'Beyond Salem: Chapter Two' Premieres July 11 on Peacock

In an epic, action-packed tale that spans the entire globe, from Monte Carlo to Hong Kong, beloved characters from Days of our Lives once again go “Beyond Salem!” as they trade the comforts of home for an adventure of a lifetime! Supercouple Steve and Kayla make a surprise visit to their children in Seattle, while private eye John Black travels to San Francisco to see his son, Paul. Meanwhile, new parents Ben and Ciara drop anchor in Montreal – where they are greeted by a much-missed Hope! Over the course of five thrilling episodes, heartwarming family reunions take a dangerous turn as a mysterious adversary wreaks havoc on their lives. The next chapter of DAYS OF OUR LIVES: BEYOND SALEM is story full of larger-than-life romance, jaw-dropping twists, and high-stakes drama – and it all connects back to a plot that long-time “DOOL” fans will surely remember.

The cast includes Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams Brady, Peter Reckell as Bo Brady,Eileen Davidson as Kristen DiMera, Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans, Drake Hogestyn as John Black, Steve Burton as Harris Michaels, Stephen Nicholsas Steve “Patch” Johnson, Mary Beth Evans as Kayla Brady Johnson, Lucas Adams as Tripp Johnson, Camila Banus as Gabi Hernandez, Victoria Konefal as Ciara Brady, Robert Scott Wilson as Ben Weston, Loretta Devine as Angela, Vince Van Patten as Phil Hellworth, Tanner Stine as Joey Johnson, Christopher Sean as Paul Narita, Abigail Klein as Stephanie Johnson, Colton Little as Andrew Donovan, Victoria Grace as Wendy Shin, Remington Hoffman as Li Shin.

Watch a sneak peek below.

'Days of Our Lives' Livestream Event on September 8 Promotes 'Beyond Salem'

To celebrate the premiere of the Peacock Original limited series, Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem, Xfinity and Peacock today announced an exclusive Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem livestream event only for Xfinity Reward Members.

The event reunites an all-star cast including Lisa Rinna, Deidre Hall, Drake Hogestyn, James Reynolds, and Eileen Davidson on Wednesday, Sept. 8th at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT. Viewers will enjoy a conversation with the stars - giving fans a chance to view exclusive content, hear stories from the set, and even have the chance to ask their favorite stars questions.

This special event is only for Xfinity Rewards members and is just one of the many benefits available through the Xfinity Rewards program. If you’re not yet a member of Xfinity Rewards, signing up is free and simple to do through the Xfinity app or online at Xfinity.com/rewards. From there, members can view and redeem all rewards currently available to them.

“Xfinity Rewards is all about creating unique experiences that only Comcast NBCUniversal can make possible, said Pooja Kapadia, Vice President, Customer Marketing and Loyalty. We’re thrilled to be able to bring together Xfinity, Peacock, and the team at Days of Our Lives, to create this fun and memorable event for our customers.”

The Peacock Original limited-series DAYS OF OUR LIVES: BEYOND SALEM begins streaming Monday, Sept. 6th on Peacock. New episodes will drop daily culminating with the limited series finale on Friday, Sept. 10th. All episodes will be available to stream for free. New episodes of Days of our Lives air weekdays on NBC and are available to stream exclusively on Peacock for free.

Flashback: The Real Reason Staci Greason Left Her Role of Isabella on 'Days of our Lives'

Staci Greason with Drake Hogestyn

In the July 28, 1992 issue of Soap Opera Weekly, Staci Greason spoke to the magazine about her reasons for departing her popular role of Isabella Black. You can read the full article below.

Staci Greason has officially announced that she's leaving Days of our Lives, effective October 31, after three years on the show. (Her last airdate will be around the middle of November.)

"I've been faced with the decision [to re-sign or resign] for a long time," Greason says. "Before Christmas DAYS asked me to stay on for two years." Although the actress had never intended to remain with the soap past her original agreement, she did weigh her options carefully.

"I was really hesitant about leaving for financial reasons," she admits. The turning point was when "I started seeing myself turning into someone that I didn't want to be," Greason explains. "I was getting too tired and too cranky. Also, as an artist, there's always that fear of getting too comfortable. And DAYS has become too comfortable. It's like high school," she continues. "Now, it's time to graduate, but not in a bad sense. I've learned from this experience."

Greason recalls some wonderful times on DAYS. "I've had so much fun with Drake Hogestyn (John). We laugh so much. And I'll never forget the time Isabella got stuck in an elevator with Johnny Corelli (played by Antony Alda). I never laughed so hard in my whole life. I also enjoyed working with a couple of the directors, especially Bill Ludel."

'Days of our Lives' May 5 Sneak Peek: John Comforts Marlena About Eric

Tomorrow on the May 5, 2016 episode of Days of our Lives, John (Drake Hogestyn) comforts Marlena (Deidre Hall) about Eric (Greg Vaughan). Will Marlena ever get over the heartbreak of losing her son to prison?

Meanwhile, JJ (Casey Moss) is invited to a Hernandez family lunch. Is JJ going to be on the menu?

Elsewhere, Theresa (Jen Lilley) confronts Summer (Marie Wilson) who denies romantic feelings for Brady (Eric Martsolf). Hasn she seen him shirtless? Don't knock it until you try it!

FLASHBACK: 'Days of our Lives' Head Writer James E. Reilly Talks John Aniston, John and Marlena, and Jensen Ackles.

Legendary Days of our Lives Head Writer James E. Reilly spoke to Michael Logan from TV Guide in May of 1997, about all of the drama taking place in Salem. Below, he talks about his love of villains, John Aniston (Victor), John (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena (Deidre Hall), the new show he was creating for NBC, and much more.

Michael Logan: When I was watching your show one day, I suddenly realized I was looking at a scene with four villains in it. I thought, "Holy s---, this is amazing!" Then I started adding 'em up and was astounded at how many villains you had on the canvas -- a third of your characters are bad or riding the fence. Some shows have trouble coming up with one good villain.
James E. Reilly:I don't know why, because villains move the story. They're an absolute necessity. Years ago, when I wrote for Guiding Light, we did a focus group where the viewers were asked, "When do you watch the show?" And they said, "We watch when we're ironing or doing chores; we leave it on around the house." Then they were asked, "Is there any time you actually look up from your work? What makes you pay attention?" And they all said, "When we hear Roger's voice." The villain is the catalyst. When he or she comes on, the audience just knows something will happen. When you hear the voice of Vivian -- who hasn't been totally evil, she's now more of a hench-person -- you know it's not going to be a fast-forward scene. It's going to be odd or quirky. You pay attention. You get caught up in the mystery. Who is Franco working for? Everyone thinks it's Kate but they don't really know. When the audience sees Kristen walking into John and Marlena's wedding, they know something's going to happen. I love villains.

Michael Logan: That being the case, why didn't you write for John Aniston? Victor used to be the bad boy of Days -- he was in everybody's business. Granted, that was before you got there, but still -- why didn't you make him a rip-snorting villain again?
James E. Reilly: When I came back, Victor had already become the good guy and Stefano was the villain who affected everybody's lives. I looked at what we had -- which was Roman I and Roman II and Marlena -- and as a viewer I had to ask: Why wasn't there more of an impact on these people's lives when Roman I came back and Marlena found out she was sleeping with the wrong man? I mean, all they played was Marlena sort of looking at John when Roman came back and saying, "Oops." That was it? Hello? We're all going to make believe that Marlena, who had been sleeping with John for so many years and raised children with him, would just turn off her feelings? Yet that's the way it was written. It made no sense. Obviously, John and Marlena -- being basically very decent people -- had to put their lives and feelings on hold because they weren't going to destroy the family and hurt Roman and stuff. It wasn't their fault but it was Stefano's fault.

I had to do surgery. It was the first story I had to address but to do that, I had to bring back Stefano because he was so crucial to it, and in doing that I could not have Victor and Stefano butting heads. I couldn't have two villains the same age. They'd be like Villain One and Villain Two. And the momentum of the baby story with Aniston and Debbie Adair got killed because Debbie wanted to have her own child and was out at various times when she was going through the in-vitro fertilization process.

As a result, other stories started taking hold: Bo-Billy-Hope and Sami-Austin-Carrie and Jack-Jennifer-Laura and John-Marlena-Kristen-Tony. These stories were exploding like popcorn; there was no room for anything else. That's when the network started talking about a spin-off, because there was so much story that Days was overflowing. I could have transplanted one or two of those stories to another soap and given Aniston more to do on Days, but all that fell through. It wasn't like I was trying to sabotage him. The room was not there. If we played Victor, you wouldn't see Susan. I love Victor and John, but I could not fit them in.

Michael Logan: But why take it to the extreme of giving Victor a stroke -- which reduced him to very few appearances and a handful of voice-over lines for months and months? Why not just take him off the canvas altogether rather than disable him?
James E. Reilly: Because I never like seeing anyone lose a paycheck. And I was always hoping that something would break and I could reawaken him. That's why he was kept in limbo for so long. Because there is a story for Victor with Kate and Vivian but there was never the time. Victor didn't have a family anymore; he wasn't really connected with other people. The stuff I gave him with Vivian, Ivan and Kate was richer than the stuff he used to have when he'd just come to a meeting of the Alamain Board and sit there with Mickey and Maggie. I'm sorry the way it had to end for John.

Michael Logan: Does this mean your replacement, Sally Sussman-Morina, won't use him either?
James E. Reilly: In making the decision about John, they asked Sally if he was important in her story plans and she said no, she had no story for him -- and that was the death knell.

Michael Logan: Explain this new plan in which you will remain as consultant. I can't think of a case like this before. And why would a new head writer want the former one hanging around? Has anybody else done this?
James E. Reilly: No. Eileen Davidson and I both broke ground this year.

Michael Logan:  How do you envision this working?
James E. Reilly: I have to leave Days Nov. 1 and start writing the bible for the new show, so I'm now in the process of passing the baton to Sally. She and I have discussed the current storylines. I've said, "If I had remained with the show, this is how I'd have done them." She will do her own stories but she will be able to talk to me about them. She'll do a long-term. I'll give her notes and basically help as much as I can, as she needs the help. On a weekly basis, she will do a thrust and I will read it, and we'll discuss what she's doing. Hopefully it will make the show even stronger because she'll be coming on with new ideas -- yet there will still be the same [associate] writing team which knows how I pace story. Hopefully the show will stay No. 1. I'm sure of it. I almost hate leaving because there is so much I'd love to see the characters do. It's like leaving high school. Or leaving a small town where you really had a great time. I wish there had been a spin-off.

Michael Logan: The outrageousness you brought to the genre has proven incredibly successful -- it's hard to imagine a new head writer coming in and not feeling the pressure to continue in that vein.
James E. Reilly: There will always be something fresh and new to give the audience. But Days will still have the same dynamics because Sally loves what we're [currently] doing. She'll just add her own mark to it. No one is indispensable. Things will always change.

Michael Logan: Whose idea was this, anyway -- theirs or yours?
James E. Reilly: It was their idea. The show wanted it. I gather that when NBC signed me, [Days exec producer] Ken Corday was not happy about it. [NBC president Don] Ohlmeyer promised him that as much as possible would be done to keep Days a Reilly kind of show after I left. So Ken said, "Well, we want him for a consultant." And the network did the deal.

Michael Logan: On one hand, I can see you wanting to hang in because you're so attached to Days. But on the other hand, why would you want to split your focus? You have a new baby that needs your undivided attention.
James E. Reilly: As soon as my bible is written, there's less day-to-day work for me. It becomes time for fine-tuning. There's a lot of waiting around for decisions to be made. I mean, they don't have to give me a decision about the show for two years. I should have lots of time to work with Days.

Michael Logan: Two years from when?
James E. Reilly: It works this way: I have from Nov. 1 of '97 through Feb. 1 of '98 to write the bible. They have two weeks to read it. They give me notes. I give them the finished bible March 1, no more revisions. Then there's a period where they can ask me for outlines. Then, on April 1, I go under salary -- as opposed to the money I'm making for developing the bible -- and they have a year and a half from that point to decide whether or not they want to do my show. So they have me until November of '99.

Michael Logan: : I've seen it in print a few places that January of '99 is the likely air date.
James E. Reilly: I don't know [if that's true] because, see, I'm not allowed to talk to the network about the new show.

Michael Logan: What?
James E. Reilly:Ken did not want me talking about the new show until I finished working for him, and we really have honored that. So I have not talked to them and therefore I do not know what they're thinking.

Michael Logan: How weird. You mean, you're having to read about this yourself?
James E. Reilly: That's why I love reading the soap magazines -- to find out what I'm doing. [NBC daytime president] Susan Lee has said in interviews that the show could air in the fall of '98. I'm going, "Hello?"

Michael Logan:  But it would be possible?
James E. Reilly:Yeah, I guess. But there's been a lot of focus-group research about the best time to start a soap -- people change channels in January; they channel-graze then, sampling new stuff, more than at any other time of the year. And I think NBC was very happy with the initial response to Sunset Beach [which debuted in January 1997]. They got a good tune-in, a good sampling. So when I heard they were happy about that, I then imagined that the earliest would be January of '99.

Michael Logan: You have no guarantee it'll even get on the air, right?
James E. Reilly:The new show may go or may not go. Who knows what Sunset Beach will do to the reception [a new soap would get from] the affiliates? I have no clue. Who knows what affect [the recent departure of NBC Enterprises president] John Agoglia will have? When you have changes in the corporate structure, you don't know who's for what and against what. And who knows what effect the ratings of Port Charles will have? There was a focus group done on Sunset Beach in which some viewers said they did not want to give another hour to a new show. They felt guilty doing it. The show's future can also depend on how much money the network can make on it overseas. They have until November of '99 to decide what they're doing.

Michael Logan: Do you have a title?
James E. Reilly:Nope. I'm sure that whatever title I come up with will change. I mean, you wouldn't believe the meetings you have to have just to determine what you're going to name a new character.

Michael Logan: Speaking of new characters, I'm glad you didn't bring one in for Carrie. It works so much better to have her fall in love with Mike. But what took so long to give Roark Critchlow a story?
James E. Reilly:That was always the plan. When I brought back Mike a few years ago, I said to the network and production, "Now, I need someone for the hospital but he's going to be back-burner for a very long time. I want it to be Mike Horton." They all said, "Oh, yeah, we love it, we love it!" I said, "Now, we're going to take an oath around the table that we don't want a story for Mike until I'm ready." Two or three weeks later, both the network and production are going, "Where's Mike's story? How come he doesn't have a girlfriend?" I said, "Remember your oath."

Michael Logan: I still don't understand the delay.
James E. Reilly:I needed to take time to establish Mike so that he was not viewed as someone trying to break up Austin and Carrie. Now the audience is saying, "We love Mike and Carrie together. Austin's too dumb; all the men on the show are too dumb. You've made them dumb, dumb, dumb." But it has taken time to build up Mike as the good guy. Meanwhile, major things are happening with Sami-Carrie-Austin-Kate. And there will be a wedding in August.

Michael Logan: Do complaints from the fans and the press bother you on any level?
James E. Reilly:No, they honestly don't. As long as the person is honest and informed and says, "Look, this is the way I feel..." then that's OK. I hate it when they complain that we did something wrong when, in fact, we did it right but they just didn't see that particular episode. And little things get me. Soap Opera Digest printed a letter that said, "It's so distasteful of Days of Our Lives to show Susan and Kristen breast-feeding when my show airs at noon when I'm having lunch." And this was written by a woman. I can't win or lose! Here I am trying to say there's nothing wrong with breast-feeding, it's politically correct, it's natural, women should be able to do what they want to do. And I'm catching hell. That's the only thing that really makes me angry.

Michael Logan: What about Days' ongoing Emmy snub? Doesn't that bug you?
James E. Reilly:I called up [All My Children head writer] Lorraine Broderick the Sunday before the Emmys and congratulated her on winning because I knew we weren't going to get the writing Emmy. It didn't bother me. The fact is, we are doing stuff that's different. We're not doing [a] classic old soap. If people don't agree with it, fine. There's one writer on our show who has criticized it a lot but we have a great relationship. That sort of thing doesn't bother me.

Michael Logan: You've finally got Eric coming back. Is he going to be evil, too?
James E. Reilly:No! But there will be something deeper with Eric than what appears on the surface.

Michael Logan: He's got some explaining to do.
James E. Reilly:We have a scene where Sami says something about what a great guy Eric is, and Lucas says, "Uh, excuse me, but he wasn't home for your mother being possessed by the devil, or you being hit by a car, or you giving birth or getting married, or for his father's death, or for Christmas for four or five years." And she snaps at him: "Don't you ever talk against my twin -- only I can!" Eric is a kid who came from a troubled family, and we're going to play that in the character. His mother was kidnapped for X number of years. His father was exchanged with someone else. Sami acted out in one way, and Eric will act out in his own way. He's not going to come back as a blank slate. Once again, Eric's story -- like Mike's -- will take time. We'll wait until the audience starts crying to have him involved with something.

Michael Logan: This has been the longest casting search I can remember. It's my understanding you were going to wait until you had the right actor before you wrote Eric back into the script. That's a wiser way to work than, say, the way they do things at The Young and the Restless. Over there, Bill Bell has the new Phyllis in next Tuesday's script and the pressure is on to cast the part no matter what.
James E. Reilly: We all needed to be certain we had someone we wanted, and finally when we got him, we said, "OK, let's write him in."

Michael Logan: You cast a relative newcomer, Jensen Ackles. What in particular did you like about him?
James E. Reilly: He's a good actor and he looked a bit like Alison Sweeney. There's a vulnerability. He looked good, and you could see him fitting well into future story. He's the kind of actor who makes you say, "Hey, story can go here" -- and that's what counts. Believe me, if we had been short on story, Eric would have been back two years ago. You can always bring back a Brady.

Michael Logan: Do you feel the pressure to top yourself with the new show?
James E. Reilly:I hope NBC isn't looking for something over the top because, at this point, I don't know what it would be. How can I top Days? But I'm sure it's expected. After fighting me over the idea of devil possession, Ken would come up and say, "OK, Jim, what's your devil-possession story for '97?"

Michael Logan: Is there anything you won't do?
James E. Reilly:I'd put seltzer in my pants if I thought it would give someone a moment of escape. And that's what the audience wants. Life is not that easy. Though the stock market is up, people are working harder than ever, and when they come home they want to watch something that makes them laugh or scream, "I don't believe it!" They want -- they need -- something to jump up and down about.

Michael Logan: Well, you've finally worn me down. I'm loving Days these days.
James E. Reilly:As long as people watch a show and have fun, there should be room for it. There should be room for 11 or 12 different types of soaps. They should be like neighborhood restaurants. Ya feel like Chinese, go there. Ya feel like deli, go there. We should all be different. In fact, if they would let soap writers write, I don't think they'd be copying each other, they'd each tell their own stories in their own ways. And the business would be healthier for it.

'Days of our Lives' April 12 Sneak Peek: Eric and Jennifer Hit The Sheets!

Today on the April 12 episode of Days of our Lives, Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) and Jennifer Rose Horton Deveraux make love following some poor choices. Could drugs and alcohol be involved?

Meanwhile, John (Drake Hogestyn) comforts a depressed Marlena (Deidre Hall) after Eric's sentencing.

Elsewhere, Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) is in the hospital with burns, and Chad tries to hide Abigail's (Kate Mansi) role in his accident.

Dr. Marlena Evans Saves the Day on 'Days of our Lives'

Days of our lives - Dr. Marlena Evans Saves the Day!
By Carolyn LeVine Topol

Tuesday’s episode of Days of our Lives brought us to a major story climax. The Salem “cavalry” is poised to save the day. The surprising twist — it includes the toughest psychiatrist imaginable, Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Despite objections from rescue team leaders, Rafe Hernandez and Steve Johnson (Galen Gering and Stephen Nichols), Marlena insists on participating, unable to rest until her ‘husband’, John Black (Drake Hogestyn), is safe.

Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans

Dressed all in black, not only does Marlena look incredible, but she’s ready for action. Unexpectedly showing up on the scene, Steve and Rafe reluctantly accept her participation, giving Marlena a weapon. In response to their concerns, Marlena, rightfully, insists she has been through more difficult spots than this (I would imagine far more often than both Steve & Rafe combined). As viewers can attest to, Marlena Evans has survived, and successfully worked her way out of much more challenging encounters than this during her years in Salem.

Viewers quickly get a bird’s eye view as to why savvy Marlena was needed. Before reaching their goal, Marlena first saves Steve, who is nearly taken out of action by a member of the enemy’s security team. Without missing a beat, Marlena silently and strategically cold-cocked the thug and then continued on the mission.

Christopher Sean as Paul with Deidre Hall as Marlena

There is no question Marlena can hold her own in any situation. Fortunately, she was on hand to comfort and support John’s son, Paul Narita (Christopher Sean), who was rescued while in the process of being brainwashed. Having a super-hero psychiatrist on a team can come in handy.

Dr. Evans’s finest qualities are her inner strength and determination, coupled with her ability to repress her fear when necessary. Without her on the rescue team, the entire mission might very well have fallen apart.

Let’s face it — Dr. Marlena Evans can ‘kick butt” better than anyone in Salem!

Here’s one big question — why was she referred to as John’s “woman”? Marlena Evans is her own woman — one viewers can admire and respect. The reference to her as John’s woman, more than once, was enough to rattle any fan. Marlena had enough class not make an issue of it, but no hero should be referred to as someone else’s possession.

Dr. Evans has, does, and will continue to stand on her own two feet. She loves John and her family, and is fiercely loyal to her friends, but tempers these relationships with an ardent, independent persona.

Deidre Hall as Marlena

No one should ever diminish Marlena Evans. The “Queen of the Night” can hold her own with anyone, in any situation. Forget Wonder Woman — Days fans have Dr. Marlena Evans!

'Days of our Lives' March 23 Sneak Peek: Chad Comes Up With a Plan to Trap Ben

Robert Scott Wilson © jpistudios.com

Tomorrow on the March 23 episode of Days of our Lives, Chad (Billy Flynn) comes up with a mysterious plan to help trap Ben (Robert Scott Wilson).

Meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) consider going on the run, and Adriana (Alma Delfina) reunites with Rafe (Galen Gering), Gabi (Camila Banus) and Dario (Jordi Vilasuso)

Elsewhere, John (Drake Hogestyn) and Paul (Christopher Sean) bond.

'Days of our Lives' March 21 Sneak Peek: Ciara Shares Her Pain About the Rape With Hope

Ciara shares her pain about the rape with Hope. © jpistudios.com

Tomorrow on the March 21 episode of Days of our Lives, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) shares her pain about the rape with Hope (Kristian Alfonso).

Meanwhile, Joey (James Lastovic) confesses to Roman (Josh Taylor), and Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) connect.

Elsewhere, Belle (Martha Madison) finds Marlena's (Deidre Hall) plan to rescue John (Drake Hogestyn) concerning.

Days of our Lives March 18 Sneak Peek: Paul is Confused by his Imprisonment

What will Yo-Ling do to John and Paul? © jpistudios.com

Today on the March 18 episode of Days of our Lives, Paul's (Christopher Sean) imprisonment with John (Drake Hogestyn) confuses him; meanwhile, Steve (Stephen Nichols), Rafe (Galen Gering) and Marlena (Deidre Hall) plan John's rescue

Elsewhere, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) throws a wild birthday party, Joey (James Lastovic) makes a spur-of-the-moment confession, and Dario discovers what happened to his father (Jordi Vilasuso)

'Days of our Lives' March 14 Sneak Peek: John Unlocks the Mystery of His Past

John unlocks the mystery of his past. © jpistudios.com

Today on the March 14 episode of Days of our Lives, John (Drake Hogestyn) makes a major discovery about his past.

Meanwhile, Eduardo (A Martinez) needs emergency surgery, and J.J. (Casey Moss) offers Gabi (Camila Banus) support.

Elsewhere, Shawn (Brandon Beemer) and Belle (Martha Madison) have a run-in, and Joey (James Lastovic) makes a guilt-racked decision.

'Days of our Lives' March 11 Sneak Peek: Chad and Abby's Wedding Begins

Chad and Abby are getting married on Days of our Lives

Today on the March 11 episode of Days of our Lives, Chad (Billy Flynn) and Abby's (Kate Mansi) wedding begins. Will Ben (Robert Scott Wilson) ruin their happy day?

Meanwhile, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) angrily grills Chase (Jonathon McClendon) about what he did to her daughter, and Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) confides in Theo (Kyler Pettis).

Elsewhere, Gunfire erupts as John (Drake Hogestyn) and Eduardo (A Martinez) attempt to rescue their loved ones.

'Days of our Lives' March 10 Sneak Peek: Ciara and Chase Face Off

Ciara faces off with Chase: jpistudios.com

Today on the March 10 episode of Days of our Lives, Ciara (Vivian Jovanni) has an intense confrontation with Chase (Jonathon McClendon). Will she get the justice she deserves?

Meanwhile, Claire spies Belle (Martha Madison) and Philip (John Paul Lavoisier) sharing a kiss, and later Philip's past comes back to haunt him.

Elsewhere, John (Drake Hogestyn) and Eduardo (A Martinez) receive instructions from the kidnappers.

'Days of our Lives' March 8 Sneak Peek: Steve and Kayla Team Up!

Steve and Kayla team up!. © jpistudios.com

Today on the March 8 episode of Days of our Lives, Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) work together to find evidence he can use in his defense.

Meanwhile, Abigail (Kate Mansi) reacts to Ben's (Robert Scott Wilson) escape, and Eduardo (A Martinez) must tell Rafe (Galen Gering) he was an assassin.

Elsewhere, John (Drake Hogestyn) questions Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) in his quest to find Marlena (Deidre Hall).

'Days of our Lives' March 7 Sneak Peek: Marlena and Arianna are Kidnapped!

Marlena and Arianna are kidnapped!. © jpistudios.com

On the March 7 episode of Days of our Lives,  Marlena (Deidre Hall) and Arianna are kidnapped, as Eduardo (A Martinez) informs John (Drake Hogestyn) he’s found a link between Deimos (Vincent Irizarry) and someone from John’s past.

Meanwhile, Abigail (Kate Mansi) insists Chad (Billy Flynn) and J.J. (Casey Moss) tell her what they're hiding, and Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Summer (Marie Wilson) receive her DNA test results

Actor Mark Laursen Joins the Cast of 'Days of our Lives'

Mark Laursen; Photo by Joseph James

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Mark Laursen has been cast as Petrov, a role previously played by actor Kai Wulff.

Petrov is John Black's (Drake Hogestyn) longtime enemy, and was last seen in 1991.

There isn't any word yet on when Laursen first airs in the role.

Tobin Bell Cast as John's Dad on 'Days of our Lives'

Tobin Bell

Actor Tobin Bell has been cast as John's (Drake Hogestyn) father Yo Ling on Days of Our Lives, ew.com is reporting.

Bell has signed on for a five-episode arc, and will first air March 11.

John didn't have great luck when he met his mom, so I don't have high hopes for his reunion with his father!

10 Characters Who Must Remain on 'Days of our Lives'

10 characters Who Must Remain on Days of our Lives
By Molly Scofield

Whenever there is a regime change or a power shift at Days, fans get in a panic. Who will stay? Who will be let go? Campaigns rise up. Someone is always left disappointed. We’ve watched the cycle for decades now. As we enter the last half of the Griffith/Higley era and enter the Higley/Quan era, here is our list of who Days should and must keep.

We’ll start with the vets. Soap opera veterans always seem to be fighting to keep their places on their respective shows. Their fanbases were built decades ago and have stuck by them through the good times and the bad times. Their time in the front and center may be up (though that’s debatable) but they remain vital to the genre. Their foundation is the support necessary for new characters to thrive.

Marlena Evans/Deidre Hall
Until seven years ago, it probably wouldn’t have occurred to anyone that this needed to be said. Deidre Hall has been synonymous with Days for nearly forty years (mark your calendars for her anniversary in June). Marlena’s stories have been a major focus on the show since the 70s. When she is not a primary focus, one of the five children she raised is. She’s led the show well in multiple popular pairings, and she’s supported others as well as she did when her teenage grandson came out of the closet. Her rivalries are legendary (Stefano, Kristen), and her relationships with her children are fueled with drama, love, and conflict. A soap opera needs familiarity. It doesn’t get much more familiar than Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans.

John Black/Drake Hogestyn
The last decade has been quite the whirlwind for John/Drake Hogestyn fans. He had 20 straight years on Days, then all of a sudden he was gone, he was back, he was gone, he was back. John is the ultimate hero, the ultimate romancer, the ultimate eyebrow raiser, and the ultimate mystery. When he’s lucky enough to play dad, he’s the ultimate father. John has been a lot of things: priest, cop, ISA agent, pawn, Roman. But all the man wants is to be in Salem with his family. He’s had some bumps along the way, but his commitment to family, his bravery, and his belief that love can and will triumph all is the heart and soul of what Days is about. As new heroes come and go, they really should learn from the best.

Steve Johnson/Stephen Nichols
Steve Johnson showed up in Salem a little over 30 years ago, but unlike John and Marlena, his presence hasn’t been continuous. In fact, he was off screen and believed to be dead for 16 years. When he finally returned he barely got two and a half years to make another impression in Salem. Regardless, he and his signature eye patch remain icons of Days. His extended absence only means he has way more story left to tell. He has one of the soapiest backstories you can imagine. He has family connections via his children, siblings, and in-laws. He loves fiercely, dramatically, and intensely. In addition to finally finding his own way in Salem as a not so settled family man, he’s a perfect listening ear and advocate to younger characters who didn’t grow up in the best of circumstances.

Kayla Brady/Mary Beth Evans
This year will mark 30 years since Mary Beth Evans’ debut as Kayla Brady. Much like Steve, Kayla has spent more of that time off screen than onscreen. After her non-exit in 2009, she came back in a recurring capacity where she became a big support to her siblings, nieces, and nephews. That’s all well and good, but now it’d be nice to see her get some of that support. And lest you think all she can do is support, please don’t be fooled. She’s been kidnapped, wrongly convicted of murder, and she even went deaf and mute. Despite Mary Beth lacking a contract and Kayla spending her life knowing she’s not the favorite child of the Brady parents, the youngest sister has managed to become the heir apparent to the Brady matriarch throne…and she’s right where she belongs.

Deimos Kiriakis/Vincent Irizarry
Okay, so he’s not exactly a Days’ vet. But Vincent Irizarry is a soap vet, and now Days has him. Deimos is Victor’s never before mentioned younger brother who wants to make Victor suffer…via his family. With Stefano seemingly dead and no one in Salem being legitimately fearful of Victor for years, Days has been in need of a new big, bad villain, and Deimos can fill that role. Days’ villains are notorious; their crimes nefarious, and their portrayers powerful and charismatic. Not just anyone can follow in Joseph Mascolo and John Aniston’s footsteps, but if we had to place money on who’d be most likely to succeed, our bet would be for Vincent Irizarry.

Shawn Brady/Brandon Beemer
The next two on our list have not benefitted from fantastic writing recently. However, there is so much potential because of who they are, that we still believe they can be salvaged by a writing team who truly gets them. Shawn Douglas Brady was the first Brady/Horton baby. He was the first link between the two families that are now Days’ biggest legacies. Shawn was onscreen most of his life, dealing with only a minor case of SORASing as a young teen. His exit in 2008 left a hole in both families. He’s finally back in Salem. Brandon Beemer has even managed to do what we thought was impossible – he’s made Shawn a believable father of a teenaged daughter. With Bo dead, who better to follow in his footsteps than his Sailor Man?

Belle Brady/Martha Madison
We know. We know. The writing for her this time has been less than stellar so far, but there have been some good moments. And Martha Madison absolutely shines in those good moments. Belle is the product of one of the most referenced stories in Days’ history. We watched her grow up literally overnight, graduate from high school, dip her toes in various career paths, get in way over her head in a love triangle, and fight to keep her family together only to turn around and sleep with the man who was trying to destroy them. She returned to Salem last year with an adult career, another notch in her bedpost, and a volatile relationship with a teenaged daughter. John and Marlena’s baby girl has a lot to live up to, and watching her try, fail, and maybe one day succeed should be able to carry this show for years.

Chad DiMera/Billy Flynn
Over the years we’ve seen many DiMeras come and go, but none quite like Chad. He’s desperate to be a part of a family, but he’s just nowhere near as nefarious as the other members of his own. He’s one half of one of the last pairings to really make people stand up and take notice. However, Chad’s relationships aren’t limited to just the romantic. His sibling scenes with Andre, his bromance with Rafe, his doctor/patient scenes with Marlena, and his heart-to-heart with Arianna Grace have all been noteworthy. He’s been a hero, but not an over the top praised one. He’s still working to gain the trust of Salem, and the last few weeks have shown that Salem is still working to gain his trust. He’s not a one-note villain nor is he a one-note hero. He’s still trying to figure out who he is, and we hope that keeps him onscreen for a while.

Theo Carver/Kyler Pettis
Kyler Pettis as Theo has been a bright spot over the last few months. Pettis’ subtle take on Theo’s autism has been a delight. In a few short months, we’ve seen him start a tentative relationship with  his new sister, watched him deal with bullying, and even gotten a glimpse of his complicated relationship with his unbeknownst to him late grandfather. Theo’s devotion to his childhood friend Ciara is very much what we pictured for their future when he accompanied a runaway Ciara in 2011. New teens tend to be a little green and to make viewers nervous. Despite their newbie status, Pettis and Vivian Jovanni have managed to create something special with Theo and Ciara, and we can’t wait to see where they’ll take us next.

Ciara Brady/ Vivian Jovanni
Vivian Jovanni possibly had the hardest job of any of the actors cast or brought back in 2015. Ciara has been the beloved Bope baby. Lauren Boles did what few child actors have managed to do before her: she gave the character her own personality. Plus, she looked like she could legitimately be the child of Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso. But Ciara couldn’t stay a child forever. Jovanni’s Ciara was recently catapulted into a very intense and highly controversial story. She seems poised to follow in the footsteps of Days’ heroines before her. She’s surrounded by family, and supported by a friend who has been by her side all along. Heavy teen stories are always a gamble, but we’re ready to see what’s next for Bo and Hope’s daughter.


Abby Deveraux/Kate Mansi and Eric Brady/Greg Vaughan
We couldn’t end this list without a special shout out for these two. Our first 10 are the people currently employed who Days should keep. Unfortunately, we already know Greg Vaughan and Kate Mansi have left Days. Their characters will still be airing through the spring.

Eric will be leaving soon, and we are despondent. He’s only been back in Salem for a few years. Between Jensen Ackles and Greg Vaughan, we’ve only gotten a little over 6 years of Eric Brady. He had a 12-year absence! We watched his twin for 22 years straight. Surely there’s more to Eric’s story than this. It doesn’t hurt that he happens to be really pretty to look at.

Abby is an example of a mistake Days has made again and again. They didn’t truly find her character until her final year on the show. Just as we’ve gotten invested in her character and her love life, she’s on the way out. It seems a shame for her to be exiting Salem so soon after cementing her place outside of her parents’ shadows in the show’s history.

These are the 10 characters who WE think must remain on Days of Our Lives. Who is on your list? Would love to hear your thoughts!

'Days of our Lives' Promo: Sometimes The Truth Really Hurts

Brady learns the truth after interrupted a conversation between John and Theresa. Photo Credit: NBC

Brady (Eric Martsolf) realizes Kristen (Eileen Davidson) was telling the truth about Theresa (Jen Lilley) during the week of October 27-31, 2014 on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives.

"The person that hit me that night wasn't Brady," John tells Theresa. "It was you."

Brady gets a shock

Watch a new Days promo below for a sneak peek:

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers: Will EJ DiMera Die?

How long will Sami and EJ's happiness last?

Sami (Alison Sweeney) and EJ (James Scott) are back together and have finally found the happiness they have always wanted on NBC soap opera Days of our Lives. EJ even tells Sami, "I am the luckiest man alive."

But during the week of October 6-October 10, 2014, a shot is fired, and Sami screams out for her husband. Has EJ been shot? Injured? Will EJ die? Actor James Scott is leaving Days but would the writers kill off his character?

Don't miss the Friday, October 10 episode of Days when Sami makes a shocking discovery, and may lose EJ forever.

Watch a sneak peek of what's coming up in the new Days weekly promo below: