Fans of The Young and the Restless are buzzing with excitement and speculation after the departure of Allison Lanier, who briefly portrayed Summer Newman. The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Hunter King, who originally brought the beloved character to life, make a return to Genoa City? Summer is no stranger to major storylines, and her absence has left a significant gap. With her strong connection to the Newman family, especially her father, Nick, and her grandfather, Victor, many fans are hopeful for her return. However, there’s no confirmation yet, and recent updates suggest that a return may not be on the horizon—at least not anytime soon.

Hunter King’s portrayal of Summer was a fan favorite for many years, and her departure in 2022 left an undeniable void in the show. The chemistry between Summer and the rest of the Newman family, particularly with her on-screen father, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow), made her character one of the more prominent younger generation members on the show. Fans loved her ambitious personality, her tough decisions, and her complex relationships. After her exit, viewers were left wondering if Summer’s journey was truly over or if there was a chance for her to return.

While there’s been considerable fan speculation, Hunter King’s busy schedule in the world of primetime television and Hallmark films may be a significant obstacle to her return. In early 2025, King confirmed her role in The Neighborhood—a popular primetime sitcom with a solid fan base. With this exciting new chapter in her career, along with her multi-picture deal with Hallmark, which demands full-time dedication, returning to a daytime soap like Y&R could prove challenging. After all, The Young and the Restless follows a grueling shooting schedule that doesn’t necessarily align with the time commitments required for her other projects.

Despite this, the buzz around Hunter King’s potential return continues to thrive, fueled by fan-driven theories and wishes. Some believe that the show’s writers could bring Summer back in a new role, potentially tying her into the Marchetti storyline, where her character’s business acumen could be utilized in a new direction. The idea of Summer working alongside other key players or even rekindling a storyline with Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) has generated much excitement. These fan theories reflect the deep connection viewers have with the character, showcasing how much Summer and Hunter King’s portrayal have resonated with Y&R fans over the years.

However, it’s important to note that these theories are purely speculative. As of now, neither The Young and the Restless nor Hunter King has made any official announcements regarding her return. Without concrete information or casting news from CBS, fans can only hope. The soap world is unpredictable, and as we’ve seen in the past, actors often return under surprising circumstances, especially if the right storyline arises.

While Hunter King’s potential return may be off the table for now, Summer’s absence leaves a void that will likely need to be filled sooner or later. The character’s importance within the Newman family—especially considering the ongoing drama between Victor, Nikki, Nick, and the younger generation—makes it almost certain that Summer will eventually reappear in some form. Whether that means bringing her back with a new face or waiting for King’s schedule to open up remains to be seen.

Summer’s character is intricately tied to major Y&R storylines. Her past dealings with Jabot and Marchetti, as well as her family dynamics, make her a vital piece of Genoa City’s ongoing drama. However, without her, the show has already started to evolve. If King’s schedule allows, we may see her return—but for now, fans will have to continue with the mystery.

At the moment, no recast is confirmed either, and Summer’s absence leaves space for new storylines to unfold. The writers could surprise viewers with a new version of Summer, but it’s clear that the character won’t be permanently erased from Y&R history. Given her legacy and her business and family ties, there’s still a chance that Summer will make a return in some form, whether it’s with Hunter King or a fresh face.

So, is Hunter King coming back to Y&R? The answer, for now, is no. However, soap operas are known for their twists and turns, and The Young and the Restless has kept fans on their toes for years. With Summer’s role in the Newman family still significant, the door is always open for a potential return—whether that happens now or in the future. Until then, fans can continue to enjoy King’s work on primetime TV and look forward to whatever comes next for Y&R’s future.

Do you think Hunter King should return as Summer Newman? Or is it time for a new direction in Genoa City? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!