The week of February 16–20 delivered a whirlwind of triumphs, heartbreaks, questionable plot twists, and long-awaited returns across daytime’s biggest dramas.

From Salem to Port Charles, Genoa City to Los Angeles — and even the fresh intrigue of Beyond the Gates — soap fans were treated to emotional highs

and head-scratching lows. Here’s our in-depth look at the Top 10 Hits and Misses that defined the week.

TOP 5 HITS

5. Valentine’s Day Delivers Drama and Heart (Beyond the Gates)

The first Valentine’s Day on Beyond the Gates proved the series understands the delicate balance between romance and realism. Anita (Tamara Tunie) serenading Vernon (Clifton Davis) brought warmth and nostalgia, while Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) sitting alone in her hotel room reminded viewers that love isn’t always wrapped in roses.

Martin (Brandon Claybon) and Smitty’s (Mike Manning) awkward gift exchange captured the vulnerability of modern relationships, and Nicole (Daphnée Duplaix) and Kat’s (Colby Muhammad) Galentine’s dinner offered refreshing female solidarity. Meanwhile, Vanessa (Lauren Buglioli) schooling Joey (Jon Lindstrom) in the art of control added delicious tension. It was a layered, emotionally varied holiday — and a major win for the new series.

4. Chad’s Emotional Farewell (Days of Our Lives)

After 12 years in Salem, Billy Flynn’s exit as Chad DiMera on Days of Our Lives was handled with care and gravity. His departure — as he transitions to The Young and the Restless — could have felt rushed. Instead, it was heartfelt and earned.

Chad’s goodbye scenes were steeped in history, grief, and gratitude. The emotional weight resonated deeply with longtime viewers who watched the character evolve through love, tragedy, and redemption. His absence will leave a palpable void in Salem.

3. Eric Finds His Voice (The Bold and the Beautiful)

Over on The Bold and the Beautiful, Eric Forrester (John McCook) delivered one of the week’s most powerful moments. Forced into retirement by Ridge (Thorsten Kaye), Eric finally pushed back, asserting that he is not invisible and certainly not obsolete.

His confrontation with family members who dismissed his wishes was cathartic. For decades, Eric has been the patriarch — but this week, he reminded everyone he is still a man with autonomy and creative fire. It was a triumphant reclaiming of dignity.

2. Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox Return (Y&R)

Few headlines generated more excitement than the announcement that Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox will briefly return to The Young and the Restless.

Moore’s Malcolm Winters and Fox’s Stephanie Forrester are legacy characters with unfinished emotional threads. Their comeback promises nostalgia, explosive confrontations, and possibly new arcs that could reinvigorate Genoa City. When daytime icons honor their roots, it electrifies the genre.

1. Luke Spencer Tribute (General Hospital)

The standout moment of the week belonged to General Hospital, which delivered a deeply moving tribute to Luke Spencer and the late Anthony Geary.

Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) opportunity to honor her father gave the storyline emotional grounding, while Genie Francis’s performance at the church was nothing short of breathtaking. The lantern release symbolized Luke’s restless spirit — adventurous, flawed, unforgettable. It was nostalgia done right: tender, honest, and profoundly human.

TOP 5 MISSES

5. Holly and Sophia’s Dangerous Game (Days of Our Lives)

Back in Salem, Sophia switching Holly’s skincare pills with anti-psychotic medication crossed from soapy into alarming. The potential consequences are medically serious — even deadly.

While high-stakes drama is the genre’s bread and butter, this storyline risks trivializing mental health and medication safety unless real consequences follow. The show must tread carefully.

4. Naomi and Jacob’s Disconnect (Beyond the Gates)

Naomi and Jacob remain frustratingly out of sync on Beyond the Gates. Between secrets about Naomi’s BRCA gene status and Jacob’s undercover assignments, their marriage feels strained beyond repair.

The issue isn’t conflict — it’s clarity. Viewers still don’t know if they’re meant to root for this couple or brace for collapse. The emotional center needs sharpening.

3. Electra Plays the Victim (The Bold and the Beautiful)

Electra’s repeated victim stance is wearing thin on The Bold and the Beautiful. Her ultimatum to Will regarding Dylan painted her as insecure rather than empathetic.

Given that Luna assaulted Will — he didn’t cheat — Electra’s mistrust feels misplaced. The character risks losing audience goodwill unless the narrative recalibrates.

2. Chase’s Obsession with Willow’s Innocence (General Hospital)

On General Hospital, Chase’s fixation on proving Willow’s innocence is pushing him into reckless territory. His suspicion that Michael shot Drew and his manipulation involving the house key could have lasting fallout.

While tension is compelling, Chase’s choices threaten to damage his credibility — and possibly his career.

1. Mariah’s Convenient Bail (Y&R)

Perhaps the most implausible twist came from The Young and the Restless. Mariah, who kidnapped a child and crossed state lines, being granted bail stretches credibility.

An ankle monitor feels insufficient given the severity of the crime. The stakes deserved more realism to maintain narrative integrity.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

GH HIT: Ric Lansing Steps Up

Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) emerged as an MVP on General Hospital. Representing Michael during questioning and supporting Sonny, he showcased sharp legal instincts and emotional intelligence. It’s refreshing to see Ric positioned as a stabilizing force.

DAYS MISS: Theo and Jada’s Mismatch

Theo thinking about Gabi while on a date with Jada on Days of Our Lives is not romantic tension — it’s disrespect. Jada deserves someone emotionally present.

Y&R MISS: Claire’s Obsession

Claire’s insistence on uncovering Holden and Audra’s past on The Young and the Restless feels entitled rather than curious. If she’s unsure about Kyle or Holden, the storyline needs clearer emotional stakes.

Final Thoughts

This week proved why daytime drama endures. When soaps soar — like GH’s Luke tribute or Eric’s reclamation of power — they remind viewers of their emotional depth. When they stumble, it’s often from pushing twists beyond plausibility.

Still, the genre thrives on risk, nostalgia, and reinvention. And if this week is any indication, daytime remains very much alive — lanterns lifted high, ready for whatever storm or celebration comes next.