Days Of Our Lives
DAYS Head Writers Talk Challenges of Episodes Taped 10 Months in Advance of Streaming
Days of our Lives is the only soap opera which continues to find itself in a unique situation due to its cost-cutting measures to enable the long-running drama to go on well past its 60th season. Last year, DAYS marked its 6-0 milestone, and the episodes fans were watching and continue to watch on its streamer, Peacock, where taped 10 months prior.
As 2026 kicks-off, DAYS head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford weighed-in on the challenges this schedule has on the story while they teased what’s ahead in Salem this year. According to the duo, there will be more of what viewers like about the show, expressing, “Salem is and always has been about family, friendship, mystery, and romance across multiple generations. And there’s plenty of the above in 2026.”
However, it’s the romances that can be tricky, whereas in other daytime dramas, if a couple is just not clicking on-screen or the audience reaction is so poor, the writers may be able to make a shift to save the story. For Cwikly and Ford, that is not the case. As they explained to TV Insider, “While we get feedback from the producers on what is currently taping, we don’t have the ability to change course in the middle of a story based on fan reaction. Romantic chemistry is the most difficult area for us to gauge because we don’t see the couples we’re writing for many months.”
Photo: JPI
The Peacock soap opera also faces, quite often, not knowing if they will be renewed or not, but the great news for DAYS fans is that in the recent pick-up, Days received two-more years and will live on at least through its 63rd season. Cwikly and Ford shared another complexity in their jobs, “Any time we begin winding down the writing of a season without a pickup announcement, certain contingency plans go into place that drastically affect the storytelling. Knowing that we have a two-year pickup gives us much greater ability to plan ahead and breathe.”
Now as they look to 2026, most of which has already been filmed given the 10-month lead time, they shared a couple of major previews worth noting below!
LEXIE OR NOT LEXIE?
First, it sounds more and more like Lexie Carver could be the person in the chamber in EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) secret lab, especially when the scribes shared for 2026, “Theo’s (Tyler Joseph Andrews) life is about to be turned upside down.” The character of Lexie, formerly portrayed by Renee Jones died on-screen in 2012 of a brain tumor caused by toxic fumes. But on DAYS, many a DiMera have come back to life.
Photo: JPI
In addition, after Dimitri Von Leushner’s (Peter Porte) return at the end of the Friday, January 2 episode just after Leo (Greg Rikaart) and Javi (Al Calderon) tied the knot, the head scribes, tease, “Dimitri’s return will directly impact Javi and Leo’s future plans. Both Gwen (Emily O’Brien) and Dimitri are seeking revenge, and there will be fallout and collateral damage.”
CASTING SWITCHEROOS
They also noted the casting changes that viewers will finally see on-air due to the 10-month delay come this spring. “New Rachel starts airing in March, and we’ll see Conner Floyd as Chad starting in April. There is also a new actress taking over the role of Ari (formerly Marissa Reyes) in April. Stay tuned.”
Check out the latest promo for the action in Salem the week of January 5-9 below, as the clock strikes twelves on New Year’s Eve several lives face shockers including, Dimitri’s arrival and the aftermath to Javi and Leo, Peter (Dan Gauthier) still hanging on to life, after Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) decided to pull the plug on her brother at the hospital, Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) kissing while Xander (Paul Telfer) is shown saying Brady is fired from Titan, and Theo wakes up in the hospital, plus the mystery person in the black hoodie is walking around as Stephanie (Abigail Klein) and Alex (Rob Scott Wilson) ring in the New Year.
Now let us know, how do you feel about Days of our Lives production schedule which does not allow the writers to make shifts in story in line with viewer reaction or fizzled chemistry issue in on-screen romances or storylines? Are you glad the show is able to make the adjustments it needed to stay in production and streaming on Peacock? Do you think it will be Lexie who has been resurrected and back from the dead? Share your thoughts via the comment section below,
Being nearly one year tape-to-release is ridiculous in 2026. Especially when in 2020, there were mere weeks when they returned from COVID hiatus. Give the cast a year off, catch up to what’s releasing in ten months, and then use that money to improve production, sets, makeup, hair, and costumes.
The unions might not make an extended hiatus so simple…..
But I do wish there was a way they could slow down and close the gap. Maybe instead of filming 8-10 episodes a week, they just do 5?
They’d have to be paid as contractual fulfilment. But even on hiatus, they would release the cast from their contracts⏤which they’ve done before⏤which would also likely open the cast up to join other soaps (and some should).
I don’t disagree that it is a huge problem that Days films so far in advance. However, if the show stops taping, the actors/ crew won’t get paid. If they can somehow continue to pay the actors / crew then I would be all for the production halting for at least 6 months. Unfortunately, there are already budget cuts now so I can’t see this happening. It sucks for all involved. I am sure everyone there agrees that their advanced schedule is more of a detriment than a positive.
They would still be paid for their ‘likeness’ being used. They’d have to be. It’d be a risky move, but it wouldn’t be the first time the cast has been released from their contracts for a period of time.
In Days defense i think this is the production model that they have been given in order to keep the show on the air I feel giving the cast a year off would be the death of a beloved soap !that’s definitely not the answer.
I am fully aware as to why the original six-month (which was ridiculous) tape-to-air (now tape-to-release) schedule exists. But in 2026 it is a detriment to them as a serial. And it wouldn’t be the first time they all got contractually released; in November 2019, the whole cast was released from their contracts, and they all re-signed in February 2020 when filming resumed, and then COVID happened a month later.
I agree with your comment a 100%
I don’t understand why taping 10 months in advance saves money.
The problem with this ridiculous taping schedule is that when they start doing idiotic storylines that the viewers obviously HATE (like the massive waste of time “Body & Soul”, for example) they can’t change direction and dump the next several months of episodes that are already in the can and start over. As opposed to a show that follows a more conventional taping schedule of 1-2 months ahead where you can change writing if the fan backlash is clearly obvious (though sometimes the “powers that be” will still choose to ignore the fans, such as Frank Valentini deliberately ignoring what GH fans think about Dragon Chow Drew, for example)
As for as the identity of the person in the cryogenic tube in EJ’s secret lab… Lexie would make sense in some ways, though I really don’t think a Lexie recast makes sense at this point. If Renee Jones wanted to comeback, it would be different, but that does not seem likely.
The big question there would be why Gwen – who never met Lexie – would be bankrolling the effort to bring her back to life? What would she gain from that? Now on the other horn, if the tube occupant was Abigail Deveraux, that definitely explains Gwen’s involvement. It’s not about Gwen having much love for her sister. We all know she doesn’t. But what Gwen does want – and what she has always wanted – is the love of her father Jack. And since she can’t seem to get that on her own, then bringing back the daughter that Jack truly loves might get some appreciation from him.
And let’s face it, when they dug up Abigail’s grave and found an empty coffin, we all knew it would be a matter of time before she showed up in Salem. Since neither Lexie or Abigail went to Hell, I’m not personally involved in the decision either way, so this is all unholy speculation on my part, of course. But Gwen’s involvement in the process makes Abigail more likely to be resurrected than Lexie.
The long delay between taping and streaming is their own doing. Prior to the 2020 shutdown, DAYS was a little over 6 months ahead. When taping resumed, they were about 2 months ahead. Instead of using that to their advantage, Corday made it more extreme.
There’s no simple fix to this. Crews have to be paid and performers contracts need to honored. Combine that with a bare-bones budget and this conundrum is doomed to continue.
BTG appears to be 3-4 months ahead. Y&R and B&B typically 2 months ahead. GH is the most flexible with its block filming schedule. Some scenes may be 2 months ahead, while at times they are able to get some scenes on air in under 2 WEEKS.
Days of our lives writers can you please tell us does sarah and Xander get back together! and does sarah get pregnant by Xander and have twins another girl and a boy
No, Star, Sarah gives birth to Xander’s son who has a parasitic twin.
A new Rachel?! Just got used to Alice.
I remember years ago when we got a new Belle, Charity Rahmer, She was awful. Due to taping in advance viewers had to suffer through her until Martha Madison aired. Fortunately, Days realized they had made a mistake hiring Charity once she started airing.
Taping so far in advance means when we hear about actor changes, like Chad, and we don’t see them for months. It is a bit jarring seeing Billy on Days and Y&R at the same time. Sometimes I forget who he is playing.
Your memory has failed you, Momo.
Charity Rahmer appeared in 15 episodes from July 19th to August 9th, 2004…courtesy Jason47
My belief is her casting wasn’t a mistake by Days. Kirsten Storms was very popular in the role, and Days knew there would be backlash no matter who replaced her, so they cast Charity knowing she was horrible, so fans would be happy when Charity was replaced by Martha.
I believe I’ve heard that Martha simply wasn’t available and so they just brought someone in to tape until she was.
They skipped a year forward in order to avoid the huge tape to release that they previously had and now they have it again! If the audience is unhappy about the direction of the storyline, they should be able to pivot. People are fickle and if they don’t like the storyline they will stop watching the show. This is ridiculous to me (I’ve been watching wayyy to long to give up now lol) but they lose viewers. And as far as Lexie, she’s been dead for 14 years!! Where/How would they be keeping her on ice for that long?! Also, in the previews it seems to show a man’s hand wearing the signet ring Stefano wore so…
I hear crazy shit from y’all every day. They skipped a year forward in story. They didn’t skip actual episodes.
The new writers need to start writing for the male cast members and not make them weak and dominated by the females.
Gwen and Sophia need to be gone or at least recast as I fast forward through all their scenes.
Let’s hope the new Javi is as good as Al as I want him with Leo.
Its just poor business. Taping so far in advance doesn’t allow for fixing what isn’t working. This could lead to a huge drop in viewership. If this happens around when the decision to renew the show is being made, then we lose our show.
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.
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
Sydney Malekeh Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’ in Mystery Role: Who Do You Think She’s Playing?
‘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 Hospital4 days ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Bryan Craig Cast in ‘The Weapon’
-
Breaking News7 days 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)
-
News7 days agoB&B’s Don Diamont Recalls His Soap Start on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and Confrontation with Exec Prod Al Rabin (Exclusive ‘Soapy’ Preview)
