Welcome back to Days of Our Lives, where the week of August 4th to 8th, 2025, promises to turn Salem upside down in a tidal wave of revelations, confrontations, and emotional reckoning. With ghostly returns, fragile alliances, and brewing betrayals, this is one week fans won’t forget.

Sammy Brady Returns to Chaos

The absence of Sammy Brady from John Black’s memorial has hung over the Brady family like a shadow. But now, as Salem mourns its legendary patriarch, the prodigal daughter returns. Allison Sweeney reprises her role as Sammy in what is far more than a nostalgic comeback—it’s the beginning of an emotional hurricane.

Her homecoming sets the stage for raw, painful reunions, particularly with her mother Marina Evans, who has been suffering from mysterious fainting spells and dream-like visions linked to John’s passing. Sammy’s reappearance stirs deep-rooted grief and unresolved tension. Their reunion is set to unleash buried secrets that could splinter the Brady family beyond repair.

Hospital Horror: Chad Cracks Under Pressure

At Salem University Hospital, tensions are at a breaking point. Chad Dera and Cat Green’s budding relationship takes a dark turn when they become trapped in a malfunctioning elevator. As claustrophobia sets in, Chad’s composed facade crumbles. In a shocking moment, he lashes out at Julie Williams—an outburst so uncharacteristic that it leaves everyone questioning his emotional stability.

Julie is left shaken, and questions swirl around Chad’s psyche. Is this a one-off reaction to trauma, or a deeper unraveling? Cat’s involvement and the intimate setting force secrets to bubble to the surface. Their entrapment becomes a pressure cooker, and once released, Salem may never see Chad the same again.

The Phoenix Rises: Stephano’s Shadow Lurks

On Thursday, the supernatural ramps up as Anna Dera rushes back to Salem with news that could change everything: Stephano Dera—The Phoenix—may not be as dead as we thought.

Psychic Susan Banks confirms her visions of Stephano growing more intense. Salem’s veil between life and death is weakening. Could Stephano’s spirit be manipulating events from beyond? The eerie dreams tormenting Marina might be more than grief—they could be Stephano’s return in a chilling new form.

The implications are massive. Stephano’s past possession of Steve Johnson is proof he can transfer consciousness. Now, as the Dera family feels the pull of his influence again, no one is safe. Salem is poised for another spiritual showdown.

Gabby’s Dangerous Game

Gabby Hernandez is diving headfirst into a world of espionage, determined to uncover the shady dealings of Titan Industries. She enlists Steve Johnson to investigate Xander Cook and Philip Kuryakis, suspecting financial foul play that could destabilize Dera Enterprises.

But Gabby isn’t stopping at paperwork. She makes the bold move to emotionally entangle herself with Xander, exploiting his recent breakup with Sarah Horton. Gabby’s flirtation strategy is risky—if Xander sees through her plan, it could blow up spectacularly. But if it works, it could secure her position as Salem’s ultimate corporate queen.

Romantic Fallout: Gwen vs. Sarah

The tension between Gwen and Xander reaches a boiling point when Gwen attempts to rekindle their wild past. But Xander isn’t playing along. Gwen mocks his attempt at being “good” for Sarah, triggering a fiery rejection. Her manipulation backfires, and Xander makes it crystal clear: whatever they had is dead.

Meanwhile, Sarah is reaching her own emotional crossroads. After enduring a fire alarm evacuation with baby Victoria, she crosses paths with Brady Black. Their shared co-parenting frustrations lead to a heartfelt conversation that opens emotional doors. Brady, touched by Sarah’s strength, hints at deeper feelings, leaving Sarah torn between the ghost of her relationship with Xander and the possibility of something new with Brady.

Marina’s Mind in Peril

As Marina’s condition worsens, Kayla Johnson steps in. Her knowledge of Stephano’s manipulations might be the only thing that can save Marina from losing herself. The Queen of the Night dreams aren’t just nightmares—they may be the Phoenix’s way of reasserting control. If Marina succumbs, Stephano may rise again with terrifying consequences.

A Quiet Before the Next Storm

As Friday approaches, Salem simmers. Gwen walks away humiliated and teary-eyed, Xander is lost in thought over who he wants to be, and Sarah returns home holding onto Brady’s words like a lifeline. Salem’s most powerful characters are all standing at emotional crossroads.

With anniversaries approaching, new alliances forming, and old enemies stirring from the shadows, the emotional fabric of Salem is wearing thin. Betrayals loom. Secrets threaten to explode. Love turns to war. And above it all, the lingering presence of Stephano Dera reminds everyone that in Salem, nothing ever stays buried for long.

Next week on Days of Our Lives, prepare for confrontations that will destroy trust, reunions that will reignite pain, and a town on the brink of unraveling. The dead rise, the betrayed seek revenge, and one icon returns to change everything.

Because in Salem… the past always comes back to claim the living.