pulled from Anita’s trust, all while racking up a host of other disastrous deeds in just the first year of the show. Whew. Olympic gold. Lying, cheating, scheming, and manipulating are her jam.

She does have some humanity… we suppose. She does love her daughter Eva. And as the biological daughter of Barbara Mitchell, a former member of the singing group The Articulettes, Leslie also loves Peaches, the only mother she’s ever known, who raised her. Leslie has even used some of her newfound wealth to help cover medical care for an ailing Peaches. So… there is that, we guess.

Trisha-Mann Grant plays Leslie (and all of her aliases and wigs) with just the right mix of humor, confidence, flair, and combustible energy. Hers is the kind of villain who makes you yell at your screen one minute and lean in the next, and that’s exactly what a great soap villain is supposed to do.

Best Soap Family: The Duprees (Beyond the Gates)

Black. Beautiful. Powerful. Intelligent. Successful. The Duprees came out the gate on ten. They are already cementing their place in soap dynasty history — and they are only getting started.

Anchored by the formidable former Congressman Vernon Dupree and his equally powerful, brilliant, and elegant wife, Anita, this family is legacy in motion. They represent prestige, influence, grace, and excellence, but make no mistake, they are far from perfect. And that imperfection is exactly what makes them great soap.

Their daughters, Nicole and Dani, are true chips off the family block, strong-willed, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge expectations, including those placed upon them by their own last name, especially Dani. And Martin, Kat, Chelsea, Naomi, Tyrell, Samantha, and the rest of the clan have easily and quickly become beloved characters of daytime.

The Duprees may not always agree, and tensions within the family can run high, but when it matters most, they know how to close ranks. Loyalty isn’t optional in this family; it’s required. You cross one Dupree, and you’re taking on all of them. Good luck with that.

They understand power; when to wield it publicly and when to get their hands dirty behind the scenes. Their polished exteriors and smooth manners can be deceiving. They know how to move quietly, strategically, and decisively when threats arise — i.e., their “affiliation” with the likes of someone like Joey Armstrong. And when the Duprees “go low,” it’s never for kicks or chaos. It’s always in service of protection — of their family, their name, and their legacy.

Honorary Soap Family: The Newmans (The Young and the Restless)

The Newman family still knows how to dominate and rule a canvas. Victor, Nikki, Victoria, Adam, Nick, and the rest of the clan remain one of daytime’s greatest families ever penned; full stop.

Victor will Victor. He planted a mole at Jabot, manipulated corporate alliances, weaponized Newman Media, and even got his hands on a dangerous AI program with the potential to cripple the Abbott empire. He forced Adam into targeting Billy, maneuvered behind the scenes to destabilize Jack’s world, and made it clear that Jabot wasn’t just competition; it was a target.

Nikki was Nikki, the family’s evergreen anchor. She spent the year trying to be the conscience for Victor, protect Victor from Victor, and shield her children and grandchildren (sometimes from Victor) from the collateral damage that comes with being a Newman. Nikki is always the one trying to hold the family together, even as the pressure mounts from all sides.

Victoria had her own personal battles, dealing with loss, worrying over Cole, and keeping a watchful, protective eye on her daughter Claire and her other children. Adam once again found himself stuck in the middle — trying to please Victor while keeping his own family intact. Nick stayed busy protecting Sharon, himself, and Noah from peril — and there was plenty of that to go around. Abby? Largely on the outside looking in. Those are the facts.

Business battles, family conflicts, emotional tug-of-war, and power struggles involving the Newmans were once again front and center. This year, like so many before it, positioned the family as integral to nearly every major story — fighting internally and externally as generational power dynamics continued to expand and evolve.

Some adversaries were new, others long-standing: Jordan, Matt Clark, Cane Ashby/Aristotle Dumas, Jack, Billy — the list goes on. The more things change, the more they stay the same. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Being a Newman isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s conditional, complicated, and often brutal — but in the end, they always have each other’s backs, and the world is very much at their mercy.

Follow Soap Opera News on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, spoilers, recaps, interviews, and more.