‘Days of Our Lives’ 2026 Preview: Big Casting Changes, Sarah-Brady-Xander Triangle & More
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There was plenty of celebration for the cast and crew of Days of Our Lives in 2025. In addition to being inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame in September and marking its 60th anniversary in November, the long-running sudser secured a two-year pickup from Peacock, ensuring the show will remain on the air through Season 63.
The soap’s co-head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford, say the renewal offers both relief and opportunity. “As fans first, we are thrilled for the audience, cast, crew, and Ken [Corday, executive producer], who has made tremendous sacrifices to keep the show on the air,” they share. “We are grateful for Peacock’s support and faith in Days.”
That security has also had a tangible impact on storytelling. “Any time we begin winding down the writing of a season without a pickup announcement, certain contingency plans go into place that drastically affect the storytelling,” they explain. “Knowing that we have a two-year pickup gives us much greater ability to plan ahead and breathe.”
Still, Days’ unique production schedule — with episodes filmed 10 months in advance — presents its own challenges. “While we get feedback from the producers on what is currently taping, we don’t have the ability to change course in the middle of a story based on fan reaction,” they point out. “Romantic chemistry is the most difficult area for us to gauge because we don’t see the couples we’re writing for many months.”
XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
As for what lies ahead, Cwikly and Ford promise that the heart of the show remains firmly intact. “Salem is and always has been about family, friendship, mystery, and romance across multiple generations,” they note. “And there’s plenty of the above in 2026.”
Here’s what’s in store for..
Marlena Evans
“Marlena [Deidre Hall] is pulled into a quest in early 2026 that kicks into high gear in the fall with life-changing news.” As far as Marlena finding love again, the scribes note, “Anything is possible, but Marlena’s grief for John is consuming, and she is certainly not looking for love at this time.”
The DiMeras’ Kidnapping Aftermath
“Their time in the crypt leaves the majority of the DiMeras more united than ever … with the notable exception of Kristen [DiMera, Stacy Haiduk] and EJ [DiMera, Dan Feuerriegel], who take their family feud to the next level. Kristen’s legal situation must be remedied now that the truth about EJ’s shooter is known. Her anger at EJ over Rachel’s [Alice Halsey] stint in Bayview will continue to have major ramifications.”
XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
Brady Black, Sarah Horton, and Xander Kiriakis
“As Sarah [Linsey Godfrey] and Brady [Eric Martsolf] begin to explore a relationship, Xander [Paul Telfer] tries to move on.”
Rachel Blake and Sophia Choi
Regarding Rachel and Sophia’s [Rachel Boyd] unholy alliance at Bayview Sanitarium, Cwikly and Ford tease, “Needless to say, nothing good will come of it.”
XJ Johnson / jpistudios.com
Stephanie Johnson and Alex Kiriakis
“Stephanie [Abigail Klein] and Alex [Robert Scott Wilson] have a celebratory start to the year, but they face several existential challenges in 2026.”
EJ DiMera, Gwen Rizczech, and Cat Greene
“EJ and Gwen’s [Emily O’Brien] best-laid plans will be unexpectedly disrupted. And Cat’s [AnnaLynne McCord] ISA mission will force her to grow closer to EJ … perhaps reigniting their previous attraction.”
Chad DiMera, Jennifer Deveraux, and Jack Deveraux
“Chad’s [Billy Flynn] kidnapping will alter the dynamic of this story as Chad, Jennifer [Melissa Reeves] and Jack [Matthew Ashford] try to honor Abigail’s memory in a way that allows them to move forward.”
Javi Hernandezi, Leo Stark, and Dimitri von Leuschner
Dimitri’s (Peter Porte) return will directly impact Javi (Al Calderon) and Leo’s (Greg Rikaart) future plans. “Both Gwen and Dimitri are seeking revenge, and there will be fallout and collateral damage.”
XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
Holly Jonas and Tate Black
“Holly [Ashley Puzemis] will again find herself in Sophia’s crosshairs, and Tate [Leo Howard] will have to run interference.”
Johnny DiMera and Chanel Dupree DiMera
“Johnny [Carson Boatman] and Chanel [Raven Bowens] will have a year of major ups and downs, joys and sorrows.”
Steve Johnson and Kayla Johnson
“Steve [Stephen Nichols] and Kayla [Mary Beth Evans] are deeply impacted by Stephanie’s crisis.”
XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
Abe Carver and Paulina Price
“Abe [James Reynolds] and Paulina [Jackée Harry] encounter an unexpected obstacle.”
Theo Carver
“Theo’s life is about to be turned upside down.”
Jada Hunter and Shawn Brady
“Jada [Elia Cantu] and Shawn [Brandon Beemer] find their way back to each other in the wake of tragedy.”
XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
Philip Kiriakis and Gabi Hernandez
“Gabi’s [Cherie Jimenez] secret continues to loom over Philip [John-Paul Lavoisier] and Gabi’s burgeoning relationship.”
Titan vs. DiMera
“An overreach on Xander’s part will lead to major issues for Titan.”
© Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
Casting Changes!
“New Rachel starts airing in March, and we’ll see Conner Floyd‘s [ex-Chance Chancellor, The Young and the Restless] Chad in April. There is also a new actress taking over the role of Ari [Hernandez, from current portrayer Marissa Reyes] in April — stay tuned.”
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D
Hate to see Marissa Reyes as Ari replaced.
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T
Not me, I just couldn't get into this actress as Ari for some reason, maybe because I feel like they could be more like sisters than mother and daughter 🤔
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L
I don't like her fake laugh and awkwardness.
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B
Man I was really starting to like this Rachel's acting!
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T
Start liking, that girl has been knocking it out of the park from day one! I was afraid she would be scooped up since she had already done a series (along with other work). Little House on the Prairie will definitely be a big success with her a Laura!!! I know I will be watching 👀
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T
Well I have watched days of our lives since the first episode. I am a true fan. I call for more of the Hortons to return. And we need to know what happen to Sandy when she left Salem. And of course it is time for Vivian to return.
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T
Sandy?
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L
God please no more Hortons. They are all so boring, hypocrites and love sitting on their high horse. I like the cast now. I wish Bo and Hope and Sami would come back.
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N
Ari’s last name is Horton. So bummed she’s leaving.
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T
Ari isn't leaving, the actress playing her is. The character is being recast.
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N
Just wondering if Brandon Barrash is making a comeback on Days as Stefan and if he's the one that EJ and Dr Rolf have in this chamber that we see every now and then. Be interesting to see how this story line revolves (if it does that is) unless Stefan was working with Peter Blake taking all the other Dimera's hostage in this other ridiculous story line. But It would be good to see Stefan back.
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T
That's who I am rooting for! I think Lexi (who everyone is saying) would be ridiculous, she's been dead to long and nobody would have had reason to be keeping her on support like Megan did Bo "looking for a miracle" to come along someday!!!
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L
I seriously thought that it was Dimitri in there or maybe Lexi or Stefano lol
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S
I think Megan DiMera should come back. She is evil and fun to watch. I agree on more Hortons. Sandy Horton could easily be recast. I also would like Melanie and Carrie to return with Jennifer and Jack on regularly.
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A
taking out the 4 young actors is a mistake we are pretty vested in them. its nice to see some normalcy in Salem. i have enjoyed Holly and Tate, they are genuinely real people who are committed to each other through it all. They are a good reminder that love can overcome all adversity. Not all characters have to be in constant chaos.
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B
Well I have watched days of our lives since the age of 5 in1993 first episode. I am a true fan. I call for more of the Hortons to return. And we need to know what happen to Sandy when she left Salem. And of course it is time for Vivian to return.I've Even Meet Several Cast and crew I'll Never Stop Watching D,O,O,L,
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B
Why do you keep changing actors
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D
I hope Peter Porte stays for a good while. I absolutely love the character of Dimitri.
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J
yuck!!
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G
Get rid of Paulina. Bring back Lexi for Abe.
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C
It seems to me that on all fronts of Days it is disaster after another for all storylines.
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T
They literally got renewed for 2 more years so they are doing something right
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R
Belle and EJ need to get together again . Maggie changed Victor so why can't Belle change EJ?
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T
I believe they are going to connect Belle with New Chad
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P
This show has been on its last legs for years now. Nothing is good on it anymore. Too many DiMeras and not enough good storytelling anymore. It should have been cancelled!
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A
Then why are you here commenting.
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P
Maybe so that the powers that be who could possibly read viewers comments won't think all of their viewers are pleased with the direction of the show. There is nothing wrong with voicing an opinion even if its different from someone or everyone else's. Everyone doesn't like the same things even if they do watch the same shows. The writer's hould know what all the viewers think, like or dislike. They should try to please as many viewers as possible if they want their shows to keep continuing.
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T
They are 10 months ahead so what you say now means nothing to them.
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L
Well I mean the MAJORITY rules since they have been renewed for 2 more years. The stories have significantly improved with the new writers.
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T
Then don't watch...and scroll on
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L
I'm enjoying it and obviously it is doing good since they have been renewed for another 2 yrs.. soooo... maybe don't watch if you don't like it?
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