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.
Days Of Our Lives
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
There’s a new gal coming to Salem, or is she new and a recast? That’s what inquiring minds from Days of Our Lives fans have been trying to figure out since the Peacock soap opera dropped an Instagram video heralding actress‘ Sydney Malekeh’s arrival in Salem.
The soap did confirm that viewers will first see Malekeh on the September 9 episode. In the video, Malekeh is seen going set to set from her dressing room and in to the halls of Days of Our Lives studios.
What we do know id that Sydney has been acting professionally for 6 years and had appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Apple TV’s Shrinking and the HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Plenty of Malekeh’s DAYS castmates jumped into the comment thread with positive emojis symbols or written excitement including: Paul Telfer (Xander), Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Sal Stowers (Lani), Conner Floyd (Chad), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Christie Clark (Carrie) and more now that fans will finally see her on-air. Since Days of Our Lives tapes 10-11 months in advance, Sydney would have started taping the show sometime back in 2025.
DAYS fans think perhaps because the actress’ name is Sydney that she might be playing the grown-up daughter of Sami and EJ. That character hasn’t bee on the canvas since 2021.
So, who do you think Sydney Malekeh might be playing on Days of Our Lives? Drop your casting director thoughts via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
Peacock Hikes Subscription Rates for Fourth Time in Four Years; ‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans Sound Off
While recently the streaming service Peacock reported turning a profit for its first time since its infancy, now comes word that the company is raising their prices for all customers, and in some cases it stared today on August 18.
The news of the subscription rate increases marks the fourth time the NBCUniversal streaming platform has done so in four years. So, on August 18, Peacock is increasing the prices for new or returning subscribers and customers, while current subscribers will see the rate increase on or after September 17 depending on their billing cycle when they initially signed up.
Here is the new pricing to follow along: Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be $12.99/month, up two dollars from $10.99; Peacock Premium Plus will be $19.99/month, up three dollars increase from $16.99; and the Peacock Select tier (which includes current and past seasons of NBC and Bravo shows but excludes movies, live sports and Peacock originals) will increase a dollar from $7.99 to $8.99/month.
Photo: JPI
SUBSCRIBERS CONTINUE TO PAY MORE ACROSS THE STREAMER LANDSCAPE
It was back in June that the streamer reported that aid subscribers were up to 48 million adding a 2 million net gain during Q2 in of 2026. The subscription price hikes are rampant now in the entertainment streaming industry where over the last two years for example, Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ have all raised their fees to consumers.
Peacock’s tier-levels feature not only Days of Our Lives, but reality hits such as The Traitors and Love Island USA, Bravo series, and a vault of Saturday Night Live, Law & Order, The Real Housewives franchise, and Below Deck episodes as well. Pecock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers have access to sports and live events, as well.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES SUBSCRIBERS HAD A FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR PEACOCK
As Days of Our Lives fans know, the soap opera moved from NBC to the streamer back in September of 2022 after 57 years on broadcast television. When the news hit X on the price increase, DAYS fans had a lot to say about it. Here are just a few of the comments below:
“I can’t believe Peacock and can’t come to a deal with Cordya to air old episodes of #Days. That alone would bring a ton of subscribers,” to If Peacock actually cared about #Days of Our Lives, gave the show the budget it needs for better sets, cameras, background actors and enough time to tell proper stories, I wouldn’t mind paying more. If the money actually showed on screen, the higher price would be worth it,” to “I will continue to pay for a Peacock subscription as long as #Days is on it, but did we know there was another price increase coming?” and more.
So, what do you think of the new price hike increase to watch Days of Our Lives and your other favorite shows and events on Peacock? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
In the upcoming indie feature Veronica & Julian from director Otoja Abit, two former Days of Our Lives stars, Nadia Bjorlin (ex-Chloe Lane) and Kyler Pettis (ex-Theo Carver), headline the drama feature in this story of a May-December romance that faces challenges along the way.
Veronica & Julian centers on a confident and successful marketing executive (Bjorlin) who winds up falling for a younger aspiring architect (Pettis). From there, a journey of desire and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of present-day New York City.
The cast also includes: Blake Jenner (ex-Glee), Erin Cummings, Chrystee Pharris (ex-Simone Russell, Passions and Queens of Drama), Robert Lee Leng, Mark Famiglietti and Jennafer Newberry.
Photo:
LIVE CHAT WITH NADIA AND KYLER PLANNED
Now, Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively: the key poster art below, and that current plans that call for Veronica & Julian to be released and made available late this holiday season.
In addition, Nadia and Kyler will join us for a very special livestream conversation on the Michael Fairman Channel (Monday, Aug 24 – 3PM ET/Noon PT) to chat about their roles in the film, their time on Days of Our Lives, life post-soap opera, and much more. Fans can join the live chat and pose their questions to the actors as well.
Courtesy/Bright Leicht Content LLC
THE THEMES BEHIND VERONICA & JULIAN
Director Otoja Abit shared this statement on the feature film, “Veronica & Julian is about the right people who have a chance meeting at the wrong time. It’s a look at two people who don’t grow apart—they just grow up. This film is an authentic exploration of an imminent ending and how two people deeply in love got there. It aims to be quiet while telling a relatable story about modern-day relationships.”
Abit continued, “As a society, mainstream romantic films are often delivered through fantastical aspirations. I created this film believing that viewers who have experienced a breakup can relate to Veronica and Julian, depending on their perspective. They’re a couple navigating some of the most familiar obstacles in love: miscommunication, timing and pride.”
He concluded, “It’s a story about endings told through the small moments we often don’t recognize until they’re gone. With the support of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program, I approached the story with a deeper sense of visual control while maintaining the naturalism that defines each character.”
Photo: Bright Leicht Content LLC
NADIA AND KYLER GOT THEIR FIRST BIG BREAK IN SOAPS
As Days of Our Lives fans know, Bjorlin is best known for her long-running role as Chloe Lane. Nadia played the part from 1999-2023 with various runs in Salem. She is also known for her role as Lara in the Venice the Series since 2009. Nadia’s other TV and film credits include: A Murder Between Friends, NCIS, Two Broke Girls and more.
Pettis played Theo Carver on Days of Our Lives from 2015-2018 and earned himself a Daytime Emmy for his work in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Actor in a Daytime Drama Series back in 2019. His other TV credits include roles on: The Rookie, All American: Homecoming and Ray Donovan.
Veronica and Julian is written, produced and directed by Abit and produced through his Willful Productions alongside Kory Apton and Ian Phillips. Executive producers include: Nick Leicht, Gregory Sinche, Shelly Sinche, Torsten Sippel, Tim Freydberg, Ryan Schulke and Matthew Conlin.
So, intrigued to see Nadia and Kyler as a romantic couple in the film Veronica & Julian? Miss them on Days of Our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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