Days of Our Lives Turns 60: Gala, Drama, & Salem's Wild Week Ahead

From emotional reunions to shocking new revelations, Salem pulled out all the stops for its 60th anniversary. Get ready for a week of classic DOOL twists!

TL;DR: The Latest from Salem

• Days of Our Lives celebrated its 60th anniversary with a star-studded gala in Los Angeles, honoring its incredible run.
• The show, a TV legend with over 15,000 episodes, recently moved to Peacock, ensuring its future for fans.
• Next week in Salem promises explosive drama, including Sami Brady's return, a major family accident, and the opening of the Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic.

Imagine turning on your TV every weekday for six decades, and finding the same fictional town, filled with the same beloved (and sometimes maddening) families, living out their dramatic lives. That's exactly what Days Of Our Lives has delivered since its premiere on November 8, 1965, marking a truly monumental 60-year run. Few shows, scripted or otherwise, ever reach such an incredible milestone, and Salem's residents certainly know how to celebrate.

The Diamond Celebration: Honoring Six Decades of Dramatic Storytelling

The anniversary festivities kicked off in style with a star-studded gala at The Garland Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 9, 2025. It was a true reunion, bringing together multiple generations of Days of Our Lives stars, past and present. Familiar faces like Deidre Hall, Susan Hayes, Jackée Harry, Raven Bowens, AnnaLynne McCord, and Paul Telfer were all there, along with executive producer Ken Corday, carrying on the legacy of creators Ted and Betty Corday.

The event wasn't just a party; it was an interactive livestream experience, offering fans a unique Q&A session with their favorite actors. This celebration came hot on the heels of another major achievement: Days of Our Lives being inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame. It’s an honor that Eric Martsolf (Brady) humorously described as feeling like "just another Tuesday hanging out with these soap legends," but quickly clarified it was "nothing short of an honor." Source: [E! News, "Days of Our Lives' Suzanne Rogers Shares Cancer Diagnosis," Nov 8, 2025]

A Family Affair, On and Off-Screen, That Endures Through Generations

The sentiment of family was a recurring theme among the cast. Deidre Hall, who has portrayed the iconic psychiatrist Marlena Evans since 1976, reflected on the show's incredible longevity. "None of us ever imagined being on this long," she said during a September 30 appearance on Today with costars James Reynolds and Eric Martsolf. "but it's so good and it's such a home and we love it, and I know we talk about family—it's a family." Source: [E! News, "Days of Our Lives' Suzanne Rogers Shares Cancer Diagnosis," Nov 8, 2025]

James Reynolds (Abe Carver) shared his excitement for fans, teasing that those who've watched for years will be "thrilled" by the reunion, while newer viewers will begin to grasp the rich history. Eric Martsolf echoed the sentiment, expressing his disbelief at being part of a program that has been on the air for six decades. He emphasized the cast's bond, stating, "We are a family. We've been through everything together. And so, we're just happy to celebrate the show." This deep connection among the cast and crew is often cited as a key reason for the show's ability to navigate constant change.

The Streaming Era: A New Chapter for Ensuring Longevity

For a show that has aired over 15,000 episodes and accumulated more than 60 Daytime Emmy Awards, adaptability has been crucial. Source: [Deadline, "Days of Our Lives 60th Anniversary Celebration," November 9, 2025] One of the most significant shifts in recent years was its move from NBC to Peacock. On September 9, 2022, Days of Our Lives aired its final episode on network television, transitioning exclusively to the streaming platform.

This move represented a major tradeoff: while it changed the viewing habits for some long-time fans accustomed to traditional broadcast, it ultimately secured the show's future in an evolving media landscape. By embracing streaming, Days of Our Lives ensured it could continue telling the intricate stories of the Horton, Brady, DiMera, Kiriakis, and Hernandez families for years to come, attracting new audiences while retaining its loyal base.

Missing Faces and the Powerful Voices of Disappointed Fans

Despite the overwhelming joy of the anniversary, not all beloved characters made it back to Salem for the official celebrations. Peter Reckell, who played the iconic Bo Brady on and off for over 40 years, was notably absent from the gala. While he didn't attend, Reckell shared a heartfelt message on X, congratulating "all that have worked to create DOOL for all these years!" and expressing pride in being part of the "Day's family."

His message resonated deeply with fans, but also ignited a wave of disappointment. Many took to social media, lamenting the absence of the legendary duo, Bo and Hope (Kristian Alfonso), from the 60th-anniversary festivities. Comments like "You and Kristian Alphonso should have been included in this event. I am deeply saddened you both weren't in attendance" and "I'm very disappointed that you and Kristan were not invited back for those 60th anniversary episodes" flooded his post. This fan outcry underscores the powerful, enduring connection viewers have with certain characters, even decades later.

"Congratulations to all that have worked to create DOOL for all these years! I’m so proud and fortunate to have been part of the Day’s family! A huge Thanks to the audience who’s dedication has made this 60 years possible. CHEERS."

— Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) on X

Beyond the Festivities: A Cast Member's Personal Battle

Amidst the joyous celebrations, some real-world news reminded the soap community of the personal lives behind the characters. Suzanne Rogers, who portrays the beloved Maggie Horton, recently revealed her diagnosis with cancer. The news, reported on November 4, 2025, served as a poignant reminder of the challenges cast members face beyond the fictional drama of Salem. Source: [Entertainment Now, "Days of Our Lives Suzanne Rogers Shares Cancer Diagnosis," November 4, 2025] The soap opera community, known for its tight-knit bonds, undoubtedly offers support to Rogers during this time.

Salem's Next Chapter: A Week of Unfolding Drama (November 10-14, 2025)

As the anniversary glow settles, the drama in Salem continues to churn. The upcoming week is packed with the kind of intense storylines fans have come to expect, mixing family secrets, unexpected returns, and emotional confrontations.

Monday Mayhem: An Accident and the Pursuit of Unearthing Secrets

The week kicks off with immediate chaos. On Monday, November 10, young Thomas (Cary Christopher) is rushed to University Hospital after a terrible accident. This happens immediately after he, along with Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), misinterprets Chad (Billy Flynn) comforting Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) in the Town Square. Thomas, furious, runs off and gets injured, suffering a broken arm. Jennifer is distraught, confiding in Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) about her fears for her grandson and the unraveling family dynamics. She even considers sending him to Boston with Jack for healing.

Example: Just imagine the scene unfolding this Monday, November 10th. Thomas, visibly upset, sees his dad with Cat. His young mind, unable to process the nuances of adult relationships, only registers betrayal. He bolts, and in a heart-stopping moment, he’s hit. This chain of events forces Chad to confront his choices and Jennifer to agonize over the emotional toll on her grandson, highlighting how quickly misunderstandings can escalate into crisis in Salem.

Meanwhile, Tate (Leo Howard) and Holly (Ashley Puzemis) embark on a film project about the Horton family history, leading them to interview Marie (Maree Cheatham) and Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes). This quest for inspiration might dig up more than just fond memories, as Jeremy (Michael Roark) presses Marie and Julie to reveal "long-buried family secrets," hinting at revelations that could shake the family tree.

Surprise Returns and Sami Stirring the Pot in Salem

Tuesday brings a major shockwave with the surprise return of Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) to Salem. And true to Sami form, she arrives with a bombshell: she's engaged! The news is first spotted by her son Will (Chandler Massey) at the Brady Pub. Later in the week, Sami throws a lively shower for Johnny (Carson Boatman), Chanel (Raven Bowens), and their new baby, Trey, celebrating their fresh start as parents.

However, Sami's presence naturally leads to a run-in with her former lover, EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), on Thursday, promising sparks and unresolved tension. Elsewhere, Jennifer confronts Chad with a warning, while Philip confides in Lucas, and EJ shows a softer side by comforting Cat.

Gala Grandeur and Lingering Questions That Threaten Peace

The week builds towards Thursday's grand gala, celebrating the opening of the new Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic. This event promises a mix of community spirit and underlying drama, as guests reflect on moments from the hospital's history and their own lives. Marlena, however, is expected to have a "tough time" on Wednesday, leading to Will sharing a tender moment with her on Thursday.

Mysteries deepen as Gwen (Emily O'Brien) is caught up in a confidential task, and Cat and Leo (Greg Rikaart) find themselves "working at cross purposes," possibly related to EJ. The biggest cliffhanger comes on Friday, when Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is revealed to be tied up, demanding to know where she is. This suggests a darker plot twist unfolding amidst the celebratory atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Maggie delivers surprising news to Sarah about Xander, and Jack steps in to reassure Jennifer, likely about Thomas's condition. Eli (Lamon Archey) corners EJ with tough questions, hinting at further complications for the DiMera patriarch.

The Enduring Power of a Daily Dose of Drama and Comfort

For six decades, Days of Our Lives has been more than just a TV show; it's been a constant companion for millions. Its ability to weave together intricate family sagas, scandalous affairs, and heartfelt moments, all while adapting to new platforms and evolving tastes, is a testament to its enduring power. The show’s longevity speaks volumes about its loyal fanbase and the universal appeal of stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, often with a dramatic flair that makes everyday life seem a little less complicated by comparison.

Your Cheat Sheet to Salem: Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Where to Watch: Catch new episodes of Days of Our Lives weekdays exclusively on Peacock. Make sure your subscription is ready!
• Don't Miss the Anniversary Drama: The 60th-anniversary celebration is more than just a party; it's a launchpad for major new storylines, especially concerning the Horton family.
• Prepare for Explosive Returns: Sami Brady's comeback and engagement will undoubtedly shake up many relationships in Salem, particularly with EJ in the picture.
• Keep an Eye on the Hortons: Thomas's accident and Tate and Holly's film project could uncover long-buried secrets, promising deep emotional fallout for the show's founding family.
• Stay Tuned for Twists: With Kristen tied up and other mysteries brewing, the week of November 10-14, 2025, is set to be a pivotal one for several Salem residents.

Sources

• E! News, "Days of Our Lives' Suzanne Rogers Shares Cancer Diagnosis," Nov 8, 2025.
• Deadline, "Days of Our Lives 60th Anniversary Celebration," November 9, 2025.
• Parade, "Peter Reckell’s Days of Our Lives Message Earns Response From Co-Star," Nov 8, 2025.
• Koimoi, "Days Of Our Lives Spoilers Of The Week (November 10-14, 2025)," November 9, 2025.
• Soap Opera Digest, "Days of Our Lives Spoilers Preview: What Will Happen This Week (November 10-14)?," November 9, 2025.
• Soap Opera News, "Days of Our Lives Spoilers November 10: Thomas is Rushed to the Hospital," November 7, 2025.
• Entertainment Now, "Days of Our Lives Preview Clip for Nov. 10: Familiar Faces Return," November 9, 2025.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Days of Our Lives When did Days of Our Lives premiere? The iconic soap opera first premiered on November 8, 1965. Where can I watch new episodes of Days of Our Lives? New episodes of Days of Our Lives stream weekdays exclusively on Peacock. How many episodes has Days of Our Lives aired? The show has aired more than 15,000 episodes over its 60-year run. What's a major upcoming storyline in November 2025? The week of November 10, 2025, features Thomas's accident, Sami Brady's return with an engagement, and the gala for the Dr. Tom Horton Free Clinic, among other dramatic events.