On the heels of the streamer limited-series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem, the NBC daytime drama series has announced that they are set to revisit the all-time classic “Possession Storyline” from 1994.
In that, Marlena (Deidre Hall) became possessed by the devil and it became one of the most remembered stories of all-time on the soaps.
Now, DAYS is turning a return to the storyline with this promo teaser, “Something wicked is coming to Salem this Fall!”
The series is promising that “fans can look forward to twists and turns you’d never suspect as well as familiar faces returning to save the day (or not)…. this time around, the devil knows no bounds and no one in Salem is safe!”
You can check out the promo below. More details will follow on this exciting storyline!
So, what do you think of DAYS harkening back to the possession storyline? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Well yeah, but this is about ME. So that’s different!
Rodd
2 years ago
Not really looking forward to this if it’s going to be a repeat. Are they running out of ideas with that talented cast? Yee-gads! I’ll wait, watch and see once we’re into it. Always try to believe for the best in our soaps.
Mark
2 years ago
They really need to go back to these gothic storylines it’s what made days so much fun
davlestev1
2 years ago
A one off Halloween special. It won’t be an extended storyline.
JJ
2 years ago
That was the kind of story you don’t revisit. I know Ron C. has been chomping at the bit to revisit this story. I swear he has been possessed by Jim Reilly. Their writing is so similar it is eerie! Both of their writing is shallow, plot driven, predictable, repetitive, and ludicrous at times.
I watched the original. It was ok. A lot of overacting, a lot of campy writing, a lot of cheesy special effects. It wasn’t a first for daytime. Both Loving and Dark Shadows had featured demonic storytelling.
It was different and divisive, you either loved it or hated it. Sometimes stories that big and iconic need to be left in the past, because sequels rarely are as good as the first. Also, the subject matter is very unpleasant. These are dark times right now, with many of our world leaders taking pages right out of Satan’s handbook. Could we have a less dire story?
If it is going to be a mini story arc, starting on Halloween and going through November sweeps, that would be all right. But the show cannot afford to take 6 plus months and tell a full possession story again’
I’ll take Rons writing at Days where regardless of the consistency there are exciting arcs that are umbrella, complex and impactful going forward.Over at Y n R nothing happens for weeks, no romance , no plots just characters chatting over , over and over again. If anything even slightly eventful happens it s wrapped up off screen in one eppy. Josh Griffith and his toilet seat writing .
I agree and dark shadows was a different thing. Completely!!
matthew simons
2 years ago
Hopefully like the April fool idea – one day only halloween… otherwise DON’T.
KimBradyWannaBe
2 years ago
Time for a break from this show… like Carson on GH, I’m tired of Jarlena on Days.
Jimmy
2 years ago
I’m 100% game for this if it’s a one-off Halloween special like the April Fools episode. In fact, I think soaps need to do one-off episodes more often because they usually turn out great. But if this is a long-term storyline, it’s going to get old FAST. It was even ludicrous at the time, and I really don’t think daytime TV is the place for possession stories anymore.
Lew S
2 years ago
Ok……………. Ron can’t come up with an original idea.
Jamesj75
2 years ago
Oy veh…
Violet Lemm
2 years ago
OMG,
I’d rather see Ben and his never fail necktie come back. I wonder if they’ll show John trying to kiss her with his slobbery open mouth. That should bring her down to earth real quick! ⁰
LouieY
2 years ago
I was never a fan of the JER era and definitely over the writer pets of Brady/Black family and Ben/Ciara. While all the other characters get crappy writing—the Bonnie and Duke the Bear stuff is Ridiculous. If you can’t attempt quality for all stories and characters it’s not worth tuning into. Thanks to Ron, I’m starting to watch CBS soaps which bring good drama and angst.
Jaime
2 years ago
That story is worthy only of Days Cancellation. Soap media promotes garbage for the producers but is rarely HONEST. Terrible story and if that is why they brought Johnny back send him away far away never to be seen again. Deidre Hall I am so ashamed that you do such insulting nonsense. Surely you have enough money by now.
Shaming Deidre Hall is shaming all who loved the previous possession and are already loving the repossession! She has enough money for a comfortable lifestyle, but she also enjoys the work and the possession is her personal all time favorite storyline. It’s not insulting, it’s entertaining, you’re the one insulting.
Harlee
2 years ago
Yuck! I didn’t like the first time around and of course it’s stunt plot driven dibble. I like my soaps to be character driven stories. Did anyone watch last weeks episode on Thursday the 9th on YR with Jack/Phyllis, Nick/Sharon, Victor/Adam best character driven episode I’ve seen in years. All coming from the characters past, heart pulling when you’re a fan know each couple’s history…Wonderful!
Jamesj75
2 years ago
Lord, can Harrison Lord become a regular character? Can he be raised from the dead? The actor playing Harrison, in a 1-day stint, has acting chops as well as appeal that is off the charts! And while you’re at it, bring back Calista Lockhart, too! Another great character actress who chews the scenery par excellence! Forget the Possession storyline!
Barbara from Atlanta
2 years ago
An “all-time classic” is not how I would describe that plot. There have been some lousy storylines on soaps over the decades but I can think of only two that were so dreadful that I permanently quit watching a series and never went back…..
The “Marlena is possessed” garbage on Days and the “cloning of Reva” on Guiding Light. Both were such bad ideas that I questioned the qualifications and judgment of the writers who came up with them and (inanely) thought they would work. Who in their right mind would think revisiting this junk is a smart move? Obviously, I am one soap viewer who won’t be turning in!!!
Barbara from Atlanta,
Iam not looking forward to this crap again. I wonder about the actors feelings. Are they truly having fun doing this or are as disgusted as some of us. I know a lot of fans are enjoying and looking forward to another round of craziness. Something else that bothers me is Doug having to portray the devil.I just hope he likes it more than I will.
I guess we know now what Doug’s problem is. I lost my TV reception yesterday when he made contact with Paulina’s butt, but saw it today and realized he will be used to re-possess Marlena. Now I think this SL will be funnier than I thought.
Though “chai” is actually an Indian word for “tea”, so calling it “chai tea” is sort of redundant. It’s a drink made from black tea with milk & spices added. The drink has some decent anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory propeties, so that might be why Kayla (as a doctor) is a fan of the beverage.
So brain chips that turn somebody into a different person or a serum that can bring back somebody who has been dead for years… or long lost children showing up DECADES later… that’s all believable.
But little old me coming up from Hell for a visit, that’s where you draw the line??
Maybe Marlena can explain some of this,i.e your first paragraph, but the second part, for most people it’s more than a silly prank ,that they are afraid not to believe.
Unhappy DOOL fan
2 years ago
I’m totally disgusted. What is this… some cheap Halloween trick? Is the show that desperate they need to go back to this? It seems stupid
And immature writing. If I wanted to watch a horror story, I’d rent a horror movie. This is ridiculous. I’m ashamed if this horrible decision. What next, Mary Poppjns or the wizard of Salem/OZ? I will watch another show during this time until the DOOL writers get some Real material. Or fire the kids And bring in some mature writers. This is bull crap.
Unhappy DOOL fan
2 years ago
With COVID and death lying in every corner, this is the last thing people need to see. A possession? Really? Folks need GOD more than ever right now. How sick are these writers? Or Maybe they’re the ones possessed? I think that’s the answer. It’s starting to make sense. Yes, I’ll visit another show. Anything will be worth watching than this crazy crappy storyline. It’s sick!!!
Neva Settles
2 years ago
The most ridiculous story line ever…….Marlena being possessed! Please STOP! I am so disappointed……..beyond belief! I will never watch again! How stupid do you think people are????!!!
Larry
2 years ago
Disgusting and totally inappropriate. We may stop watching.
Sindeegirl
2 years ago
I think its awful. I didn’t watch these parts 25 years ago and I skip some of it again nnow.its enough evil is here on earth destroying our world. No need to bring in more even on TV. This is a soap opera not a horror movie.
JAGiarla
2 years ago
What a waste of time. I didn’t like the story line in the 1990’s and I dislike even more the second time around. Is it too much to ask for fresh story lines?
JS
2 years ago
We just finished a year of lockdown. No need to see a storyline like this one. Might resume watching after it wraps up. (Re: Marlena and being possessed). Just not interested and in poor taste.
Dee
2 years ago
Absolutely ridiculous. The stupidest storyline back then and here we go again to another half year of stupidity. When will writers finally come up with their own storylines??? Why must they keep repeating old ones.
How lazy can you be to do one job. You have one job to do . Write for a soap opera and you can’t even do that because you have to steal someone else’s work . Hate it .
Rita
2 years ago
I think this possession stuff is disgusting and I was almost going to stop watching it but I didn’t but now that they’re going to possess Ciara’s baby? I am 66 years old and I have been watching Days since I was 14 but I am now done.
Ben can have a black “tie” event to welcome him into the world! And the number of letters; that’s some spooky numerology goin’ on there….
Joan Oickle
2 years ago
I don’t like this storyline at all. I pvr the show and fast forward past it.
Cheryl
2 years ago
I hate this storyline. With so much evil in this world today. Who needs to watch it on tv. I love Days. I have watched it my whole life with my mother but this is too much for me to digest on a full or empty stomach. Come on writers you can do better than this. Revisit this is more like a bad nightmare relived!!!
Karen Raqye Slater
2 years ago
I think it absolutely ridiculus to have Marlena be the devil again. Been there done that. Why? I hate it ande am thinking about not watching Days anymore if all they can come up with are old story lines. I a very disappointed in the writers.
D
2 years ago
It would be divine to actually be let in what Mar-Devil’s internal plan actually is. Several weeks have passed on DOOL and I still do not know what Mar-Devil came back to actually finish from decades ago.
Tressie Esters
2 years ago
it is stupid of them bringing the story line about the devil and all back. Bringing back the dead which is nonsense. Give me a good story line.
People return from the dead in Salem all the time!
At least the three guys I called up from Hell will be going back soon. Isn’t that an improvement over all the Rolf zombies still walking around like nothing ever happened to them?
Sonya Chambers
2 years ago
When is it going to end . Enough all ready . Do the writers have nothing better to write or are they just being so dam lazy
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
Deidre Hall to Guest Star on Season 3 of Comedy Series ‘Hacks’
May 1, 2024
Days of our Lives star Deidre Hall (Marlena) is set to play a version of herself on third season of Hacks. Look for Hall this month in an episode titled “The Deborah Vance Christmas Spectacular,” to air on May 23 on Max.
Not only will Hall appear in the episode, but so too, will Back to the Future and Taxi star, Christopher Lloyd.
According to EW.com, Deidre will play “a fictional version of herself, who just so happens to be the mom of Paul W. Downs’ Jimmy.”
Photo: JPI
Hacks co-creator and Downs’ wife, Lucia Aniello shared on Hall’s casting, “It made sense to us that Jimmy’s late father, a big-time manager, would have been married to an actress. When the idea for Deidre Hall came up, it just felt right.”
As for Lloyd, he will portray, reclusive writer Larry Arbuckle, who is to have had a rather famous grandfather. In the episode, Hall and Lloyd’s character intersect, which leads to onscreen sparks.
Photo: AP
“We had written some things that were flirty, but the chemistry was palpable,” says co-creator and series star, Downs shared. Hacks stars Jean Smart as comedy legend Deborah Vance.
Photo: Max
Season 3 of Hacks debuts on Thursday night May 2nd on Max 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
So, will you be watching Deidre Hall guest starring on Hacks? Comment below.
Peacock Raising Subscription Prices $2 Dollars a Month This Summer; Includes Days of our Lives
April 30, 2024
As the Paris Summer Olympics are a few months away, the Peacock streaming service has revealed its plan for a two dollar summer price hike on its subscription plans, beginning in July for its content which will include Days of our Lives.
According to Deadline, in July, look for the monthly price for Peacock Premium to increase to $7.99. Premium Plus, which offers limited advertising, download capability and live local programming, will now be $13.99, while Annual plans will go up to $79.99 for Premium and $139.99 for Premium Plus.
This price hike will effect new customers starting on July 18th, while existing subscribers will notice the price change on their next billing date on or before August 17th.
Photo: JPI
This marks the second price change in two years for the streaming service, the previous one being in 2023, which was the first since the service launched back in 2020. The Summer Olympics in Paris which will be on NBC and Peacock run from July 26 to August 11.
The bright spot for Days of our Lives fans, is that unlike if the show was still on network television and NBC, the show would be preempted for two weeks, but with it being on Peacock it will continue with all-new episodes without interruption.
Photo: Peacock
At the recent Days of our Lives 15K episode celebration, Michael Sluchan the EVP, Current Scripted Programming & Limited Series for NBC/Peacock shared that the soap opera is doing extremely well for the streaming service, and they were very happy with its performance.
If you want to join Peacock now, there is still some time to get in on the current rates to watch DAYS and all of the programming and series it offers.
So, what do you think about the Peacock streaming service next price hike? Comment below.
