Days Of Our Lives
THE DAILY BEAST: How The Daytime Soap Came Back From The Dead!
Courtesy/CBS
In another great piece from the mainstream media on the current state of the once ailing daytime drama genre, The Daily Beast’s Tim Teeman looks at the soap opera resurgence that has emerged since the cancellations of four major network soap operas over the last five years.
Senior Vice President, CBS Daytime’s Angelica McDaniel was interviewed for the piece where she offered up: “Soaps are thriving. You can see that in primetime too, with the success of shows like Scandal, Revenge and the return of Dallas.”
Stephanie Sloane, Editorial Director of Soap Opera Digest, related that a significant factor is that viewers left bereft after the cancellation of a favorite show have migrated en masse to one of the four survivors. To help fans grieving One Life To Live in particular, ABC has thoughtfully exported many of the core cast to General Hospital. “The predictions of the death of the daytime soap were greatly exaggerated,” Sloane says. “People still want to see storytelling in daytime. The cancellation of the other shows might have made people think that no show was safe, so they have passionately turned out—and daytime soap opera fans are the most passionate fans of any TV genre—to support these shows, to keep them on air. Soaps are the only place where you can see this dramatic kind of storytelling on air every day, all year round.”
As for what the future holds, McDaniel weighed-in by saying, “You can’t take anything for granted, or you get stuck. I just implore fans and viewers to support these shows. The truth is, the longer they support them, the longer they’ll stay on the air.” Stephanie Sloane commented, “As long as the writers and producers keep it fresh, the future of daytime soaps is secure. The thing is, people like to be told stories, and daytime is one of the few places where they can hear them every day.”
So, what do you think about the state of the soaps? Do you think we are now on the path for longer survival? Or, is each soap only as good as its last storyline, where as we have seen in the past anything is possible, even the most beloved soaps could be wiped off the map? Comment below!
Days Of Our Lives
‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Franco LoPresti Opens Up About ‘Days of our Lives’ Debut as Dante Vitali
Next week on Monday, September 14 will mark the first appearance in Salem of Franco LoPresti in his new Days of our Lives role of Dante Vitali.
Heated Rivalry fans now LoPresti very well from his part as hockey player Cliff Marleau in the series first season. (No word yet if Cliff appears in season 2).
Now in a conversation with TV Insider, DAYS fans will learn that LoPresti is on the soap for a limited run. No timetable was given.
Photo: Corday Productions, Inc
When LoPresti does burst onto the scene come Monday, Dante makes quite the impact as Franco LoPresti explains. It seems that viewers will first see him in scenes in Monte Carlo at a poker table with none other than Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier). However, Dante will come to Salem to talk to the Brady family about his supposed fiancée Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney).
Franco shared, “Dante was born and grew up in Italy and educated at this pretty top-tier English boarding school. He then went on to build his own dynasty in finance, all the while trying to distance himself from the Vitali name (as viewers know Tamara Braun played his cousin Ava Vitali).”
“But at the core of Dante, there’s definitely an old-school quality to him”, continued LoPresti. “He’s super passionate, he’s sincere and incredibly generous, but he’s also someone that you probably shouldn’t underestimate. Loyalty is something that means a lot to him. As Dante enters Salem, I think the audience will get to slowly peel back those layers and discover what’s really driving him. So, I’m excited for Days fans to go on that ride with Dante.”
Photo: Almay
As it turns out, LoPresti taped his episodes of DAYS starting back in November 2025 which happened to be weeks before Heated Rivalry became a smash hit.
Franco recalled, “It’s so funny because I thought my episodes would air in a month (on Days of our Lives). But I found out it was nine to 10 months and I was like, ‘I gotta wait that long?!’ So, I’ve been biting my nails, trying not to think about it, and I think it’s actually kind of helped because now it’s here and it’s all coming at me from all different angles. I’m nervous. I’m excited, and I just can’t wait to see it all come together. It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for sure.”
In his personal life, Franco just had his first child with wife, actress Emily Alatalo, just a weeks ago on August 23rd when they welcomed their daughter, Stella into the world.
So, looking forward to seeing Franco LoPresti’s debut come Monday? What do you think about the fact that it’s being reported as a limited run? Do you think Dante and Sami have a chance on-screen or off-screen to be a happy couple? What do you really think brings Dante to Salem sans Sami? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
In a metaphor for the start of the school year and their upcoming anniversary in November, Days of our Lives revealed its “Class of Season 62,” with a very clever yearbook montage on their social media handles, welcoming new cast members, while paying respect to the veterans and “class”-iying the other characters in Salem.
The official Days of our Lives Instagram account shared on the posting, “The Class of Salem Season 62 has arrived. Familiar faces, new names and plenty of personality. Flip through our yearbook for a peek at this year’s class.”
Let’s take a look at how they broke it all down: The Salem Yearbook starts with saying “another unforgettable season,” with some group pics, and then we dovetail into Salem’s new class which features: Sydney Malakeh (Sydney DiMera), Brandon Butler (Mason Whitfield), Angelica Nero (Victoria Kiriakis), Cole Gersmeyer (Thomas DiMera) and Lorelei Olivia Mote (Rachel Black).
Photo: Days of our Lives
Next up, are the likes of: Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), John-Paul Lavoisier (Philip Kiriakis), Tyler Joseph Andrews (Theo Carver) and LeeAnn Hopkins (Joy Wesley). Then, in the “Drama Club” section are: Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera) and AnnaLynne Cipriani (Cat Greene).
Following the ‘Recess” section with some group snaps, comes “Homeroom Highlights” with: Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), Rob Scott Wilson (Alex Kiriakis), Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant).
The “Salem Spectator” section features: Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera), Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark), Stowers again, and Ashely Puzemis (Holly Jonas). In the “Afternoon Sweets” section look for: Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) and Linsey Godfey (Sarah Horton), Emily O’ Brien (Gwen Rizchech), Stacy Haiduk (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks), Brandon Beemer (Shawn Brady), plus Jackée Harry (Paulina Price).
Towards the end of the yearbook, veteran performers such as: Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Johnson), Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson), Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) and Josh Taylor (Roman Brady) are featured, plus Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), James Reynolds (Abe Carver) and Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux), Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) and Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Kiraikis) with her on-screen daughter, Linsey Godfrey.
The Salem Yearbook comes to a conclusion noting “Big things happening in Salem” and to tune-in on Peacock, where we also find Jacob Martinez (Javi Hernandez), Maggie Carney (Rita Lesley), and a host of other favorites previewing what’s to come this fall.
So, what do you think of the Days of our Lives Class of Season 62? Looking forward to seeing what happens in Salem? Did you like the yearbook concept for promotional tune-in? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of our Lives’ Head Writers Give Fall 2026 Preview: Marlena and Stefano’s Chess Mystery, The Arrivals of Dante and Sydney, Romance Drama for Sarah and Others
As summer comes to a close with Labor Day weekend, the former Days of our Lives co-head writing duo of Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford have given their annual fall season preview in episodes taped some 10-11 months ago.
As previously reported this past July, Ryan Quan returned to Days of our Lives and is now co-head writing the show with Ford, while Cwikly is now a consultant. The new co-head writing teams stories will not be seen till late spring/early summer 2027.
So for now, the stories pick up from where we left off with Cwikly and Ford promising via TV Insider, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises. Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”
Photo: JPI
CHECKMATE?
In one of the top mystery’s, Marlena is still having troubling memories and she will have another one on the Monday, September 7 episode. Meanwhile, her daughter Belle (Martha Madison) has gotten very close to Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) and as pictured here, the two smooch while in Italy searching for answers to the chess set that Stefano DiMera gifted th the late John Black and Marlena (Deidre Hall) that has some significance.
The head scribes share, “The (chess board) mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”
Newcomers are also the order of the day for Cwikly and Ford, this fall. We have already seen the debut as Brandon Butler as Mason Whitfield, and next week you can add as previously reported Sydney Malakeh on the Thursday September 1o episode as Sydney DiMera, followed by the the Monday, September 14 arrival of Franco LoPresti as Dante Vitali.
Photo: Corday Productions
Paula and Jeanne Marie expressed on the incoming Dante, “The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.” What will Dante be up to? We know Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) had mentioned in 2025 she got engaged to the man, but that was off-screen.
LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH OR THE ONE YOU WANT?
In the romance department, the triangle between Brady/Sarah/Xander heats up with a very conflicted Sarah (Linsey Godfrey). The head writers reveal, “When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander (Paul Telfer) and Brady (Eric Martsolf) work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”
In addition look for, “Gabi (Cherie Jimenez) and Philip (John-Paul Lavoiser) to draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”
Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) will also be returning at some point this fall and she won’t be alone. Who might she bring with her? And from the looks of the Peacock promo for next week’s DAYS, someone is wearing Stefano’s ring around their finger, but who … and how does it all tie in this fall?
So, what do you think about some of the highlights coming up this fall on Days of our Lives per the series head writers? Does anything float your boat or pique your interest? If so, what? Let us know via the comment section. But first, check out the action next week on DAYS in the promo entitled “Bag of Tricks” below.
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Unless i see a new soap i wouldnt call it much of a resurgence…there are only 4 soaps and if you are looking for daytime drama’s there isnt much to pick and choose, and if you do pick one or two and the story isnt good you might leave again and this time for good…if the remaining 4 are going to survive they better get a good production team and even better writers because if you dont the networks will cancel and there wont be anymore!!! So folks, its also up to you if you dont watch for any reason and your show gets cancelled you also have yourself to blame too…
Except for Y&R I love and watch b&b days and gh and love them all very much and look forward to them each day
Y&R was the Best ever. Then they got new writers and begin getting rid of the Best actors. Now the story lines are terrible and the actors that have been brought Omar the worst. Nick,Sharon,Summer,Fen,Faith ,Kelly. I’m sorry but now that Adam & Billy are done,so am I . I’ve watched this show for over twenty years but I can’t stand it any more. So it back to GH for me
Glad ratings for soaps are bouncing back. I wish it had happened before AMC got canceled, but, I guess, better late than never?
I agree mike, better late than never. gh and days is on fire now. i really think amc and oltl are gone for good now. I hate to say that, but it is true. but we still have our 4 soaps to watch still. i am very happy, all the soaps got renewed, thats great news, for everyone. Long live the soaps.
I watch 3 of the 4. I DVR and binge watch evenings and weekends. Loving the soaps.
Soaps will never die, there will always be one..
soaps are like a huge book..
Nobody puts down the book until they read the finial page..
( and soaps are a never ending story )
Yes, if you mean by soaps the serialized method of storytelling– that has been around a long time and will never go away. If you mean soaps as in daytime dramas– serialized dramas produced specifically for daytime television using certain production values– those will probably go away once network television goes the way of the dodo bird– extinction– replaced by the web as being the only means of entertainment distribution.
Cancel Y&R after today or better yet FIRE Jill Farren Phelps and bring back all she has taken from our once amazing show.
Of course she ( the CBS VP) would implore fans to keep supporting the show– she knows there is a planned exodus from Y&R starting tomorrow and she is afraid she might lose her nice high paying job if this show tanks on her watch.
Remaining daytime viewers have embraced the four remaining shows but the soap demographics remain a concern for the networks. Ad rates are based on viewer demographics plus ratings. Any slippage in numbers and the axe will fall. I hope the shows last a while.
I always watched Y&R but today was my final day. They got rid of the two greatest actors Adam & Billy not to mention the best story lines. Why would anyone want to watch it now Really does anyone want to see Jill & her famous music box or Chloe try to steal Chelsea’s baby,or Nikki & Victor break up yet again or maybe Nikki with her visits to her past life? In a word BORING! They even made poor Sharon a nut case & then there’s Neil & his girlfriend getting married on Valentines day BORING! The interesting story about Fen played out too long and got BORING! And we can’t forget Summer is going to follow (THE PATH) but because of the letting go of MM nobody is going to give a damn what happens to her. So I’m with quite a number of others. Early Spring cleaning and General Hospital & Bold & the Beautiful
I think this article is about the resurgence of the soaps. I am sure consolidation and perhaps the end of Soapnet have driven viewers to the four remaining shows’ primary broadcasts. Perhaps increased quality has a lot to do with it as well. When you’re facing elimination, to stay in the game, you have to increase the level of your performance. I’m certainly glad the remaining shows in the genre are experiencing resurgences.
On another note, and I am sorry to get irritated, but I may start tuning BACK into Y&R now. I’m tired of a vocal minority who doesn’t know what actually IS going on behind the scenes at Y&R making decisions based on zero reliable information. Also, I’m tired of hearing how EVERYONE is going to tune out after January. I’m someone, and I count, and I don’t agree. Also, Y&R is bigger than any one actor.
MM was fired. People NEED to get over it. There probably was a good reason for the termination. Also, this legacy character was ruined before the current leadership took over the show. I personally need a break from Adam Newman.
Billy Miller CHOSE to leave. Some longtime viewers like me may perhaps agree that the original portrayer is better than a recast. David Tom won an Emmy, and he is talented, and I’m thrilled by his return.
Y&R has issues. I agree that JFP is the WRONG person to lead this show. I don’t think corporate America should continue to reward proven track records of failure by executives. However, GH was on life support, pun somewhat intended, just 2 years ago, and look what good hiring decisions did for that show. Also, Y&R’s ratings have skyrocketed. I like numbers. I’m a facts guy, not an emotionally driven feelings guy, and Y&R AGAIN broke 5 million viewers last week, almost approaching 5.4 million average viewers. That’s an amazing statistic, and credit should be given when credit is due.
Thank God, a voice of clarity and reason. Wonderful post. Thank you for expressing this so clearly and logically — without melodrama, hyperbole or trying to speak for “everyone.” It will give those of us who agree with you something to cling to!
Well as a viewer of GH who thinks that RC is by far the worst writer to hack up that show in the last 30 plus years, I am thinking that I am going to switch over to Y&R because at least it isn’t an unanimated cartoon. Plus I adore Tristan Rogers.
I thought GH was a goner after the 50th, but they’ve been extended into 2015 and the foreseeable future. The rumor that ABC realizes they screwed up with AMC and OLTL looks less like a rumor and gains more traction. The OLTL team was brought in to wrap up GH “in a respectful manner” according to ABC at the time, now they’ll be on another 2 years.. funny how great writing turns things around.
If PP would give up their claims on those shows, we could put ABC to the test and see if they actually do something with them. Not to sound like an overly optimistic soap fan, BUT ABC wants those leasing rights back, PP wasn’t the only production company that wanted to do something with those shows. Perhaps too much time will have passed before ABC does get their hands on rights, but I guess we can hope for a 2nd resurrection.. altho, I’m over it already and have moved on.
I do watch Dallas, and unfortunately Scandal happens to be on ABC.. I watch that and Grey’s. Other than that, I wont watch anything on ABC. Can’t say enuff how HAPPY I am to see their entire Daytime lineup fall apart, while GH gains it’s highest ratings in years!
Well I haven’t moved on – still watching OLTL on HUluplus – need my Viki ……
ABC could ‘test the waters’ by airing highlights from OLTL and AMC over the summer – (after Katie is put out of her misery) and watch the ratings zoom…..
This would save them money and whet the appetite of the viewers for more.
We want our soaps back! (Where’s Roxie when you really need her).