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Brandon Barash OUT as Stefan DiMera on Days of our Lives

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

Days of our Lives favorite, Brandon Barash is no longer with the Peacock streaming soap opera in the role of Stefan DiMera. In fact, his last airdate is coming up on soon, and we mean right around the corner on the upcoming Monday, October 28th episode.

According to an interview with Soaps.com, Barash revealed that it was not his decision to leave, but the writers decided to have the character exit the canvas.  In fact, it was series, co-executive producer, Janet Drucker who delivered the news to a shocked Barash.

The timing of Barash’s exit as Stefan seems odd given that the show finally recast his on-screen love interest, Gabi, now played by Cherie Jimenez. Brandon came to DAYS in 2019 as Stefan replacing the late Tyler Christopher. He later played Stefan’s twin, Jake DiMera from 2020-2023, before Stefan was revealed to be alive, and Brandon returned to that part also in 2023.

Photo: JPI

Brandon recalled the moments he learned he was departing DAYS. “I knew exactly what was happening as soon as I was called up to (the boss’) office,” he shared. “And she said, ‘Look, this is not my doing. I don’t like it. And this is no reflection on you or your abilities. You’re very talented. We know your work ethic is very high, but it’s just where we’re deciding to take the character.’”

The harsh reality of Barash’s pink-slip was that he noted that he was “in the middle of a contract, and it was the writers’ decision” to have Stefan exit the canvas.

Photo: JPI

However, Brandon’s ultimate outlook was when one door closes, another one opens, citing, “I walked out of the office equal parts shocked and excited about what was around the corner.” Before coming to DAYS, soap viewers remember Barash’s run on General Hospital as Johnny Zacchara  from 2007-2013,

When asked if he would be open to returning as Stefan down the line, Brandon shared, “I don’t know, this is the second time this has happened to me at Days of our Lives.”  He added, “It would have to be very, very right. The terms would have to be right. The story would have to be right, the contract would have to be right and I would have to be able to trust them and I don’t. I’ve lost that. I’ve lost that ability to trust that team, quite frankly.”

What do you think about Days of our Lives decision to let go of Brandon Barash? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Love to see him back on GH

Nicholas Cassadine recast ?

Although GH has had numerous actors play multiple roles, Barash is fondly remembered for playing Johnny (who was not killed off).

There’s really no space on the GH canvas right now for him to return full time.

That’s a real shame he’s a great actor with a big package! Lol. Get rid of gabby too she is one of the worst recasts ever so boring no spunk like camela sorry…

I disagree about Gaby…she is the best recast in my opinion.

Very sad to see him go was always great

So we let Brandon go but have Jonny is this ridiculous bad storyline head to behind the gates Brandon I love days it’s my fave but you close that door twice and yes he is very talented

I hope he is picked up somewhere soon. He’s a true talent. I haven’t watched Days since it left NBC but I always liked Brandon.

I am so sorry this happened…I am very disappointed in the writers. They don’t care how the fans feel. They should treat the actors better…this is uncall for.

I would rather Fiona go.

Sorry, DAYS, but this is truly messed up!

DAYS has been messed up ever since they hired Ann Marcus to be head writer in 1977.

He is so adorable. He reminds me of Don Diamond a bit they should bring him on Bold and Beautiful and give Liam the pink slip.

I think it sucks! Would love him back on GH

I think it sux. But would love for him to go back to GH. Sonny needs a new enemy.

Actually I think it’s crazy for him to go now, since Gabby is finally back in the picture! ( which I prefer the original girl who played her) but that’s the problem with the show. Letting characters go without a thought to how the viewers feel about it! Especially in the case of aka; Nicole!

I believe it is a big mistake getting rid of Brandon. The writers have really gone bonkers.

Damn I hate to see Stefan go, well since Stefan is gone now they should bring Stefano back from the dead

That would be blasphemy.

And believe me, that’s not a term the Devil uses lightly.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Alums A Martinez and Marcy Walker: In Conversation; Two-Hour Livestream Event with the Iconic Cruz and Eden Announced

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Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7.  That’s when Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker, also known as beloved Santa Barbara supercouple, Cruz and Eden, will participate in a global two-hour streaming event where they will be in conversation together for the first time in years.

The last time A and Marcy appeared publicly together was back in August of 2024, when both stars were in attendance at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara. Now, host Melissa Braverman, who has also penned the upcoming book, Santa Barbara: The Complete Story, will moderate this special event beginning at 4pm ET/1pm PT.

Fans around the world who continue to celebrate the enduring legacy of Santa Barbara will be able to watch Braverman lead an intimate discussion with the actors and go behind the iconic characters of Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell.

Photo: JPI

In a statement, Braverman shared, “A Martinez and Marcy Walker didn’t just play a couple. They created a cultural phenomenon that resonated across continents. This event is a rare opportunity for fans to hear directly from A and Marcy about their chemistry, their favorite storylines, and the lasting impact of the show’s unique storytelling.”

She added, “A and Marcy’s partnership as Cruz and Eden was unforgettable. Bringing them together for a dedicated conversation about their SB journey is a true event, and a testament to their enduring appeal and the sheer popularity of the characters they created.”

The exclusive event will feature: a moderated discussion exploring the actors’ favorite memories from the Santa Barbara set. Behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s most famous location shoots and dramatic arcs, and a Q&A session where ticket holders can submit questions in advance to the stars.

Martinez, currently starring in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds is known for his multi-decade TV and film career. He won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1990 for his portrayal of Cruz. In the soaps, A has also appeared on General Hospital, One Life to Live, Days of Our Lives and The Bay. Walker, whose unforgettable daytime run began as Liza Colby on All My Children before her definitive turn on Santa Barbara, took home the Outstanding Lead Actress honors in 1989 for her work as Eden Capwell.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime reunion are $100, and registration is open now. For additional event information, visit Melissa’s author page on Facebook or www.melissabraverman.com.

So, if you are a Santa Barbara fan and one of the unforgettable Cruz and Eden, does this sound like the event for you? Let us know, and share your favorite Santa Barbara moment and storyline of Cruz and Eden’s via the comment section, But first, in case you missed it, the Michael Fairman Channel shared the arrivals at the 40th anniversary of Santa Barbara in this video below.

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