Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives Scores Its Most-Watched Week In Two Years! Total Viewers Up To 2.914 Million!
Courtesy/NBC
Days of our Lives is continuing its major uptick that began at the end of 2015, with news from NBC today that for the first week of 2016, (January 4- January 8th), the series scored big in the ratings with its most-watched week of episodes in two years.
There is more excellent news with that for the long-running NBC soap opera which turned 50 this past November. The series averaged 2.914 million viewers, that is the daytime drama series best numbers since the week of January 6th -10th, 2014 (2.991 million).
In addition, in the key womens demographic of 18-49, DAYS delivered its highest weeklong average rating in 18 months, with a 0.91 rating. That rating is the highest for a week for the series since July 14-18, 2014 (0.93).
Courtesy/NBC
Versus the same week last year, DAYS was up +11% in the women 18-49 category (0.91 vs. 0.82), up +11% in the women 18-34 demo (0.49 vs. 0.44) and up +19% in total viewers (2.914 million vs. 2.452 million). Season to date, Days of our Lives has grown +3% versus last season in total viewers (2.869 million vs. 2.777 million, “most current”).
So, what drove more eyeballs to DAYS? The drama of the death of Dr. Daniel Jonas (Shaen Christian) following the horrific New Year’s Eve car crash, and the heartbreaking episodes and performances dealing with who will get the good doctor’s heart … Brady (Eric Martsolf) or Eric (Greg Vaughan) with Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) having to make that call!
And then there was that shocking Friday cliffhanger where Hope (Kristian Alfonso) shot and killed Stefano (Joe Mascolo) once and for all! These dramatic moments were major factors in this great week for the audience at home, and for the hardworking producers, writers, actors, and behind-the-scenes crew at DAYS.
So, what do you think of DAYS best weekly performance in the ratings in two years? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as 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.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
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‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
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Right own keep it up Days. This is for all the doubters.
Prediction: DAYS will be renewed for TWO more Seasons….next week, right?
don’t mind admitting a few heart palpitations… till I hear as much
@Ricardo is saying the same thing
bells and whistles happy dance beaming from ear to ear heart taken w/ DAYS
I think it will be renewed for one more season at least.
If you miss a DAYS you miss a lot! High stakes drama all in a DAYS work! Five DAYS per week perfection! Vacation DAYS, sick DAYS or snow DAYS…don’t forget about DAYS!
My DAYS aren’t complete without DAYS!!!!!
Cute, 4ever, I love it. And, I agree. I look forward to most of what’s offered on Days, right now. (Well, not Hope’s stupid story).
I wanted to ask you, since you are an avid fan……What are the chances that Joey is Ava’s and Steve’s son? I believe that’s why she’s concocted all this. Well, weirder things have happened on Days, right? Lol. At first I thought that it was going to be another teen seduction. But, i’m starting to lean toward this new idea. Her actions do not bespeak any sexual connotations. Just a thought! Later.
I am betting that it will turn out that Joey was responsible for the accident that killed Daniel. First, notice that everyone talks about the number of cars involved in the pile up- but no details other than Eric’s drinking and close ups of Jen. The second to last time we saw Joey, Steve gave him that motorcycle, promised to give him fast track lessons, and made him promise not to tell Kayla. Then we see Joey at the Basic Black Party, getting rebuffed by Eva. The drama will unfold as Eric is exonnorated, but leaves Salem in search of redemption. Meanwhile, Stave and Kayla’s reunion will be short lived when Kayla finds out that Steve gave Joey a motorcycle without telling her- paving he way for Eva to set her plans in motion.
No chance at all, CeeCee, which is why it’s a possibility, LOL!
@4ever.
Exactly, 4ever. I’ll buy that!!
If Ava really had Steve’s baby, Chase is their son!
I am enjoying watching Days right now, next week they will renew Days for 2 years. That’s what I am hearing.
Yes, Ricardo! I feel that is happening!!!! Let’s keep supporting, let’s keep watching, let’s keep praying?
LOVE LOVE LOVE DAYS!!! To more DAYS OF OUR LIVES, to come!!!!
Goes to show;
people like action, mystery, and yes murder..
GH is having its grave dug by J&S with the horribly dull love in the afternoon, that faded out long ago..
Couples are cool, GH had great couples, that now are looking rather smoochie ridiculous.
CONGRATS !! DOOL for the writers picking up their game and delivering !
Maybe a green episode of GH will put some life into it!! LOL..
Come on…. magazine coming out green saves the magazine…I like crazy stories but this one … NOT
I think it will, tim S. That’s the whole point. Of course, it is far fetched, Lol. But the planet is going green, haven’t you heard? HaHa.
GH was still ahead of Days in the ratings and GH is doing great numbers as well. The show is so much better than when ron was writing. J&S are doing a great job, congrats to them
The actors are killing it on Days right now! The stories are great, but the writers aren’t just writing BIG stories. They are also writing all the small but emotional beats that result from the big stories. Days may just have the best writing of all the soaps right now. Y&R had an amazing day today, but GH has been disappointingly lackluster and B&B is like a cartoon version of a soap. GH needs a new editing approach with longer scenes. The show could learn a lesson or two from Days!
Days is so Dull and Boring. Nothing exciting about this Cheap Soap with cheap sets, production :&
I think the score is great. It is right up there with a motion picture thriller.
Don’t be an annoying little gnat just don’t watch it’s a good show no need of negativity
GH could learn a lesson from Days? Should they kill off Laura, Michael, Anna, and Mac for a lazy cheap temporary ratings bump? Should they sacrifice the long term all for a short term numbers surge? How about a death one week, then a funeral the next, and then keep repeating this pattern like Days? I got news for you that one trick pony gimmick will eventually run out. The fact that Days has to kill off so many characters in a very short amount of time is just flat out desperate reckless writing cause they know it’s the only way they can move out of last place for a week or two and then it’s back to status quo.
I should have been more clear – the lesson I was referring to had to do with the editing. The quick cuts on GH are too frequent. The scenes need more time to develop. I’m not a fan of numerous and gratuitous deaths, but they do give something for the actors to play if done well. Long live GH!
I couldn’t agree more… Now we have lame Theresa trying to start of clothing line… Gimme a Break!
Finally stefano is dead and for that much I hope the DiMera family. As much as I love a good villain family on a soap, for one family to do as much illegal and diabolical things as the Dimeras and nothing to happen to them such as jail just made the police/Brady’s look stupid.
Love that Hope did it. As some have said it should have been John. But amazing end to an era.
Stefano is dead; long live King Andre!!
I couldn’t disagree more. I never hated Hope, until now… pious and hypocritical. YOU DON’T KILL AN ICON LIKE STEFANO THE WAY THEY DID!!! Very disrespectful to the best actor ever on Days. So how is it a good storyline to have Hope kill a helpless, feeble and sick old man who had begun to stop all his evil?
Days of our lives is the outstanding daytime drama at the moment . You can forget about young and restless and bold and beautiful . Days of our lives is the soap to tune in right now . The writing is amazing and the acting is great . Those of you who watched Days in the 1980’s will be pleased to know that Patch and Kayla are back on and the wonderful A Martinez whom some of you will remember as Cruz Castillo from the late great soap ” Santa Barbara ” is now on Days playing a character named Eduardo !
Yeah, A Martinez is wonderful as always. I hope to see more of his nicer side in reuniting with his family and with helping John. I don’t buy him as a bad guy because he was Cruz Castillo (nice guy) for so many years.
Awesome.
But I don’t want to keep seeing murders and death.
Glad to see it! Not happy with everything going on (the destruction of Eric & Nicole, for instance) but there are enough stories and moments I like to keep me watching every day. Can’t say that about last year’s DAYS.
I can’t understand the Ericole situation, maddie.
It’s as if Nicole lost Eric because Ari Z and the tan man are cozy in real life. Dan is out, but Nicole staying could require that Eric/GV is gone too. For what it’s worth, Ericole still have it! The angst is excruciating. Maybe the plan is an Eric recast.
If they recast with Jensen Ackles, I’d be on board, LOL. DAYS has truly wasted GV and if it was so Ari and Shawn (?) could carry their real-life relationship onto the screen, it backfired. Not every real-life couple has great on-screen chemistry, in fact, hardly any of them do!
If they do an Eric recast I hope GH scoops up GV as Lucky. I liked his version of Lucky and really hate the storyline that Lucky abandoned his children. I wonder if GV would return? If I recall correctly they unceremoniously dumped him when “the real Lucky” was available.
Oh, 4ever. Nicole is left behind (as part of the cast, that is) because there is a love triangle brewing…… I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings and be repetitions ( I think I already said it, and for that I apologize), but, Brady is having dreams of sexy Nicole giving him that come hither look. HaHa.
Proof people still like drama in their daytime…as long as the writers write good stories.
Billy Flynn, Billy Flynn, Billy Flynn. That fine actor is what has me watching.
I am also enjoying the character development of Theresa by the fabulous Jen Lilley, but I hope they do not make her too goody two shoes too quickly. She needs to keep that naughty side just a bit.
I hate to say this, but the Liason/Jasam thing just might be working for GH. I was shocked to see Monday’s episode (with both Liason AND Jasam) was the highest-rated, while the Scorpio-Drake epi (my personal favorite episode in months!) was the lowest rated of the week! It’s truly mind-boggling, but Jasam and Liason have loads of fans. And as long as GH can keep ALL of them dangling and hoping, they will get them to tune in. But just how long can they keep shippers dangling before they get fed up? And what happens when they finally close the door on Liason and go with Jasam for the win? Stay tuned … or NOT.
Of course people turn in, these type of stories always bring in eyeballs, but in the end what are you going to do– keep killing people? Eventually a soap needs a solid story board with stories that are woven over time. If a soap subscribes to the Ron C form of writing, your stories have to keep getting more outlandish or out there in order to top or compete with what was done, and in the long term a soap can’t do that.
Prime time can because they have only so many episodes a year, but a daytime soap will quickly run out of steam. I know viewers hate the lull times– but honestly high impact stories like the ones Days just did will get you a bump in the ratings but long term it doesn’t help, which is why I keep saying daytime needs to stop writing for ratings and just write– quality writing will bring in the viewers without having to resort to cheap melodrama that like fireworks are dazzling while it lasts, but soon fades away leaving nothing– and then you lose the audience you just gained.
So happy for Days. Hope the renewal announcement comes soon!
I watched because I was curious to see how all was going to happen, but as other have said I hope they move away from all the death. Hard to keep watching everyone so sad. Romance, Mystery, Intrigue and adventure are fine from here on in. I think that all the actors have done an excellent job. They have a strong cast now, so they need to keep giving them good storylines to perform. I agree that Chad – Billy Flynn has stepped out as a strong and leading character. Kudos to him. Look forward to seeing more.
Congratulations to the cast, writers, crew, producers, directors, etc. for once again turning Days around. I hope they can keep it up.
Billy Flynn, Stephen & Mary Beth are about the only three I am watching for. I dont like this stupid Hope story or how they killed Stefano off, John searching for his parents ran its course a long time ago, not interested in Theresa or her screeching, lame bad actors in the teen storyline, and a new dearh every week. I’m not sure I want to juggle Days & GH but then again GH has had its dull days too! What we need are fresh writers snd more original storytelling.
*death*
Congrats Days, well deserved! With these healthy ratings and demos NBC/Sony would be smart to keep Days on at least for another two years. According to rumors it’s already happening and I hope so!
Yes, well played by DAYS, they won, jointly won top honors last year for Best Drama, they will WIN again this Spring. Word on the street is a renewal is in the works? That’s fabulous. They deserve to live another two years. Hopefully, we’ll know for sure middle/late of next week.
I am watching because Vincent I starts on Monday….I think. He does evil very well. He is suppose to have a close connection to the DiMera family. Really looking forward to seeing him back on the screen, causing problems. I am totally enjoying Michael Knight on Y&R. Sure wish there was a way to get Susan Lucci back. Yes, still missing All My Children.
I can barely make myself keep watching this show. It all death and destruction all day every day! If I want to see that I can watch the nightly news. What happened to love in the afternoon? I have lost track of how many have been killed in the last year!
I’m not sure why people are tuning in for death and sadness. I’m about ready to turn the channel if it doesn’t get better soon. This is not my DOOL. I want to see family, love, happiness not murdering the entire town.
The way they killed Stefano off was extremely aweful writing!!! I mean this guy was an icon and this is the way you treat him? Why not have him go away to an island or something? To have him shot by the pious and hypocritical Hope was pathetic. He was my favorite character ever and deserved a better exit!!!!