For over six decades, Days of Our Lives has been the crown jewel of daytime drama, a tapestry woven with love, betrayal, family feuds, and shocking revelations.

This fall, Salem is bracing for one of its most explosive seasons yet. A wave of returns, cast shakeups, and fresh faces promises to rattle the foundations of the DiMera dynasty and send ripple effects

through every corner of town. Fans who thought they had seen it all are about to be reminded that in Salem, the past is never truly buried—and legends always find their way back.

Tony DiMera: The Return of a Titan

The week of September 15, 2025, kicks off with a seismic shift as Thaao Penghlis reprises his iconic role as Tony DiMera, the suave and enigmatic heir whose life has been defined by deception, loyalty, and the eternal tug-of-war between good and evil.

Penghlis first donned Tony’s polished shoes in 1981, and his character has survived everything from fiery explosions to identity swaps and feuds with his sinister twin brother, André. This fall, Tony doesn’t simply reappear—he storms back into the spotlight, fully integrated into the brewing chaos within the DiMera empire.

On Tuesday, September 16, viewers will see Tony command attention at the One Stormy Night press conference, a high-stakes gathering where corporate secrets collide with personal vendettas. Under flashing cameras, Tony steps into the role of power broker and peacemaker, his charisma and intelligence pulling allies and enemies alike into his orbit. His presence sets the stage for fiery confrontations and chilling revelations that will reverberate throughout Salem’s elite.

Penghlis himself has teased that slipping back into Tony’s impeccably tailored suits felt like “coming home.” This time, Tony’s arc explores themes of redemption, resilience, and family loyalty—while still promising those trademark smirks and brooding stares that fans have adored for decades. By September 18–19, Tony will be at the center of explosive confrontations, hinting at hidden agendas that could tear the DiMera clan apart once more.

Anna DiMera: Glamour, Sass, and Secrets

Where Tony goes, Anna is never far behind. On Thursday, September 18, Leann Hunley returns as the spirited Anna DiMera, Salem’s glamorous globe-trotter with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit.

Anna, who debuted in 1982, has been at the heart of jewel heists, diplomatic scandals, and countless romantic entanglements. This fall, her presence adds both comic relief and emotional depth, as she partners with Tony and the formidable Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow). Together, the trio forms a powerhouse alliance poised to dismantle betrayal and deceit within their own ranks.

Picture it: Anna sweeping into a DiMera mansion gathering in a couture gown, champagne in hand, delivering biting one-liners while quietly uncovering schemes. Her fiery dynamic with Kate promises sparks of humor, while her devotion to Tony brings emotional resonance to Salem’s escalating storm. Hunley’s return reminds fans why Anna remains one of the most beloved figures in the show’s sprawling history.

Thomas DiMera: The Next Generation Steps Up

The DiMera legacy isn’t just about the veterans. On Wednesday, September 17, Carrie Christopher reprises his role as young Thomas DiMera, son of Chad (Billy Flynn). Christopher, who has played Thomas since 2020, balances his rising Hollywood career with heartfelt appearances in Salem—and this return is especially poignant.

In a tender father-son scene, Thomas’s innocent questions about family loyalty prompt Chad to reflect on his own decisions. Will Chad finally reveal the secrets he has been hiding? Or will Thomas become a grounding force for a father caught between ambition, grief, and protecting his family’s future?

Thomas’s return underscores the importance of legacy and inheritance, reminding fans that the next generation will shape Salem’s destiny just as much as the veterans.

Victoria Kiriakis: Hope and Second Chances

The week opens on Monday, September 15, with the adorable Amelia and Kennedy Holiman twins stepping back into the role of Victoria Kiriakis, the toddler whose dramatic birth in 2023 cemented her as a symbol of hope amid chaos.

Victoria’s playful antics with parents Xander (Paul Telfer) and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) bring levity to otherwise heavy storylines. Her presence allows Xander to show his softer side, while Sarah embraces the joys of motherhood after years of heartbreak.

This family-centered subplot celebrates themes of redemption and second chances while hinting at future challenges for the Kiriakis-Horton clan.

Anniversary Season: Icons Return

Beyond this whirlwind week, fall 2025 promises a parade of returning icons as the show gears up for its monumental 60th anniversary:

• Lammon Archey and Sal Stowers reprise their roles as Eli and Lani Grant, diving into a police investigation linked to Marina’s sudden health crisis.
• Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux) and Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton) return as Salem’s beloved journalistic duo, hosting a gala that devolves into chaos.
• Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Horton) and Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) reignite sibling rivalry with a courtroom showdown echoing classic Brady family feuds.
• Chandler Massey (Will Horton), Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), and Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady) unite for an emotional farewell tied to John Black’s legacy.
• Marie Cheatham (Marie Horton) and Roark Critchlow (Mike Horton) offer nostalgic depth in anniversary flashbacks revealing hidden Horton secrets.
• Colton Little (Andrew Donovan) and Steven Schnetzer (Steve Olson) bring ISA intrigue, battling an international threat with Roman Brady.
• Most anticipated of all: Marci Miller’s return as Abigail Deveraux, appearing in haunting visions that guide Chad through a supernatural mystery at the DiMera crypt.

These comebacks honor Days’ rich history while laying the groundwork for bold new storylines.

Fresh Faces, New Energy

The fall lineup also introduces exciting debuts:

• Tyler Joseph Andrews takes over as Theo Carver on September 5, blending tech-savvy smarts with emotional vulnerability in a cyber-espionage plot.
• Hank Northrup arrives in late October as a mysterious new ally of the Kiriakis clan—rumored to be tied to Victor’s empire. His entrance could tilt the balance of Salem’s ongoing corporate wars.

Exits and Goodbyes

Every new chapter requires closing doors. This fall, Salem says farewell to a few familiar faces:

• James Read (Clyde Weston) has officially exited following his dramatic July shooting, leaving a power vacuum for the next villainous mastermind.
• A rumored recast of Javi Hernandez may be short-lived, with whispers suggesting his departure by October after resolving a family vendetta.

The Verdict: A Season to Remember

The returns of Tony and Anna DiMera are more than just fan service—they’re seismic events that promise to shake Salem to its very core. Add in the heartwarming returns of younger characters like Thomas and Victoria, the wave of iconic veterans rejoining for the anniversary, and the introduction of fresh faces, and Salem is poised for one of its most dynamic seasons in years.

Whether it’s corporate espionage, courtroom battles, supernatural visions, or heartfelt family drama, Days of Our Lives proves once again that its storytelling is timeless. For every farewell, there’s a comeback. For every heartbreak, a second chance. And for every quiet moment, an explosion waiting just around the corner.