The Young and the Restless fans keep calling for Summer’s return, and the mentions on-screen grow louder each week. Yet, while Genoa City teases her name more often, the original Summer, Hunter King, is busy making primetime moves. Her newest role adds fresh momentum to her career.
Hunter King Steps Into 9-1-1: Nashville
Hunter King appears in the February 26 episode of 9-1-1: Nashville, titled Don Begins. She plays young Blythe Hart in emotional flashback scenes tied to a devastating house fire. These moments reveal the trauma that shaped Don Hart’s future and influenced his life choices.

The storyline blends tragedy with personal discovery. King brings emotional weight and vulnerability to young Blythe, grounding the episode’s most intense scenes. Her performance adds depth to the arc and highlights her ability to command screen time effortlessly.
She shares the flashback narrative with Ben Winchell, who plays young Don. Their scenes together form the emotional foundation of the entire episode, connecting past heartbreak to present-day revelations.
The Young and the Restless Fans Still Love Her as the Original Summer Newman
Hunter King remains one of the most beloved actresses to ever portray Summer Newman. Her charm, screen presence, and emotional delivery helped shape Summer into a cornerstone character. Fans still hold her version of Summer close to their hearts.

Her Emmy-winning work set a standard for the role that continues to influence the show today. Many viewers credit King for giving Summer her fire, vulnerability, and complexity. That lasting impact is why calls for Summer’s return have grown so strong.
Even as the writers mention Summer more often, King’s shadow still looms over the character. Fans immediately think of her, no matter what the storyline hints toward.
Hunter King’s Career Thrives Beyond Daytime
Hunter King has built an impressive résumé since leaving daytime television. She starred in the CBS comedy Life in Pieces and headlined several Hallmark romantic films. Each role showed her versatility and strengthened her presence across genres.
Her earlier television work includes ER, Without a Trace, Roswell, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. These credits highlight her ability to shift between emotional drama and lighter storytelling with ease. The new 9-1-1: Nashville role continues her upward momentum. It demonstrates her commitment to challenging material and keeps her firmly positioned in the primetime spotlight.
A Primetime Moment Arrives as The Young and the Restless Hints at Summer
The timing of this new role is interesting. The Young and the Restless has increased Summer mentions noticeably, fueling speculation about a possible return. Fans wonder how the show plans to use the character in its upcoming arcs.

Yet here is Hunter King, building her primetime career while the whispers grow louder. The contrast makes the situation even more intriguing. The show may be preparing something, but King is clearly thriving in new spaces. This dual momentum creates excitement for both longtime viewers and new audiences discovering her work.
As calls for Summer grow stronger on The Young and the Restless, Hunter King continues shining in primetime with her new 9-1-1: Nashville role. Her evolving career keeps fans invested, both on and off the daytime canvas. For more updates, stay connected to Soap Opera Daily.
