Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives Serves Up The Rafesode!

Courtesy/NBC
On Wednesday’s episode of Days of our Lives, another standalone character-centric show was the order of the day. This time featuring Galen Gering as the heroic Rafe Hernandez.
As Hope (Kristian Alfonso) and Rafe are trapped in the tunnel under Stefano’s old house in a devious plot set in motion by Andre DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), Rafe is in and out of consciousness. He is plaqued with nightmares and wrestling with his guilt over Hope being in this predicament as she hangs on to life by a thread.
Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove) and Andre are the first people Rafe encounters during his hallucinations as a gloating duo. Aiden is wearing a red tie, which eventually Rafe uses to try to strangle him with. In turn, Andre laughs the whole thing off expressing, “Is that all you got?” He goes on to say the only person Rafe is capable of killing is “the woman he loves.”

Courtesy/NBC
Later during his hallucinations, Rafe sees his father Eduardo (A Martinez), who encourages his son to be strong and to use the gun he brought to avenge Hope! Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer) show up too, both asking why Rafe let this happen extolling, “You promised our dad you’d take care of her.”  Next appears Rafe’s brother Dario (Jordi Vilasuso), who urges Rafe to get on with his life. Rafe’s mother, Adrianna (Alma Delfina) comes to him next. Rafe tells his mother she should have approved of Hope, and now she is gone! Suddenly Gabi (Camila Banus) appears and they both tell Rafe that Hope’s fate is actually in his hands.
But then to really make Rafe feel even worse than he does, Hope’s father Doug (Bill Hayes) appears and blames Rafe for allowing Aiden to enter back into Hope’s orbit. Finally having enough guilt and anger built up inside of him, Rafe takes the gun and shoots both Aiden and Andre. The room is now full with everyone rallying around Rafe. Doug says to go to Hope. He does, and the lovebirds profess their love for each other before Hope dies.

Courtesy/NBC
Back in reality, Rafe wakes up and checks on Hope and has to find a way for them to get out of their predicament, or surely die. Rafe goes to try to break the door down, while Hope dreams of kissing Rafe. Finally, Rafe using a rock to get the door open and to break the lock which he sucessfully does! He screams for help as the episode concludes.
What did you think of DAYS Rafesode? Did it engage you, or was it a dissapointment? What did you think of the performances? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
While it was somewhat entertaining, it was also contrived and a bit tedious. However it was a perfect opportunity to film an entire episode in the dark which seems to be their preferred go-to mode. Soon Days will just be a black screen with audio.
I loved the episode and all the performances. Galen Gering was absolutely top notch.
Once was awesome; twice was cute; three times is overkill. I’m over these one-off episodes at this point. It’s becoming a stale waste.
I suspect you’ll see more and more of these type of episodes with Days. It’s yet another budget-cutting type of episode.
SMH
It was ok but once again too dark and violent!!!…every episode is someone trying to physical harm another person …hallucination or not Rafe strangles Aiden..show needs lighter moments to balance it all out…i remember Doug and Robert doing those comical hospital fundraisers with other cast members.-guess stuff like that too difficult to write anymore…suppose Kristen survived window fall and returned and had the Brady baby kidnap and will be responsible for Teressa’s death…then next Caroline takes an ax and chops up Maggie and serve her remains in the Brady’s famous clam chowder so she can have Victor!!!
Stop, Jimmy. You are killing me. Can’t stop laughing.
I can actually see Caroline chopping Maggie up during one of her episodes. When will she announce her pregnancy with Victor’s child?
Poor Rafe and Hope….how many times can these people take a hit? What a way to live.
Caroline mistakes her pregnancy for irritable bowl syndrome, unaware she is pregnant while having visions of Rosemary’s Baby!!!-lol
Caroline will become Lizzie Borden lol.Love your posts
when is the story going to start about Rafe being adopted?
Hmmm, interesting, vinee. Rafe DOES look different from the rest of his family….it’s like, “One of these things doesn’t belong here…”.
I liked it, hopefully you’ll get rid of demara & aiden, sick of demara & his plots. Please get rid of him!
It was a new low in daytime tv. I am embarrassed for this show. Dena Higley and her Rafe obsession is insane. He is on every day. He did not need a stand alone episode. I didn’t even watch but the tweets said it all. It was 99% hate. I’m done watching the Rafe show. Where are the other cast who can actually act? Took this show off my DVR yesterday. It’s just sad it has come to this but why watch when we see nothing but Rafe and Hope? Will start watching GH again now.
It was an exercise in tedium to even watch this episode – it was so drawn out, with pasted together clips of flashbacks of Hope and Rafe which we DON’T need – the dream sequence(s) were sooo boring and inane.
I wish that there was a way to FF on the NBC app, I could have skipped this entire episode – it told us nothing. We KNOW Hope will be all right, we KNOW they will be rescued, it’s like, geez GET ON with it already! The writers should all be booted off this show and replaced with fans LoL – I’m partially kidding but the writing is just absolutely dreadful.
I would rather have a sprinkling of several storylines then have one long dream sequence centered around one character – I don’t dislike Rafe nor do I dislike the actor portraying him but it was really much too contrived and not compelling at all.
I enjoyed the episode as am a longtime Hope fan and I like the sweet romance of R & H. The Re are an bases who create the negative because they are not getting what they want! As a longtime Days fan, I take the bad and the good! I really enjoyed the Rafe episode as I enjoyed some of the other stand alone episodes! And there are a lot of positive comments re the episode!
Jane, you are more than entitled to your opinion but according to the DOOL FB page, and according to the comments here for the most part, viewers found this episode to be too long and drawn out.
Okay, that being said, the writing team really needs to get on the stick and come up with something more original than “guess what, Hope is in peril for the 100th time” and will Rafe get her out in time – which of course he would – and his crawling out of that so called dungeon which led to Chad’s living room was beyond laughable.
The problem is, I have never found Rafe interesting. Okay, occasionally, I slightly find him interesting but only when he is part of someone else’s story – like supporting role. Otherwise, he bores me to tears. As a result, I have no use for his family – his dad and his brother have done NOTHING since coming to the canvas except be cohorts in other people’s story lines. His mom works my last nerve. Gabi – Gabi I like but she’s been a bit player since coming back to the show and she’s been missing for weeks.
This Rafe/Hope standalone was ff material for me. Watched a total of about five minutes of it.
I like Rafe and Galen Gering. But, that episode was overkill and did nothing to advance the story line which desperately needs advancing. We already know Rafe has a severe Sir Galahad complex plus overwhelming guilt about not being able to protect the people he loves. Nothing new was added. The show needs to make progress in story telling.
That’s putting it kindly – this show needs help desperately. The writing is absolutely dreadful – and while soaps can be rather “drawn out” this show brings new meaning to that expression. It moves at a snail’s pace –
Also, although I’ve said this for a long time – they need some new Sets. How many times can they meet “outside” in Fake Leaf Park – where there is never so much as a breeze?
“Fake Leaf Park” I love it. That’s my pet peeve too. It is definitely a multi-use space. Good for funerals, psychotherapy sessions, plotting crimes, romantic interludes, dying of brain tumors, falls from cliffs, and discussing your most personal business. Every time I see that pitiful, disgusting park, I go nuts. However, we should prepare ourselves. We’ll probably be seeing a lot more of it in the future. They had to spend a couple of dollars for the bomb blast basement and tunnels.
A few things…
1. The name of the episode ALONE was RIDICULOUS…’Rafesode’…OH, BLAH!!!!!
2. The entire episode was RIDICULOUS…PERIOD!!!!!
3. To me, Rafe is FAR FROM HEROIC!!!!! N-o.
4. At this point, Rafe does nothing but annoy me.
5. Most of all, if DOOL is trying to get cancelled, well, then, it is ‘sadly succeeding’. Truly lame.
Tick Tock, Tick Tock……….
You know why, don’t you, Jay? Rafe is fine when not around Hope. She brings him down like an anchor, in the deep Black Sea.
I really thought he and Claudia had something ‘oomphy’…..they connected….felt sparks going. She’s young and bubbly and beautiful. Now, a little mystery is being ‘explored’ with her past. Isn’t that always the case? Same old sing-song: a mean boyfriend is after her…LOL.
Hope’s aura is sooo dark, she influences Rafe’s moods; thus, he picks up her vibe and becomes droll and annoying. She is a grandmother; can’t ‘they’ match her up with one of Claire’ friend’s grandfather?
Rafe needs a life and it isn’t with nanna.
Tick; Tock is right on, my friend!
Celia…ever since Bo died, Hope has TOTALLY lost her way. Also, more and more, Hope is making an absolute fool out of herself (cougar-wise). Most of all, since Hope is (supposed) to be a grandmother, she needs to start acting/behaving like one. Just saying……….
Later, my friend.
Dαчѕ σf σur LÃvєѕ should stop having character centric episodes because there’s not much to watch if someone doesn’t like the character(s) featured. There should be something for everyone. However, I did like the episode.
LOVE Rafe! I’m rooting for Hope and Rafe as a couple– I think they have chemistry. Cannot stand Aiden and Daniel is a wonderful actor one can love to hate. But I’m ready to see him take his son and leave town already…too much dark drama with those two!
I turned it off half way through. Galen Gering is not a strong enough actor to carry a whole episode. I guess that’s why they had to bring in all the other actors for it. I find myself watching less and less. They are determined to use Gering as some sort of leading man. Every time I turn on the show there is Rafe and Hope. Then I turn it off. I have decided to not even bother to turn it on anymore. After 20+ years of watching, I’m done.
Didn’t like it. Especially when he shot Aiden. Too much of this. I saw Dead Aiden’s eyes blink.
They need to dial down on these character centric episodes.
LoL I did too!! Isn’t that funny, I saw his eyes blink when he was supposed to be dead – the episode was much too drawn out and the dream sequence was idiotic.
Also, this is off the track, how come sometimes Andre has a scar on his cheek some episodes and in others he does not? Don’t the make up people believe in continuity?
This show has become such a disappointment. I used to enjoy the one hour escape from my busy day to watch. Sadly, it has become a chore. I’m so tired of seeing the Rafe character. It is so obvious with the heavy handed writing that they are trying to make him some kind of leading man hero. I find it offensive that they force this character to no end. There are other cast who deserve air time. I used to like Hope but she has become unwatchable for me. The final straw for me was this stand alone episode. I knew it was coming so I didn’t watch. Nor did I watch any of the bomb nonsense. It was no big deal to tune out and I didn’t miss it. Therefore, I am tuning out permanently. I hope the show is not cancelled for those who still watch but it will not bother me if it is.
I absolutely loved it. I thought that Galen Gering was fantastic. I will never understand the Rafe-hate because I think that the character is awesome, a true hero. I’ve been a little slow jumping on the Rafe/Hope train, but Wednesday’s episode made me excited about where this couple could go.
Of all the characters on this show he gets a solo episode? What about the vets or others who can actually act? What was the point of it? Rafe had a dream? I didn’t watch as I have no interest in this character. Actually, I have no interest in this show anymore. Only caught a couple episodes in the last few weeks. Rafe Of Our Lives has turned me off for good. Deleted from PVR and put GH on there instead.
that show was frighteningly bad. I think Galen Gering is the hottest thing but he can only act off good actors (actresses) – the woman cast as his mother who is supposedly some great telenvela actress is god awful. The stereotypical spansih crap is an insult. Is Dena Higley going for good??
regretfully… I do not like her presence, either
it’s hard to understand her…. has she had “any” conflict with any one of her children at all yet ?
I certainly cant’ see … what Eduardo saw in her
it’s no wonder he high tailed it outa “mehico” to be with Eve
I can’t see her character interacting with any one else on the cast ?
perhaps Abe ? or Roman ?
some one ( post ) stated…. that their could be a possible storyline.. that Rafe is adopted ?
DAYS needs to go back to just Rafe and Gabs…. plus Arianna Grace
if Eve is hired back on contract… then certainly…. YES their was steam tension fireworks easy rapport… between Eve and Eduardo…
would have been a great threesome… between Eve / Justin / Eduardo YUM
Yes! DePalva really turned it on by the end of her run. Killing off her daughter was stupid. Do you know if Higley is staying? She needs to be tossed into the Dimera tunnels!
BTW – no one has mentioned John’s ridiculous wig recently – what the hell is up with that??????
As much as Drake can’t act either – he is a core character. I met him once and he is stunning in real life (altho very short lol). Also a super nice guy. AND PLEASE take that stupid beard off the father!!!!! I think they should have a Maggie stand alone episode – she killed it the other day!
I’m sorry, but it was just terrible. I actually turned it off after about 15 min when I realized that would be the whole show. I’m afraid for the future of Days if this is what they consider is even worth airing. It should never had made it to air. Unless you are a die hard Rafe fan, what was the point? Can’t believe he has that many fans to warrant a whole episode with really no point. Pretty much done with this show. It seems they want to make it all about Rafe, his family, his love life….his dreams. Just not here for it. I hear General Hospital is worth watching. Going to try that.
It really and truly was awful, impossible to sit through, and when it was over a sighed thank God THAT’S over –
Tired of this character. He is supporting at best and surely not a lead. I turned it off. That’s all I have to say.
I didn’t see it. But I am a fan of the stand alone shows. They are well produced, the directing, pacing, and music is usually very unique. They also give us glimpses and psychologically insightful writing that soaps rarely do anymore. I would rather these one hit shows be focused on beloved veterans as sort of a 50th Anniversary Season reward for the lo ng time cast members. Maybe because I have never gotten the character of Rafe, I can NOT understand the countless regimes who seem to find this character fascinating, and the continual attempts to anchor him into the show with a family. I get that there was a NBC ordered mandate to make room for and hire Passions actors after that piece of trash was cancelled. Eric Martsolf has been a soaring success as Brady! Galen Gering and Lindsay Hartley, not so much. But all in all, I hope Days does these shows once a month or two. It is a change of pace and they usually result in GREAT acting, as in the case of 2017 Supporting Actress Emmy winner Melissa Reeves for her Star Turn in her stand alone!
Galen Gering is… “Rafe’alicious ”
his yum factor is at best mesmerizing
OK… I think he’s in the same realm of a current day Cary Grant
OK
OK
I stretch
thus far…
I liken Billy Miller… GH Jason…to current day… George Peppard
I liken Greg Vaughan… DOOL Eric Brady… to current day…William Holden
I liken this character to Dudley Do Right.
Dudley Do Rafe….
A cartoon character.
In 8 years he has failed to bring anything substantial to the show. They just keep shuffling him around without success.
If I truly had my way
Robert Mitchum would be in my dreams
Rafe is a beloved character we would love to see more of. I was thrilled to see a whole episode about him. Galen’s acting was superb. He shows emotion the very best. But I would rather have seen more reality and less dreaming.
Galen Gering he was okay but I liked him better when Passions was on.I don’t know this story kind of bored me to death.
It was good I love rafe in hope there cut couple hope deserves Emmy
Plus when he (Rafe) climbed up through the so called hidden tunnel and wound up in Chad’s Living room that was so ridiculous I laughed out loud and I seldom do that watching this boring show.
Had to turn it off! This episode didn’t work!
As I said before it didn’t do a thing for me.Gee when is Days going to stop being so dull and boring?.This show needs to bring back some of the old characters just to liven it up some.I wouldn’t mind seeing Vivian,and Lurch again.Now she made the show.Also Susan use to crack me up.Please add some kind of humor to this show.Or something. I bet the posters here could write a better show.I cant believe they renewed it ,surprise it is still on .How about some action . I mean it s getting tired some watching this show drag its feet. One question who do you believe Rafe will end up with? Yet with all this said I still watch it.hoping something exciting will happen. Still this show needs help I think the new writers ruined it. Hey I wouldn’t even mind seeing even Eugene . but this is just my opinion..
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.
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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.
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