Today, November 8, marks the iconic Days of our Lives 61st anniversary having first burst on to the soap scene back on this date in 1965 on NBC. For 57 years the soap opera was a part of the NBC daytime programming block, and then in September of 2022 it debuted on the NBCUniversal streamer, Peacock as the first broadcast television daytime drama to move onto a streaming platform.

Now, here we are in DAYS sixth decade, and it’s found a way to survive with their unconventional taping schedule of shooting almost a year ahead of dropping new episodes on the platform, and Salem is still kicking as of this moment.

The anniversary week of episodes which begin tomorrow on Monday, November 9 through Friday November 13 will feature: the returns of Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley as Tony and Anna DiMera, more on the arrival of the newest DiMera, Dominik Marino as played by Kyle Pryor, Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) in dire straits, and whatever secret long-running character, Abe Carver (Daytime Emmy winner, James Reynolds) is keeping.

Photo: JPI

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ON SALEM CANVAS LOOK IN THE MONTHS AHEAD

Days of our Lives executive producer, Ken Corday, who took over the reins of the soap from his parents, the late Ted and Betty Corday, fully in 1986, previewed what’s ahead as Salem turns 61 with Soaps.com and talked about the foundation of the shows legacy characters and families. Previously, the series was renewed for its 62nd and 63rd season.

Most intriguing is Corday revealed there is a brand new female character coming to the show in the Spring of 2027. Ken explained what lies ahead, “There are some new, young loves, rekindled romances and complicated triangles. I’m particularly excited about a brand-new character who brings some levity to the canvas and gets herself involved with almost everyone in Salem. She’ll debut in the spring.  Stay tuned!”

Corday also added, “We are having fun exploring the dynamics between the Kiriakis and DiMera families, much like the Montagues and the Capulets. Each of our core families –  the Hortons, Bradys, Carvers and Hernandezes – will be important in upcoming stories and will intertwine.”

NEWCOMERS AND FAMILIAR FACES

Pictured in the celebratory cast photo which was shared with the outlet were: DAYS newcomers Sofia Mattsson (Chloe Lane, and ex-Sasha Gilmore, GH), Brytni Sarpy (whose DAYS role is yet be revealed, ex-Elena, Y&R and Valerie, GH) and the return of Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton).

You can check out this action in Salem and DAYS anniversary week promo below.

Then, share your congratulations today for Days of our Lives as they celebrate their 61st anniversary via the comment section below. Let us know your thoughts on who could be playing the brand-new female character Ken Corday is speaking of? We previously reported that it looked like Brytni Sarpy would not be hitting the screens till early Summer. 

CBS and Beyond the Gates have released some teaser photos and video preview for tomorrow’s Wednesday, November 4 appearance of The Young and the Restless’ Bryton James and Christel Khalil as Devon and Lily Winters visit Fairmont Crest.

In the special episode, Anita Dupree (newly crowned Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Award winner Tamara Tunie) and The Articulettes return to the studio to record an EP, with Devon’s help.

On Devon’s trip to the DMV area, he is accompanied by his sister Lily, who turns out to be a longtime fan of the singing group. The episode marks the third appearance by James and the first by Khalil on Beyond the Gates.

Photo: CBS

In story, as the Articulettes record their new tracks, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) is there too, who’s mother Barbara Mitchell was the original Articulette and tragically ended her own life over feeling shoved out of the group.

Bonita Brisker and Marcia Howell return for the episodes as Sharon and Tracy and perform song along with the Tamara Tunie as the Anita the lead singer of the fictional famous singing trio.

Photo: CBS

BEYOND THE GATES MAKING HISTORY

Beyond the Gates picked up its first four Daytime Emmy Awards in its history, last Friday night, October 30 at the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

The series took home the gold for the aforementioned Lead Actress category by Tamara Tunie, plus Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series: Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program, where the hair and makeup team tied with The Kelly Clarkson Show, and for  Lighting Direction for a Daytime Program.

Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, and executive producerd by Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey, the series airs weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and streams on Paramount+.

SNEAK PEEK

Now below check out an exclusive preview, where Lily meets the Articulettes for the first tie and Anita pays homage to Lily’s father, Neil Winters (the late Kristoff St. John).

So, looking forward to seeing Bryton and Christel on Beyond the Gates? Do you enjoy seeing the Articulettes sing on the show led by Daytime Emmy winner, Tamara Tunie? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

On Monday, November 2 Peacock released Days of our Lives extended fall preview promo that always coincides with the series anniversary where this year it will turn 61 on November 8.

Within it, the long-running soap opera finally revealed that General Hospital alum Sofia Mattsson (ex-Sasha Gilmore) is playing a recast Chloe Lane, when in a sexy moment, nuChloe is seen with Brady (Eric Martsolf) saying, “I’ve missed you so much,” and the two share a passionate kiss!

Since DAYS confirmed Mattsson was hired by the show back in March of this year, up until now who she was playing was kept under wraps, but smart viewers were betting on a Chloe recast, or perhaps a very much alive, Abigail Deveraux.

Photo: JPI

A NEW CHLOE

Back in August of 2026, Nadia Bjorlin confirmed during a livestream interview on the Michael Fairman Channel alongside Kyle Pettis about their new film, Veronica and Julian that she was asked back to Days of our Lives to reprise the role of Chloe. However, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and children, and not in Los Angeles where DAYS tapes all-new episodes.

Bjorlin clarified why she turned down a return, “Logistically, it just didn’t make sense,” as well as it not making sense for her financially given the long distance and the budgets these days with the soaps.

In an emotional moment the actress shared that, “It hurt my heart to have to say no. So, I guess I can confirm that it will not be me playing Chloe if there’s a Chloe that comes back.”

The character of Chloe Lane first came on to the canvas back in 1999 and was played by Bjorlin for various runs up until 2023 when Chloe was once again written off the canvas.

THE STORY OF DOMINIC MARINO

In other stories this fall, front and center in the preview is the arrival of Dominic Marino played by Kyle Pryor who debuted on today’s Monday November 2 episode on Peacock.

Now the twists begin as if he will be proven to be the true biological son of Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and Stefano DiMera, with the shocking ending where Marlena’s enemy, Orpheus (George DelHoyo) is back with some intel on the true story of Dominic and more!

Courtesy/Peacock

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Also, things look like they are about to wrap up for Chanel (Raven Bowens) and Johnny (Carson Boatman) as she suggest they leave Salem. We know that Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens have been gone from the show since January of 2026 when they were left go. The timing would seem right that soon they will exit the show.

In addition, lives are on the line this fall as Xander (Paul Telfer) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) reunite, only to have him in the middle of more danger, while Leo (Greg Rikaart) is in peril drawing Javi (Jacob Martinez) back into his feelings for his ex. Is this the turning point to reunite the two? Stay tuned.

Take a look at the Days of our Lives Fall Sizzle below and then let us know what you thought of it and if you are happy that Sofia Mattsson is playing Chloe Lane, or were you hoping she would turn out to be playing someone else? Let us know in the comment section below.