The final week of January proved that daytime television is anything but predictable. Across Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless,

and Beyond the Gates, soap writers took bold creative swings—some soaring triumphantly, others stumbling loudly. Whether through emotionally raw performances,

controversial plot twists, or risky character choices, the week of January 26–30 sparked passionate reactions from fans and critics alike.

This was not a week for safe storytelling. These shows leaned into high stakes, emotional honesty, and unexpected turns, creating moments that were unforgettable—for better or worse. Here’s a closer look at the biggest hits and most talked-about misses that defined the week.

The Top Hits: When Soaps Got It Right

5. Sally Takes Control at Abbott Communications (The Young and the Restless)

Sally Spectra has officially stopped waiting for Billy Abbott to make up his mind—and that decision paid off. Hiring Audra Charles as her second-in-command was more than a business move; it was a declaration of independence. Sally understands Billy’s ambition to run Chancellor, and rather than clinging to uncertainty, she charts her own course.

The move signals a powerful shift in Sally’s character arc. She’s no longer sidelined by romance or hesitation. Instead, she’s asserting leadership and aligning herself with someone equally sharp and unapologetic. Team Sally and Audra feels like a partnership built on mutual ambition, and it’s long overdue.

4. Melinda Trask Dominates the Legal Battlefield (Days of Our Lives)

Melinda Trask emerged as an unexpected MVP this week, reminding viewers why she remains one of Salem’s most formidable legal minds. When Jeremy Horton was arrested on questionable evidence, Melinda wasted no time dismantling the case and securing his release. Her confidence and precision made it clear she knows the law better than anyone in the room.

Later, her visit to Bayview added an ominous layer when Sophia unexpectedly opened up to her. The exchange clearly rattled Melinda, who instantly sensed trouble brewing—but remains powerless to intervene for now. It was a subtle yet chilling moment that hinted at future chaos.

3. Nicole Reclaims Herself After Heartbreak (Beyond the Gates)

Post-divorce Nicole is a revelation. Gone is the restrained, judgment-heavy psychiatrist of the past year. In her place is a woman rediscovering her confidence, upgrading her style, and unapologetically dating on her own terms.

Watching Nicole explore life beyond a failed marriage has been refreshing and empowering. Daphnée Duplaix delivers a layered performance that balances vulnerability with self-assurance, making this evolution feel earned rather than abrupt. It’s a reminder that reinvention can be just as compelling as romance.

2. Will Finally Speaks His Truth (The Bold and the Beautiful)

One of the week’s most emotionally resonant moments came quietly, inside a beach house, after bedtime. Will’s conversation with Dylan wasn’t flashy—but it was devastatingly honest. For the first time, Will opened up about the trauma surrounding Luna and the emotional aftermath of that night.

Crew Morrow delivered a standout performance, allowing Will’s pain, guilt, and confusion to surface without melodrama. The scene deepened Will as a character and forged a meaningful connection with Dylan—one that feels poised to grow into something significant.

1. First Kisses and Frozen Confessions (General Hospital)

A catastrophic snowstorm set the stage for General Hospital’s most successful storytelling device of the week. By trapping characters together, the show created intimacy, tension, and long-awaited romantic payoffs.

The slow build toward a promised “first kiss” kept viewers guessing, with multiple couples in play. The anticipation alone elevated the week, and when the moment finally arrived, it felt earned. Romance, vulnerability, and chemistry collided beautifully, proving that sometimes classic soap tropes still work best.

TThe Misses: When the Risk Didn’t Pay Off

5. Derek Becomes an Obstacle, Not a Character (Beyond the Gates)

Derek’s frustration over losing his firefighting career and watching Ashley move on is understandable. Unfortunately, his behavior has crossed into nuisance territory. Picking fights and awkwardly inserting himself into Ashley’s new relationship lacks nuance and creativity.

If Derek is meant to be a serious obstacle, the writing needs to give him emotional depth rather than repetitive interference. Right now, he feels more irritating than tragic.

4. When Books Became the Villain (Days of Our Lives)

Publishing departments, manuscripts, and corporate leverage became oddly central to DAYS this week—and not in a good way. While Kate’s attempt to exploit DiMera through Bonnie’s book had potential, the storyline quickly became convoluted and dull.

The show missed an opportunity to lean into character-driven drama in favor of corporate mechanics that drained momentum from more compelling plots.

3. Ivy’s Moral Crusade Falls Flat (The Bold and the Beautiful)

Ivy’s confrontation with Dylan crossed from protective into preachy. Her pearl-clutching outrage felt wildly out of step with the show’s tone and modern sensibilities. Instead of adding tension, the scene felt judgmental and unnecessary.

The bigger issue? Ivy needs her own storyline. Without one, her interference reads as filler rather than meaningful conflict.

2. A First Kiss That Raised Eyebrows (General Hospital)

Among the many romantic moments during the snowstorm, Danny and Charlotte’s kiss landed with confusion rather than excitement. Given their familial connection, the decision felt inconsistent—especially considering how strictly the show previously handled similar situations.

In a week full of romantic possibilities, this pairing felt like a misfire that distracted from stronger narratives.

1. Mariah’s Shocking Regression (The Young and the Restless)

Nothing sparked more debate than Mariah kidnapping Dominic. While it’s encouraging to see Mariah, Abby, and Devon involved in a major storyline, revisiting Mariah’s obsession with the child crossed a troubling line.

The storyline feels murky and unsettling, especially with Mariah experiencing visions and acting impulsively. Instead of emotional complexity, viewers were left confused and uneasy, questioning where this story is headed—and why.

Honorable Mentions: Moments That Still Matter

• B&B HIT: Taylor admitting she crossed ethical lines with Deacon added welcome self-awareness and emotional accountability.
• BTG HIT: Vernon and Anita’s elegant date night offered warmth, romance, and respite from heavier themes.
• DAYS MISS: Chad’s strained dynamic with Jennifer and Jack remains unresolved and deeply unsettling.
• GH HIT: Tracy and Martin’s slow-burn connection crackled with wit and unexpected tenderness.
• Y&R HIT: Nick and Sharon’s subtle, shared reactions to Noah and Sienna’s news showcased exceptional acting through silence alone.

Final Verdict

The week of January 26–30 proved that soap operas thrive when they embrace bold storytelling—even when it doesn’t always land perfectly. High-stakes drama, emotional risk-taking, and character-driven moments kept audiences engaged, debating, and deeply invested.

When soaps trust their characters and actors, magic happens. When they don’t, the cracks show quickly. Still, this was a week that reminded fans why daytime drama remains one of television’s most enduring—and emotionally powerful—genres.