The Young and the Restless Recap, July 20, 2026: A frustrated Matt plans to leave town

On the Monday, July 20, 2026, episode of The Young and the Restless, Adam made Sally an offer, Sharon worried about Nick, and Phyllis refused to let Matt go.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

Sally met Adam at the bar at the GCAC | Image: JPI

At Society, Sally reviewed some color samples at the bar. Adam approached and surmised they were potential colors for the baby nursery. Sally explained that Billy had been ordering baby things already, and Adam guessed that Billy had time on his hands after being canned from Chancellor. Sally indicated that Billy hadn’t yet accepted Cane’s job offer. Adam wondered why Sally had offered to sell Newman Media back to Victor.

Sally revealed that she and Audra had realized that they’d be outmatched if they went to war with Victor, and she’d thought selling the company to him would allow her to get something back while avoiding Victor possibly taking everything. Adam doubted Victor would even consider her offer, but Sally refused to give up.

Adam offered to buy Newman Media under the same terms Sally had extended to Victor. Sally thought it made no sense that Adam would knowingly alienate his father. Adam groused that Victor had alienated him by shutting him out of a leadership role at Newman once the family had regained control. Adam asserted that he and Chelsea wanted to pick things up where they’d left off at Newman Media, but not at Sally’s expense.

Sally worried that Adam would make things worse for her by going behind Victor’s back. Adam planned to claim that he’d wrestled Newman Media away as a gift to Victor, and no one ever had to know he paid for it. Sally hesitated because she didn’t want to feel like she owed Adam anything. “Sunset blush,” Adam blurted out, reciting Sally’s description of the color as a pink rose about to bloom.

A stunned Sally stammered that it had been the color she’d wanted to paint Ava’s nursery. Adam murmured that she could never owe him after Ava, and even if they made the deal, he would always owe her. Adam recognized that he’d hurt Sally in the past, and he didn’t want his dad to hurt her, too. Sally cautioned Adam to be prepared for the fallout if Victor found out.

One Foot Out the Door

Matt may be starting to remember how much he hates Genoa City | Image: CBS

At The Shadow Room, Matt hoped everyone was happy he was getting out of town. Nick refused to buy it, but Matt questioned why he’d stay when he could do nothing to convince the Newmans that he’d changed. Nick demanded to know what Matt’s next move was. Matt insisted that he didn’t have a plan, but he imagined he’d get a job, earn an honest living, and find someone with whom he could share his life. Nick wasn’t reassured, and Matt asked what he could do that would be enough. Sharon ordered him to leave and never return.

Matt referred to the potential problem of Victor being upset because Matt hadn’t yet completed the task Victor had assigned him. Nick huffed that he’d take care of his father. Matt asked Sienna if she was on board with the plan to push him out the door. Sienna shared that she felt it was best for everyone if Matt left town, and she thought there was nothing up for debate because he’d reached the same decision on his own.

Matt apologized for all the pain and anguish he’d caused, and he wished Noah and Sienna the best of luck with their club. Noah snapped that they didn’t need it. Matt pointed out that Noah simply could have thanked him, and he walked out. Sharon assumed Nick didn’t think they’d seen the last of Matt.

Nick observed that Matt had seemed like his old self when he’d gotten worked up, but Sienna believed Matt had been lashing out from frustration and not anger. Nick vowed to do everything in his power to ensure Matt never returned. Sharon panicked over what Nick meant.

Nick promised he wouldn’t do anything crazy, and he headed out to see Victor. Noah couldn’t shake who Matt used to be and might be again. Sienna thought Matt was genuinely sorry, but Noah cautioned that Matt would strike when her guard was down. Sharon worried that Matt’s lingering presence would be as deadly to Nick as the drugs were.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Victor and Nikki aren't reunited for keeps just yet | Image: CBS

At the Newman ranch, Victor promised Nikki that they’d face whatever happened at her appointment the next day together. Nikki didn’t want him to feel obligated to show compassion, but he assured her that he wanted to be there. Nikki wondered if he’d even be speaking to her if she weren't facing blindness.

Nikki cited the shift in Victor’s mood when she and Victoria had returned from seeing Jack, noting it had been clear Victor had been spying on her. Victor maintained that he couldn’t stand the guy, but he opted not to argue about it. Nikki found it hypocritical that he didn’t want her to see Jack, yet he thought she should accept him moving Matt onto the property.

Victor objected to talking about Matt or Jack when Nikki was facing the possibility of permanent blindness. Victor asked who was taking her to her appointment, and Nikki expected Victoria and possibly Nick to be there. She recalled that Victor had mentioned he’d wanted to go before she’d gone to see Jack, and she asked if the offer still stood.

Victor noted that it might be too crowded if he joined them, and Nikki tried to cover her disappointment. Nikki claimed that she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Victor started to take her arm, but she insisted on making the trip on her own. He followed close behind, ready to steady her if needed. Nikki suddenly stopped and softly stated that, despite everything, she loved him and always would. Nikki began counting the steps to her room as Victor fought back tears.

Victor’s Wrath

Matt and Victor may be calling it quits | Image: CBS

Matt Clark arrived at the ranch and announced that there wouldn’t be any report on Cane because Matt needed to leave town. Matt lamented that he was fighting a losing battle because no one believed he’d changed, and he had to get out of Genoa City to live a decent life. Victor barked that he’d decide when and if Matt left town, and he’d have to rethink the whole scenario if Matt couldn’t fulfill his mission. Victor threatened to send Matt to prison – or worse. Victor urged Matt to think long and hard before letting him down.

Later, Victor told Nick that he knew about Matt’s decision to leave town even though their deal was contingent on his staying put. Nick doubted Matt was willing to risk Victor’s wrath. Victor questioned what Nick would do if Matt’s fate was in his hands.

Phyllis received a call from a frazzled Matt, and they met at the Athletic Club bar. He informed her that the only way to fix things was to leave town and never look back, and he thought she was the one person who cared. Phyllis proclaimed that she wasn’t letting him go.

Watch full episodes of The Young and the Restless on CBS or stream on Paramount Plus.