Get ready, soap fans, because Salem is about to explode with drama, nostalgia, and jaw-dropping storylines. Days of Our Lives, a series that has captivated audiences for nearly sixty years, is pulling out all the stops with a wave of returning characters. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or a newer fan, this upcoming stretch of episodes is shaping up to be one of the most memorable chapters in recent history. The buzz is electric, social media is on fire, and the question on everyone’s lips is: Who’s coming back, and what kind of chaos will they bring with them?

This isn’t just a minor casting shuffle. This is a full-on parade of Salem legends, mixing short but impactful guest spots with multi-episode arcs that will shake the foundations of every major family—the Hortons, the Bradys, the Donovans, and beyond. And as always in Salem, secrets, romance, and danger are never far behind. Let’s break it all down, from single-episode shockers to multi-episode sagas, and uncover exactly what this tidal wave of returns could mean for our beloved characters.

One-Episode Wonders: Short Visits with Big Impact

Sometimes, a brief appearance is all it takes to spark major drama, and that’s exactly what’s about to happen.

• Steven Schnetzer is back as Steven Olson, the long-absent Horton son. Even though he’s only set to appear in one episode, his return could ripple across the entire family. Will Steven’s comeback involve a hidden family secret? A crisis with his mother Julie? Or maybe an unexpected reconciliation? Even in just a single installment, fans know Steven’s presence could leave an emotional mark that lingers long after the credits roll.

• Christopher Sean returns as Paul Narita, the former baseball player turned private investigator. Paul has always been beloved for his emotional depth and his tangled history with Sonny Kiriakis. Though he’s back only for one episode, expect sparks to fly. Could old flames be reignited? Could new conflicts tear open wounds from the past? One thing’s for sure—Paul’s appearance will pack a romantic and dramatic punch.

Two-Episode Fireworks: Double the Drama, Double the Trouble

If one episode isn’t enough, some fan favorites are back for a two-part arc, ensuring plenty of drama.

• Colton Little reprises Andrew Donovan, the adventurous ISA agent. Intelligent, brave, and forever caught between duty and family, Andrew’s return could involve a dangerous mission—or perhaps a heartfelt reunion with loved ones. His arc promises both action and heart.

• Roark Critchlow returns as Dr. Mike Horton, the compassionate physician who always seems to find trouble. His storyline may tackle a medical emergency at University Hospital or dig into unresolved Horton family conflicts. With Critchlow’s nuanced portrayal, viewers can expect an emotional journey.

• Maree Cheatham steps back in as Marie Horton, one of Salem’s original icons. Marie’s return is monumental. Will she provide wisdom to her struggling family, or dredge up long-buried Horton secrets? Either way, her presence is guaranteed to stir emotions.

• Chandler Massey returns as Will Horton, whose journey of love and self-discovery with Sonny has defined a generation of DOOL storytelling. Will’s return may hint at a turning point for the Horton family—or signal new twists in his love life. Massey’s Emmy-winning talent ensures his two episodes will be unforgettable.

  

Three-Episode Arcs: The Heart of the Drama

For those craving more, several major players are coming back for three episodes each—and their stories promise to be explosive.

• Bryan Dattilo is back as Lucas Horton, the lovable troublemaker. Lucas’s time in Salem has always been a roller coaster of redemption, relapse, and family drama. This time, he may find himself in another dangerous scheme, a heartfelt reunion with his kids, or a tense showdown with his rivals. Expect big drama and emotional fireworks.

• Alison Sweeney returns as Sami Brady, and Salem will never be the same. Sami is the ultimate storm-bringer, and her three-episode arc is bound to bring chaos, heartbreak, and fierce determination. Will she scheme to protect her family? Will she stir up trouble in her love life? Whatever path Sami takes, her return is sure to be explosive.

• Greg Vaughan returns as Eric Brady, Sami’s twin brother and the moral center of the Brady family. Eric’s struggle between faith and the harsh realities of Salem could lead him back into romance with Nicole—or test him with a new crisis that shakes him to his core. Vaughan’s soulful performance is always a highlight, and this time will be no different.

Multi-Episode Ensembles: A Family Reunion Like No Other

The real backbone of Salem’s drama lies in its families, and the Hortons and Bradys are getting a huge infusion of beloved faces.

• Melissa Reeves is back as Jennifer Horton, the eternal heart of the Horton clan. Jennifer’s return could see her grappling with grief after Abigail’s death, or reigniting her romance with Jack. Her strength and warmth will once again anchor her family.

• Matthew Ashford reprises Jack Deveraux, Jennifer’s soulmate and intrepid journalist. Expect Jack to uncover secrets, chase dangerous leads, and bring his trademark mix of humor and heart. His presence alongside Jennifer guarantees touching moments and riveting drama.

• Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers return as Eli and Lani Grant, the power couple who have endured so much together. Their return could explore life as parents, their careers in law enforcement, or a fresh test of their bond. With undeniable chemistry, Eli and Lani’s return is one of the season’s most exciting arcs.

The Fans Speak: Who Else Should Return?

With so many beloved characters making comebacks, fans are buzzing with theories and wish lists. The absence of Bo and Hope Brady has left many hoping for surprise cameos. Could Bo awaken from his coma? Will Hope return to guide her family through another crisis? Their love story remains iconic, and their return would send shockwaves through Salem.

Others are clamoring for Ciara Brady and Ben Weston, fan favorites who could roar back into town on Ben’s motorcycle. Their epic love story makes them prime candidates for another round of adventure and passion.

Theresa Donovan, played by Jen Lilley, is another hot request. Her fiery personality and tangled family ties always create drama, and her return would shake up the Donovan clan in a big way.

And what about Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) or Abigail Deveraux (Marci Miller/Ashley Benson)? Nicole’s complicated love life and Abigail’s tragic death leave doors wide open for either shocking closure—or miraculous soap opera resurrections. After all, in Salem, nobody ever stays gone for long.

What This Means for Salem

So what does this tidal wave of returns really mean? Simply put: Salem is about to become more volatile, emotional, and interconnected than ever.

The Horton family is front and center, with Steven, Mike, Marie, Will, Lucas, Jennifer, and Jack all playing roles. Could this be the ultimate family reunion—or will hidden fractures threaten to tear them apart?

The Brady family will also face fireworks, with Sami and Eric’s return promising clashes, reconciliations, and shocking twists.

Meanwhile, Eli and Lani’s comeback hints at fresh legal battles, a possible crime wave, or a personal crisis that could draw them back into action. And with Paul and Andrew back, both the Kiriakis and Donovan families are sure to face a new wave of intrigue.

The magic of these returns lies in the possibilities for crossover drama: Sami and Lucas in a heated confrontation, Jack and Jennifer stepping in as peacemakers, Eric torn over Nicole, Paul tangled in Sonny’s world again—the threads are endless. And in true Days of Our Lives fashion, every twist will build toward something bigger.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Since its debut in 1965, Days of Our Lives has remained a cultural touchstone, blending romance, intrigue, and family drama like no other soap. These returns aren’t just nostalgia plays—they’re a celebration of the show’s legacy, a reminder of its deep history, and a promise of storytelling that honors the past while forging ahead into the future.

As anticipation builds, fans are asking: Will Sami’s schemes wreak havoc again? Can Eric find peace? Will the Hortons rally or fracture under the weight of their history? And what other surprises does DOOL have up its sleeve?

One thing’s for sure: Salem is about to get hotter, louder, and more dramatic than ever before. And fans wouldn’t have it any other way.