Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Brandon Butler Takes Over the Role of ‘Zack’ as Bo Has a ‘Visit’ with His Beloved Son Before Coming Back to Life
Before you watch next week’s episode of Days of our Lives, we suggest you have hankies near by as every step of the way it’s going to be a tearjerker that will be filled with happy tears and incredibly heartbreaking ones.
On the beautiful side of the emotional rollercoaster will be, according to the official teasers and latest promo from Peacock, that Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) will be reunited with his family, and has come out of his coma after receiving the critical dose of Versavix. Bo was only able to receive that dose after his dear friend, John Black, was able to lay his hands on it, before being overcome by the explosion that will ultimately take his life.
However, in story, before Bo comes to the land of the living on the Monday, June 2 episode he is set to visit with his deceased son, Zack in heaven. Could Zack wind up being the final push that gets Bo to wake up? Will Bo have an emotional farewell for now to his son, who he will see again the afterlife, years down the line? Stay tuned.

Photo: JPI
This time, Zack will look different as actor Brandon Butler is taking over the role from Scott Shilstone who last played the part back in 2022 during the Peacock limited series, Days of our Lives Beyond Salem Chapter Two, when Bo came to rescue Hope from heaven and hell and met up with Zack. Shilstone first played the adult-version of the role back in 2016 in another special episode where Hope was ‘reunited’ with her son.
DAYS fans know that Zack was tragically killed as a little boy back in 2006, when his half sister Chelsea (Rachel Melvin) accidentally hit him with Bo’s SUV, and his death sent a ripple effect through Bo and Hope’s relationship for years.

Photo: JPI
As for Butler, his previous TV credits include roles on: 13 Reasons Why, Hysteria!, Trinkets, and Seal Team, to name but a few. He also appeared on General Hospital back in 2016 for one episode.

Photo: BButlerIMDb
Now below, check out next week’s promo for DAYS which features the heartbreaking loss of John Black, and the new lease on life for Bo Brady and circle Wednesday, June 6th when Hope, Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer) celebrate a miracle.
Let us know, are you looking forward to the new Zack/Bo Scenes? Bo coming back to life and being reunited with Hope, Ciara and Shawn? Are you bracing yourselves for the death of the beloved John Black? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
It’s a shame Scott Shilstone was not available to reprise the role once again.
Agree. Scott was just so perfect in that role.
I agree, and it would’ve been good for consistency purposes in terms of who plays a SORAS’d character on “the other side”.
It’s so hard breaking to see John Black leave. Been a fan for a decay. I wish they wouldn’t kill his character off & find someone else to play his role. But I also know their will never be a better person to play his role May he RIP & looking forward to seeing Bo & Hope back❤️
I agree. They have replaced people to keep the character going, why not now?
It would never be the same anyhow! They didn’t replace Stefano, they never could…Both are gone in real life! RIP, John
Never…john cannot be replaced. Just as stefano and victor cannot. They are Icons.. they are what Days of our Lives are!
Even tho writers have taken a small town, Salem and placed hi rise buildings, hospitals, police depts. in it. And the small town center is still a meeting place! Ridiculous??
Brandon is cute as hell but Scott butters my biscuits like crazy!
Having Peter Reckell/Bo return is the BEST thing that has ever happened on Days. He is my all time favorite
Bo has Kways been my favorite too.
Agreed
He need to just be replaced with someone and continue he chapter of the show it will be weard with him gone ?
It wouldn’t be the same having someone else playing Bo. That’s like having someone portray Steve or someone else portray Hope, it wouldn’t be the same
I believe she was referring to John. Drake approved of the send off as he was still alive when they filmed his death scenes. As for Bo, They did have some else play Bo. Robert Kelker Kelly played Bo from 1992 -1995. To me he did not feel like Bo. Peter Reckell will always be Bo to me.
Thought cira had 2 kids and happy to see bo again how long is Bo and hope staying in Salem
I can’t wait to see Bo back on Days . He was on of Days favorites and I’m happy he’s going to be back . I hope you make him a permanent fixture . Would love to see what he can get into with Patch
Yes
I heard they were recasting John Black role. Don’t do it…that’s sacrilegious.
No, they’re not.
No they are not. Drake was to much of a legend to have some one else replace him. He approved his send off.
Will miss John Black. However, look forward to seeing No come back. I love days of our lives. I have been a fan for over 50 years.
Is he the brother of “Austin Butler”? The new Zach looks like “Elvis Presley”, that’s why I asked.
It kind of funny you mentioned Elvis. I remember watching Days with my mom. I was home from school sick and they interrupted Days with a special report that Elvis had passed. My mom went into hysterics over it. She was a big Elvis fan.
I miss John Black, I think that’s going to be so sad. Just like Doug was. R.I.P. to all the characters that have left us. I love DOOLS
So why didn’t his daughter Chelsea, come to say her goodbyes
Can’t wait to see Bo, Hope and Ciara back so sorry to Days family &friends for the loss of Drake aka John Black watching this show since I was a little girl
I haven’t watch Days since Bo left. Looking forward to watching it on Peacock, since apparently it’s the only way I can view days.
I love Days of Our Lives I have watched it ever since I was a child, for over 61 years old and Bo coming back to the show is awesome, is something I so look forward to, coming back to life the show was just not the same after he left.
Bo coming back, yes. Zach & Bo reunion, not so much. John Black dying… I’m definitely NOT looking forward to the tearjerker of losing yet another beloved character (I’ve known these characters, and grown with them, over the past 45 years), but I am looking forward to finally putting an end to the storyline that has been keeping him alive since Drake Hogestyn passed way 8 months ago. Let his our family move on already.
He is doing awesome
I never cared for John blacks character, always found him boring, and I would leave the room whenever he was on. I believe Marlena and Roman Brady belong together
I’ve been watching Days of our lives since 1985 love it and still watching it
Bring John back another character can play his part
When will will Eric and Nicole return. Arianna?? We long time fans are still waiting.
This guy has something special. I liked the entrance very much. I can tell her already is a better actor than Chad
Duell.
Everyone seems to love Drake H.
I will say it and get bashed. I think Drake is one of the most horrible actors on daytime. Also, Deidra Hall is not far behind.
I was hoping that Days of our lives would recast John. It was perfect it was coming off of a serious burn injury no one would recognize him as the old John however I guess the way the story ended is probably the best.
You don’t recast a character that one performer has played for nearly 40 years.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.

Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.

Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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