Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Celebrates Turning 50! EP Ken Corday Notes: "We Made Some Changes With Writers And Producers And Decided To Raise The Bar …”
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
The weekend is here and it’s time to get ready to celebrate with the accomplishments of NBC’s Days of our Lives who celebrates its 50th anniversary on Sunday, November 8th, with the Monday the 9th episode, it’s anniversary episode.
The series longtime executive producer, Ken Corday and other DAYS notables including: co-head writer Josh Griffith, series stars: Kristian Alfonso (Hope), Thaao Penghlis (Andre), James Reynolds (Abe) Stephen Nichols (Patch), as well as Sony executive Steve Kent, and NBC Entertainment executive Jennifer Salke, all weighed-in on the series success, and the changes afoot as it heads into it’s golden anniversary and beyond in a feature out in Variety.
Corday stated on the recent moves in Salem: “We made some changes with writers and producers and decided to raise the bar with the look of the show, the performance aspect of the show, and where we’re going with the stories and characters.”
Courtesy/CBS
Griffiths elaborated on how when he and Dena Higley took over the reins of writing the iconic show. that their first move was giving some underused longtime characters better stories and bringing back iconic characters, including Bo Brady (Peter Reckell), Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols) and Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis).
Josh added: “I’m trying to keep the focus on the characters the audience loves, while creating the next generation of characters. The next generation needs to be integrally tied to the iconic generation so they’re not coming out of leftfield. It’s keeping it connected to history.”
Penghlis, who has had more than nine lives on DAYS said about his return this time: “I’ve never seen a team this complete. I’ve never seen writers who blend in with the actors, study their personalities, and then go back and write about them. I’ve never seen producers who are as hands-on like Albert Alarr is.”
So, what did you think of the comments about the state of DAYS from Corday, Griffith, Penghlis, and the others? Has DAYS improved ? Are you exciting by what you are seeing? Clearly over the last few months, the show has picked up its pace, brought back favorites, and has been developing stories, as others are coming to a conclusion or ending their first leg of it. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
I feel like a traitor having watched this show from the very beginning. I am not impressed with the storylines……again with the exception of Ben/Abby/Chad. The onscreen events are like watching the Keystone cops. The actions and reactions of Bo and Caroline are comedic. I won’t go on because as I said I feel like a traitor after 50 years. I just expected a different approach to the 50th, Bo’s return and the brief re-introduction of former beloved characters.
traitor is a strong word
I’ve posted about mine… that i’m “critiquing” too much
LOL… I tip my hat to “Ray” it’s Salem’ites TURN to cause celebre
it’s a tearful time… a giddy time… our time… the best of the best show is in town
ie: why did it have to take near 3 months for Bo to come home? had it been any sooner … would have lessened all of Caroline “visions”
LOL… I laud this lady nevertheless… for helming the Brady clan… evenso
watching the mother/daughter duo of Caroline and Kayla Caroline… riveting!
ie: in this day and age to catch a beloved history making veteran coupling… of this magnitude… heart thumps and I real with this stuff
knowing that her baby… has been mia for so long… and … is Victor’ son… and Shawn’… is a tearful heart tug… and have to admit is all strung together to see her reunite with that last of the Brady clan
if he dies…
oye… what will my heart do but well over and cry
i’m torn about two / three subjects… OK i’ll brief it
the firing of Kassie DePiava…. why! she’s magical with … Justin, Eduardo, Rafe
the firing of Daniel Cosgrove… why! he’s this day and age… current LEADING Man… what magnetism.. with those dimples… eyes… swoon all the time when he’s on
the killing off of Will… ’nuff said… it’s a disparaging and hurt that is a gaping let of the whole production
I thoroughly enjoyed James Read’ Clyde: sans the horrible writing he was saddled with… with the exception of the new writing team… his acting elevated DAYS
1. from the outset… I do not like Ciara Alice
2. Please give… Shawn D. more material… WOW what a dreamboat
the escapades of Steve “Patch” and Bo… from the beginning… did nothing but lame… OK… decades plus front row seaters… bring it down a notch… they’re still hot… Kayla and Hope.. will steer rally frontburner and smolder supercouple
Billy Flynn has been nothing short of AMAZING! what a coop… as his range of emotion… stupefies… imagination run wild… you look in to his eyes and become engulfed… wildfire he is… I didn’t see this coming… his turn at amnesia…
geez! I was smitten “again” with Kate Mansi’ Abs reaction…
I teared UP… yeah, it’s been overrought on daytime… this couple… just started their “OWN” duo… with this… a burgeoning love
I have to mention his full name: Robert Scott Wilson
standing ovation… for .. amongst all the returns… all the hoopla… all the gala… the exit of Clyde… James Read’ knock me out of my seat…
Ben is “REEL’ing”
who would have expected his detonation… his implosion of inner self… his control… spilling over … and lauding Salem’ites…
COOP
My leading lady… Mary Beth Evans’ Kayla… lighting up my telee…
what more do I need…
all of what’s going on…
tears
Steve and Kayla will bring it… seems like that’s all I need of the days of ole…
I’m all over the place.. here
isn’t it something… to read all the posts
disgruntle: for Ken Corday ! if you are not coming up with canvas and cast steer with the likes of Eric, Daniel, Brady, Nicole, and Jennifer… LET THEM GO! re-hire, Eve and Aiden. OK.. that’s my implosion
I liked the bicentennial… MEN in suits… stirring
ladies all dappered gussied up… gowns hair jewels… present… and a dream… YES!
DAYS is live
DAYS is here
DAYS is a resplendent good time
I cringe at the thought of how the writers are going to deal with Peter Reckell leaving Days once again. He only agreed to return for a short period time to bring final closure to Bo and Hope. I read somewhere that the Reckell family has moved to Oregon. So unless Ken Corday is able to convince Peter to stay longer and commute from Oregon he will be leaving again permanently.
i’m wondering how they are going to deal with this as well…
from what I’ve seen up to this point
he had … ??? 2 times passed out… ???? losing consciousness
when he was shackled up with Steve
the 2nd being when he was by himself with the motorcycle
even tho it’s been near 3 months… getting him home
just watching “Bo” on our screens is something
can’t help but marvel at his presence
I know how you feel. I started watching in the late-1970’s and just loved it then.
By around 1989 or 1990, after losing Deidre Hall, Gloria Loring, Peter Reckell, Kristian Alfonso, etc. the show started going in a really bad direction: Tasteless story lines revolving around teenagers became the norm. Some of the stories began resembling episodes of “The Jerry Springer Show.”
I think that’s when the show got it’s nickname “The Poor Man’s Soap Opera.”
Well I do appreciate they improved the look of the show– the lighting has been a thing of beauty to behold the way they light various scenes. I like the use of different camera angles and adding some variety to their sets and bringing back extras to populate the town at bit more.
But I still find the storytelling a bit uneven– some episodes are jammed packed with content, almost too much to take in, then we have episodes that are long and drawn out fillers.
I still think it was a mistake to kill Will. The character was popular even if the actor playing him was not suited for the role, killing character was unnecessary.
Finally although the show has improved it has no way lived up to the hype about what was coming six months back, so I am oddly disappointed and pleased at the same time.
I am loving DOOL right now; its great! Maybe these writers should pull double duty and fix Y&R!
Who needs a fire (Y&R) when you’re on fire (DAYS)?
Y&R has burning buildings while our DAYS have burning desires!!!!!
‘Days of our Lives’ anniversary week begins Monday!
#Days50
I think they’re doing a great job! I have been a fan for many years since the early 80’s and speratically in the 70’s. Aweaome aeeing some veterans back on the ahow again!
*Awesome seeing
I am with you on this, Michael—the show is so good that I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Yeah, and as always the gay legacy character that earned 3 Emmys and one of the most successful storylines ever – the gay storyline – isn’t even mentioned a single time. It’s a shame that no one in the soap industry is speaking out against the new regime’s blatant homophobia. Everyone I know is DONE with Griffith’s and Higley’s outdated vision of Days, and the key demo ratings are speaking volumes. Tomsell were drawing way better ratings in women 18-49 in the months before they were fired (and even this summer) than we’re seeing now, despite the unprecedented pimping campaign for the 50th and a whole lot more money than Tomsell ever got.
I agree, Will and Sonny’s storyline wasn’t even mentioned, I think that Higley and Griffith gave Will and Sonny the boot way too soon. Such a cop out as far as I am concerned. Higley wrote for OLTL, and as we remember from there, the ratings went straight to the basement because of her. And, as we also know there was a gay storyline there too… and, it was just starting out until Higley gave it the boot.. I had an idea that this sort of thing would happen.. Sighhhhhhh
Tomsell almost drove DAYS into the ground, which may have been the impetus for putting Will in the ground.
Writing regimes don’t have full control of what’s written. The writing is often scrutinized by several factions. NBC, Sony, Ken Corday, Greg Meng and many others bare some responsibility for what is written…
But wait! Doesn’t Sony’s employees consist of people of different sexual orientations? I would also assume NBC has some gay employees. I’m sure Ken Corday has a relative or two who is gay. And isn’t DAYS’ very own co-executive producer Greg Meng gay?
The gay storyline was featured for four years. Now it has been ended or put on hold, but not because of a “homophobic regime.”. Were all those people homophobic when the gay storyline was front and center?
The ratings (not homophobia) must have been key for DAYS moving in a new direction.
Finally, it’s a shame you and everyone you know are done with watching DAYS and you feel the need to tell everyone about it, but can you tell me when you’re going to stop with your rants? You quit watching, so why complain incessantly?
The complaint and the speaking out against haters and bullies is important. It is a shame that more people aren’t upset by the blatant exclusion of a group that has done nothing but served the show well. The fact that this epic and beautiful love story and ratings gold is being ignored is beyond shameful. I don’t want to turn my television on and see stories and actors that represent the lgbtq community be ignored and disrespected for no reason whatsoever. The show has been so busy cleaning the house and disregarding the multi Emmy winner story and it’s actors. For hate to stop, we all should stand against hate. Days needs to fix this or be cancelled!
@Rosa and others,
It is important to speak out against hate…and that’s what DAYS has done for four years!
It’s important for me to tell all of you how rude you are to claim DAYS is homophobic and should be canceled!
Happy 50th anniversary, DAYS!!!!!
@ 4 ever Days,I hope that those that are angry with the gay characters being written off this show will continue to complain. If it hurts your delicate constitution to read the” rants” don’t read them.I like how you think that those of us who complain about just having just the happy heterosexual couples should be satisfied because the writers focused close to 4 years of Will coming out and being a couple with Sonny.Out of 20-30 characters who were all straight we got 3 characters that were gay. Sonny is gone, Will is six feet under, and Paul is only there to tell John what a great dad he is.I guess in your world that’s fine but not in mine.I will continue to Voice my opinion and not watching the show.
And what a great job they have done with this show. It was really getting boring and drawn out but now it is so exciting. in fact, today, 11-6, is about the most thrilling episode I have seen and I started watching in 1966. Please, please, please, keep up the great stories!
I’ll never forget the horror and sadness on Hope’s face and in her voice when she unmasked Aiden, Dibbee. For a second, Hope reached out to comfort Aiden and then snapped back into reality.
The show is must see TV five DAYS per week. I’ve been rewatching most episodes each day…IT’S THAT GOOD!!!!!
Next week is DAYS’ anniversary week, which should start out with Bo opening a can of whoop-ass on Aiden!
First of all, all of the fans should be thankful DOOL is still on the air after is seemed to become trendy to cancel daytime dramas a few years back. This has been a true celebration of the show. It is thrilling to see so many fans writing about the show again.
Since the day of Serena’s death, the show has been “can’t miss.” There have been some missed opportunities (Kate not being called immediately when Will died, Eve not calling Theresa after learning of Paige’s death) and also some things that seem slightly uneven (Aiden’s sudden gambling backstory, Andre being Stefano’s son). But overall, it has been incredible to see so many veteran actors being utilized. In the past, it was depressing to see Kayla on the show as nothing more than window dressing. Now, the character is front-and-center with Patch and Joey (Stephanie would be another nice addition).
The performances of so many actors have been spot-on perfect. Bryan Datillo finally was able to show his acting skills, rather than his limitations, with his scenes immediately following Will’s death. Freddie Smith, Deidre Hall, Lauren Koslow, Daniel Cosgrove and Alison Sweeney have been remarkable.
The casting department should be commended with finding Billy Flynn as Chad. He is such a great character and has made us forget about Casey D.
I am ready to see what the show has in store for the so-far under-utilized A Martinez.
For future Emmy consideration, here are a few suggestions based on the past few months:
Lead Actress: Kristian Alfonso
Lead Actor: Daniel Cosgrove
Best Supporting Actor: Galen Gering, John Aniston
Best Supporting Actress: Lauren Koslow, Kassie Depaiva
Best Young Lead Actress: Kati Mansi
Best Young Actor: Billy Flynn, Robert Scott Wilson
Right own. I agreed with you.
Sorry. If you don’t suggest Bryan Datillo, I cannot take your seriously.
I forgot Bryan for the list. Take me serious! 🙂
I more than disagree. Best Supporting Actor belongs to James Read.
Days…. could… potentially “win” in every column
I’ll hold out on the lead actress win for Kristian Alfonso… She will get a nomination
Days is good so far…lets see if it can stay that way…i remember the changes back in 1980 when many fans like me stopped watching because it was a daysaster..i came back but my late aunt never did…i know some said with the present day changes they will stop watching because of Will being killed off which i have mixed feelings but thats the fault of many viewers who disliked GW in the role…yep, they couldve recast or simply have him leave with Sonny or say he is alive but in a coma …the difference now compared with 1980 is that in 1980 the changes were for the worse…the stories and newbies with very little ties to Salem werent good except for Gloria Loring as Liz…eventually the show improved…this time around the writing is good and returning vets and newbies are tied to the shows core families…one complaint: Patch hasnt changed his clothes since the 1980s…lol
Well folks, there are only four left…like just one or all lets keep watching or there will be no tuning in tomorrow!
Agree!
“…one complaint: Patch hasnt changed his clothes since the 1980s…lol ”
too funny
I left Days many years ago but returned 2 months ago. I returned for Steve/Kayla and Bo/Hope. Days is so good right now. In my opinion it’s the best soap on the air. They’re using the vets we love, showing friends and family, honoring history, playing romance as well as suspense. It’s just straight up classic soap. Bravo!
I can not see that much of an improvement. I don’t like with one swipe no more men kissing or any thing like ok fans you got it no more to make some happy and now we did not even see Paul. They did not have to kill Will off also they could of recast Sonny the what ever it was between the three of them could of been wrote better or even fixed by the new writers
That’s what I hoped they would do. Write better for Freddie, Guy and Christopher and give them the opportunity to shine. Instead, they wiped the story line that earned the show loads of publicity, accolades and multiple awards like it never existed. Epic Fail that I think should be the end for the show!
I think comments like yours could and should prevent any future gay storylines!
Happy 50th anniversary, DAYS!!!!!
It’s amazing to me when ppl like you 4everDays seem to think you have the monopoly on expressing an opinion. There is a whole demographic of fans who are upset and angry at the treatment of the WilSon storyline. And why shouldn’t they be? The WilSon story included a community that finally were represented with a story that touched and helped many gay fans. What, so now that Days have gone backwards to boost ratings we must all rejoice. I hope Days does have a new s/l in the future that. If not then shame on them for bowing down to bigots and homophobics.
@ 4ever, yeah I’m sure comments saying we’re upset that gay characters are no longer on DOOL will mean no more gay characters will be written on the show. Not the comments by the narrow minded, homophobic, viewers who complained and threw a fit because they couldn’t stand to see gay men on their small screen. You must love living in opposite world.
Although GH is still my sentimental favorite, Days is currently the best written and produced of the existing soaps. Mission accomplished!
Thanks for comments. GH is making a comeback as well.
I would like to know why they decided to kill the legacy character of Will Horton? He was a Horton and a Brady. He was connected to many families in Salem. He had a husband and was raising a young child. They had him murdered for what purpose? It was a senseless killing and so random. All because Ben Weston was obsessed with Abigail and her friendship with Chad DiMera. So Ben murdered Will and two women to set up Chad so he would no longer be a “problem” for Ben and his obsessive behavior. I would rather have Ben die and have Will Horton (& Guy Wilson) back than some of these characters who will only be back for a short time.
I love the new stories but I hate that you took off the old Ciarra. She added so much to the show. The new one takes away from the show . It was too much of a time jump to all of us who watch it faithfully every day !! It destroys the suspension of belief in your story!!!!
I’ve been watching DAYS faithfully for over 31 years, Ellen, and the aging of the youngsters is not too much for me.
Five years aged in three weeks time, turning eleven year olds to sixteen year olds is important for storyline progression.
In a perfect world we would see the kids grow up naturally, but who’s to say those performers would want to stay that long (up to 16 and beyond)? Plus, if the show waited for five more years, there might not be a show left.
The aging will give the show more possibilities to work with.
Agree! I knew when I saw the new Chase that Ciara would be next. That little girl who played her was adorable. She’d been on for years & I was so excited to see her reaction to Bo coming home. This new girl is too old-I mean she seems like a peer for Gabby & in scenes with Rafe the other day you could imagine them together! Wrong! There is nothing wrong with having some kids on the show-I am not ready to go through all the teen problems with these new kids.
I actually tuned in today for the first time in a good 20 years or so and loved seeing Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso.
I watched the show from around 1975 to 1992 (when it was ridiculously good) but stopped watching when it became trashy.
Would be nice if it would stay the way it is but am sure it’s just a temporary situation.
I am loving Days again! I am coming home and watching it the minute that I walk in the door! I haven’t done that in years. I believe that this is all because of the return of Peter Reckell! My all time favorite on Days. I’m also loving the return of Stephen Nicols! Thank you for bringing THE BOYS back to Salem!
I hated the way Will Horton was killed. I loved the character, but the writing was very poor for him. They had the character turn into Sami, cheating, Plotting, secrets ect…….. Ending the gay story line like this was horrible. I have no idea who Patch, Bo or Andrea are and I don’t like them. I loved the Wilson story line and want it back. Bring Back Will Horton As a recast. Bring back Sonny. Days looks Homophobic, like Killing off Will was a signal to old fans that the gay story line was over for good.
Okay, I hate that Will was killed, too. That said, if you come on here and say you have no idea who Path, Bo, or Andrea are, you are not a days fan. You’re an agenda fan, and to me? You do not count.
That has to be one of the most insulting comments on here. “You do not count” what the hell is that? So if you don’t happen to like a s/l or particular characters you’re not a fan of Days. There are viewers who don’t know the history of days but came on board for the WilSon s/l. Is that a crime. Long term viewers have such arrogance towards new viewers. So bloody what if you know every character whaddya want, a medal. This is why US soaps will always be stuck in the past and be inferior to European soaps. Enjoy the vets while it lasts.
Really? I only started watching in 2010, so yeah no idea who these old time characters are. I liked the character of Will Horton, he was a 21st century character. I have NO problem with the gay story line, but is seems from your agenda remark you do. Also its not the Cindy show, and MY opinion does count. Days looks like it caved to homophobic fans who hated the Gay story line. Why else kill Will off but to send a signal that the story line is over for good.
LOVE YOU DAYS HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been disappointed in the overall pace since the change was announced. Some real pluses came in late August on production. But the serial killer arc was filler and waste of time. The use of Peter Reckell has been painfully slow. Now, we hear he and Jason Cook will be gone in Jan 2016.
Love seeing Andre back but there were several script editing issues related to when and why he returned.
Days has some of the all time best script writers: Cuillitons, Mel Salmons.. always superb.
But I have been disappointed and only interested in small portion of show so far.
I am 50. Watching days for 42 years. Give Josh Griffith more time with Beth Milstein, if possible. Not a Dena fan.
The promo of the Days Remembered was absolutely beautiful. But I cannot say the same Aug-Nov. Anniversary build up. Hoping Christmas will be inspiring with Ericole, much less Chabby, Kayla/Patch. At least give audience info that EJ is alive. No need for character to Even return…just open a door for the mystery of a possible return as they did with dear Stefano.
For rest of the exits by door or death – let’s get it done. These deaths whether serial killer or not just need to happen quickly and move on.
Days is splendid! Thanks, Ken Corday and the writers! Yes, you have certainly raised the bars. I hadn’t watched Days for years, but now I can’t wait to see it–just like to good old days with favorite characters like Patch and Kayla, Julie and Doug returning.
I loved seeing Jennifer’s album (missed Bill and Laura’s pic)–and I love the story with Chad and Abby–such great set-ups, great suspense. Wow, I’m impressed with your setting the bar higher and writing romance, suspense, and mystery. Thanks so much!
I really love the fact that you are bringing back the iconic characters and that the writers are improving their story lines. However, how long will these veterans stay and what happens after they leave? I was very disappointed with the way Will and Sonny’s (Guy and Freddie) love story ended . The writers did such a beautiful job in the coming out story but ruined the love story they worked so hard to achieve. I worry that viewers won’t be as interested in the show when the veterans leave.
Yes, I am excited by what I am seeing! DAYS is “must-see TV” for me again, I’m riveted to (almost) every scene. The vets are given their chance to shine, and that’s as it should be. I love the teens, too. They are actually interesting! Love that they didn’t “forget” Theo is autistic. The young man who plays him did a great job. I like New Ciara and Joey. New Chase is kinda dull, hopefully he’s gonna get his chance to show his acting chops when he finds out about his dad! AND, while bringing back so many Supercouples of the past, they keep referencing history and grooming a brand-new supercouple in Chad & Abby. Looking forward to Monday, VERY much!
Good article. While there is still maybe some room for improvement, Albert Alarr’s version of the production is leaps and bounds better than Lisa de Cazotte’s. He makes more of the budget and gives the show a much professional and watchable look and feel. He really deserves a lot of credit.
Definitely brought back the must see tv feel. Suzanne Rogers is being underused and is a long time favorite. Peggy McKay (Caroline) after the cure had the resemblance of a good actress but she is now back to sounding like a bumbling buffoon. Stories are faster paced but choppy ie Monday has a set group of characters tues is a different set and they don’t mesh the stories as well. With the 50th would have been great to see Louis Sorrel (Vivian) return for John Blacks storyline. New Shoplifting Sierra needs to go boring. Where is Abigail she was kidnapped and then not seen for 2 episodes? All aside Days has rebounded and ha the feel of OLTL as it rose up the ranks before it went off the air.
I did not like Will being “killed off” the way he was, wasn’t HE an important character? No, I’m not accusing anyone of being homophobic so please don’t attack me but it does seem that suddenly Will is off the canvas, Sonny as left town, who knows what happened to Derrick, for all we know he got a job at another Hotel, and Paul is left adrift with really, very little to do. What happened with the cologne ad he was supposed to be doing?
I know they are concentrating on the classic characters right now, that’s okay and fine, but it does seem to me that the “new writing team” just didn’t want to be bothered writing any “gay character” storylines. Can’t Paul find a new love? Was it necessary to have Will murdered right in front of our eyes (so there’s really no way they can write him back onto the canvas at a later date) and couldn’t Derrick become a conflicted bisexual or something?
Instead, we have Caroline seeing visions of a plane crashing while wearing the drapes
from the living room, wonderful.
They could still bring Will back…all they have to say is off camera they found a pulse or whatever but he is in a coma and was sent to a clinic…they faked the funeral so the killer/Ben and others think he is dead to protect him…very few know Will is alive and being treated in a different town…months later new actors playing both Sonny and Will return to Salem…i kind of like Paul…it was nice seeing an asian character…someone said he is doing Hawaii-5-O so maybe when he is done with that he might show up more…im straight and liked his story.!…Nick Fallon was also a Horton and shouldve never been killed off too!
I miss Nick Fallon too.
I hated the killing of Will and the cruel destruction of his family as part of their 50th “celebration” – it was awful.
I also hated that they killed off Nick Fallon, another legacy and Horton, and did not chose to redeem him.
LOL, Caroline wearing the drapes from the living room, that cracked me up .. yep, that’s one ugly dress. 😛
She saw them in the window and just had to buy them. LOL!
i absolutely love what they have done with my favorite and only soap, i have watched Days for a long time and im enjoying every single minute of my show. keep up all the good work, i look forward to everyday something new, love it!
ok-
Days, made changes with writers and producers..
I wonder;
IF DOOL had brought in Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman as its’ head writers
if Day’s would be doing as well as it has been under the new team of Josh Griffith Dena Higley?
Good question.
DAYS is by far the best soap on right now! I can’t wait to see what happens every day. It feels like what soaps use to be in the 80’s & 90’s when they were great!
I have watched since 1972 when I was 8 with my Grandmother during the Summer and school breaks. I loved the 80’s and taped on my VCR. Now my daughter watches with me on DVR. I love the 50th anniversary, the characters they have brought back and the exciting storylines!
Please keep Peter on as Bo. If he can’t. Recast Bo
Days is great right now… I am happy with everything right now.. I have been very critical of Days for the last 5 years, but it is great now and I am back watching it.. In the real world… iconic actors have to die.. I am not upset that Will is gone… Just like Game of Thrones… but def that actor as not as good as any of those actors…..
Great Job Days and it was a great week watching it… Some good surprises I did not see coming.. it was awesome seeing Hope tear off the mask and see Aiden…. It was awesome with Aiden(sp?) getting blood on the wedding dress.. .well done, acted, directed, written and produced…. Thanks for a good week of entertainment Days!!
As a long time fan of Days of our Lives, I am honored to see its fiftieth celebration. I began watching the show in 1970 when I was six years old with my grandma. I love what the writers are doing for not only our favorite characters, but for the new ones, too. You definitely have a viewer here in Pensacola who will be watching faithfully.
Ken Corday : you have to know…
the outright mishandle misapropriate misguided miss
Will and Sonny…. w/Paul… Derrick
mishandled that fan outcry is what it is… a huge let that will not go away
misapropriate of Paul… what is his status… ? is a new leading man in his future
misguided behind the scenes and production miscalculation… YES! glaring ommision
MISS : lives left out
I sincerely appreciate and laud… fan posts regarding this piece of the pie that carried this show
is there something on the horizon… in our future.. to look forward?
I cried … because my life … with; many others; who cared… with
that a life told… was featured
The killing of Will was nothing more than homophobic pandering to the hateful audience that didn’t want to see gay romance and gay families and wanted to see a gay man suffer,, and yes…they welcomed back bigots with open arms for their 50th celebration. Sonny sat in the second row of his own husband’s funeral, abandoned his daughter and then lined up his next relationship while standing on his husband’s grave. All of this played into the worst stereotypes about gay men and gay families – that they are less than straights.
Good luck getting those GLAAD awards now, Day.
Happy Anniversary indeed DOOL. I am truly loving what the new writers are doing. I say to the people who don’t like it, change the station. Keep up the good work.
I think Days made a huge mistake in refocusing on older characters at the expense of some newer fantastic stories. No matter how much you try, you can’t bring back the 80’s. That was a very different time. You have neglected the current Days fans and catered to a former audience who can’t sustain the show. Hope is an example of an 80s character wglho has evolved beautufully. What Ken has done to Haiden is disturbing and shows that he is not in tune with the current audience. Trying to bring in a teen audience is ludicrous. Teens barely watch real TV and certainly won’t watch Days. He should have moved forward with popular couples like Haiden and Wilson and reintegrated 80s characters like Kayla in a more balanced. It didn’t need to be all Or nothing. Ken has really missed the boat. I won’t be watching a show that is living in the past and treats its fans so despicably. Ken should look at the number of followers of his supposed gold mine actors because the numbers just aren’t there to sustain the show. RIP Days.
I am so upset about the death of Will and the total destruction of the Wilson family as part of their gross “celebration” that I can’t even watch. To turn on the gay and ally audience so viciously was unnecessary. The audience cannot forgive Will but Gabi’s murder of Nick is totally forgotten by Julie? Just terrible and homophobic and awful.
What was done to Daniel Cosgrove was mean-spirited and did the character of Hope no favors. An intelligent love triangle would have been so welcome – and it wouldn’t have pissed off Haiden fans. All of this so we can have Rafe and Hope? No.
I love bringing back Bo and Steve. Need to pay to keep them . I did not like making Cierra, Chase, Joey, and Theo teenagers don’t see the purpose of that. Need to keep Sami on the show and bring back EJ . I did not like killing off Will as he has been a big part of the show. Please don’t take Daniel off the show he is one of my favorites.
Agree with every word. You said it.
I’ve watched DOOL for 30 years. I’m shocked that so many people are complimenting it. It is the absolute worse that it has ever been. Even the characters that were brought back (Steve, Bo, Shaun Douglas) are all acting so weird…plus they won’t stay. So we’re getting rid of the best characters right now…Eve and Will to make room for temporary characters. It’s just sad how low the show has gone. Get rid of the boring instead of giving them more screen time (Jennifer)!
I’m enjoying the show ; however , I feel the same as the others who have a problem with bringing back vets who aren’t staying long. Plus, getting rid of Ciara and Theo brothers me . Maybe , a different person to play Ciara would make the aging more acceptable. Oh, yes, I love Chad with Abby ; however, Abby is too weepy.
I wish Days could have hired Ron , the ex-writer , from G.H.
I thought I’d never watch Days again, and I certainly never thought I’d look forward to it every day like I used to. Not only do I love the characters that I grew up with being together again and feeling like family, but the newly Sorased teens look promising. And I’m on Team Chabby. 🙂 Keep going writers!
I still have no idea who these old 80s characters are. I started watching the show when Chandler first come on. I loved the Wilson story line and even liked Guy Wilson as Will. The story line was great until they changed his character into a winy version of Sami. Why can’t they bring Will back! Soaps do it all the time. A lot of fans hated seeing Will being killed off, and want him back. Come on Days give the Wilson fans Will Horton and Sonny back.
To Ken corday shame on you for killing off bo after all he went through to get back to hope. Bad call on your part
I’ve been with DOOL’s, for many years. I’ve grew up with the show and been very dedicated to the show. I’ve missed our Bo/Hope, Steve/Kayla in the pass very much. We need to keep that next older generation, in the show.
It’s about family and if you bypass this it would not be the same. It’s like NOT having a Marlena/John, Roman, the Horton’s, Victor/Maggie, Shawn/Julia, Bo’s mom, the cafe. REALLY, they carry on the the Bill/Alice legacy, this is DOOL’s.
LOL, even Stefano, the DiMera’s. (Missing Sami and EJ), great couple.
As for Ciera and Chase, well, that was a big jump in age, and the new Ciera doesn’t fit the old one, at all…Big Mistake….PLEASE, PLEASE, CONSIDER, my generation of characters and don’t by pass them into the next.
IT JUST WOULDN’T BE DOOL’s. “Thank-You”, for your time to read our thoughts from a dedicated viewer.
I don’t know where to start. I started watching dool when I was 10yrs. old, I’m now 55! The last several years I haven’t been that into the show since all the new characters and story line. I could remember back in the day when I couldn’t miss an episode so I recorded it on VHS. I was addicted! For many years I had lost interest. Since the 50th anniversary started and little by little old characters were coming back I found myself so engrossed once again. Then Bo returned! OMG. I have looked so forward to seeing the next episode that I started looking at the spoilers. The day I read about Friday, November 20ths episode really upset me. I knew what was going to happen and couldn’t bring myself to watch it. Finally, I watched it and of course I cried, remembering watching those exact episodes in my childhood. Please don’t kill off Bo and Hope! Have them grow old together on the show like Tom and Alice Horton. I have have truely considered not watching the show if you really kill of Bo! Heck I’m taking the time to write, that’s how upset I am. Great writing, you got an old dool fan back, maybe lol.
The June 22 episode of Days of Our Lives reminded us all of why Deidre Hall is iconic in the role of Dr. Marlena Evans. Here we are 50 years later, and Marlena is still the heroine of the long-running soap opera, and Deidre remains one of the most most recognizable names in the history of soaps.
To pay tribute, and to look back at the life and times of Marlena, the story starts with Marlena flipping through a photo album of her with John (the late Drake Hogestyn) over the years. As she misses him dearly, she gets a knock on the door and its none other than John’s son, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean).
With Andrew (Colton Little) in Salem working on a case, he sits down with Marlena, who says she can’t believe its been fifty years since she first arrived in Salem! Cue: Deidre’s first scenes on DAYS when she finds Mickey Horton (the late John Clarke) playing chess against himself inside the mental institution she worked.
Courtesy/Peacock
THE FLASHBACKS OF MARLENA’S LIFE
From there, viewers definitely got the cliff notes version of the history of Marlena and entrenched within them, some of the biggest moments in Deidre’s enduring run.
Paul thinks he is looking at 70s, and early 80s Marlena while going through her scrapbook, but he is actually looking at her twin, Samantha (Andrea Hall). Cue: when Marlena confronted Samantha about impersonating her, and then later getting a call on her radio show from the Salem Strangler (Jack Coleman as Jake Kostichek) who killed Samantha thinking it was Marlena.
In the present, Belle (Martha Madison) has arrived at this time to meet up with Paul, unaware of this trip down memory lane. She wants to go over the findings in the chess board mystery Stefano willed to Marlena and John, in private with him, since Marlena previously said she wanted nothing to do with it.
Back to the history lesson, Marlena speaks highly of Don Craig and even though their marriage didn’t work out, she could find a path forward with the new love her life, Roman Brady. (Wayne Northrop however is never shown, possibly to keep the story focused on John as Roman for confusion sakes?)
Paul sees a photo of a young Carrie (Christie Clark) in the album and Marlena says she was such a godsend after losing her baby. In fact, Marlena says caring for Carrie prepared her for her having and raising her own twins, Eric and Sami. Cue: The twin visiting Marlena in the hospital.
JOHN AND MARLENA’S LOVE CONQUERED ALL
Then, in a way to get through and incorporate the wild storylines only Marlena could have been in, she tells Belle and Paul, she has been through so much in her life, how lucky she was to find John, and some of the most unbelievable experiences no one could imagine. Cue: Marlena possessed by the devil and levitating from the bed. Next, John confronting Marlena being the Salem Stalker, where she admits she killed Alice Horton, pretends she needs help, then pulls a gun on her beloved John!
The comment is made by Paul and Marlena, that she literally has been to hell and back and she could not have survived were it not for her beloved John. Cue the big emotional highpoint clips; The Pier Scene! Marlena steps out of the fog when John sees her from a distance. After believing she was dead for four years, here she was before him in one of the greatest reunions in a soap opera love story in history. What followed were other times of the life of times of Jarlena.
Courtesy/Peacock
MARLENA’S ‘GIFT’ FROM STEFANO HAS A NEW CLUE
When Marlena makes a brief exit to the other room, Belle fills in Paul on the chess set Stefano left her mother and the photo of the Lire. Paul said he will investigate. Marlena comes back into the room and overhears, and says to promise her if things get dangerous he will back off, she does not want anyone hurt by Stefano’s games.
As the episode comes to a conclusion, it’s just Belle and Marlena going through the photo album giggling about 70s hairstyles and all the memories. Belle speaks on the impact Marlena has had in everyone’s lives, and that she is both the heart of their family and the heart of Salem.
An end card comes up acknowledging Deidre Hall’s 50th anniversary as Marlena, and we fade to black.
So, what did you think of Marlena’s walk down memory lane? Were you happy to see the flashback clips utilized throughout? Were you touched by the scenes and the performance of Deidre Hall? Let us know what you thought of Deidre’s 50th anniversary episode via the comment section below.
If you have ever tuned-in to the soap opera genre over the last 50 years, and witnessed some of the greatest romances, drama, classic and outlandish storylines of all-time, you would have seen Deidre Hall smack dab in the middle of it as longtime Salem heroine, Dr. Marlena Evans.
It was 50 years on this date, June 21, 1976 that Hall first appeared on DAYS on NBC which was its home for 57 years before it moved to its current streaming platform on Peacock in September of 2022.
In Hall’s first episode she was introduced as a psychiatrist treating Mickey Horton (John Clarke) at Bayview Sanitarium after he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Mickey learned that his brother Bill Horton (Edward Mallory) was the biological son of Mike Horton (Wesley Eure) with his wife Laura (Susan Flannery) and that he had been lied to for years and years. From that moment on, the rest is television and soap opera history. Days of Our Lives put Hall front and center.
Photo: NBC
There were so many heartbreaking and shocking story twists involving the beloved Marlena. One of the first was the historic crib death of baby DJ (Don Jr.) in 1980, Marlena’s infant son with Don Craig (Jed Allan). The story had never been told on daytime television and Hall’s performances received accolades from TV critics to fans when Deidre received thousands of letters from grieving mothers who had gone through the same thing in their own lives.
DAYS also brought Deidre’s twin sister, Andrea Hall Lovell to the show as her on-screen sister Samantha, who had a grudge and even locked Marlena up in a sanitarium and took her place! Fast-forward and in 1982, DAYS launched the Salem Strangler story where everyone believed Marlena was his next victim, only it turned out to be Samatha. Jake Kositchek (played by Jack Coleman) was revealed to be the actual serial killer.
Later, Deidre would assume the role of Marlena’s look-alike, Hattie Adams in 2004, once played by her sister, Andrea. Over the years, Hattie has come back to Salem and caused trouble giving Hall a chance to play a different type of character, then the always upstanding Marlena.
Photo: JPI
THE LOVES OF MARLENA
Deidre Hall struck gold with all her leading men: from the late Jed Allan, to Wayne Northrop as Roman Brady, and of course, her enduring love story with the late John Black played by the iconic Drake Hogestyn. In fact, Marlena’s 1986 wedding to John (who was believed to be Roman at the time) remains a favorite of fans to this day.
TOP MARLENA STORYLINES OF ALL-TIME
While the list is long, here are several that were some of the memorable during Deidre’s five decades in Salem!
The Possession (1994- 1995)
Considered one of the most ambiguous, outlandish and unforgettable story arcs in soap opera history, then Days of Our Lives head writer, James Reilly went there! Marlena was possessed by the devil! That included; the demonic eyes, hissing at father John (Black) the priest, morphing into creatures, and the classic levitating in her bed! It became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Deidre Hall’s status as a daytime television legend. Just ask Ryan Gosling!
Photo:JPI
The Affair with John Black (1993)
John and Marlena’s forbidden love could not be denied and they had passionate affair, while she was still married to the real Roman. Problem was her daughter, Sami (Alison Sweeney) caught her mother having sex with John on a desk that changed Sami forever.
The Salem Stalker Mystery (2003-2004)
In a shocker, Marlena was revealed to be a serial killer who bumped off several Salem favorites residents who were all alive on the island of Melaswen (spelled “New Salem” backward). Turns out, she was manipulated and gaslighted by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) to do the “killings” and had no memory of her actions.
The Pier Scene (1991)
This remains Michael Fairman TV’s all-time favorite Deidre Hall moment, which featured some of the best acting in the storied careers of both Hall and Drake Hogestyn.
In the story, a presumed-dead Marlena returns after four years. One foggy night on the pier, John is alone, and Marlena steps out of the fog to reveal herself, and is reunited with the love of her life. You can watch it any year, any decade, and in any moment, and it will have you reaching for the hankies again and again. (best music score fo a soap scene of all-time too!)
Photo: NBC
Kristen’s Secret Room Reveal (1997)
Marlena was caught in Kristen Blake’s (Eileen Davidson) elaborate web of lies, when she was held hostage in a secret wine cellar/room until John managed to track her down, leading to an iconic on-screen reunion. The classic catfight between Hall and Eileen Davidson was one for the ages.
It should be noted that Maison Blanche, Queen of the Night, Possession, Aremid and Lady in a Cage were all a part of classic DAYS storyline and all featured Hall at the epicenter of it from 1993-1996.
THE RECENT YEARS OF MARLENA
In recent years, DAYS brought back the possession 2.0 storyline under then head writer Ron Carlivati in 2021 where the devil leapt back in Marlena after taking advantage of a frail Doug Williams (the late Bill Hayes)
In 2025, viewers watched the end of the love story of John and Marlena, as John succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion saving a vial of medication needed to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life. Marlena has been a widow on-screen since June of 2025 as Hall as portrayed the good doctor struggling with her grief and to move on with her life since his death.
Photo: JPI
One story that never goes away is Stefano DiMera’s (the late Joe Mascolo) obsession with Marlena, his “Queen of the Night.” Even in death, Stefano is toying with her from the great beyond with the mysterious chess set and the missing “pawn,” that he had gifted John and Marlena in his will. The mystery is currently unfolding on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Tune-in to Days of our Lives on the Monday, June 22 episode as Marlena looks back at her 50 years in Salem.
Share your congratulations to Deidre Hall for this incredible 50-year milestone as Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives in the comment section. Then let us know, what is your all-time favorite storyline or moment in the life of Marlena over the past 5 decades? And, just for kicks, and to celebrate this amazing milestone, here is Marlena levitating below circa Christmas Eve 1994.
Days Of Our Lives
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
It’s been a bittersweet time for Al Calderon. The talented actor/singer/songwriter has watched from his vantage point to roles he loved so much come to their conclusion for different reasons.
In a heartfelt message posted to his Instagram story on Saturday, Calderon took a moment to share how grateful he was for the opportunity to play Javi Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, and nurse Nico Silva this year on NBC’s second season of Brilliant Minds. Currently, Brilliant Minds has two more episodes that will air on June 24 and the series finale on July 1.
Calderon expressed, “As I sit here reflecting on this lovely Saturday afternoon over the last two years of my life, I have two major chapters closing that have been part of my life every day for the last two years. We have Brilliant Minds. Our last episodes are wrapping up, and then my last scenes aired yesterday as me as Javi on Days of Our Lives.
Photo: JPI
“I’m just unbelievably grateful for the chance and the opportunity to be a part of something so much larger than me,” continued Al. “I (will) love Days of Our Lives forever, my family. Thank you for supporting me and supporting my decision to take the leap of faith and believe in myself and, and tell other stories. You know, it’s never goodbye. It’s always ‘see you later’ to me and just leaving with love and leading with love.”
Al concluded with a special mention to some very important people, the fans: “Thank you to the fans and the support from everyone, the lovely messages. So this next chapter, hopefully it’s not a dragon, hopefully it’s a gold coin.”
Photo: NBC
Calderon’s journey on-screen on Days of Our Lives began in October of 2024 and concluded this month. In one of his last appearances Javi was asking a favor from Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) before bumping into his ex, Leo (Greg Rikaart). In story, Javi has a new romance with Gus (Michael Ocampo), while fighting his feelings for Leo. The role of Javi will be played starting on June 30 by Jacob Martinez who takes over the role.
NBC decided to cancel the Brilliant Minds, after it split up the airing of its second season which began in the fall of September of 2025 and the back-half started airing after a long break this past May. Calderon joined the medical drama staring Zachary Quinto for the new season, which sadly was its last.
So, will you miss Al on Days of Our Lives and Brilliant Minds as his time on-screen has come to an end? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
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