Image Credit: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC
Monday should be a particularly bittersweet day for soap fans: All My Children will be off ABC but Days of Our Lives will begin a new chapter on NBC in hopes of fighting off the cancellation demons. In fact, the writers made sure to make the sober reality very clear in Monday’s dialogue: Hope (Kristian Alfonso) declares how “this begins a new day in Salem.” Naturally, she’s talking about the opening of the sparkly new town square named after her grandparents, but Days fans know what she’s really driving at, don’t they?
EW obtained an early peek at Monday’s episode, mostly because of who it features — Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn, as well as a few very friendly faces, return to Salem. (Was that really Matthew Ashford???) Longtime viewers should dig the new Horton Square: It’s super roomy and a welcome departure from some of the soap’s tight (see: dinky) sets. Everyone is dressed to the nines for the big celebration, which culminates with a very special visit from some old pals.
Enter Marlena and John! Hall’s dressed in a tight black dress that shows off her enviable figure, and Hogestyn is in an, um, wheelchair. (I’ll let you Days fans talk out that little detail). They don’t speak, but just stay frozen with a smile — but the moment is still pretty electric. If you exclude the random presence of The Millionaire Matchmaker — who E.J. DiMera brings as a date — and the silly reporter running around the set (I’m not the one who looks like a size 2), it’s clearly an exciting new day at Days, indeed.
The producers have been promising to “reset” the daytime drama this fall to include “more contemporary stories based on the solid foundation of the Days history of family, romance, and drama.” Translation: They’re trying to keep Days as relevant as possible to ensure that soaps continue to have a place in daytime for as long as possible. Getting Hall and Hogestyn back was definitely a step in the right direction.
Will you watch on Monday?
For more:
Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn talk about their return
Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clark return to ‘Days’
General Hospital alum joins Days of Our Lives
Days does not live or die by Deirdre Hall alone. Kind of sick of people making it out like her returning is the second coming. I’m much more excited about the return of Matthew Ashford as Jack Deveraux, and Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clarke (Austin and Carrie). Would have been nice to see them listed as more than just ‘a few very friendly faces’.
I totally agree! I was actually disappointed to see that they brought Marlena and John back. Neither one of them can really act and they are awkward to watch! I’m very excited to see the original Carrie, Austin, and Jack to return. Let’s get Jack and Jen back together again!
Excuse me, but Deidre Hall *IS* Days of Our Lives. She is the Queen of that show, and the reason I am coming back to Days after years of not watching.
I’m going to respectfully agree to disagree with you here on DH being Days. I’ve never found Hall to be much of an actress, but to each his/her own. Everyone has their favourite characters, which is how it should be.
It’s not about favourites, it’s about facts.
Okay, and in what way is that a “fact”? Has she been on the show the most years? Nope, that’s Suzanne Rogers and Susan Seaforth Hayes. Has the character of Marlena appeared in the most episodes of any character? Nope, that’s Bo Brady. Marlena and Deidre are a big part of Days of our Lives, but I would hardly say she *is* Days of our Lives. If anyone *is* Days of our Lives, it’s Alice Horton.
In my mind, Marlena is no more important than the likes of Bo, Hope and John. And, like Kris, I’m much more excited for other returns – namely Matt Ashford as Jack Deveraux – than I am for Deidre Hall.
I wish they would bring back Leann Hunley as Anna again!
I’m so happy that Marlena and John came back and as for anyone who has been a true Days of our Lives fans lets say welcome home gang and hope to see everyone back and show the new young ones how great Days is.I been watching since 1970 and my mother will since it’s been on air. We will always miss Alice and Tom Horton and they maid what this show always been /Family!!!!!
Deidre’s return has been the most anticipated one for this fan. DAYs just wasn’t the same without her and now that she’s back, with Drake along side Salem feels like home again. Super excited for their upcoming storyline.
I agree. I always found Marlena and John completely annoying. I stopped watching Days after her embarrassing “Demonic Possession”, and I’ll be watching next week for Jack, Austin and Carrie.
Marlena’s possession is the BEST storyline in the history of Days of Our Lives.
Certainly can’t hurt Days. It’s been downright terrible for two years.
Totally agree!! Look how many Days had to get rid of to afford her alone. She’s too full of herself and did next to nothing after Days.
She didn’t need to do anything after Days. It’s Days who needed her!
The numbers speak for themselves and when Deidre and Drake were prominently featured and promised big story, fans came back and the numbers went up. Soap fans are loyal but DAYS fans are THE most loyal. They will come back for anything. While you can never hang your hat on one character on a soap opera (or really, any show), Deidre Hall is probably the biggest draw for DAYS fans today. People who don’t even watch the show or soap operas in general know who Marlena Evans and Deidre Hall are. Love it or hate it the possession story solidified that. While DAYS fans who have watched for some time may have more of a liking to Maggie or Julie, the general television audience knows Marlena rather than Julie or Maggie. And the brass at DAYS is trying to capture any eyeballs they can at this point.
I have to agree that the “demonic” Marlena was the sweetest thing ever, if anything it was very entertaining and definitely brought viewers just to see this chaotic chapter. I agree John can’t act, but Marlena has her moments of bad and good acting. With all the other soaps gone, Days is bound to keep on air because all they have is Y&R and B&B, right? What else is still on? I really miss ATWT
…by the way who did Sarah Brown play when she appeared on ATWT? She is joining Days as the powerful CEO?
im so happy to see some of my very favorit days family,i’ve really missed you all,your like part of my family.and i want to thank you.
I stopped watching Days when Marlena & John were written off in 2009. Never thought I’d watch again but my DVR is set on series record thanks to the return of Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn. Can’t wait to see what the new writers have in store for them.
i will absolutely be watching. the quality of days since the new head writer’s episodes began trickling onto the television (what, a month ago? two?) was obvious. hopefully they keep it up.
I love Carrie, Austin, Marlena, John and Jack so I am very excited to return to Days. I stopped watching when John and Marlena were unceremoniously fired, but I am eager to return for my faves. Too bad they couldn’t get rid of more dead weight like Melanie, Daniel, Rafe, and Gabi.
Melanie has grown on me. I especially love her relationship with Maggie. Gabi can go and Daniel is great eye candy. Rafe is a good match for Sami. Please, do not be a Sami/EJ fan. He tried to kill John, was a drug dealer, kidnapped his own daughter, had a convicted thug rape his ex and live with his children, AND raped Sami.
Daniel is hairy and gross and just a lame-ass obstacle for Jack and Jenn (he can join Colin, Brandon and Frankie in that club). Maggie has a real daughter she should be bonding with: Sarah, not Melanie. Sami belongs with LUCAS, not Rafe, not EJ. LUCAS!!!
Sami/Lucas have been one of Days long time favorite super-couples until the last exec prod and head writer tried to turn Days into Passions and started making a lot of off the wall changes….. But off that topic, speaking of Lucas, the main thing I noticed in this Honorary Celebration Party, Dedication of Horton Square was one main key thing was missing; they were seriously lacking HORTONS. Very few Hortons in number attending…. Doesn’t anyone else find it odd and unbelievable that you would have a celebration honoring Hortons and that group be the fewest number in the audience? I found it incredibly unbelievable in a “I can’t believe they tried to pull that off” kind of way. This makes me think we have more writers now who know absolutely nothing about Days history or its characters. Where was Mike, Lucas, Nathan, Bill, Melissa, etc.? And for that matter, why would they have a celebration honoring the Hortons, and have the guests of honor be Austin and Carrie Reed and John and Marlena Black rather than ‘Hortons’?…….. Seriously? Can anyone say disconnect in believability? Someone please tell me this kind of thing is not what we have to look forward to with the new writing staff!
Sorry I love the characters that you want off. Also when I was a young teen and was told the older actors were being taken off to get more younger people to watch I was disappointed because I was young and enjoyed watching – the older actors. And I was very disappointed when they took Marlena off I don’t think anyone cries as good as her, that’s not the only reason I like her.I have always thought the actors whoever thinks is too old, guess trying to get younger audience but I was younger when they did that (long time ago) and myself and friends liked watching them. There are a few things that bug me, like when there is a landline the actors still use there cell phones and most have money but don’t see them really working. Either way I’ve enjoyed the show for a long time and hope too keep enjoying it. I really don’t want to see Jennifer and jack get back together, I won’t stop watching it if that happens but just wanted to say. Hope the show stays on for a long time. Nancy
The characters I was speaking of are Melanie, Daniel, Rafe and Gabi – hope they stay. And I was upset that Lucas wasn’t there. I know it’s just my oppion but had to say. Again, please dont take show off the air I have been watching for over 20yrs. Thanks for listening.
Now, if only General Hospital would follow suit! Come on! Bring back the great storylines and characters from the 90s! They really had a misstep when they did not allow the Brenda’s return to escalate into a romance with Jax. And they should make Jason and Robin fall in love again!!!
I will definitely be watching on Monday, live! I’ve been waiting for September 26th for months, ever since I heard the news that Deidre & Drake would be returning. The show has kept my interest and excitement up these past couple of months and I’m ready for the new DAYs to begin…I haven’t watched since Deidre & Drake left but am excited for the show’s future and their roles in it
I will be watching but only because they brought Deidre and Drake back! I can’t wait
Yes, I’ll be watching since I stopped in 2009 when all the revelant actors were dumped! I’ve watched Days since I was a preteen and now entering my 6th decade. Just pleased with the returns of the original actors! Loved Patrick Muldoon, he was IMHO the best Austin!! and have always enjoyed Carrie Clark.
Hope Days Lives Up to the Expectations!!
Yes I will be tuning back in. Not for Jack, not for Carrie & Austin (although it’s nice they are coming back too) but only for John & Marlena !!! OMG yes finally Days is getting it’s act together Thank God for the book tour where fans voices were heard in person.
Get over it! John and Marlena are so passe! I watch for Nicole. She never looks at a teleprompter and delivers lines without hesitation.
Because the show was so good without them.
It has been a mess with EJ front and center, killing people, kidnapping and raping and nothing happens to him.
Yes! Nicole (for me) is the reason to watch. Plus, the chemistry she and EJ have is AMAZING!
I agree Nicole is one of the better actors on the show. I never missed John and Marlena! And Marlena annoys me too much with her overly breathy speech. I actually would prefer NOT to have her back!
You’re in the minority, princess. Days needs Marlena back if they want the ratings to go up. Deidre Hall is the star of Days of Our Lives.
O LOVE NICOLE, she is the bomb.
I too was somewhat over Marlena & John, especially John! I am SOOOO happy that JACK’S BACK! Iam too looking forward to Austin & Carrie. I hope we didn’t just see Nicole leaving the show for some long period.. I do enjoy Marlena as a part of the show, but NO longer want her dominating the show, & especially when that includes tough guy John. How many ways can you play that, & making her be some kind of killer did her NO justice either, & brought the show down in the whole stupid fiasco. Have stories about the Hortons, & life. I like the gay issue coming, real life stuff, not STUPID STUFF!
“Real life stuff” is boring—I prefer Days when characters are being possessed or have microchips in their head or are serial killers.
And some of us prefer Days when it showcases slightly more realistic storylines. Never been a fan of sci-fi, and tend to feel embaressed for the actors when they have to play that kind of camp. But you are more than welcome to like whatever you want, although I don’t get the impression Days is going to go back to that kind of storytelling, so you might not enjoy the show now, DH being back or not.
Days will lose me as a viewer if they don’t give me the stories I want, regardless of Jarlena and Carstin being back. Days was at its best with the master of Daytime, James E. Reilly, wrote the show from 1993-97.
The key thing for soaps is to focus on core characters while still keeping things fresh. They turn off their veteran viewers by writing off beloved, core characters. Churning through new characters faster than L&O: SVU does villain-of-the-week guest stars doesn’t allow the show to build new long term fans.
I don’t care who they bring back from the past. What I want to see is good writing and solid storylines.
Matthew Ashford ROCKED as Jack D. I thought he died though…
Which time? And nope, not dead, last seen when he and Jennifer went off to London together.
Mixed emotions about DOOL right now. I know Marlena and John are hugely popular, but quite frankly, I have not missed them the past 2.5 years. I am sorry to see Vivian leave and I wish they would give Justin and Adrienne a little more to do. Excited for Jack’s return. Sure, Daniel is hotter than hot, but Jack and Jennifer have the best connection. Hopefully the ‘reboot’ works and DOOL stays on for a long time. Oh, and can you speed up the Will/Sonny storyline?! You can get Carly in and out of rehab in three weeks but you can not get Will to even give Sonny a sideways glance in 3 months?!