For nearly six decades, Days of Our Lives has remained a defining pillar of American daytime television. Its enduring presence, dramatic twists, and beloved characters have made it one of the longest-running scripted series in TV history. Yet in 2022, the series made a seismic shift—departing NBC’s daytime lineup after 57 years and moving exclusively to Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform. Now, with the show still going strong in its digital chapter, speculation is intensifying over a possible return to network television. Could Days of Our Lives be headed back to its original home on NBC?
This question has become more urgent in recent weeks, following the announcement that Days has been renewed for both Season 62 and Season 63. The news, which confirms the show’s continuation through at least 2026, serves as a strong vote of confidence in its continued relevance and fan devotion. Although Peacock remains its primary home, recent social media activity and viral rumors have stoked hopes that the iconic soap may reclaim its place in NBC’s daytime schedule—a return many viewers would welcome with open arms.
A Bold Move into the Streaming Era
When Days of Our Lives officially made the leap from NBC to Peacock in September 2022, it was more than just a programming decision—it was a landmark moment that signaled the end of a television tradition that had endured for nearly six decades. For generations of viewers who had grown up watching the iconic soap unfold during NBC’s daytime block, the move felt deeply personal, almost like saying goodbye to a familiar, comforting ritual. It marked the close of an era in broadcast television, one where soap operas once dominated the midday airwaves, and ushered in a new phase where even the most time-honored franchises must adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
NBC’s decision to transition Days off its linear network and replace it with NBC News Daily was framed as a strategic move—one aimed at capturing the attention of a changing audience. As younger viewers increasingly migrate toward on-demand content and streaming platforms, the network sought to realign its daytime offerings to reflect those shifting habits. While the logic made sense in the context of modern media consumption, the emotional impact on longtime fans was undeniable. Many questioned whether such a deeply serialized, relationship-driven show could thrive in a space dominated by binge-worthy thrillers and quick-turn reality content.
However, those doubts were quickly dispelled. Rather than fading into obscurity, Days of Our Lives flourished in its new home. The series not only retained its loyal fanbase—it expanded it. Within months of the transition, Days emerged as one of Peacock’s top-performing titles, regularly landing in the platform’s Top 15 most-watched entertainment programs. The show’s success on streaming wasn’t just a testament to its enduring appeal; it was proof that powerful storytelling can transcend platforms. Whether airing on network television or streaming digitally, Days continued to captivate audiences with its signature blend of romance, betrayal, mystery, and high drama.
More importantly, the move demonstrated the unwavering devotion of its multigenerational fanbase. Viewers who had been watching since the 1970s tuned in alongside newer fans discovering the drama of Salem for the first time. Together, they followed the show beyond traditional airwaves, embracing a new mode of viewership while holding onto the characters and storylines they’ve cherished for decades. In an entertainment era where loyalty is hard to come by, Days of Our Lives proved that some bonds are simply unbreakable—even by a network shift.
Streaming Success, But Nostalgia Remains
In December 2024, the show celebrated a monumental milestone—its 15,000th episode—a feat few scripted series have ever achieved. In 2025, it garnered 13 Daytime Emmy nominations, the highest number since its move to streaming, reaffirming its artistic merit and cultural significance. From dramatic cliffhangers to heartfelt reunions, Days continues to offer the kind of storytelling that resonates deeply with its devoted audience.
But even amid these achievements, nostalgia lingers. Some fans, particularly those less accustomed to streaming services, have continued to express a desire to see the show return to broadcast TV. This sentiment gained momentum when a viral social media post suggested that Days of Our Lives might return to NBC sometime in 2025. The claim has not been confirmed by NBC or Peacock, but its wide circulation reflects a broader yearning among the fanbase—a longing for the comforting familiarity of watching the series at its longtime 1 p.m. slot on daytime television.
What’s Fact, What’s Fantasy?
While the rumor has sparked hope and debate, it’s essential to separate fact from speculation. At this stage, there is no official confirmation from NBCUniversal that Days of Our Lives will be returning to NBC’s broadcast schedule. However, the series’ sustained popularity, both in terms of viewership and critical acclaim, ensures that it remains a valuable asset. Whether or not it rejoins the daytime lineup on network TV, its renewal for two more seasons signals a bright future—albeit one firmly rooted in the streaming realm, at least for now.
Adding further intrigue is the show’s recent commitment to its legacy cast. Suzanne Rogers, who has portrayed Maggie Horton Kiriakis for over five decades, was the subject of online exit rumors earlier this year. However, the production quickly dismissed the speculation, affirming that Rogers remains an integral part of the show. Her presence offers a sense of continuity and tradition—elements that are particularly meaningful as the series balances innovation with legacy.
At the same time, Days is not immune to change. Actor Billy Flynn, who has portrayed Chad DiMera for the past 10 years, has confirmed his departure from the series. While his exit marks the end of a significant era for one of Salem’s most prominent characters, the door remains open for a possible return in the future, as is often the case in the world of daytime drama.
A Future as Dynamic as Its Past
Ultimately, whether Days of Our Lives continues exclusively on Peacock or makes a surprise return to NBC, one thing is clear: the show’s legacy is as secure as ever. It remains a cultural touchstone, evolving with the times while preserving the heart and soul that made it a household name.
For longtime viewers who have weathered recasts, resurrections, and reality-bending plotlines, this latest chapter is simply another twist in a saga that has always been larger than life. The possibility of an NBC comeback—no matter how speculative—adds a layer of excitement to an already thriving series. For a show that has endured wars, weddings, and wild doppelgangers, a network return doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
And whether streaming or broadcasting, Days of Our Lives continues to remind us why it has earned its place in the pantheon of television legends. After all, in Salem, anything is possible.
