Billy Abbott.
Just saying the name usually gets a reaction. People either want to hug the guy or shake him until his teeth rattle. For decades, Billy Abbott on Y&R has been the poster child for "rich kid with a hole in his soul."
He’s the guy who has everything and still finds a way to light it all on fire.
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride lately. If you haven’t been keeping up with The Young and the Restless in 2026, things are getting messy even by Abbott standards. We’re currently watching Jason Thompson—who just hit a massive 10-year milestone in the role this January—navigate a version of Billy that is arguably more desperate than we’ve seen in years. He’s stuck between his legacy at Abbott-Chancellor and a romance with Sally Spectra that feels like two people clinging to a life raft in the middle of a hurricane.
What’s Actually Happening with Billy Abbott on Y&R Right Now?
Right now, Billy is spiraling. It’s sort of his thing.
The biggest drama involves the return of Cane Ashby. For anyone who remembers their history, Billy and Cane have a rivalry that goes back to the days when they were fighting over Lily Winters and leadership roles. Now, Cane is dangling the keys to Chancellor in front of Billy’s face, and it’s creating a massive rift between Billy and his current partner, Sally Spectra.
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Sally is no saint, but she’s smart. She sees Billy obsessing over the Newmans again. She sees him getting that glint in his eye where he thinks he can finally "prove" himself to Jack and Victor.
It’s exhausting to watch, but you can’t look away.
Billy is currently the Senior Co-CEO of Abbott Communications, but he’s bored. Or maybe he’s just insecure. He’s terrified that he’s always going to be the "screw-up" brother while Jack remains the golden boy. This insecurity is driving him right into a trap that might cost him his relationship with Sally. She’s already questioning if she even knows who he is anymore.
The Jason Thompson Era: 10 Years In
It’s hard to believe Jason Thompson has been playing Billy since 2016. A lot of fans still remember the late Billy Miller, who brought a specific kind of "lovable jerk" energy to the role. Thompson, though, has carved out a version of Billy that is much darker and more internal.
He plays the trauma well.
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Remember the boathouse scenes? When Victoria had to literally lock him up to keep him from losing his mind after Delia’s death? That was a turning point. Since then, the character has never really been "fun" Billy again. He’s a guy who carries a lot of ghosts.
The Complicated Web of Relationships
You can’t talk about Billy without talking about the women who try to save him. Usually, they end up getting burned.
- Victoria Newman: The "Villy" fans are still vocal. Even though Victoria is currently entertaining a reunion with Nate Hastings, there’s always that pull. They share children (Johnny and Katie) and a decade of shared trauma.
- Chelsea Lawson: They have a son, Johnny, but the show seems committed to keeping Chelsea with Adam Newman for now. Which, frankly, is probably better for Billy’s blood pressure.
- Sally Spectra: This is the current "it" couple. They’re both outsiders. They both want to be taken seriously. But Billy’s obsession with corporate revenge is making Sally wonder if she’s just a passenger on a sinking ship.
Why Does He Keep Failing?
It’s a pattern. Billy gets a win, feels good for five minutes, and then sabotages it.
He has this compulsive need to be the "big man" in Genoa City. He wants to be Victor Newman without doing the work. He wants to be Jack Abbott without the patience.
In early 2026, the stakes are higher because of the "AI story" unfolding in Genoa City. There’s a lot of corporate espionage happening, and Billy is right in the middle of it, teaming up with Phyllis Summers of all people. Whenever Billy and Phyllis get together, it’s usually a recipe for a disaster that ends with someone losing a job or a spouse. Or both.
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The Traci Abbott Factor
One of the few highlights for the character recently has been the emotional payoff with his sister, Traci. With the 2026 storyline involving the potential "resurrection" or discovery of Colleen Carlton (long thought dead), Billy has had to step up as a supportive brother.
It’s in these moments—when he isn’t focused on himself—that you see the "good" Billy. The one John Abbott would have been proud of.
But those moments are rare.
Usually, we’re just waiting for the next gambling binge or the next time he sleeps with the wrong person. It’s why he’s one of the most polarizing characters on the canvas. You want to root for him because he’s an Abbott, but he makes it so hard.
What You Should Watch For Next
If you’re following the current arcs, keep an eye on these specific threads:
- The Cane Ashby Offer: Will Billy ditch Sally and his current job to take over Chancellor? It’s a poisoned chalice if I’ve ever seen one.
- The Sally Breakup: Courtney Hope and Jason Thompson have great chemistry, but the writers are leaning hard into the "Sally questions everything" angle. A split seems inevitable by mid-2026.
- The Newman Vendetta: Billy can’t let go of his hatred for Victor. This usually ends with Billy face-down in the dirt while Victor smokes a cigar.
The best way to stay ahead of the drama is to watch the episodes as they air on CBS or Paramount+. The 2026 season is moving fast, and with the return of old enemies like Matt Clark, no one is safe—least of all a guy as impulsive as Billy.
Check out the latest spoilers on sites like Soap Hub or TV Insider to see if he finally hits rock bottom, or if he actually manages to win for once without losing his soul in the process.