Salem's Wild Ride: Hospital Secrets, Family Feuds & New Beginnings

Hold onto your hats, Salem fans! This week on Days of Our Lives, Leo Stark is diving headfirst into danger, the DiMeras are wrestling with their tangled history, and a beloved couple finds a moment of pure bliss amidst the chaos.

TL;DR: This Week's Must-Know Moments!

• Leo Stark is seriously hot on EJ DiMera's trail, snooping in unauthorized areas and risking everything to expose the truth behind the Salem blackout.
• Chad DiMera faces heartbreak and tough family choices, grappling with his breakup with Cat and the emotional demands of his son, Thomas.
• Alex Kiriakis and Stephanie Johnson celebrate their love and successes, offering a much-needed beacon of happiness in a town full of drama.

Leo Stark's Risky Investigation Into the Salem Blackout

Alright, let's kick things off with our favorite gossip columnist (or wannabe investigative journalist), Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart). If you thought he'd let the "Great Salem Blackout of 2025" (or is it 2026? Time flies in Salem!) mystery go, you were dead wrong. Leo is convinced that EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) is somehow involved, and he's ready to turn Salem upside down to prove it.

We're talking full-on Woodward and Bernstein vibes here, even if he sometimes comes off more Ron Burgundy. This week, his determination leads him straight into trouble. On Wednesday, October 22, Leo decides the best way to get answers is to snoop around the high-security room at the free clinic at University Hospital. You know, the one with the caution tape? Yeah, he crosses that. Of course, he does!

But his daring infiltration doesn't go unnoticed. He gets busted by none other than Rita (Maggie Carney), EJ's trusty right-hand woman, who's definitely not pleased to find a reporter poking his nose where it doesn't belong. She's seen ordering him out, and we can only imagine the fireworks. Will Leo back down? Probably not for long!

EJ DiMera's Shady Dealings and Unexpected Guests

Speaking of EJ, he's a busy man this week, juggling family drama and whatever clandestine activities Leo suspects him of. That free clinic at University Hospital seems to be a hub of mysterious goings-on, with Rita overseeing operations and even holding a suspicious envelope. Could this be more of EJ's "dirty dealing" that has everyone on edge?

Adding to the complexity, on Wednesday, October 22, EJ gets an unexpected visitor at his University Hospital office: Mark (Jonah Robinson). If that name rings a bell, it should! Mark is Cat Greene's (AnnaLynne McCord) brother, and he recently got paroled after attempting to kill EJ's own brother, Chad. Awkward, right? Despite their history, EJ and Mark actually shake hands after a discussion. Is Mark looking for a job at the new clinic or the hospital? Did EJ agree to his request, or is he just considering it? The air of mystery around EJ is thicker than ever.

Chad's Heartbreak and Thomas's Difficult Ultimatum

While EJ navigates murky waters, his brother Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn) is in a deeply emotional spot. He recently broke up with Cat because his son, Thomas (Cary Christopher), threw a major tantrum. Talk about parental sacrifice! On Thursday, October 16, Chad finds himself facing tough choices, with his decisions heavily influenced by his desire to protect his children.

But the drama around Thomas doesn't stop there. On Wednesday, October 22, we learn that Thomas actually gave Chad an ultimatum: if Cat stays in Salem, Thomas won't. This puts Chad in an impossible position, especially since Cat isn't going anywhere soon. The big question looms: is Thomas about to leave Salem?

Interestingly, Chad gets some unexpected guidance this week from Jeremy Horton (Michael Roark), Stephanie's ex, who's now a 5th-grade teacher. On Thursday, October 16, Jeremy warns Chad not to let Thomas dictate his love life, urging him to find a balance between personal happiness and parental duties. Jeremy also connects with Thomas on Wednesday, October 22, trying to smooth things over, keeping a promise he made to Chad. Let's just hope Jeremy's relationship advice for Chad is better than his own past romantic track record!

"Is Thomas leaving? The role of Thomas has been recast. Cary Christopher is leaving the show, and the new actor will debut in April 2026."

– Soap Opera News, October 21, 2025

And for those wondering about Thomas's future, here's a big update: the role of Thomas DiMera is being recast! While Cary Christopher is leaving, a new actor will debut in April 2026. This means the ultimatum might have some serious long-term consequences for Chad!

Cat Confides in Rafe and the DiMera Drama Ripples Through Salem

Poor Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord). Her breakup with Chad, spurred by Thomas's meltdown, left her understandably heartbroken. But Cat isn't one to wallow for long. On Thursday, October 16, she pulls herself together and heads back to work, where she has some serious "dirt" on EJ. She wastes no time confiding in Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering), sharing her personal struggles and her growing work worries about EJ's plans. Cat's concerns could be a major turning point, potentially providing Rafe with critical intel from her ISA work to expose EJ. This conversation sets the stage for intense emotional confrontations and keeps Salem on high alert regarding the DiMera family's next moves.

It's clear that the DiMera family's conflicts are far from over. On Wednesday, October 22, EJ and Chad, as sons of the legendary Stefano, take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on their family's long history of struggles, rivalries, corporate battles, and tangled love triangles. What triggered this moment of nostalgia? Perhaps the ongoing chaos surrounding EJ's clinic and Chad's own relationship woes are bringing them closer, or simply reminding them of the endless drama that comes with being a DiMera.

Alex and Stephanie: A Glimmer of Happiness in Salem

Amidst all the DiMera scheming, blackout mysteries, and heartbreaking goodbyes, there’s a bright spot shining in Salem: Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) and Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein). This couple has been through their fair share of challenges, including Jeremy's unexpected return and some company troubles with Titan Enterprises. But this week, they're all about celebrating their successes and planning for the future!

On Thursday, October 16, Alex and Stephanie find pure joy in their life together. Stephanie's book, One Stormy Night, is a huge success, and Alex's family company is back on track. They're enjoying their life together, celebrating her success as a writer and their decision to live together as a family. They're definitely looking ahead and making plans for what's next, as shown in the Wednesday, October 22 episode.

Their happiness offers a refreshing contrast to the usual Salem drama, proving that even in the midst of chaos, love and small victories can bring immense hope and joy. It seems like nothing can go wrong for this hot and pretty couple, and we're here for it!

What's Next for Salem?

This week on Days Of Our Lives is a whirlwind of personal struggles, intense family drama, and surprising confrontations. Leo's relentless pursuit of the truth about the blackout could expose some shocking secrets, while EJ's moves are keeping everyone, especially Cat and Rafe, on edge. Chad's heartbreaking decisions regarding his son and love life will continue to shape his path, especially with a major recast on the horizon for Thomas.

Meanwhile, Alex and Stephanie are a testament to finding happiness even when Salem is at its most dramatic. As new episodes stream weekdays exclusively on Peacock, fans can expect more twists, turns, and emotional moments that will keep everyone fully engaged and wondering what the DiMera family, and indeed all of Salem, will face next.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Week's Days of Our Lives

When do new episodes of Days of Our Lives stream?

New episodes of Days of Our Lives stream weekdays, Monday through Friday.

Where can I watch Days of Our Lives?

You can watch new episodes of Days of Our Lives exclusively on the streaming service Peacock.

Is Thomas DiMera leaving Days of Our Lives?

Yes, actor Cary Christopher is leaving the role of Thomas DiMera. The character is being recast, and a new actor is set to debut in April 2026.

What is Leo Stark investigating?

Leo Stark is investigating EJ DiMera's alleged involvement in the "Great Salem Blackout of 2025" and suspicious activities surrounding a high-security room at EJ's free clinic.

Sources

• Various Soap Opera News Outlets (including Soap Opera Digest, Soap Hub, Koimoi, Primetimer, Soap Opera News)