The Young and the Restless Recap July 23: Nick Tells Sharon He Needs Rehab

Here's your recap for The Young and the Restless for Thursday, July 23, 2026, as Nick tells Sharon he needs help, Phyllis feels hurt, and Adam and Sally work out a new deal.

Chelsea Debuts a New Hair Color

Chelsea has a new hairdo and color | Image: CBS

At Society, Adam told Cheslea (now with blonde hair!) about his offer to buy Newman Media back from Spectra-Charles. Adam feels that it works out for everyone. Cheslea pointed out that it comes at a price, one they shouldn't have to pay. Chelsea asked Adam if he had ever considered what she wanted.

Chelsea said she was feeling irritated. Adam was surprised that Chelsea felt that way. Chelsea wanted to know why Adam made this move without consulting her. Adam said that Victor wouldn't have to know that he was paying for Newman Media. Chelsea noted that Sally and Audra wouldn't likely blab it around town. Adam said he'd do whatever he needed to do to deal with Victor.

Chelsea wanted to know why Adam was putting himself in the middle of all this. She shared her belief that Adam was risking a great deal to protect Sally.

Victorious Over Victor

Sally and Audra scored a victory over Victor | Image: CBS

Sally met with Audra at the Genoa City Athletic Club to talk about Adam telling her that Victor won't accept their offer -- but Adam would. Audra didn't see it as a good sign that Adam was working a deal behind his dad's back. Audra said they'd be making a deal with the devil they knew (Adam) over one they didn't (Victor).

Audra wondered why Adam would care to help them. Audra pointed out that there was overlap between Spectra-Charles and parts of Newman Media. Audra noted that Adam wanted to go back to running his company with Chelsea, pointing out that Adam had cheated on Sally with Chelsea.

Sally promised Audra that they won't get roped into anything. Audra quipped that sounded too good to be true. Sally said that they just don't have to go public with the terms. Sally told Audra that they have to pick their battles, and walking away from this battle with Victor was a good choice. Audra agreed to take Sally's lead.

Sally called Adam. They agreed to meet at the GCAC, where they'd hammer out the details. At the meeting, Sally said the deal was sent to their lawyers. Audra said that she wasn't sure she could trust Adam or Chelsea.

Adam quipped that there was nothing in the deal that said that they didn't have to all be friends. Audra wanted to know if Adam could keep Victor in line. She said she'd trust Sally, but that if they got screwed over, they'd be angry. Sally called for civility. Audra asked where they should sign.

Later, Sally and Audra rehashed the decision to sell Newman Media assets and avoid Victor's wrath. They toasted the victory. Audra asked how Billy would react to this, as Billy gave her the company a gift and now, she's sold it back to Adam.

Coffee Talk

Nick confronted Phyllis about her relationship with Matt Clark | Image: CBS

Nick got a text from a source asking if he was ready to be hooked up again (presumably with drugs). Then, he spied Phyllis. He asked her how her night with Matt had gone.

Phyllis asked Nick if he knew Matt Clark was there because of Victor's ankle bracelet. Nick accused Phyllis of going over the deep end after she referred to having a relationship with Matt. Phyllis told Nick that if he cared about her, then he could save his judgment. Phyllis asked if he was jealous, reminding Nick that Matt helped save his life.

Phyllis informed Nick that his lecture was over. Nick noted that Matt was supposed to be leaving town. He shouldn't be around anyone in his family. Phyllis advised that Nick talk to his family about that. Phyllis added that she could make her own decisions. Nick wondered if Matt and Phyllis were scheming against the Newman family.

Phyllis marveled that Nick would make such an accusation. She asked what was going on with him. He said he was allowed to be ticked off. Phyllis told Nick that he was paranoid. Phyllis acknowledged that Matt did stuff, but that was before his epiphany. "That was before. He's a different person," Phyllis said. Nick told his ex that she didn't use to be guillable.

Nick wondered how Phyllis could be taken in by Matt. She chose to end the conversation as he'd insulted her one too many times. Phyllis said that Nick should let Matt go. Phyllis pointed out that Victor was the one who had Matt tethered to this town. Phyllis was shocked that Nick suggested that she leave town. She walked off, hurt and disgusted.

Nick's Ex-Wives Club

Nick got an offer to buy drugs and he's in pain | Image: CBS

Nick shared with Sharon that Phyllis and Matt may have bonded over being exiled. Sharon asked an agitated Nick if anything else was wrong. Nick said that Nikki still couldn't see. It could be weeks, months, or never before she'd see.

Nick said that they deserve to be free of Matt, but conceded that Victor was keeping Matt around. Nick added that he needed something to focus on, but that Victor blocked him from returning to Newman. Nick wasn't sure how he got to where he was. Nick said he felt that if he could have one more pill, he'd be golden.

Sharon asked Nick what she could do. He said a meeting wouldn't help him. Nick noted a dealer hit him up earlier, but he didn't respond. Sharon said that recovery would take time. Nick said he thinks he needs to go to rehab.

Keep Holden On

Holden comforted Claire over her family problems | Image: CBS

Holden asked Claire at the Chancellor Cafe Park about her family. Claire shared that Nikki's vision did not return, and her whole family was a mess. Holden encouraged Claire to be patient. She felt that she and her mother, Victoria, were not on the same page. Holden said that Newman Enterprises being back in the family's control doesn't offset Nikki's blindness.

Claire says that a realistic approach to Nikki's blindness is the best way to go, but Vicki doesn't see it that way. Claire said that if Nikki's sight doesn't return, it sets the whole family up for being disappointed.

Claire recounted Victor's shooting and Nikki's multiple sclerosis, but added that her blindness is something totally new. Claire wondered if she should just stay quiet. Holden brought Claire a coffee. Claire said that Vicki seemed resentful that Claire wasn't as optimistic as she was. Claire did say that she wanted to be there for Nikki if she had to face the worst scenario.

Claire said that Holden always brightened her day. She thanked him for making her feel that she wasn't crazy. Holden said that that's because she's not. Holden noted that the next few weeks would be challenging. Then, they kissed.

Adam and Chelsea visited Victor at the ranch. Adam told his dad that Newman Media would soon be theirs again. Victor asked his son what he had done.