Days of Our Lives Spoilers: BIG RUMOR, DOOL Return to NBC Next Year

A major buzz has taken hold in Salem—and beyond—as whispers grow louder that Days of Our Lives, the beloved soap that moved entirely to Peacock in 2022, might be planning a grand return to NBC primetime in 2025. Fans are buzzing with excitement and skepticism: could this iconic daytime drama really make a comeback to linear TV? Let’s unpack the rumors and reveal what’s known, what’s possible, and what this could mean for the future of Salem.

🌟 Peacock “Home” Renewed Through 2026

While a return to NBC remains unconfirmed, Days’ current status seems secure: Peacock recently renewed the show through September 2026—a strong vote of confidence. Executive Producer Ken Corday described this as “great news,” noting the soap has been consistently ranked in Peacock’s top 10 shows 

Corday reflects on the upheaval when Days moved to Peacock in September 2022 after nearly 60 years on NBC. At the time, he admitted uncertainty over the network exit—but Peacock’s subscription growth and loyal audience retention have eased those concerns .

📺 The “Return to NBC” Rumor: What We Know

Despite peacock’s success, rumors sprout among fan circles suggesting Days of Our Lives may return to broadcast television. These stem mainly from fan speculation and a Facebook post in a fan group hinting at a potential NBC revival in 2025 . The theory? Days might simulcast or reboot its presence on NBC while continuing on Peacock.

However, to date, no official confirmation has emerged from NBC or Peacock executives. The site remains tight-lipped, and no press release has announced any NBC return thus far.

💬 Fan Reactions: Hope, Skepticism, and Nostalgia

On social media and Reddit, reactions are mixed. Many in the fan community recall other soaps (like Passions and One Life to Live) being resurrected online only to be canceled again Some see this rumor as wishful thinking, others feel hopeful but cautious.

One Redditor observed, “This programming shift benefits both Peacock and NBC… a way to build the show’s loyal fanbase on streaming while simultaneously bolstering network daytime offerings” Still, another fan fears older viewers—longtime loyalists—may struggle with streaming, hurting viewership.

The nostalgia factor is strong. Days of Our Lives has aired over 15,000 episodes since 1965. Its iconic characters—like the Bradys, Hortons, Carvers, DiMeras, and Salem’s veterans—are deeply embedded in daytime culture

🕰️ Why This Timing Makes Sense

Ken Corday is already looking ahead, emphasizing big stories into 2026 and beyond  NBC could follow suit if they seek to revive live programming for daytime slots, possibly replacing syndicated reruns and talk shows with premium daytime drama.

Multiple soap writers and producers, including new head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford (since mid-2024), have revamped the show’s direction—making now a logical time to reintroduce it to network audiences 

🎭 Major Figure Departures & Milestone Moments

Even as the show rides the wave into 2026, notable exits and milestone episodes reflect Days’ evolving landscape.

• James Read (Clyde Weston) recently exited after a decade. Though written into a coma, the door remains open for his return

• Emily O’Brien, who debuted dual roles (Gwen, then Theresa Donovan), is also departing after a five-year run eThe show recently celebrated its 15,000th episode on December 2, 2024, paying touching tribute to legacy stars Bill Hayes/Doug Williams 

These developments signal change—which can often support the case for reaching broader audiences by returning to broadcast.

🔮 What If Days Really Comes Back to NBC?

If the rumors materialize, here’s what it might look like:

1. Streaming + Broadcast Simulcast – As seen with other series, new Peacock episodes could air simultaneously on NBC daytime or late-night slots.

2. Strategic Live Event – A highly promoted “broadcast window” for milestone events (e.g., weddings, deaths).

3. Retro Rerun Blocks – NBC might broadcast classic Days episodes to capitalize on nostalgia and pull back longtime fans.

🚨 Big Questions That Remain

• Has NBC actually stepped in? No official announcements—yet.

• How would this impact Peacock? Peacock’s success is crucial; NBC would not risk undermining its streaming brand.

• Can older viewers adjust? Transitioning back to broadcast might reconnect audiences left behind by Peacock-only availability.

🌟 Bottom Line

Right now, Days of Our Lives is firmly anchored on Peacock through at least 2026. While fan circles and a few rumors spark talk of an NBC return in 2025, there’s been no formal confirmation. Still, with new creative energy, significant cast changes, and the show’s recent directional shifts, it’s an enticing possibility.

Whether the rumor pans out—or simply sizzles as wishful thinking—this storyline has reignited fan passion. And if a broadcast comeback is in the cards, it would mark one of the boldest soap opera reversals in recent history.

So DOOL fans:

• 🧩 Are you ready for a televised return?

• 📺 Would a simulcast on NBC & Peacock draw you back in?

• 🤔 Or is this just another hopeful rumor in a legacy built on twists and turns?

Let me know your thoughts—and stay tuned to Days of Our Lives, because whether or not it returns to NBC, the drama in Salem never stops.