Charles Pratt, Jr. Named Head Writer of 'The Young and the Restless', Joins Jill Farren Phelps as Executive Producer

Chuck Pratt & Y&R's new head writer.

The Young and the Restless is making a a major change behind the scenes. Highlight Hollywood is reporting that Y&R executive producer Jill Farren Phelps has hired Charles "Chuck" Pratt, Jr. as the new head writer of the soap. Daytime Confidential confirms the news, adding Pratt will also receive an executive producer credit, although Phelps reportedly remains in charge.

Pratt is known for his scripting of primteime serials Melrose Place and Models, Inc., as well as daytime soap operas Santa Barbara, Sunset Beach, General Hospital and All My Children. His other credits include Pacific Palisades, Ugly Betty, The Colbys, Desperate Housewives, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

In 2000, he created primetime soap Titans with Aaron Spelling.

"Titans has unleashed in me things I missed writing," Pratt said at the time. "I don't mean soap operas and melodramas - I mean characters who have some wit, intelligence and bite to them."

WGN America Expands Original Programming Slate with 'Titans' and 'Underground'

Expanding its slate of original programming, WGN America today announced its next straight-to-series order for the scripted drama Titans, and the start of pre-production and a writers' room, with an eye toward a series order, for the scripted series Underground. Both series will be produced by Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Tribune Studios for an expected 2015 premiere.

"These projects, each exploring a world we find to be unique and fascinating, continue our aggressive expansion into original scripted programming," said Matt Cherniss, president and general manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios. "Everyone at WGN America is pleased to enter this next phase of our growth with Sony Pictures Television as an important partner on these projects, along with such talented creators and producers."