FULL EPISODE TODAY | Days of Our Lives 20/5/25 – Days of Our Lives Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Salem is never short on drama, and today’s episode of Days of Our Lives proved that once again. On this intense Tuesday, May 20, 2025, secrets are simmering just beneath the surface, old wounds are reopened, and emotional bombs explode, all against the ever-complicated backdrop of this iconic town. From jaw-dropping returns to delicate moments of connection, this episode delivered on every front.

Ariana Returns — But Trouble Comes With Her

The streets of Salem were buzzing today as the long-absent Ariana, daughter of Gabi Hernandez and Will Horton, made a dramatic return home. No longer the little girl viewers remember, Ariana is now a striking teenager whose arrival isn’t just about a homecoming—it’s wrapped in mystery and tension. With her birthday just around the corner, the Horton home begins planning a celebration, but unease lingers beneath the surface.

Just last week, we saw a tense phone conversation between Ariana and Gabi, where Ariana—her voice shaking—asked for money. Gabi’s maternal instincts were set ablaze. Though Ariana brushed it off and claimed she simply missed home, the urgency in her voice painted a different picture. Today, that uncertainty came to life as Ariana arrived with a glint in her eye that hinted she might be hiding something serious.

Whispers have already begun to spread through Salem, suggesting a possible link between Ariana and Doug, a figure whose shady dealings have long sparked suspicion. Is Ariana in over her head? Her evasiveness and guarded demeanor suggest she’s carrying a heavy burden—and whatever it is could shake the foundation of her entire family. Viewers will want to keep a close eye on Ariana in the coming days; her secrets could unleash a storm in Salem.

Gabi and JJ’s Love in Crisis

Elsewhere, Gabi and JJ Deveraux’s fiery love story hit another explosive snag. Their romance, already fractured by JJ’s suspicions about Gabi’s possible involvement in the infamous EJ shooting, took a nosedive today. Tension between the two reached a boiling point, and the trust they once had is now hanging by a thread.

To make matters worse, Gabi made a bold and controversial move at a hospital charity auction—bidding on a date with none other than the charming Alex Kiriakis. Though it seemed like a spur-of-the-moment decision, Gabi’s competitive streak was out in full force as she outbid everyone and secured a date with Alex. But it wasn’t about love—it was a move to provoke JJ, and it worked.

JJ, standing on the sidelines, could only watch in disbelief as Gabi and Alex shared smiles and quiet conversation beneath the glittering lights of the gala. Gabi didn’t hold back either; she dropped cryptic hints to JJ that something special might have happened that night with Alex. Whether or not she’s telling the truth remains to be seen—but her words struck a nerve.

What followed was an emotionally charged confrontation, with JJ vowing to fight for Gabi even as she stood firm, masking her own heartbreak behind a wall of defiance. As the two stood in the aftermath of their emotional collision, the future of their relationship was left hanging in the balance. Will JJ’s jealousy spiral out of control? Or will Gabi finally let her guard down and reveal what’s truly in her heart?

Shawn and Belle — A Tender Moment Amid the Storm

In a quieter, more reflective part of Salem, former flames Shawn Brady and Belle Black shared a deeply emotional scene. Though no longer romantically involved, the connection between them was undeniable as they sat across from each other at a local café. Today, Shawn opened up about the grief he’s been carrying over the loss of his father and the murky dealings tied to the mysterious Versix organization.

Belle, ever the compassionate listener, offered her support with quiet strength. Their moment together wasn’t just about the past—it was a reminder that some bonds endure, even when romance fades. Belle’s presence served as a calming force, reminding Shawn of the power of friendship and shared history. But will Belle’s wisdom be enough to keep Shawn from slipping deeper into the darkness of his family’s past?

EJ and Paulina — A Fragile Alliance

Meanwhile, tensions flared between EJ DiMera and Paulina Price. The two, known for their mutual dislike, found themselves reluctantly working together for the sake of their children—Johnny and Chanel. EJ approached Paulina with a surprising proposal: a temporary truce to support their children’s relationship and future.

Paulina, sharp-tongued and fiercely protective of Chanel, didn’t hesitate to challenge EJ’s intentions. Though she made it clear she had no patience for DiMera scheming, her maternal instincts may just sway her to cooperate—for now. The scene between them crackled with tension as they stood face-to-face in the opulent DiMera mansion, each trying to assert control over a situation that’s already slipping through their fingers.

Salem on the Brink

As the sun sets over Salem, the town finds itself on the edge of transformation. Ariana’s secrets loom large, threatening to expose painful truths. Gabi and JJ’s crumbling relationship teeters between love and disaster, while Shawn and Belle’s bond offers a much-needed anchor of hope. And in the world of power and politics, Paulina and EJ’s tentative alliance could reshape the future for their families.

Today’s episode of Days of Our Lives was an emotional whirlwind filled with high stakes, heartfelt moments, and enough suspense to leave fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter. What is Ariana hiding? Can Gabi and JJ find their way back to each other—or has Alex already changed the game? Will Shawn’s trust in Belle help him avoid the dangers of Versix? And will Paulina risk everything to protect her daughter?

Stay tuned, because in Salem, the only thing certain is that nothing stays secret forever.