The Young and the Restless Recap July 16: Sally Makes a Desperate Plea to Victor Newman

Here’s your recap for The Young and the Restless episode that aired on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as Cole was remembered, Audra and Sally threw a Hail Mary to Victor, and Nikki dealt with maybe never seeing again.

Remembering Cole Howard

Vicki and Claire bonded over the late Cole | Image: CBS

Victoria and Claire made a bunch of Cole’s favorite foods in honor of him. Vicki quipped that carbohydrates were what she needed. Claire said that it’s been a year since her dad died.

Vicki told Claire about Patty Williams and her reign of terror. Claire wondered how many psychos Genoa City could have (ironically). Claire wished she could have been there for Kyle, but Vicki said that Kyle had moved on. Vicki said that celebrating Cole should be fun in a way. Claire suggested they curl up on the sofa, eat junk food, and remember Cole.

Vicki showed photos of Cole to Claire. Claire wondered what her and her mom’s lives would be like if he’d lived. Vicki said they’d be happy. They would have gone to Serbia and found the lock that he left there. Vicki said that Cole would have approved of Holden. Vicki added that Claire would be part of rebuilding Newman Publishing.

Claire couldn’t believe that Matt Clark was living on the ranch. Vicki said that Cole wouldn’t have liked that, but he would have liked Johnny and Katie being home for the summer. Cole loved to grill meat, Vicki said.

Vicki said that it feels lonely without Cole. Claire concurred. She asked her mom if she could see herself moving on with someone else. Vicki said that she and Nate are just pals. They’re more about safety these days than romance. Claire wondered if her mom was open to romance.

Vicki said she’s too busy with work. A serious relationship was the last thing she needed. Vicki said her opinion of Holden went up after learning that he was Stephanie and Malcolm’s son. Vicki said that she could use Cole’s kindness and wisdom right now.

Spectra-Charles Company Meeting

Audra and Sally talked about Victor's plan to take over their company | Image: CBS

Sally texted Audra, asking where she was when Audra showed up at Society. Audra updated Sally on broadening Spectra-Charles, which could triple their revenue. She was surprised that Sally wasn’t excited. Sally said her baby is fine, but not everything was okay. Sally shared that Spectra-Charles was being targeted by Victor Newman.

Audra quipped that Victor needed to get a life. She added that he loves a grudge. Let him try, Audra said. “We’re not going down without a fight,” she added. Audra wondered why she ever thought she’d be free of Victor after he pitted her against Kyle over Vibrante. Sally said that she overheard Adam and Chelsea and confronted them. Sally added that Adam and Chelsea were not okay with Victor’s plan; in fact, they were going to fight him. Audra was doubtful.

Audra doubts Chelsea and Adam’s word after they cheated on her. She suspected that they’re only pretending to support her. Audra told Sally not to trust Adam, and she was right. Sally maintained that Adam and Chelsa were their allies. Audra said that wouldn’t save them from Victor. She wanted to know how the “old goat” was going to attack them. Audra suggested that they go on the attack.

Sally said that even though Billy wasn’t a part of Spectra-Charles, Victor didn’t care. Sally announced she was going to confront Victor. Audra insisted on going with her so she could look the old geezer in the eye.

The Good Son

Nick helped Nikki out the door after Sally and Audra came to visit Victor | Image: CBS

Nick met with his father at the ranch and told him that he thought Adam and Chelsea’s plan to not go after Spectra-Charles was sound. Victor didn’t care. He wanted what was his. Victor added that Chelsea had too much control over Adam. Victor questioned Adam’s allegiance. Nick asked if Nikki was around. Victor said yes and that Nikki was getting her bandages off. Victor asked his son how he was doing.

Nick said that he was getting stronger. His doctors told him he’s getting stronger. Victor told Nick that he was upset over his giving the company to Victoria. Nick said it was a mistake. Nick told his dad that if he had his job at Newman Enterprises, then he could more likely stay sober. Nikki appeared and asked Victor to give Nick his job.

Nick helped Nikki to her seat. She theorized that her other senses are heightened when you lose one, like vision. Nikki asked Victor to rethink his decision. He agreed to do so. Nick asked her mom how she felt. There’s no guarantee my sight will return, Nikki said. It could be days or weeks. They agreed to take it one day at a time.

Debbie Downer

Vicki shot Claire a look after her daughter theorized Nikki might never see again | Image: CBS

Nikki asked to have a word with Victor. Nick offered to leave, but Victor told him not to. Instead, Victor left to make calls. Nick wondered what was up. Nikki said that her going to visit Jack set her and Victor back.

Audra and Sally arrived at the ranch. Nikki said that she’d had eye surgery. Nick told Sally that she had his support. Nick guided Nikki out the door for a walk so that Audra and Sally could talk to Victor alone.

Meanwhile, Claire forgot to set the stove to the right temperature. Nikki and Nick arrived. He let her know Claire was there. Nick guided Nikki to the sofa. Nikki smelled tuna casserole. Claire said it was one of Cole’s favorite and they were honoring Cole. Nikki and Nick agreed to stay. Vicki said they’d invite Victor; Nikki said that he was otherwise occupied.

Nikki told Claire that she didn’t want any food. Nick told Vicki that Audra and Sally dropped by. Nikki quipped Victor was on a revenge tour. Nikki added that she was fine getting her bandages off, as it was out of her control. Nikki feared she may have permanent blindness.

Nikki said that she didn’t want to confuse denial for positivity. Nick said Adam’s and Neil’s blindness were both reversed. Claire noted that Nikki might never see again. “Really? Doom and gloom?” Vicki asked her daughter. Nikki thanked Claire for her candor. She wants to be prepared.

Negotiations

Victor Newman smiled at Sally's offer to sell him his own company | Image: CBS

Victor told the two women that Spectra-Charles would not exist tomorrow. Victor made it clear that he’d be taking Newman Media back because it was stolen and given to Billy, who gave it to Sally and Audra. Sally said they had a deal in mind.

Victor agreed to listen. Sally acknowledged that Victor has a point. Sally acknowledged that Victor would get what he wanted. Audra said that Victor would have to give something up. Victor told Audra you must be dreaming.

Sally said a fight for Spectra-Charles would be messy for all involved. “Continue,” Victor said. Sally offered to sell Newman Media assets back to him. Victor asked why pay for something that was already his?

Sally pointed out that Victor had no beef with either of them. Sally theorized that Victor would pay a cost for fighting this fight. “You don’t know me very well. I love the fight, so bring it on,” Victor told Sally. She asked if the victory was really worth everything he could lose.

Victor said that Sally and Audra would be in for a hell of a fight. Sally noted that Victor might lose his family. Victor said he didn’t give a damn about what his family thought. Victor told Sally to leave Victoria out of this discussion.

Sally said that Victor could win if he went along with Sally’s deal. He’d keep the respect of his family. Victor smiled at Sally’s suggestion.