For decades, The Young and the Restless has given viewers a front-row seat to the ruthless world of Genoa City’s most powerful families. But in recent episodes, fans are starting to say what many have secretly felt for years — Victor Newman is no longer just a complicated man… he’s becoming downright evil.
Played masterfully by Eric Braeden, Victor has always been known as the sharp, calculating patriarch of the Newman family — a man who would do anything to protect his empire. Yet, in 2025, his actions have crossed a new moral line. From manipulating his children to destroying his rivals with chilling precision, Victor’s recent behavior has left even his most loyal fans questioning whether there’s any humanity left behind his cold stare.
In the latest storyline, Victor has been orchestrating schemes behind the backs of his own family members, including setting traps for Adam, undermining Victoria’s authority at Newman Enterprises, and deceiving Nikki under the guise of “protection.” What once seemed like fatherly control now feels like domination — and destruction.
“He used to be a flawed hero… now he’s a villain in his own family’s story,” wrote one viewer on social media.
“Victor’s not protecting anyone anymore — he’s controlling everyone,” added another.
The chilling part? Victor doesn’t seem to see himself as the bad guy. To him, every lie, every betrayal, every broken heart is “for the good of the Newman legacy.” But that justification has begun to ring hollow. Even Nikki — his long-suffering wife — has started to question whether her husband is capable of love, or merely addicted to power.
Behind the scenes, the writers of The Young and the Restless seem to be leaning into this darker portrayal. Sources suggest that upcoming episodes will explore Victor’s mental and emotional unraveling, as he tightens his grip on his family and his empire. The line between brilliance and madness is blurring — and viewers can’t look away.
Still, no matter how dark Victor Newman becomes, one thing is certain: Eric Braeden’s performance continues to mesmerize audiences, blending charisma with menace in a way that few actors can. Love him or hate him, Victor remains the heartbeat — and now, perhaps, the dark soul — of Genoa City.
💬 One fan summed it up best:
“Victor Newman used to be the man everyone wanted to be.
Now he’s the man everyone fears — and that’s what makes him unforgettable.”
