The Young and the Restless Recap, May 18-22, 2026: Phyllis loses leverage, Patty betrays Matt, and Claire and Holden reignite a flame

Here is your weekly recap of The Young and the Restless for the episodes that aired May 18th through 22nd, 2026.

What happened on The Young and the Restless

Nick and Cricket on The Young and the Restless | Image: JPI

This week on Y&R, Matt considered going to the Newmans to figure out who he was, but Patty warned him against it. Patty also cautioned Matt against trusting Phyllis, revealing that Phyllis had once been married to a Newman. Matt sensed he’d done terrible things in the past and felt a deepening kinship with Patty.

Phyllis insisted that Nick get the charges against her dropped before she took him to Matt. Nick appealed to Christine to let Phyllis off the hook and instead focus on nailing Matt. Christine realized Phyllis was extorting Nick, and she demanded proof that Nick could deliver Matt before considering a deal. Phyllis resisted Sharon’s effort to guilt-trip her into giving Matt up for nothing in return.

Trust issues

Patty found Matt all tied up on The Young and the Restless | Image: JPI

Phyllis was livid to find Matt with Patty. Matt confronted Phyllis about knowing who he was but keeping him in the dark. Matt was disturbed when Phyllis confirmed that he’d done horrific things to the Newmans in the past. Over Phyllis’ protests, Matt decided to leave town. To avoid losing her bargaining chip, Phyllis knocked him unconscious and took a photo of him bound and gagged.

Phyllis sent the photo to Nick, but their negotiations stalled when she refused to turn Matt in until she had a deal in writing from Christine. Meanwhile, Patty rescued a panicked Matt. Nick followed Phyllis back to the Athletic Club, where they found Matt’s room empty. Lauren later implored Phyllis to admit defeat.

Patty tried to convince Matt to stay in town and let her help him, but he doubted her motives and opted to be alone. Infuriated by Matt’s rejection, Patty reached out to Victor.

They tried to make me go to rehab …

Victoria and Nick had a deep talk on The Young and the Restless | Image: JPI

Adam worried that Nick was using the situation with Matt to avoid seeking treatment for his opioid addiction. Nick told Victoria that he’d started rehab, but she was suspicious of his mellow attitude. Nikki suggested that she and Victor agree to a truce to support Nick during his recovery, but tensions quickly reignited when he continued to disparage Jack.

Devon visited Mariah at the psychiatric facility to deliver a card from Dominic. Mariah apologized profusely for kidnapping the tot and attempted to explain the dark place she’d been in. Devon blamed himself for not protecting his son and still couldn’t find a way to forgive her. Mariah encouraged Devon to forgive himself.

Odds & ends

Holden and Claire reconnected in New York City on Y&R | Image: JPI

Billy and Sally began planning an epic fall wedding. Billy proposed that he and Cane work together to clear their names. Jack informed Nikki that Patty had confirmed that Victor had paid her to drug Jack on the yacht. Jack offered to take Nikki’s place as Nick’s sponsor to avoid any triggers for her. Jack received flowers from Patty and suspected she was up to something.