Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Freddie Smith and Alison Sweeney Deliver Heartbreaking Performances As Sonny & Sami Struggle With Will's Death!
Courtesy/NBC
Earlier in the week, On-Air On-Soaps gave major kudos to the cast of Days of our Lives for their performances when many key characters in Salem learned that Will Horton (Guy Wilson) had been murdered by the necktie serial killer (Ben Weston). But once the action picked-up in later episodes, in particular on Thursday and Friday, it was Freddie Smith’s performance of Sonny Kiriakis, and Alison Sweeney’s performance as Sami, that truly broke our hearts.
Sonny had finally arrived in Salem from Paris grief-stricken. He lost his husband, the man he was intending on coming back to town to make things right with. Instead, he is coming back to Salem to bury him. As Sonny made his way through Salem, he first stops by to see his mother, Adrienne (Judi Evans) and his father, Justin (Wally Kurth) for some tears and hugs. He then made his way to the apartment he shared with Will. Once inside, nothing made us reach for the hankies more, during this sad week of air shows, than when Sonny nearly collapsed on the floor of the crime scene in anguish … in the most gutwrenching of cries. Gabi (Camila Banus), who was there, hugs Sonny and he asks to be alone. Later, Paul (Christopher Sean) shows up to try to comfort him, but to no avail. Sonny also goes to the hospital where he sees Abigail (Kate Mansi) and learns where Chad’s (Billy Flynn) room is. He tells Abigail he cannot comprehend how Chad could kill Will. “He was my best friend, and Will’s,” is what Sonny basically relates to Abby. Thus far, Sonny has not been able to face his daughter Arianna … Will and Gabi’s bio-child he helped raise!
Courtesy/NBC
Then we have Will’s mother, Sami who is dealing with her grief by barely grieving at all. However, she too lost it when she visited Will’s apartment, and wound up on the ground looking at the crime scene, and flashing back to her younger days caring for baby Will! It was a tearjerker. Sami also lets out some major tears at Will’s. As Marlena (Deidre Hall), Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Eric (Greg Vaughan) try to help Sami … kick, scream, cry and let it all out, she becomes even more removed from her emotions. Later, Sami wants to take her anger towards Stefano (Joe Mascolo) and the DiMeras, and put it good use to snuff out Chad’s life with a pillow, while getting into his hospital room. Marlena eventually happens upon the scene and stops her. When Sami goes to rest at John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena’s, she goes through a bundle of mail Marlena had been keeping for her, and it it contained a letter from EJ ! Will Sami check out what’s contained in the safety deposit box from the key EJ left her in the letter? Stay tuned. Sami has had to cope, and try to come to terms, with two deaths in the last year – her husband and her first- born son. How Sweeney plays Sami, as she tries to pull it together, and then despite of herself has a moment of heartbreak and emotion has made also for emotional viewing for DAYS viewers.
Will’s funeral begins next week as Sonny, Sami, and Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) have to bury their husband, and their child, respectively. We are sure hankies will be needed in droves for that, as well.
So, what did you think of the performances of Freddie Smith and Alison Sweeney on last week’s episodes of Days of our Lives? Do you wish they were staying on the series longer than their short visits? What moment make you reach for the hankies? Hard to imagine after seeing Sonny’s reaction, but … WilSon is no more. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Shares He Was ‘Happy to Hear’ of The Triangle Storyline Developing Between Dante/Elizabeth/Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Kelly Sullivan Debuts as Dylan’s Mom; Suspicion is Raised About Carter and Steffy
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Mike Manning Lands Role in Indie Horror Feature ‘Deify’
GH and OLTL Alum Patrick J. Gibbons Reveals the Story Behind Writing Trina’s Song on ‘General Hospital’ (Exclusive)
‘Guiding Light’s’ Grant Aleksander Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of TV Daughter, Hayden Panettiere On What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
‘General Hospital’s’ Maurice Benard Talks: New ‘Sonny’ Storyline, His Contract, and Three Characters He Would Want to See Back in Port Charles
How John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End
John Oliver Recaps His ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ Soap Opera Experience on ‘Last Week Tonight’
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’
‘Guiding Light’s’ Grant Aleksander Shares Heartfelt Remembrance of TV Daughter, Hayden Panettiere On What Would Have Been Her 37th Birthday
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Admits That He Didn’t Expect the Role of Michael Corinthos to be Recast, and Would Consider Working on Another Soap (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ric’s History of Jealousy Where Elizabeth is Concerned Has Come Back Around
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy and Carter Get Lame Excuses From Their Spouses, and Try to Shake Off Their Night Together
‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Maurice Benard Talks: New ‘Sonny’ Storyline, His Contract, and Three Characters He Would Want to See Back in Port Charles
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoHow John Oliver’s ‘Days of Our Lives’ Guest Star Turn as ‘Devlin St. John’ Came to an End
-
Breaking News6 days agoJohn Oliver Recaps His ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ Soap Opera Experience on ‘Last Week Tonight’
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days ago‘Veronica & Julian’ Feature Starring ‘Days of Our Lives’ Alums Nadia Bjorlin and Kyler Pettis Releases Key Art and More (Exclusive)
-
General Hospital5 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’
-
Breaking News1 week agoHayden Panettiere, ‘Guiding Light’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum, Dead at 36
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Sharon, Nick and Marie Struggle in Aftermath of a Relapse; Jade Harlow Shares She’s ‘Really Proud’ and ‘Grateful’ to ‘Show How Addiction Can Touch Anyone’ (Exclusive)
-
News1 week agoB&B’s Don Diamont Recalls His Soap Start on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and Confrontation with Exec Prod Al Rabin (Exclusive ‘Soapy’ Preview)
All performances were outstanding. I know many people were upset that they killed Will, but the show needed a shot in the arm and I think this was it. I am looking forward to see how this plays out. Kudos to the writers and actors. Emmy’s all around! 😉
Did Grandma Kate and 2nd cousin Teressa shed a tear over Will…noooooooo…they were more concerned with business matters…Sonny and Sami gave great performances as expected but when you have other characters showing very little emotion over Wills tragic death, it really somewhat ruins this storyline for me!
Hi, Jimmy.
If truth be known, I was ver much impressed by Lucas. He really outdid himself. I was in tears along with him.
Yes, Sami mourned, wept, sobbed as a mother should….however, no one can compare to Kassie D. The image of the what’s-the-point-of-living, grieving mother took permanent residence in my brain.
let my put out their; my adage… just when i think I”ve got it all figured out or formulated in my mind… posts stream in and level (LOL) my ideal… and help me creatively enjoy
JimH… I was all set to agree with you about Kate and Theresa… till I read… more
1… all I really need to see is Alison Sweeney ACT… and I’m floored dam break and on emotional overload
2… if he was my husband… i’d lose it…. ie: seeing Freddie Smith home for this is tantamount to… LGBT reeling very much REAL LIFE
Oh, Ceec’ : I’ve thought about Kassie DePaiva… (how dare I compare) these two amazing actresses….. and they are both no longer on the show
for the love of all things want : I’d take Kassie DePaiva back in a heartbeat… ie: and it’s due to new blood; new character; new energy ; new intrigue
Lauren Koslow… is one of my all time favorite characters on Serial… (LOL) and yes… i’ve stated as much… if I were a woman… I’d be Kate… a powerful woman… with intricacies… and emotional upheavel she carries with so much aplomb that I admire her character… how is it that her character… lives her life… with our without ??? any one? she traverses through Salem… on her own energies…
ie: JimH… I care so much about this show… that i’m pinpointing… like… Kate’s reaction kinda threw me… as well… I see her “sorrowing” on her own… as she collects herself, sums up , and pulls herself together and forges onward…
I liked that she told Lucas… as they are on the outs… “I’m glad that you called me”
she gave all the credit to Marlena… as Lucas shared how his mother knew and accepted outright Will happiness
TEARS : this is definately… a throwback to what serial does well.. when a character with so many ties… just cuts to the core
CeeCee…you know me very well…most people call me Jimmy…love it!
I respectfully disagree with you– Kate is not the sloppy sentimental type, I think it would be out of character to see her grieving Will outwardly– the show did show a shot of her crying alone in the park when Lucas showed up– then she composed herself like Kate would. Also many people deal with grief by keeping busy, like tending to a business, which is also an acceptable way to do it.
As for Theresa she hardly knew Will even if they were related. I think the amount of grief she shown is in keeping with the character.
Lastly this still a television show and there has to be some balance, if everyone was just standing there weeping for an hour that would way toooo depressing. There are also only so many scenes they can show per day, so they are focusing on the reactions people want to see like Sonny’s and Sami’s — and hopefully Caroline’s because she loss her great grandson and her reaction is the one I want to see over watching Theresa shed some fake tears for a 2nd cousin she hardly knew.
So I hope you reconsider because this story is so compelling as it is, it is a shame if you let something like this ruin it for you.
You are right about Kate…but still talking business in the town square felt sowewhat tacky and disrespectful to me…i barely knew my cousin who was killed by a drunk driver but i still put off normal everyday activities until at least after the funeral but then again this is a soap!
Kate is somewhat cold anyway, Jimh. Plus, she did thank Lucas for calling her “last night” to tell her of Will’s death, which meant her reaction wasn’t shown, except the little bit with Lucas at the park. Kate had to keep up her business bitch facade with Nicole and Theresa.
I never want Sonny to leave. I feel like Freddie did a wonderful job as the grieving husband.
And Paul dropping by? Shades of Noah butting in on Luke’s grieving of Reid and asking hiim to come to LA with a view toward taking more of Noah’s abuse. But at least Paul didn’t play that card. But him dropping by was SO inappropriate. have they let Sean go, too?
v
Sami/Alison? Tpical over the top chewing furniture immature bullsht she usually pulls. I’m TERRIFIED that she is going to stay since she got a letter from EJ. But then, I keep forgettng. When Sonny leaves, I leave. I’d rather eat dirt than watch that fireplug emote her way from A to B. In what universe do people act that way and pull the crap Sami pulls and people still love her and fall all over themselves for her well being. What did that guy call her? Trainwreck of self-involvement! How many times has she gotten away with murder or attempted murder iincluding last week? No, no, no. I just can’t. I kknow she’s a fan favorite but I just can’t ride that train.
PS: Please please give Fr eddie Smith his second Emmy! This whole year has been Sonny & Will’s year.
yeah, I really thought the same thing… when it seemed like all things were going good … ie: character evolve
and she pulls the stunt of wanting to murder Chad… with pillow , as he lay comatose in the hospital
that’s what let me go… of AS … when she left the show… the immaturity and loud vocal of her stubborn lacks
all in all… Alison Sweeney and Kassie DePaiva acting of loss… when it’s your child…
tears and had me right their
Blown away! However, mixing business in with the grief feels false and is disappointing. Kate would be beside herself losing Will.
I agree… Emmys all around. This is DOOL’s year!
“gosh darned it”
would’nt this be an opportune time… for the headwriting team… and DAYS production to let loose…. Lauren Koslow
as in: give her a predilection… of damnation… ???? !!!! just giving in and collapsing her stalwart back bone and losing spine and losing face….
having said that… it wouldn’t be our Kate… who puts one foot in front of the other
to see her show emotion…
it’s been a long time hasn’t it ?
She was so good with Rafe
ie: when it was shared that Eduardo may be in her horizon ????
couldn’t come any sooner
Reign
I think Freddie Smith was wonderful. He mourned was so realisticly. He made me cry right along with him. If he doesn’t get a Emmy for this one something is wrong.
hmmm I actually disagree and have not thought that the crying from Freddie Smith has been that great.. I have watched this show for many years and have no connection with the actor who played Will.. I have not felt bad at all. This murder has not drawn me in… it has been fun to wath.. but not shedding any tears….
For me, Eve’s grief scenes felt far more heart wrenching. Even in her appearance… little makeup, wardrobe, just incredibly real and raw in her grief. Major kudos to Kassie DePaiva.
I cried when Sami was on the ground crying for her first-born. Sonny crying over his husband made me feel so bad. I don’t understand why Days had to kill Will. Ali Sweeney didn’t understood it either. But Ali is a really great actress, she can play Sami like only she can. I just hoped that she would stay for the longer hold. But there’s nothing you can do about it. I love Sami
I think the acting the last couple of weeks was spot on. From the moment Will stepped into Ben and Abigail’s Apartment, to his death scene, and now with all of his family and Husband finding out.
I was heart sick to watch Sami (Alison was amazing) and especially Sonny (Freddie was incredible), I used a box of tissue during the two episodes, and I have more waiting.
I also think that Kassie DePaiva was great the past fews weeks too.
I WANT THE RATINGS FROM LAST WEEK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will’s death has provided so many wonderful scenes. With these performances I could see Emmy wins for Sweeney and Smith! Even these episodes for best show!
Sorry Michael I meant to put that in the general comment section.
Will’s death has provided so many wonderful scenes. With these performances I could see Emmy wins for Sweeney and Smith! Even these episodes for best show!
Great performances; although, I am ready for Sami to head to Switzerland to chase after EJ’s letter. Nice visit; but time to go. Really, who would believe that Chad committed these murders? It’s ridiculous. The evidence is all circumstantial. Anyone that knows Chad knows that he may be arrogant and have an ego-but he’s not a murderer.