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Like sands through the hourglass: Exploring the legacy of ‘Days of our Lives’

For over six decades, “Days of our Lives” has been a cornerstone of television, enthralling audiences with its compelling storylines, unforgettable characters and enduring drama.

Since its debut on Nov. 8, 1965, this NBC soap opera has remained a beloved fixture in the hearts of viewers around the world, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase along the way.

In its inaugural episode, “Days of our Lives” introduced audiences to the fictional town of Salem, where the lives of its residents are woven together through love, betrayal and intrigue.

At the forefront of the series was the Horton family, led by patriarch Dr. Tom Horton (played by MacDonald Carey) and his wife, Alice Horton (Frances Reid). Their children — Tom Jr. (John Lupton), Mickey (John Clarke), Bill (Edward Mallory), and Marie (Maree Cheatham) — formed the nucleus of the show’s early years, laying the groundwork for decades of dramatic storytelling.

One of the most iconic and memorable storylines on “Days of our Lives” occurred in the mid-1990s when the character Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) was possessed by the devil. This supernatural plotline, which unfolded over several months, brought a new level of intrigue and suspense to the show. Hall’s portrayal of the possessed Marlena captivated audiences and showcased the series’ willingness to push boundaries, solidifying its reputation as a groundbreaking drama.

Another pivotal moment in the show’s history came with the death of Alice Horton in 2010. Frances Reid, who portrayed Alice for over four decades, passed away, leading to a poignant storyline that paid tribute to her character’s enduring legacy. The loss of Alice reverberated throughout Salem, serving as a reminder of the profound impact she had on the show and its characters.

In addition to these major plotlines, “Days of our Lives” has explored a wide range of captivating story arcs over the years. From forbidden romances to shocking betrayals, the show has never been afraid to tackle complex and controversial topics, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats episode after episode.

One of the most enduring love stories on “DAYS” is the relationship between Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso). Their rollercoaster romance, filled with passion, heartache, and undeniable chemistry, has been a cornerstone of the series for decades, capturing the hearts of fans around the world.

The villainous schemes of characters like Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) have also left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. Stefano, often referred to as “The Phoenix” due to his ability to rise from the ashes of defeat, has been a constant thorn in the side of the residents of Salem, orchestrating elaborate plots and manipulations that have kept viewers glued to their screens for years.

In recent years, “Days of our Lives” has continued to evolve, introducing new characters and storylines while still honoring its rich history.

In 2011, “Days of our Lives” made history by introducing its first openly gay characters, Will Horton (ex-Chandler Massey) and Sonny Kiriakis (ex-Freddie Smith). Their arrival marked a significant milestone for the show and for daytime television as a whole, as they became pivotal figures in representing LGBTQ representation onscreen.

Will Horton, the son of iconic characters Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) and Lucas Horton (Bryan Dattilo), initially struggled with his sexuality, grappling with his feelings and fears of rejection from his family and community. Meanwhile, Sonny Kiriakis, the confident and charismatic scion of the powerful Kiriakis family, provided a supportive presence in Will’s life as he navigated his journey of self-discovery.

Their love story unfolded with depth and authenticity, depicting the challenges and triumphs of being in a same-sex relationship in a small town like Salem. As their bond deepened, Will and Sonny faced prejudice, judgment, and external pressures, but their commitment to each other remained unwavering.

In 2012, “Days of our Lives” made history once again when Will and Sonny exchanged vows in a groundbreaking same-sex wedding ceremony. The event was a landmark moment not only for the show but also for LGBTQ representation in mainstream media. It showcased the power of love to overcome adversity and the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

Following their marriage, Will and Sonny faced a series of trials and tribulations, including infidelity, custody battles, and even temporary separation. However, through it all, their love endured, proving to be a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Massey and Smith’s portrayal of Will and Sonny earned widespread praise from fans and critics alike, with their onscreen chemistry and heartfelt performances resonating with audiences around the world. Their characters’ journeys served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for LGBTQ viewers who saw themselves represented onscreen in a meaningful and authentic way.

The ensemble cast — which has included talented actors over the years such as Sweeney, Drake Hogestyn, Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes — remains a driving force behind the show’s enduring success.

From the forbidden romance between Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) and Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) to the dramatic return of fan-favorite characters like Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves), “Days of our Lives” continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters.

As “Days of our Lives” celebrates over six decades on the air, its legacy as a groundbreaking and beloved show remains as strong as ever. Through its timeless drama, memorable characters and unforgettable moments, the show has left an indelible mark on the landscape of daytime television, earning its place in the hearts of viewers around the world.

In a television landscape that is constantly evolving, “Days of our Lives” stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Whether it’s a shocking plot twist or a tender moment between beloved characters, the show continues to captivate audiences and remind us of the timeless appeal of good old-fashioned drama. As we look forward to the next chapter in the saga of Salem, one thing is certain: the legacy of “Days of our Lives” will live on for the rest of the days of our lives.

‘Days of our Lives’ to end broadcast run after 57 years, but the show will continue

After 57 years, “Days of our Lives” will end its run on NBC in September, the network announced Aug. 3.

But, fear not (at least for now), DAYS fans, the sands will continue flowing through the hourglass.

“Days of our Lives” will move completely to Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. It will be part of the service’s premium service plan.

NBC will replace the broadcast hour with a news program.

The final broadcast episode of “Days of our Lives” will air Friday, Sept. 9.

Episodes already appear on Peacock after appearing first on NBC. Peacock has already run two spinoff series called “Beyond Salem” and a Christmas movie called “Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas.”

In a statement, Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said the “programming shift benefits both Peacock and NBC and is reflective of our broader strategy to utilize our portfolio to maximize reach and strengthen engagement with viewers.”

Lazarus said “Days” has a “large percentage” of its audience watching digitally. The network did not provide data.

“Days of our Lives” is NBC’s longest-running series.

The drama has earned 58 Emmy Awards, including most recently 2018’s Outstanding Daytime Drama, and 372 nominations, as well as multiple People’s Choice Awards, GLAAD Media Awards and Prism Awards.

NBC’s news release said the show “remains a perennial favorite among viewers of all ages.”

Fan reaction on social media has been mixed — with some excited for the move and hoping for expanded scripts and stories, while other fans worry the show will be canceled.

As a long-time “Days of our Lives” fan, I, too, worry that this means the serial’s impending end. Beloved characters might die and be resurrected again and again, but can the show itself find new life?

Viewing habits have dramatically shifted since the deaths of “All My Children” and “One Life To Live,” each of which had been resurrected for a digital audience long before the onslaught of streaming services.

With the move, NBC will become the first of the long-time “Big Three” networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) to have no daytime drama. ABC continues to air “General Hospital.” CBS continues to air “Young and the Restless” and “Bold and the Beautiful.”

In May 2021, NBC announced that “Days of our Lives” had received a two-year contract extension, continuing the show through its 58th season. That current contract would end in September 2023 — one year from the start of its move to Peacock.

“Days of our Lives” first aired on Nov. 8, 1965. It follows the trials and tribulations of the Bradys, Hortons and DiMeras in the fictional town of Salem.

Will ‘Days of our Lives’ be renewed?

Has the sand run out in the hourglass?

“Days of our Lives” wrapped production on April 16 of its 56th season — reportedly filming 112 episodes over the last 14 weeks. And they did that through an ongoing pandemic!

The current contract extends through September. It was last renewed in January 2020.

The last time this happened, Corday Productions — the production company that produces the show for NBC — let all of the actors out of their contracts. It’s not clear if the same situation happened this time around, according to Soap Opera Network.

It should be noted that when this happened in 2019, the news spread like wildfire, suggesting that “Days of our Lives” had been canceled. So, it’s safe to assume that Corday, Sony Pictures Television (which distributes the show for Corday) and NBC likely wanted to avoid a similar situation.

Of course, if NBC does not renew the drama, there are other (albeit, slim) options. NBC could find a way to include it on Peacock (their streaming service) or it could find a home on another streaming service or network.