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Ron Carlivati Reveals When Days of our Lives Episodes From His Head Writing Regime Resume Streaming

By Michael Fairman

Published

2 years ago

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Photo: JPI

Days of our Lives viewers have not been watching material from head writer Ron Carlivati and his writing team for many months. Well, things are about to change.

Circle this Friday, May 31st when the first new script from Carlivati and company will stream on the Peacock soap opera. If you recall, Carlivati had to step away from the writing gig at DAYS due to the writer’s strike, but because the soap tapes at least seven months ahead of air, it is only now that fans will see how the stories shift or finish out that were started by Carlivati.

According to Ron’s conversation with TV Insider, when Carlivati and his team resumed writing the show in late October of 2023, the stories were already written well into 2024. Carlivati explained, “For me, as of us talking right now, the (replacement writers’ material) is still airing, so that has been very tough. I’m just very anxious and eager for our stuff to start airing again.”

Photo: JPI

Ron explained before the writer’s strike, he and his scribes had written up through the 2023 Thanksgiving episodes. Speaking on how the replacement writers tried to handle stepping in for the regular team, Ron expressed, “I think what they tried to do was move things slowly in the hopes that the strike would end and respect where my storylines were so that I could play them off when we came back. Unfortunately, the strike dragged on, so I understand that the show needed to make story decisions.”

The award-winning writer made clear that, “from January to May (2024), those were not my stories. I had nothing to do with those.”

Having lived through a writer’s strike before (when he was at One Life to Live in 2008), Carlivati explained how he dealt with coming back and adjusting the stories including that the plan was to, “blow things up, jettison anything that I did not like, and get back to a show that I understand and can enjoy and tell. ”

Photo: JPI

Look for a Carlivati-style ‘wink-wink’ on Friday’s episode. As he puts it, “I did want to make it clear that this was the line of demarcation, that the writers were back and there was a change happening. We have a little nod or two to what was going on in the first day and I think it will be very obvious and clear to the savvy viewer. Luckily, story-wise, certain things were coming to a head already.”

Photo: JPI

Stay tuned for how Ron resolves a Sloan and Nicole showdown, how Eric will find out he is Jude’s true baby daddy, what happens when the new Gabi returns from Salem from out of the slammer, the Maggie/Konstantin wedding, payback time for Theresa and more.

In addition, and as previously reported, when Carlivati returned, he crafted the series 15,000th episode which is set to air in early December, and will also pay tribute to the late Bill Hayes with the passing of his on-screen beloved character, Doug Williams.

So, glad to know Ron and his team’s material will start to reveal itself this Friday and moving forward on DAYS? Comment below.

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Never understood taping so far in advance. If a storyline is a bust they can’t do course corrections for almost a year. Maybe they should just take 5 months off and not tape that they can do what others do and tape 6-8 weeks.

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Apparently, it has to do with cost-saving measures. But that doesn’t make sense to me either because if that were the case, all soaps would do it.

DAYS needs a complete overhaul, anyway. None of the current stories are interesting to me, many of the characters are insufferable (Konstantin, Theresa, Sloan), and many of the characters I really liked (Ben, Ciara, Shawn, Belle, Abigail, soon to be Nicole) are not on the canvas. Hopefully this change in pace will be a good thing for the show.

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If you tape that far in advance, you can do a lot of the OTHER production stuff in batches, as opposed to producing and finalizing each episode, one after the other, in real time.

This is an imperfect analogy, but think of it like making a new lunch every day vs. making them in advance each month. Yes, it means sacrifices (you won’t have as many fresh/perishable things,you can’t change things up if you find you get sick of a specific meal, etc.) BUT it also means you can save by buying things in bulk at Costco rather than going to the store daily/weekly. It means you can spend a hard weekend getting 30 meals ready vs. having to make time each day to do it, etc. (This is especially important in production, where certain roles are paid by the day, whether they work all day or just part of one, and doing things in batches vs. daily can be the difference between having to hire full-time employees to do a job — which is very expensive – vs. hiring people to do the work as a project when you have enough work for them and letting them go off and do other work in the meantime, which is much cheaper.)

It’s not ideal for several reasons, but it is much, much cheaper. DAYS has a far, far lower budget than the other soaps (which is why they reuse sets more often and refresh them less often, and no longer shoot outside). That’s why you don’t see the same issues on other shows. DAYS had to cut and cut just to get renewed and found something that worked for them, striking the balance.

Believe me, every person on DAYS would love to go back to a conventional schedule for many reasons (though I suspect they do enjoy the longer dark periods and time away that I’ve heard comes with this schedule) but most are resigned this is what was needed to save the show. I respect that, as I really do want to see the show stick around.

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yeah, but the other soaps have something resembling a budget and they’re not so desperate to save money. Days is. The other shows clearly feel that they’d rather save money somewhere else, given the choice. Days does not have that choice.

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The problem with the 5-month off suggestion is that cast and crew have to get paid or released from their contracts (laid off).

DAYS had the easy solution to this in 2020 when all TV production shut down for 4 months. Instead of adjusting the pace of shooting then, they were able to get to a 7-month advance in short time.

GH, can be at a max is 8 weeks ahead (prior to summer and winter breaks) and occasionally airs some scenes 3 weeks after shooting.

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Having several months of episodes in the can should have been used to their advantage during the strike, and they should have just used up those episodes and taken a few months off, rather than use scab writers at all. Days, of course, was able to keep new episodes on the air during the 2020 COVID shutdown, and in the end, only had to do about two weeks of reruns before resuming production, though the last few weeks before that had epsiodes that were “padded” heavily with flashbacks, even some scenes that aired more than once in the same episode.

On the other horn, we’re seeing baby swaps and DID stories in Salem right now. Those aren’t ReRon’s writing??

Reply

They aren’t. He knows what people are thinking, which is why, I think, he’s making very clear he had scripts written through Thanksgiving and outlines through Christmas, but everything from early January to today, plotwise, was the scab writers.

When he returned he had weeks of scripts that were already in progress in terms of shooting/production. At best, he could make a few tweaks. His and the true writing team’s stuff starts tomorrow.

It’s easy to credit a writer we love or blame a writer we don’t for stuff we like or don’t. But put simply — and legally: union contracts are no joke and people don’t work at all when they are on strike, not even “behind the scenes” — the stuff from January to today was scab plot and dialogue and Friday is when Ron’s plotting resumes (though even that will have to involve him transitioning out of the existing stories, and working with the cast/contracted actors already in place, as when a new writer takes over).

I’d expect pure Ron stories to start in six weeks or so, by then some contract cycles will be up and Zucker and Burton’s non-story dictated exits will be handled (allowing for the characters on the canvas to start shifting) and all the previous stories will be wrapped up (even if they have repercussions), giving him a clear runway.

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I love Mr. Carlivati as a writer but to be honest I liked a lot of the replacement writers work. It was less camp, more generational, slower paced and more adult. I loved the EJ Nicole relationship and the Holly Nicole Brady Tate Theresa parenting vibes as well as the Holly Tate story. It was great to see teens on the soap again. Great to see less Kristen. I even like the Maggie Constantine story because we get to see mature actors in a real storyline other than worrying about their adult children and being clueless. So I hope he doesn’t come in and whack all of the replacement writers work just because he can and because he hates the scabs and because it will only alienate the fans.

Doug Marland once said as newly hired soap writer you should take your time before you make a lot of dramatic changes because what you think on first glance may not be working the fans may have different ideas. I know this is a different situation but i cannot lie some of their work was good. The times are grim and we all want a return to more realistic, intergenerational family drama.

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I agree with you on a lot, but the show was too slow for me, too repetitive, and weeks went by where nothing of significance happened. The scabs also didn’t use or refer to history as much as they could have (a strength of Ron’s) and missed some big opportunities, such as making the burning and rebuilding of the Horton house a non-event.

Holly and Nicole has been interesting and I agree completely about the value of intergenerational storytelling. But I would like a little more plot and payoff. If Ron can strike a balance, I’d prefer him.

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Can’t wait for Ron’s material to start airing again. For the most part, the last several months have been kind of rough to watch. I’m anxious to see Xander finally learn the truth about being Victor’s true son and heir, kick Alex to the curb and make Theresa pay for her conspiracy with Konstantin, including kidnapping his daughter. I also want Shane to find out how she betrayed his trust wnen she tampered with Victor’s will after he left it with her. Nothing against EOB, but this character, IMO, has been completely ruined. I find her unwatchable. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I’d rather see Gwen return. I found her much more interesting.

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Rumor down here in Hell is that Xander’s mother will be coming to Salem for his wedding, and obviously she will know the truth about who his father was. I’m thinking she may not be aware that Victor intended to tell the truth about being Xander’s father in his final will & testament, but when she gets to town and finds out that Alex is passing himself off as the heir, things will “click” in her mind and she will realize her son’s being cheated.

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They went to the trouble of burning the Horton House in order to buy a new couch? At least they pretended to rebuild the house and not move them into that three wall condo/bedroom set that everyone else lives in.

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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?

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2 hours ago

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October 2, 2026

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Days of our Lives Preview

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.

Kristen and Sophia Diner

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.

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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

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1 day ago

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October 1, 2026

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Tajh Bellow

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.”

Tyler Joseph Andrews and Cherie Jimenez

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.

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Days Of Our Lives

REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract

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2 days ago

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September 30, 2026

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Days of our Lives cast

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.

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