GENOA CITY – A reunion three decades in the making is officially underway. CBS has announced that fan favorites Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox are returning to The Young and the Restless for a high-stakes, multi-episode story arc set to air this spring.
The network confirmed that the duo began filming on February 17, 2026, reprising their iconic roles as Malcolm Winters and Dr. Stephanie Simmons. While the specific plot points are being kept under wraps, the show’s official teaser promises that their arrival will have “shocking and lasting implications” for the residents of Genoa City.
A Blast from the Past
Longtime viewers will remember the mid-’90s era when Malcolm and Stephanie shared a brief but memorable romance.
- Shemar Moore first joined the cast in 1994 as the charismatic younger brother of the late Neil Winters (played by Kristoff St. John). During his original tenure, Moore earned a Daytime Emmy and eight NAACP Image Awards.
- Vivica A. Fox portrayed Dr. Stephanie Simmons from 1994 to 1995. Unlike Moore, who has made several guest appearances over the years (most recently for the show’s 50th anniversary in 2023), this marks Fox’s first time returning to the soap in over 30 years.
Behind the Scenes
The excitement on set has already spilled over onto social media. Christel Khalil, who plays Lily Winters, shared a “first look” photo on Instagram alongside Moore, Bryton James (Devon Hamilton), and Sean Dominic (Nate Hastings).
”I’m home, baby, blast from the past,” Moore joked in a behind-the-scenes video, while playfully complaining about the heavy workload of daytime TV. “Too much dialogue! I do eight pages in my day job… and I make mo’ money!”
The return of these “legacy heavy-hitters” is a significant move for The Young and the Restless as it continues to lean into its rich history. Fans are already speculating whether the former flames will rekindle their romance or if Stephanie’s medical expertise is required for a new crisis hitting the Winters family.
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