For Peyton Meyer, the final curtain may have fallen on Days of Our Lives, but the next act of his career is already unfolding—and it arrives wrapped in romance, tradition,

and one of America’s most iconic backdrops. The former daytime star has officially landed his first post-DAYS project, stepping into the world of Hallmark with

the upcoming original film Kentucky Roses, a sweeping, Derby-themed love story that promises nostalgia, family legacy, and emotional stakes as rich as the history it celebrates.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Meyer, who only recently exited the long-running Peacock soap after a brief but memorable arc as Doug Williams III. Now, with Hallmark welcoming him into its ever-expanding roster of romantic leads, Meyer appears poised to redefine his screen persona—trading Salem’s secrets for heartfelt storytelling set amid the pageantry of Churchill Downs.

From Salem to the Starting Gate

According to reports from Entertainment Now, Meyer has joined an impressive ensemble cast that includes Hallmark favorite Andrew Walker, along with Odette Annable, Brynn Thayer, Gregg Henry, and Ally Ledford. While specific details about Meyer’s character are being kept tightly under wraps, his involvement alone has sparked excitement among fans eager to see where his career heads next.

What elevates Kentucky Roses beyond a standard romantic drama is its partnership with Churchill Downs itself. As confirmed by WDRB, the film was shot at the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby, lending the project a rare authenticity. Few Hallmark productions can boast such an iconic setting, and the decision to film on location signals the network’s intention to blend romance with history in a way that feels both cinematic and emotionally grounded.

A Love Story Rooted in Legacy

At the heart of Kentucky Roses is Sadie Moore, portrayed by Odette Annable. Sadie works quietly behind the scenes at the Churchill Downs greenhouse, surrounded by beauty yet longing for something more. Her dream is deeply personal: she wants to become the florist responsible for creating the iconic blanket of roses draped over the winning Derby horse—a role once held by her grandmother, played by Ally Ledford.

That dream places Sadie at the intersection of ambition and inheritance, a familiar Hallmark theme elevated here by generational depth. Enter Ash Taylor, played by Andrew Walker, whose arrival coincides with the frenzy surrounding the Kentucky Derby. Ash is charming, grounded, and—complicating matters—the son of Churchill Downs’ CEO, portrayed by Gregg Henry.

As Sadie and Ash grow closer, their romance blossoms against a backdrop of expectation, tradition, and unspoken family tensions. Their connection is sincere, but not uncomplicated. Each comes from a lineage shaped by the same institution, and as their relationship deepens, so too does the scrutiny from those who fear history repeating itself.

The film expands its emotional scope by weaving between the present day and the 1932 Kentucky Derby, exploring how past choices continue to echo through generations. Brynn Thayer’s role further anchors the story in emotional realism, reinforcing Hallmark’s signature focus on family bonds and the quiet power of legacy.

Where Peyton Meyer Fits In

While Hallmark has yet to reveal the details of Meyer’s role, his casting suggests a character positioned within this intricate web of relationships—possibly tied to the Moore or Taylor families, or perhaps serving as a catalyst who challenges the assumptions surrounding Sadie and Ash’s romance.

What is clear is that Kentucky Roses represents a tonal shift for Meyer. Known to daytime viewers as the troubled yet charming Doug Williams III, Meyer now steps into a world where emotional conflict is softer, but no less resonant. The move signals his adaptability as an actor and his growing appeal across genres.

Looking Back at His DAYS Journey

Meyer’s time on Days of Our Lives may have been relatively brief—spanning from December 3, 2024, to July 25, 2025—but it left a lasting impression. Introduced as Doug Williams III, he arrived in Salem carrying the weight of legacy, stepping into a role steeped in history and emotional significance.

His storyline paid tribute to the late Bill Hayes, who originated the role of Doug Williams, and to the enduring bond between Doug and Julie Williams. Meyer’s character was initially presented as a heartfelt homage, but DAYS quickly layered complexity onto Doug III’s arc.

Fans soon learned that Doug III had a troubled past, including time spent in prison—a deliberate callback to the original Doug Williams’ early storylines. That narrative twist deepened the character, positioning him as both a reflection of and a departure from the man whose name he carried.

The most shocking reveal came when it was exposed that Doug III had lied to Julie, portrayed by Susan Seaforth Hayes. In a stunning betrayal, it was uncovered that he was responsible for stealing Alice Horton’s treasured necklace to settle a debt. The revelation fractured trust and underscored the show’s enduring theme: in Salem, legacy is both a gift and a burden.

Meyer handled the emotional material with restraint and nuance, earning praise from longtime soap fans who recognized the difficulty of stepping into such a storied role.

A Career Built on Reinvention

Long before Salem, Meyer’s career began in 2013 on Disney Channel’s Dog with a Blog, where he played Wes Manning. He later gained widespread recognition as Lucas Friar on Girl Meets World, becoming a familiar face to a generation of younger viewers.

Since then, his résumé has steadily expanded, with appearances on American Housewife, the Netflix film He’s All That, and the action thriller Versus. Each role showcased a different facet of his screen presence, paving the way for his eventual transition into daytime drama—and now, romantic television films.

A Derby-Day Premiere With Meaning

Kentucky Roses is scheduled to premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, May 2—Kentucky Derby Day itself—an intentional and symbolic release date. The following day, the film will be available to stream on Hallmark Plus, ensuring accessibility for viewers eager to experience the story.

For Peyton Meyer, the timing couldn’t be more fitting. Just as the Derby celebrates new champions and fresh beginnings, Kentucky Roses marks the start of a promising new chapter—one defined not by the shadows of the past, but by the possibilities ahead.

As fans prepare to watch Meyer step into this next phase of his career, one thing is clear: his journey beyond Days of Our Lives is only just beginning, and Hallmark may be the perfect place for him to bloom.