As Days of Our Lives approaches its 60th anniversary, the legendary soap opera stands stronger than ever after securing a multi-season renewal that will carry it through at least 2028. This longevity is no accident—it’s the result of constant reinvention, a fiercely loyal fan base, and a writing team determined to keep Salem relevant in a rapidly shifting television landscape.
The transition from daytime broadcast to streaming marked one of the biggest turning points in the show’s history. While many feared a drop-off after leaving network airwaves, the opposite happened: the show surged in streaming rankings and became one of the platform’s most-watched dramas. The move not only preserved the series but energized its audience with the promise of creative freedom unconstrained by traditional daytime scheduling.
A major part of the reinvention came with the arrival of new headwriters, who shifted the tone toward emotional storytelling grounded in human connection. Instead of outlandish sci-fi plots, the focus returned to intense romance, generational feuds, moral dilemmas, and the timeless push-pull between love and loyalty that defined early Salem. Under their leadership, several iconic characters were brought back into the fold, reconnecting longtime viewers with the emotional roots that first drew them to the show.
Behind the scenes, the cast and crew embraced the changes with enthusiasm. Veteran performers—some of whom have starred on the series for over 40 years—welcomed the fresh direction, noting that the newer scripts felt reminiscent of the show’s golden era. Younger cast members, meanwhile, were thrilled at the opportunity to explore deeper emotional arcs rather than relying on shock-driven storytelling.
Fun Fact: Few viewers know that the famous Horton Christmas ornaments—which each character hangs during the holiday episode—are real, hand-painted items that have been reused for decades. Some ornaments are so old that they’re kept under protective glass when not being filmed.
Fun Fact: One of the most iconic sets—the Brady Pub—is older than more than half the cast. The barstools, tableware, and even some wall décor have been used on screen since the early 1990s.
Behind the camera, production remains a well-oiled machine. The show films months in advance, requiring careful planning to align long-term storylines with holidays, season finales, and surprise character returns. Actors frequently joke that they learn next year’s plot twists before celebrating this year’s holidays in real life.
As the anniversary approaches, excitement continues to grow—not only for nostalgic nods to the past but for bold storytelling that keeps the series relevant. Salem may be fictional, but the emotions it evokes remain deeply real to its devoted audience.
