The Young and the Restless Spoilers, May 22: Jack makes a bad decision

Here are your spoilers for The Young and the Restless for Friday, May 22, 2026, when Jack makes a bad decision, Holden and Clarie's trip takes an unexpected turn, and Nikki stands her ground.

Jack better be nimble, The Young and the Restless

Jack (Peter Bergman) on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) has been doing his best to win back his estranged wife, Diane (Susan Walters), who can't get past the fact that Jack, despite being drugged, wound up in bed with his manipulative ex, Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk).

On Friday's show, watch for Jack to make a bad decision. Does this mean he's going to tip his hand that he's only being nice to Patty to get her to turn on Victor (Eric Braeden)? Or will he be caught in a compromising position with Patty and/or Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) just as Diane walks into the room?

Jack is a keen strategist, so we expect that he will take any setback that comes along like a pro. Then, he'll regroup and make his next move!

Travel insurance

Holden and Claire may face a new obstacle in New York on The Young and the Restless | Image: JPI

Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) and Claire Newman (Hayley Erin) are in New York, as Malcolm (Shemar Moore) is getting medical treatment for his aplastic anemia. On Friday's show, watch for the duo's trip to take an unexpected turn!

Will Malcolm's condition improve or worsen? Will Holden and Claire face some other external force, like, maybe, Audra Charles (Zuleyka Silver), when they're in the Big Apple? Holden is still hoping to keep what happened with him and Audra at The Shadow Room in Los Angeles a secret for fear of legal fallout. Holden has just found out who his biological father is. He doesn't want to be robbed of the chance to get to know him!

Claire is a great source of support for Holden, given her own surprise origins. Does this mean the duo's romance might be rekindled?

Nikki remains firm

Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) fights for her loved ones on The Young and the Restless | Image: CBS

Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) is firm in her resolve to stand by Jack in light of Victor's (Eric Braeden) attacks on him. But she has more going on than what's happening to Jack. Nikki and Victor are both deeply concerned about their son, Nicholas (Joshua Morrow), who is trying to beat a drug problem.

Nikki is willing to put aside her feelings towards Victor if the well-being of their children is at stake. But that doesn't mean Nikki's about to forgive Victor for his treatment of Jack. On Friday's episode, watch for Nikki to stand her ground.

Victor may expect her to give in and take his side no matter what, but Nikki has friends in Genoa City. She's not going to walk away from them even if that means that she and Victor remain estranged.

Catch all-new episodes of The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and Paramount Plus.