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DAYS Head Writers Talk Challenges of Episodes Taped 10 Months in Advance of Streaming

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: JPI

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,

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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.

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

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).

Genie Francis

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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