Days Of Our Lives
What Did You Think of the Premiere of ‘Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem’?
Today was the debut of the well-publicized and highly-anticipated DAYS streamer limited-series: Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem which dropped on Peacock at 3:01am EST Monday morning.
If you have not seen the first episode, and intend on watching it, do not read any further as it contains moments and story points – however, if you have seen the premiere read on!
At the beginning is an updated version of the traditional iconic series opening of DAYS, hourglass and all, but wait for it! It’s not the late MacDonald Carey’s voice who is welcoming us in to watch the drama unfold, but none other than Deidre Hall (Marlena) who gets the nod. Deidre voices-over: “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our Lives” cue the new logo for the limited series. We also get an opening title sequence after the prologue of the episode complete with location shots and the cast members names!
Photo: JPI
In this throwback to the 90’s high adventure and escapades in soaps, we learn that in 1991 the Alamainian Peacock was stolen by Hope acting as Princess Gina. Shane Donovan has come to John and Marlena in Zurich needing their help, because the peacock featured six different and precious gemstones: a citrine, an amethyst, a ruby, emerald, sapphire, and an orange diamond. Although the peacock was recovered, the stones were not and we are off to the races in this case of the missing jewels caper. Shane wants John and Marlena to be an American couple who want the gemstones at an auction, but he tells them there is danger involved. Jarlena are most them up for the task!
Photo: JPI
Meanwhile, Tony and Anna visit Carrie and Austin and can sense the trouble in their marriage. Carrie is upset. Apparently, Austin had too much to drink and brought up Rafe to Carrie. Wanting to make amends, Austin wants to get his wife a sapphire necklace, which Anna goes a ga-ga for in the photo Austin shares. But not wanting Carrie to know what he is up to he asks Tony and Anna to go the auction to bid on it.
Photo: JPI
Lisa Rinna makes her return as Billie Reed, but dressed undercover as kind of a Princess Gina lookalike, long hair, tiara, and all. She gets busted by Ben and Ciara and tells them she is undercover watching the amethyst in the jewelry shop that Ciara was loving on to Ben. But as they talk about Ben being a serial killer and all, someone went in and bought the jewel spoiling Billie’s plan.
Photo: JPI
In Miami, turns out Paulina has the orange diamond, and in one of the funniest bits, goes and on how Michelle (Obama) in the White House gifted her the ring as Abe, Eli and Lani look on perplexed. Later, when everyone tells her not to go out on the town with that ring on, she insists, but bad news. While the foursome are dining, two henchmen with guns come a-calling!
Photo: JPI
Elsewhere in Phoenix, Chad comes to visit Will and nuSonny, now played by Zach Tinker (who delivered in his emotional scenes in his debut). Turns out WilSon seem to be having marital problems. .. again! Sonny thinks Will is cheating on him. Will says he is working on a top-secret assignment and has to go to the office. Later, when Chad calls to see if Will is where he says he is at, he is not there. Sonny springs into action and goes to Will’s computer and finds an email that he is meeting someone at a resort and spa. Best buds, Chad and Sonny, hightail it to the resort and land outside Will’s suite. When Sonny knocks on the door he is surprised to see Leo Stark … in a robe! Something tells us each episode will end with a guest star popping up, but we shall see and the let the games begin!
So, what did you think of the premiere episode of Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem? What was your favorite part? What did you think of Zach Tinker in his debut as Sonny? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But, first vote in our ‘Beyond Salem” premiere poll and cast your vote below.
I felt honored and deeply moved to be chosen to introduce #BeyondSalem. Enjoy these spectacular five days on @peacockTV! @nbcdays #DOOLBeyondSalem pic.twitter.com/goBLpRMjkt
— Deidre Hall (@DeidreHall) September 6, 2021
Im not sure yet. But where the hell is our Sonny. Its a different Sonny. I’m not happy. And they are having problems…come on. I let u know later what I think..
The actor who played Sonny didn’t want to come back. He’s living in Florida and wants another type of career.
Freddie Smith (Sonny) moved to Florida and didn’t want to return. He and his wife are thinking of starting a family and both are getting into real estate. More lucrative; secure work, in his mind. So; we got a new Sonny. I thought he looked way too young at first but I actually think he’s doing a great job, and is adorable.
Liked it but not overblown by it; do think this is the wave of the future if soaps are to survive. Cable is becoming a dinosaur and streaming is the way to go. It’s honestly hard for me to support this show because of how badly the head writer is handling the main show right now. I’m a generational viewer that grew up watching with my mom and grandmother. When they stop watching I will, they unfortunately have no desire to watch on line.
Yeah, Ron was doing okay for awhile, but it’s getting stale again. General Hospital is far more enjoyable now!
Only complaint so far is Will & NuSonny immediately having some sort of marriage problems…. which would be even more ridiculous if that idiot Leo Stark is involved. There really wasn’t a reason to bring him back. Let’s hope his bug eyed mother doesn’t make an appearance.
Poor Chad… he thought he was getting a break from his own wreck of a marriage…. and now thrown right in the middle of his friends’ troubles.
They don’t have marriage problems…
Well, it seems like they do….
Even though it turns out Will was NOT cheating, the fact is that Sonny obviously has some trust issues. The irony of that is that he suspected Will of cheating with the dude that he (Sonny) was previously cheating with.
Yes, Will cheated before… but he was really not himself at the time (horrible recast) and he’s died & come back through Rolf-amnesia since then. Meanwhile Sonny not only cheated with Leo, but also while Will was in prison, Sonny was literally hooking up with the guy who actually committed the crime.
So if anybody had a legitimate reason to have trust issues here, it would be Will, more than Sonny. But he seems to have moved past it. Hope Sonny can do the same now. Maybe they need to come home to Salem? Probably better for them, better for their kid (who I’m guessing will be a SORASed teenager the next time we see her). Businesses can relocate or open “branch offices” , so it’s not like Sonny would have to give up his gig. And Will could literally write from anywhere.
I get what you’re saying but whether there was a past history of cheating or not…though to add further fuel to the fire there was, it’s understandable that Sonny jumped to that insecure place due to, as be explained, Will’s actions and secrecy and then finding out Will lied, wasn’t at work, but at a hotel… It sucks to have trust issues but I guess when both parties have stepped out before insecurities can arise. All in all, they seem as in love as ever.
I’d love them to come back to Salem…not sure if Chandler Massey would come back. He moved to Georgia, and I haven’t read if nuSonny is looking for a regular gig.
That shower scene with Leo was quite amusing, lol. NuSonny’s exasperation and expressions were great. I like him…
Iam loving it so far except for that Leo Stark which as Satan said there was no need for but don’t worry, mommy dearest is back at Y&R causing troubles there. While I do miss our old Sonny I do like this NuSonny who played Noah on Y&R and be sure to look for Peter Porte and Lisa Rinna’s dance.
I stupidly said that Zack Tinker played Noah on Y&R when it was actually Fen Baldwin he played. I’ll accept him in a minute if we have to lose our old Sonny. After seeing this series, I want to see them back in Salem and Will never looked so good, a beard and just all grown up. The friendship between the two guys and Chad was wonderful to see. I haven’t seen Chad so funny and animated in years. Greg Rikkart/Leo Stark did a good job as usual.
Oh Violet, three gorgeous guys in the same story? I’m gonna need to turn up the air conditioning!
I just love watching Leo he brought a lot of fun to the show at first on days i didn’t like him but he grew on me
I actually kind of liked it! I’m hoping they do more of these type of things in the future. Zach Tinker was great as Sonny. Can’t wait to see more.
Freddie Smith aka OG Sonny said he was not interested in returning.
I’m not big on TV- but- you have to pay to watch Peacock.
My cousin has Peacock and told me- it’s not worth a nickel lol
She dropped it..
Peacock TV is a free streaming service. The upgrades cost very little. You can sign up for free and watch Beyond Salem and a lot of other shows and movies for free at Peacocktv.com
It’s free. They have different tiers and Beyond Salem is on the free platform. Peacock in and of itself has some great shows and films…they have a much bigger selection of shows and films then when they initially started.
SuOOO,
It is free. I get it on my Smart TV as a free App. Please look into it further. This series is great, even the locales and colors are more vibrant.
I thought it was fun, and always enjoy a little comic relief in the middle of dramatic trauma, aka-Leo. I have noticed the regular DOOL has been sneaking some fun into the gloom of Salem, thank goodness. Hello, Paulina!
I have watched DOOL over 50+ years and have been through the peaks and valleys of the storylines and I’m enjoying this break although I think Beyond is a little busy with the multiple fast-moving storylines. I am fine with this new format, even though Beyond’s genre is more intrigue than drama.
I’m okay with Sonny’s replacement as it was Freddy’s choice, as it was Freddy’s choice.
It’s good to see some favorite characters although if the viewers haven’t watched the show for a long time, they may not be familiar with them and not be interested in them.
Con E,
I think that seeing as how this is only a five day series, they did a wonderful job, especially the locales, outdoor settings , especially Florida and the colors were amazing, like watching a movie.
I loved it!! New fresh take! Excited for the next episode! Yea do I like everything? No. But at least they are trying something new!!
It was only so-so ): I was not happy with Will and Sonny having problems again. Hoping that will be over and done with during the five days of the series. Love having Chandler back and I like Zack Tinker’s Sonny very much too.
The other stories felt lame to me. It’s more of the same poor writing that is happening on Days lately – the overall storyline arcs aren’t good right now, individual scenes are well written and the performers give their all but the show is not very good at the moment ):
Checked it out with the free Peacock and wouldn’t pay for it that’s for sure. The acting is laughable and too camp. Not sure where the other OG super couple Steve and Kayla were though. Sorry, not a fan of John and Marlena; their acting has declined over the years. Am happy Deidre got to do voice over though.
Personally, I think the show is beautiful; if nothing else it’s exquisite visually. The acting? Same actors from DAYS so there was nothing new or different there. NuSonny was actually quite good.
Rebecca 1,
Iam also loving it and if you watch Y&R you might have recognized NuSonny as old Noah Newman. Just read your other comment and am holding myself back from gushing too much. You are right on all counts. Billie’s Tango partner, Peter Porte is also from Y&R, played Paul’s son and as grown into one good looking man, ooh,la,la.
Hi Violet! Nice to hear from you. Believe it or not I don’t watch Y&R. Ironically, I always read it has the best ratings of the four remaining but for some reason that’s the one I haven’t watched. Peeked in a bit out of curiosity to see Steve Burton, then Jason Thompson…and just saws seconds of Justin Hartley before he was blown up, lol, but I can’t say I ever watched one episode…just a peek at these actors. So, hmm…I don’t know who Peter Porte is. Maybe one day I’ll succumb and start watching Y&R. Only decades of history to catch up on! 😉
The look on Ben’s face in the top photo says exactly how I feel about this Beyond Salem.
I like it! Gorgeous production; beautiful sets; location shots, compared to Days. I don’t even know if they actually traveled or if it’s the magic of the media. I’m assuming they didn’t travel due to expense and more importantly, covid. But it LOOKS like they’re on location and that’s what makes it work.
It’s fun escapism. I thought the tango scene was pure entertainment! I think they’re following the production value of The Bay… Wonder if they’re thinking of making this a daily show, or a weekly…testing the waters with this one week event. I’d watch at this point…
What are the chances a platform titled “Peacock TV” has access to a series that has a storyline involving this “Alamainian Peacock”… and is Vivian Alamain somehow connected to this storyline? The character and / or her family just HAS to be.
Wasn’t Zach Tinker on another soap opera once upon a time… wasn’t it “The Young and The Restless”?? Different to see Sonny Kiriakis portrayed by somebody other than who has played him for so long on the regular show (too) (Freddie Smith), but He (Zach Tinker) is definitely adorable and very good looking. So yes he has the look factor down. Haven’t seen this yet just read the spoilers anyways so will have to wait and see if there is chemistry between Zach Tinker and Chandler Massey.
Though the “Alamainian Peacock” itself was never mentioned before now, the fictional country of “Alamainia” is very much a part of Days history, from the early 1990s. And yes, the country was named after the Alamain family. The one piece of history they forgot to mention is that John Black was previously known as “Forrest Alamain” in one of the 666 different rewrites of his back story. He was raised as Vivian’s nephew, before he ended up working as Stefano’s brainwashed “pawn”.
Ashland Cripton,
Yes, Zank Tinker was on Y&R a few years ago. Played Fen Baldwin.
I loved Beyond Salem. It was really good. I thought they did a great job. Leo Stark is a scene stealer.
I enjoyed the heck out of Beyond Salem.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.
Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.
Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Days o
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