CBS [12/22/2025] The Young and the Restless FULL Episode: Victor’s 2 Shocking Warnings to Claire

The December 22 episode opens with Genoa City wrapped in holiday décor but simmering with tension just beneath the surface. Festive lights can’t disguise the fact that nearly everyone is one sharp exchange away from total meltdown. Kyle Abbott is spiraling in emotional confusion, Victor Newman is doubling down on old grudges with renewed intensity, and Nikki Newman finally draws a line—an act that almost guarantees Victor will push back even harder.

At Society, Nikki confides in Victoria about her explosive confrontation with Victor. She reveals that she directly threatened to leave him if he doesn’t abandon his aggressive plans involving artificial intelligence and its use against the Abbott family. Nikki’s stance comes from fear as much as principle—fear that Victor’s obsession with control is putting everyone at risk. Victoria feels proud of her mother for standing firm, but she’s also painfully realistic. Victor rarely changes course because someone asks him to; he only reacts when consequences force his hand.

Meanwhile, Victor leans fully into what he calls “strategy,” brushing off concerns as overreactions. At the Newman Ranch, Claire decides to face him head-on. She challenges Victor about the AI threat and how Newman Media was used to undermine Jack Abbott’s legal defense. Victor responds exactly as expected, framing Jack as unstable and paranoid, shifting blame instead of accepting responsibility. Claire isn’t convinced and presses further, asking why Victor’s hatred for Jack runs so deep.

Victor answers by reciting Jack’s past mistakes like a rehearsed indictment, painting him as manipulative and untrustworthy. It’s classic Victor—turning personal vendettas into moral crusades. But when the conversation stops going his way, Victor pivots to familiar territory: control through personal pressure. He turns his attention to Claire’s love life, issuing his first warning. He cautions her about Holden Novak, implying the man is questionable and best avoided. Claire pushes back, clarifying that nothing serious is happening and reminding Victor that her personal choices are not his to manage.

Then comes the second, far more cutting warning. Victor openly admits he’s relieved that Claire’s relationship with Kyle has ended. The comment stings, not just because it dismisses Kyle, but because it invalidates Claire’s feelings altogether. Victor follows this with a chilling directive: she must stay away from the Abbotts because something major is coming, and he doesn’t want her caught in the fallout. Though he frames it as protection, the implication is unmistakable—Victor is preparing another strike.

Later, Claire fills Victoria in on the confrontation. Together, they worry not only about Victor’s next move, but about the growing strain on Nikki and Victor’s marriage. Victoria knows that when Nikki draws boundaries, Victor tends to respond with force rather than reflection. The possibility of their marriage fracturing sends shockwaves through both women.

Across town at the Abbott mansion, Kyle is quietly unraveling. He opens up to Jack about a gift he bought for Claire, still wrapped and waiting. Now he’s afraid that any gesture he makes will be seen as manipulation rather than sincerity. Kyle wonders if Claire changed while in Los Angeles—if she was drawn to a flashier, freer life that no longer includes him. The realization hits hard: maybe this breakup isn’t a pause at all. Maybe a clean, final break is the only way to stop hurting.

Just as emotions peak, chaos arrives in the form of Billy Abbott. He brings news that Phyllis is demanding Jack and Kyle hand over Marchetti to Summer in exchange for her cooperation. True to form, Phyllis treats ultimatums like negotiations and doesn’t bother with subtlety. The pressure on the Abbotts intensifies even further when Jack receives a message from Nikki asking to meet.

At Society, Nikki shocks Jack by revealing she threatened to leave Victor and insists the attacks against him must end permanently. Nikki is no longer willing to justify Victor’s actions in the name of love. She sees now that his crusade against the Abbotts could destroy far more than his enemies—it could destroy their marriage.

Back at the ranch, Victor reflects on past events, including Jack once putting Nikki in danger during a relapse and his most recent argument with her. These memories don’t bring guilt; they fuel justification. Victor convinces himself that his next move will be about protecting Nikki, even as Nikki realizes that Victor himself may be the greatest threat to their future.

As tensions rise, it becomes clear that Billy may soon find himself caught in the crossfire. When the Newmans and Abbotts collide, collateral damage is inevitable. Victor’s warnings echo ominously, signaling that something big is barreling toward Genoa City—and when it arrives, someone won’t be able to step out of the way in time.