The quiet streets of Salem are about to explode with intrigue, deception, and heart-wrenching drama in this week’s episodes of Days of Our Lives.

From shocking homecomings to moral dilemmas, the town is alive with secrets that threaten to upend the lives of its residents. Buckle up, Salem fans—this week, the tension is higher than ever.

Theo Carver Returns: A Homecoming with Hidden Motives

The week kicks off with the long-anticipated return of Theo Carver. Having been away for two years, Theo comes back to Salem under the watchful eye of his father, Abe Carver, and stepmother Paulina Price. Played by newcomer Tyler Joseph Andrews, Theo’s reentry into Salem isn’t just a casual reunion. His return is layered with emotional complexity, as he struggles to move past his heartbreak with Clare Brady. With Theo’s father and stepmother ready to guide him, viewers can expect a deeply personal journey as Theo navigates the tricky waters of family, loyalty, and morality.

But there’s more than nostalgia in the air—Theo is handed a potentially shady assignment that could test his ethics to the core. Tony Dearra, who resurfaces in Salem this week, sees an opportunity to leverage Theo’s technological skills for a dubious plan. Depending on how far Theo is willing to go, this assignment could force him to choose between family loyalty and moral integrity, creating a captivating moral dilemma for fans to follow.

Gabby Hernandez Plays a Dangerous Game

Meanwhile, Gabby Hernandez finds herself entangled in the dangerous chessboard of Salem intrigue. Xander and Philip Kuryaki discover a bug in Xander’s office, planted by Gabby herself. While this revelation initially shocks the brothers, it also pushes them closer together as they strategize how to handle the breach. Gabby must stay several steps ahead, knowing that any miscalculation could lead to retaliation—or worse, her secrets being exposed. The tension is palpable as viewers anticipate how this power struggle will unfold, especially since Gabby’s knowledge could tip the scales in Tony’s favor.

Chad, Cat, and EJ: Love and Truth Collide

Romantic entanglements take center stage this week, particularly for Chad and Cat Green. EJ Dearra pressures Chad to confront his feelings for Cat, a confrontation that forces Chad to grapple with his own emotions. Will Chad finally admit the truth, or will he continue to evade the inevitable? Cat, for her part, attempts to smooth tensions by apologizing for past misunderstandings, but the stakes are high—especially with EJ watching closely. As the drama intensifies, the love triangle threatens to shake the very foundations of Salem’s interpersonal relationships.

Brady Black and the Mystery of Baby T

Salem’s most heartwarming and heart-wrenching storyline this week revolves around Brady Black. Suspicious of Sophia Choi’s deception, Brady delves deeper into the mystery surrounding baby T. With the help of Steve Johnson and Rafe Hernandez, Brady is determined to uncover the child’s true identity. DNA tests, hunches, and family dynamics collide, creating a tense narrative that could redefine family loyalties in Salem. As couples jockey for adoption rights, including Chanel and Johnny, and Javi and Leo, Brady’s intuition and investigative skills become pivotal, echoing the protective instincts once exemplified by his late father, John Black.

Rachel Black’s Emotional Struggle

Heartbreak hits hard this week as Rachel Black faces the harsh reality of her mother Kristen Deira’s incarceration. Overwhelmed with guilt, Rachel turns to Holly Jonas for solace, revealing the deep emotional scars left by the fallout of Kristen’s arrest. The tension escalates as Rachel attempts to arrange a visit to Statesville, determined to speak with her mother despite the obstacles. This emotional arc promises a poignant exploration of family, responsibility, and forgiveness, further enriching the tapestry of Salem drama.

Stephanie and Alex: Celebrations and Secrets

Not all of Salem’s stories are fraught with danger. Stephanie Johnson celebrates the success of her latest novel, a bestseller that brings a moment of joy to her life and the series. Joined by Alex, Stephanie’s victory offers a light-hearted respite amid the chaos. Yet even in celebration, secrets linger. Viewers can anticipate subtle revelations that may ripple into other storylines, keeping the drama alive even during moments of happiness.

The Bookshop Buzz: Salem’s Cultural Scene

Adding a touch of literary flair to the week’s episodes, Fosters’ Little Bookshop becomes the talk of the town, especially following National Read a Book Day. Julie and Maggie reflect on past griefs while contemplating the future of the store, now poised to be Salem’s new cultural hub. Fans are eagerly imagining the literary gatherings that could unfold, from suspenseful thrillers to heartfelt memoirs, creating a unique backdrop for character interactions and community intrigue.

A Week of Drama: Key Moments to Watch

• Monday, September 8: Jack and Jennifer receive unsettling news while Xander and Philip scramble to identify a major suspect. Cat faces a personal crisis, and her apology to Chad sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their romance.
• Tuesday, September 9: Theo officially returns home, confronting lingering heartbreaks and the moral ambiguity of his new assignment. EJ pressures Chad to confront his feelings for Cat, further complicating the love triangle.
• Wednesday, September 10: Paulina and Abe provide guidance and support to Theo, while Belle confides in Shawn about her breakup with EJ, offering a chance for old friends to reconnect.
• Thursday, September 11: Adoption plans intensify as Chanel and Johnny, alongside Javi and Leo, navigate the emotional terrain of expanding their families. Stephanie shares a secret with Alex, while Brady receives crucial hints about baby T’s true identity.
• Friday, September 12: Rachel confronts the realities of her mother’s incarceration with Holly’s support. Tate manipulates a situation with Sophia, Brady shares suspicions with Steve, and shocking revelations about the child’s lineage come to light, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Dorm Drama and Teen Tensions

Salem University’s dorms continue to add fresh energy to the series. With Tate, Aaron, Holly, and Ari settling into the new dorm sets, fans are treated to visually stunning environments and the promise of new teen-centered storylines. The dynamics among students, combined with jealousies and budding romances, are sure to create both tension and entertainment, appealing to viewers across generations.

Why This Week Matters

The week of September 8–12, 2025, marks a turning point in Salem’s ongoing saga. From Theo’s morally complex return to the tangled webs of romance, adoption, and corporate intrigue, fans are guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats. Emotional moments, shocking reveals, and clever plot twists will dominate, ensuring that every scene contributes to the ever-expanding drama that Days of Our Lives fans have come to love.

As the city of Salem braces for upheaval, viewers are invited to witness the convergence of past mistakes, family secrets, and unexpected alliances. With characters navigating love, loyalty, and deception, this week promises to deliver the high-stakes drama that has kept audiences captivated for decades.