Justin Hartley’s new job makes us anxious about a possible Y&R exit

This week, the networks announced their prime-time order picks for TV shows for the 2016-2017 season. One particular show raised eyebrows for The Young and the Restless fans.

Justin Hartley, who plays Adam Newman, is also starring in a new NBC show called This Is Us for the fall season. Does this mean he’s exiting Y&R?

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This news makes us anxious because the shows are on competing networks, and it is rare for celebrities to star on different networks at the same time. Hartley has done it before, though. During the 2014-2015 season, he starred in 13 episodes of the ABC show Mistresses.

While no departure has been announced for Hartley, how can he continue to shoot a daytime series and a prime-time series?

SoapCentral.com inquired with CBS about the actor’s status with The Young and the Restless. A show spokesperson responded, “It’s show policy that we don’t comment on the contract status of the cast.”

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With Hartley’s future unclear at the daytime show, the timing is curious based on the fact that Hartley’s real-life girlfriend, Chrishell Stause, has just been cast as Bethany Bryant on Y&R. There’s some speculation that Bethany could come between Adam and Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan).

Before we get really nervous about Hartley’s possible exit, however, here are two glimmers of hope we are clinging to.

First, This Is Us is an ensemble show starring Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan and Ron Cephas Jones. This could potentially allow the networks to figure out a working schedule for Hartley since he won’t be needed in every scene.

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The second thought is that he could reduce his screen time on Y&R and pop in and out of Genoa City as needed. This is done all the time with contract players, so we are going to hope one of these scenarios is going to play out.

So, let’s not entertain Hartley exiting Y&R just yet — we aren’t prepared for another recasting of the role.

Do you think Justin Hartley will exit The Young and the Restless for his prime-time show?