Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’

A highly anticipated reunion is set to unfold on CBS’s The Young and the Restless. On February 17, 2026, the network announced the return of Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox to the iconic soap opera for a multi-episode storyline slated to air in April .

A Blast from Genoa City’s Past

Moore will reprise his role as Malcolm Winters, a character he originated in 1994 and portrayed until 2005. He has since made several guest appearances, including a poignant return in 2023 for the show’s 50th anniversary . Fox will once again embody Dr. Stephanie Simmons, a role she played from 1994 to 1995. Both actors began taping scenes on February 17, 2026 .

Character Histories and Previous Storylines

Moore’s Malcolm Winters is the charismatic younger brother of the late Neil Winters (portrayed by Kristoff St. John). During his initial run, Moore garnered eight NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award in 2000 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series . Malcolm’s storyline has included a significant reveal in 2006 that he is the biological father of Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) .

Fox’s Stephanie Simmons was romantically linked to Malcolm during her original tenure on the show. Their relationship concluded when Stephanie departed Genoa City to pursue her medical career .

From Daytime to Primetime and Back Again

Both Moore and Fox have achieved considerable success beyond The Young and the Restless. Moore starred for 11 seasons on Criminal Minds and subsequently led and executive produced S.W.A.T. on CBS for eight seasons, and currently serves as EP and star of the spinoff series S.W.A.T. Exiles . Fox has built a prolific film career, appearing in films such as Independence Day, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and Kill Bill .

What to Expect

CBS has teased that the return of Malcolm Winters and Dr. Stephanie Simmons will have “shocking and lasting implications” for the residents of Genoa City . The network has not yet revealed specific details about the storyline.

The Young and the Restless, currently in its 53rd season, airs weekdays at 12:30 PM ET on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.