Days Of Our Lives Spoilers: What’s Ahead  In Salem-Sneak Peek From The New Writers

Days of Our Lives spoilers and updates reveal the Peacock soap’s new writers are giving a sneak peek of what’s ahead in Salem.

Head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford assumed their roles from Ron Carlivati in July 2024; after a long wait, their stories are set to debut on April 23rd.

Cwikly And Ford Talked About Their Vision For The Peacock Soap

The co-headwriting duo shared insights about the future of their show in an interview with TV Guide’s Stephanie Sloane for the April 14-May 4, 2025, issue.

They talked about reintroducing the soap’s original family and their overall vision, stating, “Our goal is to bring more Hortons back into the storyline, and provide meaningful arcs for our cherished veterans. We also want to develop our younger cast to ensure Salem resonates with a true multigenerational audience.”

This November, Days of Our Lives will celebrate its 60th anniversary on air. To commemorate this milestone, the writing team revealed plans for a grand gala event.

They hinted that this celebration will feature the return of many beloved characters, leading into a new overarching storyline as they transition into the new year.

John Black’s Exit Story

One of the initial narratives the new regime will address is the necessary exit  of John Black, played by Drake Hogestyn. Hogestyn, who had been in the role since 1986, appearing in an impressive 4,425 episodes, had to step away as he bravely battled pancreatic cancer.

Regarding this storyline, the writers expressed, “Our intention was to give John a heroic and significant farewell, while also holding onto the hope that Drake might return one day.

With John already absent for over nine months, we recognized there were only so many adventures he could undertake”; tragically, he passed away on September 28, 2024.

“Acknowledging the possibility that he might not return, yet still hoping for it, we aimed to create an exit that would honor John, Drake, and the loyal fans.”

Familiar Faces Return This Fall

This fall, viewers can look forward to seeing some beloved characters back on screen, including the Deverauxs, Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer Deveraux (Melissa Reeves).

Also,  twins Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan) and Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney)  who made an earlier appearance this week, returning  along with her son Will Horton (Chandler Massey) in the fall.

The new storyline developments hinted at by the show’s creators involve the aftermath of the “Who Shot E.J. DiMera” (Dan Feuerriegel) mystery.

Coming up also, the return of Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams Brady (Kristian Alfonso), and notable changes within the Kiriakis and DiMera families.

This will  feature the comeback of Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) and his wife Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley).

An Advanced Filming Schedule, Compared To Other Soaps

In contrast to many soap operas that shoot closer to their broadcast dates, Days of Our Lives records its episodes roughly nine months ahead of time to manage production expenses effectively.

This scheduling explains the noticeable delay between Cwikly and Ford’s takeover and the airing of their content. Furthermore, significant behind-the-scenes transitions are anticipated for DOOL in the coming year.

Executive producer Janet Spellman-Drucker has stepped down, and former co-executive producer Noelle Maxam is set to return to her position. Viewers can expect to see Maxam’s episodes starting in early 2026.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with DOOL right now. Come back here often for Days Of Our Lives spoilers, news, and updates.