Christmas in Salem came bearing gifts to Days of our Lives, as the audience was tuning-in to see what happened to Julie, Gabi, Abigail and a host of other Salemites.  In the latest ratings for the week of December 24-28th, which was the last full week of 2018 for television, DAYS moved on up in several key ratings categories.

First, DAYS overtook GH to gain the number three position in total viewers gaining (+196,000) from the previous week.  In addition, DAYS moved into the number two slot in the key 18-49 female demo, ahead of both The Bold and the Beautiful and GH.

The long-running NBC soap opera also landed at number three in the 18-34 demo, while ending up in the number two slot in the 25-54 female demo, as well.

The Young and the Restless also bounced back from an abyssal week, prior.  Y&R gained the most total viewers for the week netting +344,000, and did pick up viewers in all key demos.  The Bold and the Beautiful also fared well for the week in total viewers; adding +196,000, the same amount as DAYS.

General Hospital garnered +2,000 additional viewers for the week, and also added viewers for the week in demos 18-49 and 25-54, but found itself in fourth in total overall viewers.

Of note: repeats and episodes that did not count in the ratings system did weigh-in to final figures for the week from Nielsen.  To see the entire ratings picture via SON click here.

(Compared to Last Week/Compared to Last Year)

Total Viewers
1. Y&R 4,314,000 (+344,000/-487,000)
2. B&B 3,379,000 (+196,000/-414,000)
3. DAYS 2,412,000 (+196,000/-85,000)
4. GH 2,318,000 (+2,000/-436,000)

Women 18-49 Viewers
1. Y&R 442,000 (+42,000/-67,000)
2. DAYS 404,000 (+76,000/+40,000)
3. GH 364,000 (+33,000/-52,000)
4. B&B 347,000 (+18,000/-51,000)

So, what did you think of the ratings performance of DAYS? Which soap opera is delivering the best drama for you right now? Which is not? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.

This week on Days of our Lives; after two bombshells about her boyfriend surface, Ciara (Victoria Konefal) is not pleased.  First, she learns he was the guy that kidnapped Gabi (Camila Banus) and brought him to Stefan (Tyler Christopher).  Later, Ciara overhears a key conversation that does not sit well with her … at all.  Is it curtains for #Cin?

Meanwhile, Xander (Paul Telfer) intends to move back into the Kiriakis mansion, now that he has ammunition in that flash drive thanks to Eve (Kassie DePaivba) on Titan. Looks like Leo’s (Greg Rikaart) new housemate might become quite the ally to take down the entire family for their own gain.

Chad (Billy Flynn) is trying to do everything he can to make Abigail (Kate Mansi) forgive him, and what he does for her is quite special. But what could it be?

And, we learn that Haley (Thia Megia) has ties to Salem and an explosive secret.

Check out the latest DAYS promo from NBC for the action this week in Salem and then these other teasers below:

Monday, January 7

Jack runs into Kayla and discovers a dark moment from his past.

Tuesday, January 8

Julie helps Chad plan a special date with Abigail.

Wednesday, January 9

Leo meets Xander for the first time — and is immediately smitten.

Thursday, January 10

Eric reveals he’s made a decision about Holly’s custody case.

Friday, January 11

Brady and Chloe share a close moment.

Xander and Leo team up to take over, and Haley has a secret. Watch #DAYS, weekdays on NBC. pic.twitter.com/LGks6xugLY

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) January 4, 2019

Now, which storyline are you most intrigued by this week on DAYS? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.