The season has changed—and so will the lives of many Salemites— at least, according to the Days of Our Lives spoilers for fall 2026. Speaking with TV Insider, co-head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford gave fans an idea of what’s ahead on the Peacock soap opera, and according to them, “Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises.”
And from what they teased, they weren’t kidding.
Key Takeaways
- New faces are coming to Salem, including Sydney DiMera and Dante Vitali.
- A mysterious stranger will shake up the entire town.
- Chad and Belle make a major discovery in Italy.
- Kristen is returning—and she’s not alone.
- Sarah, Xander and Brady face more complicated love drama.
- Joy’s plans may hit a major snag.
New Faces Are Coming to Salem
Among the things we’ll see this fall are several new faces. Some we’ve already seen, while others are just arriving.
Sydney Malakeh will debut on September 10 as Sydney DiMera, while Heated Rivalry‘s Franco Lo Presti will debut on September 14 as Dante Vitali. But that’s not all.
The writing team also teased the arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear. And guess what? This character has several strong ties to the current canvas and will impact multiple storylines.
So who is this mystery person? That’s one reveal we’ll have to wait for.
Chad and Belle Make a Major Discovery
Elsewhere, Chad and Belle are in Italy hunting for answers regarding that chessboard.
And they are going to make a discovery that changes the lives of their families—and Salem.
EJ and Cat Can’t Escape Their Secrets
As for EJ, he can’t seem to catch a break—especially not when it comes to secrets.
He and Cat have something going, and the feelings between them aren’t going away anytime soon.
Neither are the secrets they’re keeping from each other. That’s obviously a problem.
Oh, and while we’re talking about DiMera matters…
Kristen Is Coming Back
Kristen is coming back. And she is not alone. That’s really all we need to know for now to get excited about this one.
Meanwhile, Chanel resumes her cancer treatment after the safe arrival of the new baby. Johnny tries to support her, but his lies and ties to EJ threaten their happiness. Johnny wants to be there for Chanel, but keeping secrets from her isn’t exactly going to make things easier. And with EJ involved, there’s always another layer to the story.
The Kiriakises Come Together
Moving on to the Kiriakises, they come together as a family and try some very unorthodox ways to keep the wolf from the door.
That sounds very Kiriakis. But things get even more complicated when Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally. Xander and Brady work together to help and protect her.
Of course, there’s one little problem. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. And true to form, Xander risks everything for Sarah. Because apparently, when it comes to Sarah, Xander simply cannot help himself.
Gabi and Philip Grow Closer
Gabi and Philip grow closer. That’s another relationship to keep an eye on as the fall unfolds.
Meanwhile, Abe and Paulina will struggle to find their way back together, while Theo finds himself at a crossroads.
Joy Ups Her Game
Then there is Joy. She ups her game even as Stephanie becomes more suspicious of her.
Alex finds himself torn between his wife and wanting to be there for his daughter.
But just as it seems Joy is about to get what she wants, Alex has a surprise for her.
Familiar Faces Are Coming Home
And it would not be Salem without some familiar faces shaking things up.
According to the writing team, “World travels lead to some characters coming home and shaking up things in Salem.”
So yes, expect some familiar faces to pop back up.
Between the new arrivals, returning characters, major secrets, and all the relationship drama, Salem is going to have plenty going on this fall.
Which fall storyline are you most excited to see—and who do you think this mysterious stranger is? Let us know in the comments.
Photo Credit: XJ Johnson.JPI Studios.
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