Days Of Our Lives
TV Insider Names Best In Soaps 2016: B&B Top Drama Series, DAYS Flynn and Reeves, GH's Budig & Y&R's Burton Take Acting Honors!

Courtesy/CBS
It’s that time of year again when all of the soap pundits and entertainment sites roll out their 2016 “Best Of” lists (On-Air On-Soaps will reveal our annual “Best and Worst Of 2016” lists closer to New Years Eve).
First up though is TV Insider’s Michael Logan, who has made his picks and his feature was posted online on Tuesday. In it, CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful was named “Best Soap of 2016″ citing,”It continues to be daytime’s kickiest treat, luring us with corporate scandal and high-stakes emotions … and delivering the kind of jaw-dropping, tune-in-tomorrow moments that leave fans downright giddy. ”
For the Best Actor and Actress of 2016, two stars of NBC’s Days of our Lives got the nod. The recognition for Best Actor went to Billy Flynn for his performances as Chad DiMera,”who was at war with his own toxic legacy and barely keeping it together as he mourned the sudden death of his wife and battled for custody of their child.”

Courtesy/NBC
For Lead Actress that went to enduring star, Melissa Reeves. Logan noted: “Many in soaps have played addiction stories, delicacy, nuance and bone-deep sadness than Reeves, whose sweetheart character, Jennifer Horton, descended into a living hell of painkillers and depression. ”
For Best Supporting Actor, it was departing Y&R star, Steve Burton who was named for his “year-end work as Dylan McAvoy, the hapless victim of a baby switch, was so subtly crafted and achingly poignant it can be summed up in just one word: perfection”.Â

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com
For Best Supporting Actress that was given to General Hospital’s Rebecca Budig (Hayden) who “went from Port Charles pariah to romantic heroine in a fizzy, sexy transformation that’s simply intoxicating. Even Tracy Q (Jane Elliot), the town curmudgeon who pretty much hates everything and everybody, loves Hayden. ”
And for Best Guest Star that went to Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols, wno was acknowledged for her turn as Neil Winters dying alcholic mother on The Young and the Restless.
So, what did you think of TV Insider’s picks? Do you think B&B was the Best Soap of the Year? Happy to hear about Billy Flynn, Melissa Reeves, Steve Burton and Rebecca Budig being recognized for their work? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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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everyone is entitle to their opinion no ones opinion is more right or wrong then anyone else, i don’t watch DOOL or YR so i can’t speak to their actors performance and storylines, although i am familiar w/ Steve Burton from GH, and even though i donlt really like the jason character he always delivered, evethought some fans mock his “stone cold” performance i always appreicated his subtle low key performance. As for BB as best soap, again i would know, i do know i love My GH and that it keeps me tuning in everyday. So viva GH!…..
Love Rebecca Budig recognized for her role as Hayden!! Hayden is a complicated gal with many layers and Rebecca brought her to life.She’s an awesome actress who can play off anyone and just clicks with whomever she shares a scene. She’s always been so gracious and supportive of her co-stars so it’s nice to see her recognized for her talent!! Love Her and GH is lucky to have her!!!
Happy for her! But darn it Michael Easton deserved an honor too! He has been killing it as Dr Hamilton Finn! When is he going to be recognized!
I agree Lois. The Finn/Hayden story is what’s keeping me enthralled; with Kiki and Dillon close behind. And, Michael never misses a beat….he is duperlative….and, sexy!!
Finally, we are beginning to see the ‘developmrnt’ of a cure, thanks to Roxie. Funny, that, since Jimh and I were jokingly going back and forth as to the reason of a pet lizard. I humorously said the lizard’s venom was the cure…….farfetched at the time…..but, close. Is it the shedded skin?
I think Michael Easton, Billy Flynn are tops in my book….and Rob Wilson (DOOL) as supporting actor.
Superlative.
PS. I just wonder how ‘best’ and ‘supporting’ are chosen. I would not like to think politics would be involved, albeit it would not surprise me.
Finn is ten times better than Silas but Michael has limited range.
I agree. I am so happy to see budig recognized and am bummed that easton isnt getting more credit as it totally deserves it. Finchel right now for me is the brightest spot on the canvas and they are the best new characters to be added to the show probably since jerry jax(I dont count the oltl 3 as they already existed) though valentin and curtis are a close 2nd and 3rd.
Billy Flynn all the way….I knew it from his first appearance on stage that this actor had it going!!!!!! Soooo happy for him and myself. LOL. I predicted his nomination.
However, I am really surprised and mostly disappointed Rob Wilson wasn’t nominated….
Melissa Reeves?? Really?? I don’t know…but, who am I to judge. Congrats, anyway.
Very happy for Rebecca Budig….forever a fan.
Steve Burton did not impress me for the longest time….but, I came to appreciate his talent at the end of his run as Dylan.
Congrats to all.
B&B best, SERIOUSLY ?!!! If u like cheesy I guess. GH as uusual MOST entertaining of them all, PEROID !
I don’t even watch B&B, rocky…..so, I think your post was meant for someone else? LOL.
Considering how bad Days, GH and Y&R was for most 2016– B&B wins pretty much by default– LOL
This list made me feel great. I love that Melissa Reeves is finally getting the attention she deserves. Billy Flynn has taken the main leading man role on DOOL , a role that has been missing since James Scott left the show. I am thrilled B&B won for best show. Steve Burton could read the phone book pages and make it sound great.
Ugh to Rebecca Budig’s character. Sorry no like.
ABSOLUTELY…. no way… not possible
“…Rebecca Budig (Hayden) who “went from Port Charles pariah to romantic heroine in a fizzy, sexy transformation that’s simply intoxicating. ”
she’s down for the count
Absolutely…yes way…very possible.
Budig is great as Hayden…Accept it.
I honestly dont get why the liz fans hate her so much. pet this and pet that. same could be said about bringing on nathan or nina or ava or julian. – shes no more of a pet than they are. I think they like that a sister made liz relevant again but they hate that hayden made liz more intersting not the other way around. if they had made hayden a distant q through celia or some relation to skye she would have been every bit as interesting. Liz however needed family to bounce off of and not one person they have brought on has worked. suddenly I not only am curious to see what will happen with liz and hayden, I want to see which sister jeff sarah and steve will bond best with at the end of the day.
I don’t watch Days so can’t really comment on this soap or it’s actors. Except to note that from reading MF it certainly has it’s loyal fans, most of whom seem to feel it’s had better “days.”
Of the remaining three I am most loyal to GH, but it had a very dark year. Surprised Nancy/Alexis didn’t receive Best Actress 2016. What a year she has had, and it’s not over yet. Happy for Rebecca since once she got “settled” into Port Charles I really like Hayden.
Y&R seemed to take a long, drawn out time to tell the baby Christian/Sully/Sharon, as well as the Victor in and out of jail stories.
So as Mary SF says, B&B “wins by default” for me, too. And that’s saying a lot about the perpetual love triangle show except that I enjoyed the Quinn/Liam story. It’s probably the only time I was curious about the Liam character who is boring for me, not the girl catching magnet that Steffy, Hope, etc seem to be drawn to. And I love Rena/Quinn. But I have felt the same towards her since her GH days. And even her appearance on NCIS as a lawyer.
Looking forward to the New Year with more upbeat, clever stories. Just so glad they are still with us.
Hey, I’m down for Genie Francis win–she has seamlessly transformed Laura BUT in the best way possible, still keeping her essence but with a dignity and grace–and I’m seeing that impish, ageless humor of Laura’s creepng in (saw it today as she went for her interview for the hospital board member AND as she “went” for Kevin in their declarations of love–and that kiss, that kiss. She looked FABUlOUS today! My vote goes to Genie–and kudos to Jon for his getting on board in the most enthusiastic way. Now if TPTB would only give them more screen time. One can dream, right?
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction: i.e., Burton winning an award for acting…
Hi, James,
I certainly follow your sentiment. But, I do tend to agree with Timmm.
Before Y&R, I had no clue who Steve Burton was….nor, was I familiar with his acting skills.
I must confess that I was not impressed. His robotic, expressionless acting, completely, turned me off.
However, these last performances, pertaining to his anguish of losing “Sully”/Christian , really hit my emotional spot. I saw the human side of Dylan/Steve?
Happy Holidays, my friend.
Hi Celia! Thanks for your reply! Very fair assessment. I am basing my opinion largely on his work on GH, which seems similar to his early work on Y&R. So perhaps he showed some growth as an actor in the latter role. Admittedly, I haven’t been a regular Y&R viewer in recent months.
Happy Holidays to you as well, Friend!
Other than the wonderful sparkplug Rebecca Budig…who’s turned Hayden Cassadine into a favorite of mine since waking up from the coma….everything else on Logan’s list is so messed up.
GH was the only halfway good soap on the air in 2016…should’ve been named best drama without question…will be proven at the Emmy awards this spring. B&B does not do anything but recycle everything to death… this was the worst example yet in 2016…isn’t about time to admit they are creatively bankrupt…how long does being a nutty wacky farce continue to get a pass with the soap pundits…and when it comes to overall acting ensemble GH leaves B&B in the dust any day of the week
Melissa Reeves for lead actress over Laura Wright, Nancy Lee Grahn and Finola Hughes? Utterly Ridiculous!!!!!
Loving them or hating them really shouldn’t matter…but Eric Braeden and Maurice Benard are the only choices for lead actor for 2016…with Justin Hartley as a sleeper pick for being one of the few saving graces of Y&R in the past year.
Supporting actor…Steve Burton?….No freaking way! Richard Burgi had many amazing performances for the entire year…should be a lock to win the Emmy award if he’s chooses to enter the race.
Rebecca Budig for Supporting actress is right on the money…she still pops off the screen and sizzles like a flame like she has always done…cue the incoming predictable complaining and conspiracy theories from the vocal minority.
this is all a moot point.. save for the incredible presence of Billy Flynn’ Chad DiMera @Days of OUR Lives.
BECAUSE – I would like to thank the Soap Gods… that
@GH – Maurice Benard and Laura Wright characterless do not merit. big YES
Sonny and Carly are wasting GH. SO are Jason and Sam and Hayden and Finn
Hayden is not convincing as she thinks she is… even if… she has some bloodline… DO NOT EXPECT to see Hayden and Liz bonding… this may be the prop of all prop… damned the audience ! Frank Valentini is propping Hadyen with the uber talent Tracy… and the relative newbie character Finn… IN HOPES of Hayden catching on…. the double dose of what? koolaid drugs etc….
Finn and Hayden have no spark… they will forever have an asterick by their character. lame and uninteresting
I agree with most of Mr. Logan’s pics. I watch all four shows and love GH and love Rebecca from GL and AMC also. Steve Burton , another favorite, but much preferred him on GH. I adore B&B, but was surprised there were no picks from it. Also, big fan of DOOL and Billy Flynn. Sorry, but there were quite a few other lead actresses that I felt were more deserving, i.e Jane Elliot, Jen Lilley, Rena Soffer to name a few.
I watch B&B, Y&R, and Days and I agree that B&B is the best soap.
Don’t know about Nichelle for best guest star. She did a good job, but it was very short. I guess that is definition of guest.
Burton CAN be a good actor if he is given proper material. Dylan was and always will be a bust!
Rebecca is great as Hayden. “Fans” love to ride her ass but to me that says she is doing a good job and can really act!
Ms. Nichols was fabulous as Neil’s mother!
Best soap, probably was B&B.
Don’t like B&B as best pick. They just have the same story line over and over, Ridge and Brooke the two brothers fighting over the same woman. CONSTANLY!! Young and the Restless has new and interesting story lines all the time. You care about their characters.
those actor wins are a bit strange. Chad from Days I could see, but the others???
Right? I’m with you, blake…..well, except for Rebecca B…..LOL.
I can’t speak for the other soaps, since I only watch GH. No disrespect to Rebecca Budig, but on a show with names like Laura Wright, Maura West, Finola Hughes, Nancy Lee Grahn, Jane Elliot, and so on, Budig isn’t exactly the first name I would think of if I wanted to recognize a great actress on GH this year.
Hayden is one of the characters on the show that just happens to do absolutely nothing for me. I don’t like the way they shoe horned her into a prominent role as Elizabeth’s sister to give her a connection in Port Charles.
Interesting.
TV Insider and I must be watching completely different versions of Y&R and GH…
Bold and the Beautiful as best soap? Really? Does the person chosing actually watch it? Whenever I do they are always talking about the same thing. There’s no real character development, just ever developing musical chairs in the love triangle department. IMO, for years now, its been the worst soap ever. But I wholeheartidly agree about Billy Flynn and Mellissa Reeves, absolutely compelling, love their work so much. Also Steve Burton, although we are about 5 or 6 months behind in Aus, I can imagine whats about to happen for his character Dylan, after the baby reveal. Don’t get GH in Aus, so can’t comment on the last nom.
Best Soap: Should Win/Will Win – GH (Includes 2016 WGA Nomination)
Best Actor: Should Win Benard (GH), Will Win Flynn (DOOL) or Justin Hartley, (Y&R)
Best Actress: Should Win Nancy Lee Grahn (GH); Will Win: Laura Wright (GH)
Supporting Actress: Should Win Rebecca Budig (GH); Will Win Melissa Reeves (DOOL)
Supporting Actor: Should/Will Win Dominic Zamprogna (GH)
Younger Actor: Should Win/Will Win Again Bryan Craig (GH)
Younger Actress: Should Win/Will Win Marci Miller (DOOL)
I can’t agree with B & B, because they haven’t written a new storyline in years. Between that and the flashbacks, the writers have little to do. Even the dialogue is the same, as though they dusted off an old script, plugged in Steffy for Hope and called it good. The one highlight on this show is Rena Sofer, who is an acting goddess. She is worth watching the repeats for.
GH has crazy plots sometimes, but over all has the best couples, intrigue and drama.
Y & R is boring me to tears. I am trying to stay with it and give these new writers a chance, but so far, it’s not entertaining. The couples have no conflict. Really the only drama right now is Jack/Billy.
Days…I try but most days I ff through quite a bit of it. The storylines just seem stale, old-school. And don’t get me started on the sets and wardrobe. The one storyline I like is Nicole and am looking forward to her becoming a mom!!