Days Of Our Lives
Alison Sweeney Special Message On Upcoming 4/21 DAYS: "Thinking Back On All The Pivotal Episodes … This Without Question Stands At The Top!"

Courtesy/NBC
As Alison Sweeney is set to depart the NBC soap opera this year after more than two decades as Sami Brady, the fan favorite posted a special message on her facebook page which relates to the current story, where it looks as if Sami may discover that the man she is about to marry, EJ DiMera (James Scott) has been having an affair with Abigail Deveraux (Kate Mansi)!
From this week’s promo of DAYS: A mysterious envelope shows up at the DiMera mansion that Sami gets her hands on which has incriminating evidence of EJ and Abby in the throes of passion. So is it what happens next that will be one of the best episodes for Sweeney of all-time? Well, according to this post below, it surely is!
Alison: “I am so proud of the episode airing on Monday, April 21st. We worked so hard on it, and everyone gave their all. I hope you watch. Thinking back on all the pivotal episodes I’ve been blessed to be a part of at Days of our Lives, this without question stands out at the top. And believe me, as we were shooting it everyone was thinking about YOUR reactions. So … I can’t wait to read your thoughts after!! XOXO”
In addition, if you picked up the latest Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, Sweeney also mentioned the episode and elaborated a little more saying: “In fact, we were in the fan event last November right when we shot those scenes, like giddy, practically from the excitement and the buildup it created in that particular episode. We did a read-through with the director and I am going to say that we dedicated probably at least nine hours or more of rehearsal time toward them.”
If you recall, On-Air On-Soaps had chatted with James and Alison in a very fun interview during that time at the Days of DAYS 2013, which happened right around the shooting of those scenes.
Let us know what you thought of Alison’s statement on the upcoming episode! What do you think will go down? Weigh-in!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.

Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.

Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.

Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital6 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star
Nick sent the envelope…no mystery there. I still believe Nick will be murdered for real this time and there will be many suspects…Sami will be sent to prison for the crime(A.S. is leaving) but itll be Percy who actually killed him!!! Once Percy is found out, Sami will be released from prison now played by Kelly Sullivan!!!
Will Sami be around in celebration of the shows 50th?
It wasn’t Nick, he was with Gaby at the time the envelope was being delivered.
Nick could have sent the envelope but someone else…maybe Percy…delivered it for him!!!
sami leaving soon, we need a final sami/ carrie/ Austin/ lucas storyline for old time sakes.!! sami better go down for a final crime against carrie! carrie and Austin can stay on!
Is this some sort of joke? LOL. It has to be. Sami is way past any of those losers you mentioned and her final story should not be wasted on them.
Right. But, I would like to see closure with Nick the Slick. This soap is getting to be so Mickey Mousish. Too many unsolved plots, too many storylines that are absolutely stupid, such as the looney-toon-Liam…so unrealistic…going too far with this….C’mon, now…let’s go. Oh, and what about the Nick business. Will told Rafe that this time it was not Nick who did anything illegal. Is he kidding!? Attempted rape is legal now? Why doesn’t one of those so-intelligent, wise, sharp-minded women record some of Nick’s underlying threats? So simple….Pleeeease!!!! Have they heard of modern technology? My little 3-year-old niece knows how to record from my cell.!!! Just smack Gabbi around a few times until she snaps out of this la-di-da state! Lol.
Sami is being recasted I think. But I’m sure the Sami circle, Kate/Lucas/Willl/Nicole & EJ-Maybe? will be gone in the next year. When GL’s Reva left in 1990, her circle of characters, Hawk, Sarah, Josh, Marah, Shane, Phillip, Beth, and Rick within months. Samatha stayed for two years, but was back-burner. Without the group leader, what’s their to stay? And Eve , Teresa, JJ, and All those new folks will be ruling the grounds so expect Will, Kate, and Lucas to follow as well. Sonny and EJ might last a year or two. The new Days of our Lives begins this year.
Sami has left before. Ali left in 1995, when Sami left salem for six months. Ali also left in September 1997 when Austin left her at the Alter. She took Will and left. Sami came back for Christmas and stayed til news years. Then she back that February for like three episodes and hung out with Franco. In April, Sami came back full time.
I think Sami will beat the crap out of Abby which causes Abby to miscarry the baby that Stefano knew she would be having. Sami runs off with Lucas and the kids. Abby will blame EJ for keeping her in the dark about the pregnancy. EJ will vow to take Stefano down!
powerful… last two sentences
Abby blaming EJ for keeping her in the dark
WOW
Woah
hold on
that will ripple A LOT
———–
as for taking down Stefano… I thought that was going to happen the last time around… when Kristen was still on the show… Whew! thank goodness it didn’t… be that as it may… with Kristen coming home… she could be the catalyst this time.. and take a side… as she told EJ… “i’m not taking sides”… but.. seriously… for the drama… to ensue… and AS to deliver – act your heart out… this is IT… curtain call… tour de force
You have my heart… and DOOL prevails
I just want… that the DiMera’s stand
for all the sensitivety… and humane bothering… they feel something… like… and prevail for coloring… whetting our appetite
And here it comes…all hell will break loose..? The “tell-all” photos were just slipped under the DiMeras’s door…. Bet it’s Percy.
Well personally I am hoping it will be a honest betrayal of broken trust– no guns, no catfights, no over the top screaming matches, just two people trying to come to grips with the reality of infidelity. But since this is DAYS I might be hoping for too much, so whatever happens, I hope it lives up to hype.
Me, too. The other day when Sami whined about her son having a more memorable wedding than her, and when she went home and whined to EJ about Will kicking her out of his apartment-reminded me of how immature the character is and how cartoonish she acts.
I can’t lie… I get so over… AS’ Sammi… grandstanding… her virtuoso
21 years on the show… is a BIG feat’ure… she did it
be that as it may… for Salem’ tortured angst ridden… all the rest be damned… or stand at the cross and don’t rest their… it’s your call… “move”
and she will
i’m torn for the love lost… Sami for all the 21 years.. should get their… Heart beat
knowing… DOOL production… must forward… all the drama it can wring out
i’m with either or… and they can deliver
DAYS’ will go on… I hope they don’t jump right in to Ms.. Abs.. or perhaps… they do reconcile… but .. with the advent… of another DiMera… on the horizon… and, this time around… PLEASE… pull out all the stops…
for a showdown… of all they can… muster.. be… deliver… can’t stop… betwixt…
Kristen.. EJ… Stefano… Sami, Marlena, and the whole lot
this… in our minds… is tour de force
i’m in
Didn’t understand a thing you wrote.
Will the character of Sami be re-cast with another actress or will Sami find out about EJ and Abigail and just leave town – I don’t know if fans would accept a re-cast since Allison Sweeney is so strongly assoicated with the role of Sami.
They should not think about recasting until after DAYS 50th. I believe AS will come back for that!
If they did recast…id want Kelly Sullivan in the role!!!
Damn right I would. They better recast the role. Or if they don’t, at least keep Will on. But if they recast Sami, they need to turn the character into a back-burner contract-day player status, like GL’s Eleni. Have Sami just become Will’s mom, EJ’s wife and mother of their kids, and Marlena’s eldest daughter. Sami can only appear twice every two-to-three weeks. If I head writers, I keep Ali on contract but turn her into a back-burner, and drop Roman, Kate, Lucas immediately!!!! Then Sami would have no more front burner, just like Will. Sami and Will appear two appearances every three weeks but still on contract.
I’m not buying the hype. Days is in a ratings downward spiral, and this is an attempt to get viewers who haven’t been watching because of the sh*tty story, tune in. Sorry but Days screwed the pooch when they destroyed the essence of EJ DiMera’s character by having him cheat on Sami. This ratings stunt backfired on the show. They’ve lost their largest, most vocal fanbase, the one which could trend the show at will. Now they’re trying to get them back. Well, it won’t work this time. People may tune in Monday to see what happens, but no one is sticking around. Days blew it, and they shouldn’t be sending Miss Sweeney out to try to win back viewers. Too little, too late. Days inflicted this wound on themselves without any help from any outsiders. I’m going to enjoy watching them go down in flames.
I agree.. It is may sweeps…. they need the ratings!
I disagree. While I HATED this mess with Ej cheating on Sami (cause it’s just so OOC for Ej to ever do to his Samantha), I believe this show and Ejami can overcome it. Despite the poor story choices that TPTB continue to give Ejami, James Scott and Alison Sweeney are perfection when working together in any scenes and it’s because of their chemistry that Ejami works in spite of the crap thrown their way.
There are thousands of Ejami’s still rooting for their couple. I’m one of them. And I will continue to root for them as long as AS and JS play these characters. It’s never too late. Not for Ejami.
I think you missed the point of both posts. It’s the show that will go down in flames, not EJami.
This is the episode all “DOOL” fans have waited on since the affair started. I still think the long-term fallout of Abigail being pregnant could drive a story for years. I can’t wait for the confrontation with Abigail and Sami and Sami telling Jennifer. I love Kate Mansi and hope this story elevates her to one of the Lead Actresses of daytime.
this is why : I’m so excited… and it’s for cast reveal
what if Abs is really preggers?
what if Stefano… who was delicious… in his scenes with EJ… that he knows… all thats gone down…. and UP
LOL
this is truly for story
throw in the wrench… and machinations… of on par… Nick.. ready to bring down a notch… EJ… if he doesn’t tame and render Sammi… tight lipped… and steaming in her own… mindset
Nick , who’s acting is sublime… deserves a shot at elevation… Salem’s knight
I await… as the drama unfolds and ensues… to the delight… of ALL Salem’ites
Stand with… Fan Salute
DOOL ignites
sidebar : STAT
I do this, MF, for how little DOOL is featured
Mark Collier, Liam
deserves props
he renders me creeped out… why am I paying this guy attention…
yet
he prevails
the writing… has shown… him mystery
and… it’s true to form… for all the drama… Nicole, Eric, dag… tired Jenn… render.. for thee Daniel….
LOL…
Liam bothers
isn’t that enough
he’s under your skin and could top
KM won’t be elevated to a lead actress because the character of Abigail Deveraux is unlikeable. There’s a reason good girl Carrie never stuck around longer than a few years. There’s a reason Taylor Walker was booted from the show. There’s a reason people despise Jennifer Horton and why no couple for her has ever worked out except for with Jack (it was solely BECAUSE of Jack).
These characters, Abigail included, are hypocritical. They are deluded. They like to pretend they are constantly the victim in any given situation. They are pious and self righteous. Abigail Deveraux is a home wrecking slut. That is not an opinion. It’s a fact. She quite possibly helped destroy a family with children involved and has no remorse or care that people will get hurt.
She offered herself up as a permanent side piece “Sami didn’t need to know.” She told her mother what was bothering her “wasn’t WORTH talking about”. This girl feels badly only for herself because she didn’t get what she wanted and has now chosen to play victim cause Ej “should’ve shown some restraint”.
And let’s not forget this is the same girl that tried to break up Carrie’s marriage to Austin, this is the same girl that played two guys off each other for months. This is the same girl who pretended Chad “tricked her into bed” by lying about his cancer when Chad NEVER told her he was sick. This is the same girl who acted so disgusted with Chad’s lie and with Cameron’s secrecy.
THIS GIRL is the next leading lady? You wish.
I think you are getting the actress and the character mixed up. Sami has done her share of bad things, but we all love AS. I think Abigail has chemistry with every character, even if I don’t like the storyline. The character of Abigail is flawed, but aren’t we all? How many people made mistakes in the 20s and have huge regrets for the way they handled things when they reflect on the situation. I think the EJ/Abigail storyline was a great shot in the arm for the show. It got people talking about how shocking the storyline has been. It is all about ratings and keeping wanting to know how a story evolves. If you are going to comment on not liking a character is one thing. But, don’t discredit the actor/actress is is making the show more interesting and adding a new dimension to the DiMera storyline.
I certainly hope the episode is as good as Ali is saying it is because I have not really been impressed with her performances lately.. Ari ZUCKer can act circles around Alison Sweeney IMO. Kristian Alfonso is another talented actress on that show. Alison Sweeney has been coasting for a long time. I will not be sad to say farewell to the character of Sammy Brady.
I can’t wait. Ali and James going to bring the house down with their performance. They are what makes Days interesting for me . I just hope the writers don’t mess it up. EJAMI are the MOST talk about couple on Soaps.Even if you love them or hate them.
I could not be any more excited about those scenes. I have been waiting for months for the reveal and I am rooting for my girl Sami. My heart is breaking for her, but I know she will get through this because she is strong like that I expect Jamison to give stellar performance as only they can. I have stocked up on tissues because I know I am going to be a mess from crying. When the smoke is clear, I hope ejami can survive the betrayal and come out stronger than before. AS is going to bring it and I am giddy with anticipation.
Great post!
Can’t wait to see these scenes! Ali is so excited about them. I know Ali/James will deliver they always do. Go Ejami!
Can’t wait for the Ejami show down. James & Ali are their best when paired with one another as EJ & Sami whether it’s making love or fighting they never disappoint. Can’t say I was more then disgusted by what they did to EJ and his love for Samantha but hoping they get through this. On a side note I hope Sami knocks the shit out of What’s her face. Go Samantha Gene.
sentiment… moment (s)
for this Lady… Ms. Sweeny : who, literally… on her own.. it can be said… saved “our” DOOL.
I’m waiting for the fallout… her journey… her comeuppance… her path… to sojourn… her life
Sammi, for all intent and purpose… has commanded
I await… this glorious actor… to reveal
her beacon will never dim
I am so excited. Alison Sweeney and James Scott are an amazing acting duo. I have enjoyed watching them in these kinds of heavy scenes for years. Days and the EJ character are going to be shells of themselves after she leaves.
I’m unable to watch live so I’ll be doing lots of fast forwarding. I’m so happy AS is leaving. The only time I like her is when she is in platonic scenes with BD. I’m at a loss as to why this would have needed 9 hours of rehearsal. I’m sure the ratings will be high partly due to it being the day after Easter and many fans may have that day off from work.
Can’t wait. Poor Sami, she is in for a HUGE shock. Can’t wait to see Ali and James do their thing and for EJami to move on and heal from this!
Team Sami and E.J.!
Based on Ali’s excitement I am looking forward to the scenes. The Ejami fight will be epic, however I know that they will pull through this crap stronger than ever.
I am ready for Sami to kick Abby’s ass!
I can’t wait to see EJami implode. This relationship needs to end. Hopefully Sami has a HEA with Lucas.
I will forever miss this talented duo James Scott and Alison Sweeney as EJami without fail they will amaze me with their upcoming scenes yet again. Watching them together I can only compare it to watching Elizabeth Taylor with Richard Burton EPIC!