Renewal News

In exciting news for soap opera fans, Peacock has officially renewed *Days of Our Lives* for its 61st season, according to sources at TVLine. This iconic series, which has captivated audiences for over five decades, made a successful transition from NBC to Peacock in 2022 and consistently features among the streamer’s top 10 most-watched titles.

Milestone Episode

Mark your calendars, as the show is set to celebrate another momentous occasion on December 2 when it airs its incredible 15,000th episode! This milestone is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and commitment to storytelling.

Recent Losses

However, the *Days of Our Lives* family has faced immense tragedy recently. The beloved Drake Hogestyn, known for his role as John Black, passed away in September at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. To add to the heartache, the series also mourns the loss of the legendary Bill Hayes, who played Doug Williams and died in January 2024 at an impressive age of 98. Another significant loss was John Aniston, who brought Victor Kiriakis to life until his passing in November 2022 at 89. Aniston's character received a heartfelt on-screen farewell in September 2023, while the community of Salem prepares to honor Hayes’ character with a tribute next month.

Behind the Scenes Changes

As the beloved show transitions into its next chapter, it has also undergone some changes behind the scenes. Popular actor Brandon Barash aired his final episode as Stefan DiMera recently, revealing that he had been let go from the show. Moreover, Arianne Zucker, who has portrayed Nicole Walker for over two decades, ended her run this summer following allegations of sexual harassment against former executive producer Albert Alarr. The soap's continuity has also seen the departure of Emily O’Brien, known for her roles as Gwen Rizczech and Theresa Donovan 2.0, who confirmed her exit in August.

Looking Ahead to Season 61

Despite these challenges, *Days of Our Lives* continues to evolve and thrill viewers, and we can't wait to see what's in store for Season 61. Stay tuned for more updates on the beloved characters and heart-stopping storylines that keep fans coming back for more!