Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Alison Sweeney Talks Sami’s Return, Ron Carlivati, & Lumi!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Days of our Lives is bringing the drama under head writer Ron Carlivati. On the heels of the double wedding of Sonny (Freddie Smith) and Paul (Christopher Sean), and Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abigail (Marci Miller) airing Friday and next Monday, look for Alison Sweeney to make her return to Salem as the iconic Sami Brady on the upcoming October 13th episode for a two-month run.
As to what brings Sami back to the fold, well, that would have to do with the imminent return of Chandler Massey (Will Horton) and how that mystery and story reveals itself to the fans of the long-running NBC soap opera.
In an interview with TV Insider, Sweeney related how Sami gets caught up in the mystery of Will, and how she also stands by her outrage that the series killed off the character to begin with adding: “I still stand by my opinion. That was the only complaint about Days I’ve ever made out loud. It’s not my place and it’s not my way to do that sort of thing, but it had to be said.”
But as to her return to the action, Sweeney added: “It’s important that Sami blows back into town for this story—as important to all the Sami haters as it is to the Sami lovers. There’s so much history there that has to be honored. Hey, I know what it means to be a fan who’s insanely invested in a TV show.”
And as to if Sweeney had any input into her upcoming on-air storyline with head writer, Ron Carlivati, she revealed she did take the head scribe on a Sami “fast-track trip down memory lane”, and then gave kudos to Carlivati, stating: “He brings Sami back to the scene at full throttle. Hurricane Sami! You get a little hint of what she’s been up to while she’s been off the show but that’s not what’s important right now. For almost my entire run on Days, Sami’s overarching story was all about Will. She would lie for him, kill for him. Her fights over that kid were huge! She was always Mama Bear so when he died it was horrible. Even the guys on the crew were crying when we shot those scenes! It was a very big deal. I think the audience connected with Will in a much deeper way than they do with most soap kids because he pretty much grew up on camera. He wasn’t just trotted out at holidays and then aged 10 years overnight. There’s a real investment there.”
In a real treat for longtime Lumi fans, Alison says she will be sharing some screen time with Bryan Dattilo (Lucas), who has been tearing it up as drunk Lucas of late: “Ron really hit the nail on the head with the Lucas-Sami material. In fact, my scenes coming up with Bryan Dattilo are some of my most favorite I’ve ever done. The crew people were giving us the thumbs up, like ‘That’s our Lumi!”
“…That was the only complaint about Days I’ve ever made out loud. ”
Hello Ali – I thank you, so much… for giving back to your audience.
you are here, with us, to right a “wrong”
“…Her fights over that kid were huge! She was always Mama Bear so when he died it was horrible. Even the guys on the crew were crying when we shot those scenes! It was a very big deal. ”
there are waves of emotion going in to this. I do care not.. i’m going to be on the front lines… lined up to cheer .. and in the audience beaming
your mother and son relationship carried. that 4 generation mix is going to be in one place.
Marlena – Sami – Will – Arianna Grace. argh!
“Ron really hit the nail on the head with the Lucas-Sami material. ”
when the star align… when the writing and cast gell. magic surfaces. the imaginative and creative mind flies.
Alison Sweeney – Role: January 1993 – October 2014
you are the real deal. you carried DAYS . period. your passion care integrity and bond is with
this is a lifetime of exchange. you and the audience.
Days of OUR Lives
Spot on.
Cherry on the sundae: it’s Hurricane Sammi! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!.
Looking forward to seeing Sami back in town and reunited with Lucas and Will. I hope she tears that place apart when looking for him. Can they give her 5 mins alone with Ben? For putting her and us through all this past year and a half? The boy will never survive.
So glad Sami will return, if only for two months. Can’t wait to see Ali and Chandler back and Bryan continuing to serve us great scenes. Yay!
I didnt htink she was coming back full time but i will take any visits with the Days cast no matter how long the stay…like i said right after Will was ‘killed’-he isnt dead…off camera a faint pulse was felt…or a heart beat was detected and he was still breathing…but Will was in a coma…Sami was there and to protect him faked Will’s death to protect him from the killer…faked the funeral…and whisked him away for treatments…now the Sonny and Paul are set to wed its predictable time for Will to show up!!!
I thought maybe Sonnys brother who showed up at the end…unless its sami someone suggested???
I just wish she would stay longer and when is Ncole levin
I admit, I was biting my nails at that thought of Ron Carlivati writing at Days of Our Lives, but I do believe he is really doing great (likely under the guidance of Sheri and Ryan), aside from a few of the returns that’ve been announced. I am very excited to see his take on Sami Brady, and for Allison to make her two-month stint return!
That’s an interesting way of looking at it – I felt badly when Will died, and yet I am only a Five year watcher – I know fans were not thrilled with the recasting of Will, and I thought, gee couldn’t they have just had him leave the country to pursue his writing career and then resurface – I thought the violent end to him was unnecessary and didn’t serve any real purpose.
Very well put, Johnny. I agree. As you say, there was no need to destroy Will in such a macabre way.
You make it sound so simple because it could have been that simple.
Sometimes I question the writers’ sanity.
They literally threw Will away in a garbage bag — as a totally unnecessary insult to the character.
Just to make sure we didn’t overlook the intentional insult, they doubled it with an ending close-up of Will’s photo blowing off of his gravestone, away into oblivion.
As much as a Lumi fan as I am, they defined DAYS in threlate 90s, as long as there is a chance that EJ is alive, and he is, dont even tease long time fans with a Lumi reunion. LOL
I started watching DOOL again after many years when I heard Ron C. would be writing. He has really improved the show. The wedding scenes were great. Bonnie pushing herself into the aisle seat near Victor cracked me up. The best part is Ron is using the vets. The scene with Doug and Julie was so touching. Ron writes with heart and has added much needed humor to the show. Looking forward to Sami and Will’s return. GH used to be my soap to watch. They are in desperate need of new writers. They should never had let Ron go. All we get now is the Sonny show.
Ron grew up watching soaps, that helps and shows in his excellent, exciting writing.
Love Bonnie. We need humor on soaps and Bonnie brings that. From her white dress to yes, squeezing in next to Victor, she’s fab.
I too am loving more Doug and Julie and with Doug’s Place, it looks like they might be around more. I also hope to see more of Chloe.
Days is much better since Ron started writing for the show.
Hi Debra! I am replying to you here because you replied to me in the thread about ratings (and there was no reply button there)…
I am thrilled that you watched GH long ago and that you remember the love story of Peter and Diana Taylor! And, yes, I remember vividly the storyline of Phil Brewer’s murder and the twists and turns involving the five suspects! It was so damn exciting back then! I, too, watched Dark Shadows — such a great show! As well as OLTL!
I’m glad that you are still enjoying GH — they are lucky to have such a dedicated, long-term viewer in you! You make great points about the acting, particularly Maura West. Take care, Friend! 🙂
I’ve loved Sweeney for years and can hardly wait for her return. I could never figure out why she left. She always seemed to love working on a multiple of projects, simultaneously. I wish she was staying longer.
Sami is back! I know it’s not permanent but I’ll take what I can get. And Will, too.
Things are looking UP.
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Monday on Entertainment Tonight, the second set of nominations for the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards were announced which included the highly-coveted Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actress and Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
ET followed suit after Extra announced the nominees, as previously reported, in the Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series – Actor and Outstanding Daytime Talk Host.
Now, five leading ladies of the soaps are vying for the gold for Lead Actress and the category marked the first-ever nominations for CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates when two actresses made the final cut. Only General Hospital is not represented among the actresses this year after Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) took home the trophy last year.
Photo: NATAS
THE FIVE LEADING LADIES OF THE SOAPS ARE …
The 2026 Lead Actress nominees are: Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives, Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless, Heather Tom (Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful, and Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Beyond the Gates.
This marks the first Daytime Emmy nominations for Karla Mosley and Tamara Tunie. In addition, this marks the first-time in her career that Stacy Haiduk had received a Lead Actress nod after two Supporting Actress nominations.
Meanwhile, Michelle Stafford had previously won 3 Emmys – 2 for Lead Actress and 1 for Supporting, but this recognition makes it her 11th overall nomination.
Heather Tom currently is tied for the most all-time Daytime Emmy wins with One Life to Live alum and General Hospital guest star, Erika Slezak. The B&B star has 19 nominations throughout her career.
Photo: ABC
DAYTIME TALK SERIES
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category, the nominees are: 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Today with Jenna and Friends and The View.
“We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television,” NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement on the nominations. “As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
The rest of the nominations will be revealed tomorrow on Tuesday July 14 starting on The View and then the full list of nominees in both the main and creative arts will be released by NATAS. The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are slated for October 30th in Hollywood, California.
So, what do you think about the women who are vying for the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy? Happy with who got in? Who do you feel got snubbed? What do you think of the nominees for Daytime Talk Series? Weigh-in via the comment section.
It’s Daytime Emmy nomination week, and as previously reported things kick-off on Monday, July 13 when Entertainment Tonight (7pm ET) will announce the nominees for Lead Actress category and Daytime Talk Series for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards. In addition on Monday, Extra (7pm ET) will reveal the nominees for Lead Actor and Daytime Talk Host.
On Tuesday, The View (11am ET) starts things off with their announcement of Daytime Drama, Entertainment News program and Outstanding Daytime Personality-Daily. That is followed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) full reveal of all the categories beginning at 12noon ET/9am PT on their website and their official social handles on X and Instagram.
Then, Tuesday night at 8pm ET/5pm PT join Michael Fairman as he hosts his 12th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026 live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel where he will chat with some of the just announced nominees as we celebrate the hard work of the men and women in front of the camera who will be going for gold.
WHEN ARE THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
This year, the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on October 30 in ceremonies in Hollywood, California (Venue yet to be revealed). At that time, as like last year, both the major categories and creative arts will be presented. There is no word yet on a broadcast partner for the annual celebration of daytime programming, or if it will soley be streamed on NATAS’ watch.theemmys.tv and various apps and platforms.
WHO WILL BE APPEARING ON THE DAYTIME EMMY NOMINATIONS SPECIAL 2026?
Throughout Tuesday, keep an eye on Michael Fairman TV’s social media handles on X, Facebook and Instagram, for updates of who will be expected to appear on our live show.
If you have a question or comment for one of the nominees, or on the nominations, we can encourage you to join us in the live chat on Tuesday night.
So, who are you hoping lands a nomination from Beyond the Gates, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless? Let us know via the comment section. More Tuesday!
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
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‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
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