‘Days of Our Lives’ Boss Talks 2-Season Renewal, Victoria Konefal’s Return as Ciara
Q&A
Days of Our Lives renewal announcements usually happen in the winter months, and the latest was overdue — but well worth the wait. The NBC soap opera has been picked up for two years (not the usual one), which has made both fans and the folks who work on the series very happy!
TV Insider chatted with executive producer Ken Corday about the show’s pickup and what he feels makes Days unique. Also, Corday dishes some story points and previews the return of legacy character Ciara Brady (Victoria Konefal), who will be back on-screen later this year.
Congratulations on Seasons 57 and 58! How did it work out that Days received a two-year renewal this time around?
Ken Corday: It was actually 2014 when we last had this kind of commitment. [Laughs] I got on my knees and begged: “Help us stop looking over our shoulders every year!” I spoke to Mark Lazarus [Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming] back in November. He was wonderful and very understanding and asked for my patience, and my prayers were answered.
In October of last year, I will say we were at a point where I didn’t know whether or not I should tell Ron [Carlivati, head writer] to write the ending of Days. He just kept writing without a safety net. Ultimately, I had faith in the show.
Ken Corday (Chris Haston/NBC)
What was the reaction among cast members and the production team?
It’s interesting because this was the first time in 14 months that we’d all been that close with each other on stage. It was the first time NBC executives had come down the hill to the Burbank Studios. We all wanted to hug each other. The joy was palpable.
How important is it to have so many long-running cast members, as you do? Are they the key to the show’s success and longevity?
It’s vastly important. It’s very important for the viewers who have watched us for decades. The next generation of viewers are put in front of their screens as they watch with their grandmothers and mothers. They see the children and grandchildren of the veteran characters. It all starts with the senior members of our cast±Susan Seaforth Hayes [Julie] and Bill Hayes [Doug].
It’s amazing how a character can be off the canvas for years and then be brought back and the story picks right up. Case in point: Jan Spears, played by Heather Lindell.
Yes. Characters go off and come back to revisit the “scene of the crime.” Heather is back as Jan playing scenes with Belle [Martha Madison] and Shawn [Brandon Beemer]. She’s wonderful and she knows the part. It’s great seeing people come back who haven’t been on in years. I only wish we could still have the ones who have passed on: Joe [Mascolo, ex-Stefano], Frances [Reid, ex-Alice], and Mac [Macdonald Carey, ex-Tom]. Those are voids that will never be filled.
Speaking of returns, Ali Sweeney is back as Sami, and this time it’s not for an “in and out” visit.
Yes. Alison is so wonderful. It’s great that she’s able to, I think the word is triangulate her world with her family, her work at Hallmark, which includes projects in Canada, and Days. We all love Sami and it’s great to see Sami screw up, dig her own grave, and then jump out of it. Seeing her again with Bryan Dattilo [Lucas] is so marvelous. There’s that comfortable rhythm they have that their characters have as well.
Days appears to be redeeming antagonist Ava (Tamara Braun) somewhat, thanks to her developing relationship with Rafe (Galen Gering).
Yes. I think it was Joe Mascolo who gave the lesson that “no villain is great unless they have some level of empathy from the viewers.” I don’t think Stefano was every fully redeemed, but look at Ava or Paul Telfer’s Xander. We’ve seen them grow and change on the show as people do in reality. The certainty in life is change.
Paul went from villain to romantic lead.
Yes, he was brought on as [a bad guy]. He’s a wonderful actor and can take anything and make it work. Paul’s a great Scotsman and we’ve been finding that heart in Xander. Wait till you see him with his haircut.
Jackée Harry as Paulina has added a lot of energy to the show. She delivers a line like no one else.
I love her. She’s one of a kind; we’re blessed to have her. She brings a style and a tone we haven’t had…Paulina has this openness. She’s bawdy and she doesn’t care what people think.
Victoria Konefal as Ciara Brady (Chris Haston/NBC)
Ciara (Victoria Konefal) left town recently with amnesia. It’s been announced she’s returning later this year. But as we’re seeing, her true love Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) is moving on, perhaps with Claire (Isabel Durant). Clearly, Ciara won’t return to the same Salem she left.
The most precious thing in life is time and the most certain thing is change. People do change and your point is well taken. When Miss Konefal returns to Salem, whenever that day comes, it won’t be to the same Salem she left. However, Ben and Ciara are star-crossed lovers—we won’t ever forget that Ben and Ciara are special.
Days of Our Lives, Weekdays, NBC
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Bring back Sarah.
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I want Sarah back too.
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I hate Paulina and Chanel. They can leave as far as I'm concerned. We watch soaps to get away from reality, and Paulina is making it political. I like Brady and Kristen, but don't like Chloe interfering with their marriage. I love Rafe and Ava together, not Rafe and Nicole.
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I think nichol needs a stable man who wants to be with his woman. Shame on Eric.
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I am so thrilled the show has renewed...I love DOOL.
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Will Kate & Roman ever get back together?
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Thank you for renewing.
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WHAT ABOUT CHAD AND ABBY?
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I am very excited about a 2 year renewal! Have watched for years and years. Please writers! We all watch to escape day to day stress and anxiety.
Please go back to letting the characters enjoy some time in their lives. In a world torn apart at the seams, allow the characters to have some happiness in their lives, to celebrate life. Then when tragic events happen, it is even more poignant.
Cut back on the hocus-pocus pull a mask out at a second's notice, complete with voice changer.
This is just disrespectful to your viewers IQ. Kristin has always been a colorful character but now? Walking in and out of "statesville" with less security than a grocery store at present.
Let's see some more outdoor scenes, and not just of the same park bench in the ivy. How about pic-nics at the lake?
Bring back characters, even if they need to be re-cast. Hope Brady, EJ Dimera, Sara Horton. Zander and Sara never got to evolve, after all the change Zander made! You MUST let Ben and Ciara have their memories and life together! Thanks for allowing Kate to rise again! One tough cookie!
And I think it is awful to tear her heart out after doing so. WHY does noone cut the door off the dungeon in the DiMera mansion? Why doesn't Rafe and Salem PD check there 1st whenever someone is missing?
So congrats! But please use this time to build Days back into greatness.
I think your Ciara/Ben lovestory got you here. NOW, give the characters and viewers respect and give the show some happy times too!!🤞
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Mary, you have hit all the key points exactly. I agree 100% with everything you outlined. Perfectly articulated!
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Thank you so much for renewing my #1 & only soap in the world I love Days of our lives. That means so much to me. I never wanted that soap to go off the air on TV. I love all the actors & actress's. They all play amazing parts to there roll. I have watched Days since I was younger. I can't image my life without it.
My questions what is going to happen with Kate & Jake. Now that Kate is out of the picture. Also what will happen with Chad & Abby. Also Tripp & Alley. Plus Sarah & Xander? Will Sarah be back for Xander Also what about Nicole & Eric. Also Nicole having feeling for Rafe how will that effect there relationship 's. Sorry I have so many question 's. I am just curious.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for Renewal 's of Days of our lives.😀👍❤
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I am excited about the renewal!!! How is it that Kristen have so many needles ready at her disposal! I realize she is going off the show but she keeps it interesting 😏
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How does she have so many masks and voices more to the point LOL
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WHAT HAPPENS TO HOPE,?
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Nothing obviously. She quit the show. Bye
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Bring her and Bo back. Lets celebrate their love.
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Have watched this show since 4 years old. I know the family and I hope they never take it off. I'm old now, but I hope it last till the end of life. Love Days. Thank you for giving an old woman such pleasure.
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What about sunny and Will?
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DOOL is my favorite soap of all time. I have been watching it since 1980 and tape it everyday. I really miss Hope and Bo and Jennifer and Jack but I guess time marches on. I hope this show stays on forever!! Kayla, Sami, Patch, Marlene and John, you all look fantastic!! From a devoted fan.
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Kristen needs to be stopped with all the scheming and sent back to jail for all of crimes she has committed. Also people need to stop returning from the dead or being resurrected by Roth. Please keep Abby Chad together, let them be one of those thats always in love like, (some what like Bo and Hope) they are so good together and I love them together as a couple and a family Finally, please do not put Ben and Claier together as a couple. As much Ben and Cirea love each other that love should be able to stand until they re-United. He and Claire should be friends but definitely not lovers. The relationship between the two has recently been mended. To put Claire and Ben together is only destroying that friendship again..Cirea is going to remember everything soon, please don't. Put Ben, Cirea and Claire through that story line. So much more to comment on but this is it for now.
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Lay off the politically correct politics garbage!! And bring HOPE back!! She is one of the originals. Not the same without her. Shame MANAGEMENT asked her to take a hiatus! Not the way to treat a long timer!
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I think Sarah definitely needs to come back. I'm glad Ciara is coming back hopefully, eventually to Ben. No Ben and Clara. Why can't people just establish plain old fashioned friendship and not sleep together? What's next for Kate? I like Abby having some back bone, but she needs to have a little empathy. Channel out!
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Such relief to know that we will be able to watch the residents of Salem for at least 2 more years. Unlike prime time, the stories in daytime can go on forever!
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I don't like Pauline or Chanel. I watch news for Politics (not soaps).
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Can't wait for the crazy Kristen story to come to an end.
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I have been watching since Hope was a little girl. I record the show watch it everyday it's on. I'm 69 now I feel like family. Love seeing them in movies also on Halmark movies. Keep it going.
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Victoria konefal is returning playing Ciara Brady. A very good actress.
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Can’t wait for the new EJ! Hope he uses his Spartacus skills and lops off Kristians head in slo mo of course).
On a side note..the only characters who used prophylactics were Xander and that rascalian who Teresa was fooling around with. Maybe Defrocked Father Eric can teach some sex Ed with the Salem natives.
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Great that the show is renewed. I have watched for decades, started after school with my grandmother. The show could use a new set designer.
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My grandmother got me into Days too!
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So glad it continues..love to see Theresa back. Tired of Sammy, ruined it with the politics of Paulina. I fast forward since I have to now TiVo. Brady is tired. Marlena never loses her touch and Ben needs an award.
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I'm sick of the sadness on your show. Could Ben and Ciera please get together and finally be Happy. Your plots have all been used for the last 50 years that I have watched the show. Old and tired.
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As a little girl I would lay on my grandmother's lap and watch days I'm 61 now and this show is a must see and yes I think of my mama every day our special time together.
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I’m am so very excited about the renewal. I have been watching this show for so many years. Probably as long as it has been on the air. I love the originals and wish Hope Brady and Teresa and Sarah would come back but am so grateful for those who are on the set. Never a dull moment! Such a great cast of folks!!!
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It seems no one ask lawyers about cases & incidences. Deals made are not realistic? Gwen no lawyer? Hearsay evidence? People get doctor’s orders without patient’s permissions. Try checking with real lawyers. Cannot watch anymore. Too far fetch.
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I've only been watching the show for 5 years (when I became unable to work due to my health). It was so easy to get hooked right away! I fell in love with the characters and I DVR the show so no matter what I never miss. I'm SO THRILLED you got renewed for another 2 years & pray it continues. Such an amazingly talent group of actors, I hope none ever leave!! I have laughed so hard at scenes, cheered, cried, been rattled & scared and on the edge of my seat many times. I pray Sarah comes back. My husband has even watched with me when I saved up a week and then watch it all at once. 🤣❤ he wonders what all my excitement is about 😂 Thank you for all you do!! For giving me something to look forward to in my life.
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Prayers answered ! The 1 & only soap that is so real to life ! Have been watching this soap for over 40 yrs plus, right when I think I've see it all.....BOOM, it another huge shocker Writers, you might not get it right every time, but it always works ! Kudos to you guys & hope yo see 40 more years of the q & only...DOOL
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What happened to Sarah??? The last time we saw her was in a trunk in Marlena’s apartment. The writers messed up!
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Kristen took Sarah to a deserted island.
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I Am Happy Days Is Renewed For 2 More Seasons! Let's Hope It Not The Same Storylines. Over&Over! Glad Victoria (Ciara) Is Coming Back! Ben&Ciara! Always DO NOT Put Ben With Claire! And Bring Back Sarah For Zander! And Like Trip&Ally! Days Needs New Writer's. If Keep Repeating Same Old Stories Over&Over!!!
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I love days. I have been watching it since 1965. I feel like I know all the characters. Please keep it going and thank you for renewing for the next 2 years.
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This makes me happy! There are some old characters that could be brought back. Not sure I'd like Brady and Chloe together again. Bring back Melanie Jonas, Will and Sunny. I like seeing the regulars, but maybe bringing in younger people would bring in a new audience. I've been watching since the late 60's. I kind of like Kate and Jake together. LOVE Ciara and Ben. Their chemistry is reminiscent of the old Bo and Hope Days. Tripp and Allie have great potential! Robert Scott Wilson is wonderful as Ben! Give Rafe a love interest... like Ava, not Nicole. Send Nicole to find Eric. So glad I get another 2 years!
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I am so happy about the renewal I was checking every day
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Ditto
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I HAVE BEEN WATCHING SINCE 1965 FROM THE BEGINNING. DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE STORY LINE, HOWEVER KRISTEN HAS TO GO FOR GOOD ! RIDICULOUS ALREADY! GLAD ITS RENEWED. PLEASRE BRING BACK SARAH!!
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Why were you so terrible to Chandler and Freddie? Bring back Will and Sonny! I've had enough of Marlena, John, Maggie, Julie and Doug. They are good, but they have had their time. Retire them.
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I stop watching days because you didn't let Ben be with his wife if she is coming back an they are not going to be together I want watch it again
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I understand people must move on, but can't you bring Ciara back on the show and let the love birds get back together before Ben desides to move on with his life?? I would love for the two of them to have a happy ending. They just got married and never made it out of the church!! Don't you think the fans deserve more of Ben and Ciara? This can't be the end!!
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Another Time Jump Needed
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