Salem is about to experience one of the most transformative months in its history. September 2025 brings shocking exits, long-awaited returns, and surprising cross-network moves that will leave Days of Our Lives fans both devastated and exhilarated. From heartbreaking goodbyes to iconic comebacks, this month’s casting shakeups promise to reshape Salem’s emotional and dramatic landscape in ways no one saw coming.

The Heartbreaking Exit That Rocks Salem

The most gut-wrenching news for longtime fans comes with the confirmed departure of Tamara Braun, whose portrayal of the fierce mob princess Ava Vitali has been a staple of Salem since her turbulent introduction back in 2008. Braun’s final episodes reportedly wrapped in April 2025, marking the end of a volatile chapter in Salem’s criminal underworld.

Ava’s departure will leave behind more than just a storyline gap—it fundamentally alters the show’s balance of power. Her deep ties to Brady Black, her vendetta against the DiMeras, and her relentless family feuds defined much of the drama in recent years. Without Ava at the center, the mob plots and revenge schemes may take a sharp turn, creating a vacuum that producers clearly plan to fill with upcoming character returns later this year.

Behind the scenes, Braun’s departure was carefully orchestrated months in advance. Industry insiders revealed she has already secured a major new role on CBS’s The Young and the Restless, debuting as the enigmatic Sienna Bak. This cross-network leap signals a new wave of collaboration between daytime dramas, and while Salem mourns Ava’s loss, Genoa City is bracing for her grand arrival.

Did Ava Leave Salem with Blood on Her Hands?

Speculation runs wild over how Ava’s story will close. Many believe she may have had one last hand in EJ DiMera’s shooting, leaving Salem to wonder whether she achieved her ultimate revenge before disappearing. Her rocky romance with Brady also collapses in her final episodes. Manipulated by Rachel Black, their relationship spirals into chaos until Ava makes the devastating choice to leave town. Fans can expect her final goodbye to be layered with heartbreak, rage, and possibly unanswered questions that linger long after she’s gone.

Rachel Black Steps Into the Spotlight

While Ava exits, another character steps forward into the firestorm. Dallas Housley continues to shine as Rachel Black, whose shocking role in EJ’s shooting cements her as one of the most unpredictable young characters in Salem. Producers confirmed that Rachel’s arc is only beginning—she will share critical upcoming scenes with legends like Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans and Eric Martsolf’s Brady Black.

Critics have already praised Housley’s ability to portray Rachel’s manipulative side while still capturing the vulnerability of a child torn between warring parents. Upcoming storylines will plunge her deeper into Salem’s web of secrets, particularly as her interactions with Leo Howard’s Tate and Linsey Godfrey’s Sarah promise to stir emotional chaos. For fans who crave explosive family drama, Rachel’s rise ensures that Salem’s next generation is more compelling—and more dangerous—than ever.

Supporting Cast Exits Clear the Way

September also marks the exit of several supporting characters following the conclusion of Johnny DiMera’s trial. Timothy Horn, Adam Cole, Judge Dab, and David Jack (the courtroom bailiff) are set to bow out, streamlining storylines and clearing room for the major returns ahead. Their departures are strategic, giving writers space to weave in the massive reunion of fan favorites scheduled for late 2025.

Kristen DiMera’s Shocking Confession

Meanwhile, Stacy Haiduk’s Kristen DiMera remains firmly in Salem despite wild rumors about her future. After Kristen’s jaw-dropping confession to EJ’s shooting, speculation reached a fever pitch that Haiduk might be leaving. But producers quickly reassured fans that Kristen is staying put.

Instead of an exit, Kristen’s incarceration will open new doors. Writers plan to dig into her psychological complexity, examining what truly drives one of Salem’s most infamous villains. Legal troubles will intertwine with upcoming comebacks, ensuring Kristen remains central to the DeMera family’s power struggles. Fans can expect her storyline to ripple through Salem well into 2026, solidifying her as a cornerstone of the show’s villainous landscape.

The Cross-Network Shakeup That Changes Everything

September 2025 will also be remembered as the beginning of a new era in daytime drama. With Tamara Braun leaving for The Young and the Restless and Connor Floyd transitioning from Y&R to Days of Our Lives as the new Chad DiMera, fans are witnessing an unprecedented talent exchange between rival networks.

Braun’s debut as Sienna Bak in Genoa City promises fireworks, with early character teasers hinting at deep connections to multiple families. She begins filming in September, with her on-screen debut slated for late fall. This seamless transition ensures continuity for both soaps while adding fresh layers of intrigue.

Meanwhile, Floyd’s takeover as Chad guarantees that Salem’s beloved character continues on, even as Billy Flynn moves to Y&R to pursue new opportunities. This kind of coordinated casting maneuver is virtually unheard of in daytime history, making it one of the boldest moves in recent memory.

Explosive Returns That Will Shake Salem

Perhaps the most exciting news for fans is the massive wave of character returns scheduled throughout 2025. Executive Producer Ken Corday has confirmed at least eight beloved characters are set to come back, making this one of the biggest reunion years in the show’s storied history.

Among those confirmed: Christie Clark (Carrie Brady Reed), Chandler Massey (Will Horton), and Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton Deveraux). Add in the already announced comebacks of Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) and Peter Reckell (Bo Brady), and Salem is poised for an emotional homecoming that could redefine relationships and power struggles across town.

These returns won’t be isolated cameos—they’re strategically timed to anchor major umbrella storylines stretching through 2025 and into 2026. Industry insiders hint that many of these comebacks will coincide with milestone celebrations, giving the show an opportunity to honor its legacy while pushing forward into bold new territory.

Heartbreak in Salem’s Younger Generation

The shakeups don’t stop with the veterans. Salem’s younger residents are also facing seismic changes. Theo Carver is reeling from his breakup with Claire, and fans watched as Abe Carver’s heart broke hearing his son’s pain over the phone. This storyline underscores a recurring theme—while Salem is always filled with crime, power plays, and secrets, the most devastating wounds often come from love lost.

One Stormy Night: A Symbolic Thread

Amid all the chaos, a mysterious novel titled One Stormy Night has begun surfacing in Salem, weaving unexpected emotional connections. Paulina Price finds herself strangely captivated by the book, a rare quiet moment in her whirlwind life. Abe notices and later surprises her with a copy of his own, creating a tender, intimate gesture that speaks volumes about their bond.

Elsewhere, Jada Hunter stumbles across the book in a bar, watching another Salemite lose themselves in its pages. What at first seems like a simple prop may actually symbolize the storms and upheavals each character faces. Salem teaches us time and again: nothing is ever just coincidence. Could this book foreshadow deeper connections between storylines, or hint at future revelations? Fans should keep their eyes peeled.

Looking Ahead: Salem’s Future

With all these shifts, Days of Our Lives enters September 2025 stronger than ever. The exit of Ava Vitali creates a narrative void, but her departure sets the stage for the returns of iconic characters and a fresh new direction. Kristen DiMera’s ongoing schemes keep the DeMera dynasty central, while Rachel Black’s rise cements the next generation’s impact.

The cross-network casting swaps with The Young and the Restless mark an unprecedented collaboration that expands storytelling possibilities across soaps. And with a confirmed renewal through 2028, the writers have room to take big risks while delivering nostalgia, heartbreak, and explosive drama.

Salem is a town where no goodbye is ever final and every storm brings both chaos and clarity. September 2025 proves once again that Days of Our Lives isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving, honoring its past while racing into a bold and unpredictable future.