For more than half a century, Days of Our Lives has occupied a unique spot in American pop culture. Its mix of melodrama, romance, mystery, and the occasional supernatural twist has drawn millions of viewers and kept families watching across generations. While many fans know the main storylines by heart, the long-running soap opera is filled with quirky secrets and behind-the-scenes oddities that make its history even richer. Here are twenty-five fun and surprising facts about the iconic daytime drama.
One of the most surprising truths is that Days of Our Lives was not originally expected to last more than a few years. When it premiered in 1965, NBC executives were unsure whether a serial focused heavily on family rather than crime or medical drama would catch on. The Horton family—now the emotional core of the series—was originally considered too “ordinary.” Fortunately, audiences appreciated the relatability, and the show soon became a daytime staple.
A second fun fact concerns the famous hourglass. The phrase “Like sands through the hourglass…” is arguably one of the most recognizable opening lines in television history. But the voice behind it has changed several times over the decades. Most fans associate it with Macdonald Carey, whose voice continues to narrate the opening even though he passed away in 1994. The decision to keep his voice was a tribute requested by fans who couldn’t imagine the show without him.
Speaking of iconic props, the original hourglass used in early promotional photos was not actually stable enough for filming. The production team had to commission a sturdier replica because the first one kept toppling over during shoots. At one point, several hourglasses were made, each with slightly different sizes and grain textures, depending on lighting needs for particular scenes.
In terms of longevity, Days also holds several Guinness World Records. It is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world and frequently trades positions with other soap operas for the most episodes produced. Actors Deidre Hall and Suzanne Rogers have also set industry records for portraying the same characters—Marlena Evans and Maggie Horton—for multiple decades.
Fun fact number five: the show has had some unexpectedly wild storylines. While soap operas are known for drama, Days took things to another level in the 1990s when Marlena became possessed by a demon. What many fans don’t know is that the possession storyline was originally written as a Halloween stunt, intended to last only a few weeks. However, ratings soared, so writers extended the arc for months. Deidre Hall reportedly had mixed feelings about the plot but embraced the challenge, and it became one of the most infamous moments in soap history.
Another lesser-known secret is that the town of Salem is purposefully ambiguous. Producers wanted the setting to feel familiar to viewers across the country, so the show avoids specifying which state it belongs to. Over the years, inconsistent references have placed Salem in different parts of the U.S., adding a sort of running joke among fans and writers alike.
One surprising casting detail involves Jensen Ackles, who portrayed Eric Brady early in his career. Although now famous for Supernatural, Ackles won multiple soap opera awards before moving into primetime television. Several major Hollywood actors, including Mila Kunis and Ashley Benson, also appeared on the show early in their careers.
A fun behind-the-scenes fact relates to the infamous soap opera slap. Days is known for dramatic confrontations, but many actors have admitted they prefer real slaps over staged ones because they look better on camera. This approach has occasionally resulted in unplanned reactions, making scenes even more dramatic.
Another amusing detail is that the show’s sets often get reused and redressed. For example, the Brady Pub, hospital corridors, and various living rooms have been repainted or rearranged dozens of times to serve entirely different storylines. Longtime viewers sometimes notice familiar windows or staircases appearing in completely different houses.
One heartwarming fact is the show’s relationship with its fans. Days has one of the most loyal audiences in daytime television. Fan events often draw thousands, and some families have watched continuously for three or even four generations. Producers have said that audience loyalty was a major factor in the show’s renewal during difficult financial periods.
Another fact: the show’s theme music has changed several times, though the familiar orchestral melody has remained recognizable. In the 1970s, producers briefly experimented with a more modern arrangement, but fan backlash was so strong that they restored the classic version within weeks.
Did you know that some cast members also contributed as writers? Several actors have suggested storyline ideas that later made their way into scripts. Because the show airs five days a week, the writers sometimes draw inspiration from spontaneous cast conversations or on-set improvisations.
One more fun fact: Days was one of the first daytime shows to film in HD and later one of the earliest to incorporate digital editing and CGI elements, especially during dream sequences.
Finally, despite its dramatic themes, the cast is known for maintaining a lighthearted environment off camera. Numerous blooper reels—some officially released, others leaked—show actors laughing through serious scenes, forgetting lines, or accidentally knocking over furniture.
From the iconic hourglass to unexpected celebrity cameos, Days of Our Lives continues to charm audiences with its rich history and delightfully unpredictable twists. These fun facts prove that even behind the scenes, the world of Salem is full of surprises.
