Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Co-EP Noel Maxam on the Legacy of Stefano DiMera and How He Can Still Drive Story Today
It’s been a big year of change for Days of our Lives behind the scenes and one of renewal. Back in March, longtime producer, Noel Maxam became the Peacock streaming soap opera’s co-executive producer replacing the retiring Janet Drucker. This was the second time in Maxam’s career he would hold down the Co-EP post having done so previously from 2008-2011.
Then, back in July, DAYS received an additional two-year pick-up which means Salem will be alive and well, at least through its 62nd and 63rd year, which takes it all the way through the 2027-2028 television and streaming season. With Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford as head writers, and Maxam as co-executive producer, all under DAYS longtime EP, Ken Corday, the future is looking very bright for the iconic show which will turn 60 this November.
During a discussion on how he views the series and what’s to come, Maxam chatted with Soaps.com where he spoke on the importance of “The Phoenix,” Stefano DiMera to the show, which coincides with what viewers are beginning to see play-out on all-new episodes.
Photo: JPI
Marlena (Deidre Hall), who is grieving the loss of her beloved John Black (the late Drake Hogestyn), has found herself having visions of being Stefano’s “Queen of the Night,” and she voiced her concerns to Kayla (Mary Beth Evans). However, Kayla tells Marlena that Stefano is dead, but as we know, “The Phoenix” always rises again. Since Joe Mascolo passed away back in 2016, and we previously had Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols), becoming Stefano through a brain chip … who else could bring Stefano through them? Could it be the returning Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), or EJ DiMera (Daniel Feuerriegel), who has Stefano’s ring on his finger?
Photo: JPI
Maxam weighed-in on this favorite piece of storyline jewelry: “Stefano’s ring is magic, and it is the history of the show and it brings in the legacy of the show, and yet it’s still active and it’s on EJ’s finger now, and we just don’t know where it will go, and there’s something about that ring that embodies that evil is possible, but that family is number one.”
Photo: JPI
In addition, with DAYS streaming on Peacock, Noel offered up if that means the show will push boundaries with the audience that cannot always be done on network television. Maxam says to the loyal and dedicated and even new DAYS viewers, “We want them to be comfortable and yet, challenged. So if I say pushing the boundaries, I’d say it’s more thematically and through emotions and what each character is going through more than I would say subject matter or, experiential through the human condition. That’s what we go for.”
Photo: JPI
Since DAYS tapes nine months ahead of episodes dropping on streaming, it will be a bit before we see shows where Maxam was at the helm in the Co-EP position, but as for what’s to come and what he promises for the Salem die-hards, “We want Days of our Lives to be challenging, surprising, and new and fresh every day, and sort of pushing the boundaries of how people feel bringing you into our version of what you may be experiencing every day, and sort of give you an exciting ride.”
With the “Who Shot EJ?” trial reaching its climax and the reveal of the culprit seemingly next week on Days of our Lives, check out the just released promo from Peacock for episodes streaming the week of August 11-15th. You can check it out below.
So, are you looking forward to seeing how Stefano is revealed to be in story? Is someone inhabiting him? If so, who do you think it is? What do you think about Noel Maxam’s sentiments on how he sees DAYS pushing any boundaries and how important the evil side of the DiMera clan is to the soap? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Love Days been loyal for years! Haters can say what they want under Ron C it was fresh and exciting every day couple of storylines I didn’t love but for the most part it was great to watch everyday . That said I am not excited whatsoever about revisiting a Stefano brain chip storyline!Stefano still looms large just by his picture over the mantle in the mansion. I say leave it alone!
I agree
Terrible news. Hate to be a Debbie Downer but some folks never learn. Days should have moved on from Stefano years ago and introduced a new antagonist family with something different to offer. I hope this doesn’t mean Stefano will rise again. I would love to see more Alamains or Von Lueshners who can bring something new to the table. How many illegitimate children can one man have? How many back from the dead stories? How many times can we watch people talking to that Stefano portrait? People do get bored. And with their months of stories in the can before they can re-pivot Days may have put a stake in its heart.
While I certainly like occasional mentions of deceased characters, keeping their memory alive, all these teases about an “alive” Stefano are infuriating and, frankly, boring. The actor is dead; the character is dead. No need to revisit, reinvent, or reinstitute.
And although the new producer’s aspirations of “new and fresh every day” are admirable, we are certainly not seeing that yet. And here’s a tip: no more visits by the devil, even if he might be sharing warm temps with Stefano.
James…oh I agree…TOTALLY!!!!! To me, whenever a soap opera actor (or actress) passes away in real life…and a soap decides to kill off the deceased’s character, well then the show should keep the dead character DEAD AND BURIED…FOR GOOD!!!!!
Have a good one, Brother.
I hope they let Stefano rest in peace! Having Thaao Penghlis back at the helm of the family business is an expected move, as well as a battle with EJ to get it. But please don’t bring back lame storylines from years ago. Both Joe and Thaao are talented, respected actors and deserve more than mysterious magical powers of Stefano’s ring or Dr. Rollf finding a new serum to bring back the dead.
I LOVED Stefano, he brought so much excitement to the show, drama, fury, compassion!!! If you can’t bring back Joseph Mascolo back, then leave it alone! There’s only one Stefano ❤️ Drop the Queen of the night thing, it’s ridiculous
Exactly
Please don’t bring back that ridiculous possession storyline!!! It was stupid then, and would be even more stupid now
Seriousy? My vacations in Salem were some of my best work!
Don’t worry though, I’m not planning on going back there in the near future.
And neither is Stefano. He’s right here in Hell, where he belongs!
TOTALLY AGREE!!
We do not need another Stephano story let him rest in piece. Find new stories
It’s weird to talk about Stefano being alive because the actor is dead and Stefano in age would be too.
Please don’t bring him back nor Marlene being possessed. This two screwed we be the end for me. Very tired of thos.
Me too!
I’m 75 years old and had been watching Daýs of Our Lives since I was in high school. When it went to Peacock, sadly, I am not able to watch it daily. From time to time, I get summaries on Soap.com, but it not the same as watching it daily. I’ve missed so many episodes and have little interest on the version going forward.
Hello don’t have much time
I am 83 yrs old, watched Days from the beginning until it went to Peacock. I can’t afford the station and really miss it. Get a few updates on my phone but its not like watching everyday. Please come back to NBC you lost a loyal listener.
I have watched Days since I was five with my Mom . I remember the characters from the Alice Horton time.I enjoy that Days mention of them as well as the story lines that involve them .Like the box with Julie’s family’s necklace in it.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
Next week, expected surprises and schemes on Days of our Lives. In official spoilers for episodes streaming on Peacock from October 5-9, it looks like Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) has hunted down a very much alive Sophia Choi (Rachel Boyd), while Marlena (Deidre Hall) admits a deeply concerning confession to her daughter Belle (Martha Madison), and more.
As previously reported, Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, General Hospital) is stepping in for one day for Tyler Joseph Andrews in the role of Theo Carver and will share scenes with Gabi (Cherie Jimenez), where Theo finally agrees to go along with Gabi’s plan, after she offered him a job.
Meanwhile, Gabi may have her hands full with Philip (John-Paul Lavoisier) whose big win in Monte Carlo may have sparked his gambling addiction … all over again, but Philip reveals her has a plan.
Photo: Corday Productions
Sydney (Sydney Malekeh) is in for a shock when Dante (Franco LoPresti) arrives in Salem. Why is he in Salem? Is he part of the unraveling of the Dominic Marino mystery, since we know he seemed like he was talking to the man in Monte Carlo?
Will Marlena ever figure out what Rita (Maggie Carney) is hiding about the mystery of Dominic, and if Marlena is truly his birth mother or did something more suspicious go on and how deeply involved is Rita in this whole story?
EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) finally demands answers of his own from Rita after overhearing on today’s Cliffhanger Friday her conversation with Marlena. Will Rita cop to anything?
Then as noted, while everyone thinks Sophia took her own life, after Kristen “murdered” her, Kristen is infuriated to find she is somehow alive working as waitress in a diner in Kentucky. Will Kristen try to kill Sophia yet again?
Take a look at some of the additional spoilers for next week’s action on DAYS below.
Monday, October 5
Joy worries about her future.
Alex surprises Stephanie.
Chanel supports Johnny through a difficult decision.
Tuesday, October 6
Rachel gives Brady cause for concern.
Roman surprises Kate.
Wednesday, October 7
Leo’s good day takes an unexpected turn.
Brady is forced to make a difficult call.
Thursday, October 8
Paulina refuses to give up on Lani.
Chanel asks Johnny for a promise.
Friday, October 9
Stephanie and Alex steal a private moment.
Steve gets troubling news from Johnny.
So, what do you think will happen when Kristen finds that the woman she thought she murdered and framed (making it looking like a suicide) is alive and well and working in a diner far away from Salem? Was Rita more involved with Stefano DiMera than we even know? Who is the birth mother of Dominic? Is it really Marlena or did someone else carrying her child? And what of Dante? Why is he back in Salem? To get at Philip, or something else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Four cast members are officially on contract at Days of our Lives, according to the soap opera’s closing credits on Peacock and longtime Days expert and historian Jason 47.
Lauren Koslow (Kate), Sydney Malakeh (Sydney), Sal Stowers (Lani) and Jacob Martinez (Javi) are the names that appear in the closing credits in the contracted cast members section. Days of our Lives fans also note that the series tapes ten months in advance of streaming episodes.
As Days of our Lives fans know, Lauren Koslow has played Kate Roberts since 1996, and recently filled-in for Jess Walton in the role of Jill Abbott on The Young and the Restless when Walton was unable to travel from Oregon to Los Angeles during the specific tape dates. But now, Koslow has been re-upped to contract status as of the September 8 episode.
Photo: JPI
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Sydney Malakeh is the newest member of the contract players when she debuted on contract status on the September 10th episode. Days fans first met Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ’s (Dan Feuerriegel) daughter in scenes in Monte Carlo around a gambling table.
As for Sal Stowers, the actress had been on contract from 2015-2022, then on recurring status with the soap, and would make appearances and limited runs since 2023. Soap fans first saw Sal as Cassandra Foster on Prospect Park’s revival of All My Children in 2013. Sal’s first new contracted episode was noted to be September 16.
Jacob Martinez, debuted on June 30 of this year as the successor to Al Calderon in the role of Javi Hernandez, and has now been bumped up to series regular as of the September 10 episode.
Photo: JPI
CREDITS
According to the referenced posting from Days of our Lives expert and historian Jason 47, he shared, “It took me four weeks to realize, but the same week that Sydney Malakeh (Sydney) debuted (9/7-9/11), “Days” also put Lauren Koslow (Kate), Jacob Richard Martinez (Javi) and Sal Stowers (Lani) on contract.”
Jason47 added, “This confirms the “errors” of Lani being listed in the credits the week of 9/7 but not appearing, and Kate and Javi appearing in the credits the week of 9/14 but not appearing. It also now makes sense why Javi and Sydney are being listed before Rafe and Philip in the credits.”
He also shared, “For the record, Lauren Koslow’s first date back on contract was 9/8, Jacob Richard Martinez was upped to contract on 9/10, Sydney Malakeh debuted on contract 9/10 and Sal Stowers’ first date back on contract was 9/16. The records will be fixed on the website in the coming days.”
So, glad to hear Lauren, Sydney, Sal and Jacob appear to be on contract with Days of our Lives (as of these episode airings)? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
-
Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
-
General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
-
News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
-
Beyond the Gates24 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
-
News5 days agoY&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
-
News1 week agoMatthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
