Breaking News
‘Days of our Lives’ Co-Executive Producer Change: Noel Maxam Takes Over from Exiting Janet Drucker
There are more changes in the wind at Peacock’s Days of our Lives. Over the last nine months, the show has changed head writers, seen some of its other key writing and directing team members depart for other shows in particular, General Hospital and Beyond the Gates, as well-noted star, Billy Flynn (Chad DiMera) hopping over to The Young and the Restless in an undefined role.
Now, longtime senior producer Noel Maxam has been promoted to co-executive producer of the soap opera with the impending retirement of Janet Drucker, who has been in the role since the Albert Alarr scandal back in 2023. At that time, Drucker, who held the role of senior coordinating producer was promoted to Co-EP after Alarr had been accused of improper on-set conduct; which included a lawsuit by former DAYS star, Arianne Zucker.
Drucker announced her retirement with her last day working on the show scheduled for May 2, 2025 after four decades as a longtime fixture. Starting her career as a production associate, Drucker’s contributions have resulted in 15 Daytime Emmy nominations and three wins for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. She is only the fourth woman to hold the title of Co-Executive Producer in the show’s history.
Photo: JPI
Maxam is known as Daytime Emmy-winning director, who began his daytime career as a writer on As The World Turns, then went to The Young and the Restless to serve as a producer and writer. In 2008, he first joined the Days of our Lives production team, and previously served as the show’s co-executive producer from 2011-12.
In a statement, Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday shared, “Janet began her career with us as a production associate and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming an integral part of our leadership team. She has been a guiding presence behind the scenes, and her positive influence has left a lasting legacy. We thank her deeply for her dedication, talent, and heart.”
Photo: JPI
On her exit from the long-running soap opera which will turn 60 this fall, Drucker expressed, “It has been an honor and the pleasure of a lifetime to make my mark in Salem over the past 41 years. I will forever consider this show and everyone involved my second home, but it is time for me to focus on my family.”
Corday said of the promotion of Maxam to Co-EP, “Noel brings with him an exceptional blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and leadership experience. His deep understanding of the genre and steady hand behind the scenes make him the ideal choice to help lead us forward.”
What are your thoughts on the Janet Drucker’s exit and Noel Maxam now the co-executive producer of Days of our Lives? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I get nervous when a new executive producer comes to a soap opera you don’t know what their focus is and sometimes the vets pay the price for that
Corday is still in charge. This new guy isn’t going to make massive changes.
Corday is not involved in the day-to-day operations like everyone supposes. The co-EP (Drucker/Maxam) does.
This is not Noel Maxam’s first time at the helm of this soap; I’m just hoping this next tenure goes well. However, something more needs to be done to whip this shamble of a soap into shape.
Congratulations to Noel! I hope he has taken note of what NOT to do from AA’s time in the role and that he will follow in JM’s footsteps.
That being said, I am concerned that there isn’t a woman in the lead after this show’s sexist history. Hope the future team is above board and fair to all.
It’s a bit disappointing that another old white man is in charge again.
I’m happy for him, his loyalty and dedication has paid off, but overall still kind of not feeling great about this. Not when such a big deal was made about having so many women in charge of a daytime drama
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
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