Salem is far from peaceful this Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 28, 2025, Days of Our Lives delivers an episode that perfectly blends suspense, romance, and family drama, leaving viewers gripped

by the tension simmering beneath the holiday festivities. What might have been a cozy, laughter-filled day is instead a web of secrets, lies, and emotional confrontations, showing just how unpredictable life in Salem can be.

As the town prepares for Thanksgiving, Salem’s residents are caught between appearances and reality. While turkeys roast and tables are set for family gatherings, a darker undertone creeps through homes across the city.

This episode unspools multiple storylines that challenge loyalties, expose hidden truths, and test the resilience of even the closest bonds. For some, the holiday promises warmth and connection; for others, it becomes a crucible of fear, tension, and revelation. Friday’s installment is nothing short of a turning point for several ongoing narratives, making it an unmissable chapter in Salem’s ongoing saga.

One of the most gripping plotlines centers on the mysterious Dera family crypt, a chilling underground chamber steeped in decades of Salem lore. Kristen Dera, played by Stacy Haiduk, and Tony DeAra, portrayed by Pankless, are trapped within its shadowy walls, forcing a tense exploration of their complicated pasts. Their captivity sparks an intense dialogue about long-standing alliances, betrayals, and the morally gray territory that has defined the Dera family for generations. The confined space of the crypt, with its flickering lights and echoing silence, becomes a crucible where secrets and truths must surface.

As Kristen and Tony analyze their situation, the question of the kidnapper’s identity looms large. Their initial suspicion falls on the notorious matriarch Viven Alamne, played by Louise Sorell. Known for her ruthless reputation and her history of burying enemies alive, Viven would seem a likely suspect. But as the two reflect on her methods—typically merciless, leaving victims without food or water—they realize their survival indicates the perpetrator is someone else. This shocking deduction shifts suspicion inward: the threat comes from within the Dera family itself, setting the stage for dramatic revelations that will ripple through Salem for weeks to come. The crypt scenes are not merely suspenseful—they illuminate the intricate web of family loyalty, deception, and power that defines the Dera legacy.

In stark contrast to the darkness of the crypt, romance and vulnerability blossom elsewhere in Salem. Leo Stark, portrayed by Greg Reichart, steps into a rare moment of emotional honesty with Jabi Hernandez, played by All Calderon. In a cozy, intimate setting, Leo shares a dessert and, with genuine vulnerability, declares his love. This is a departure from his usual theatrics and bravado—a raw, authentic expression that allows viewers to see Leo in a new light. For Jabi, it’s a moment that redefines their relationship, offering a glimpse into the softer, more sincere side of a character often defined by drama and flamboyance. The scene underscores the show’s ability to balance suspense with heartfelt storytelling, proving that Days of Our Lives thrives in moments of both intensity and tenderness.

Meanwhile, another budding romance unfolds at the Hernandez household. Gabby Hernandez, portrayed by Sher Himeneth, invites Philip Curiosis, played by John Paul Lavoisier, to a special Thanksgiving dinner, signaling a deeper commitment in their relationship. Gabby’s declaration, “I like you a little too,” carries weight beyond the words themselves; it reflects her cautious yet genuine investment in Philip, highlighting the slow, deliberate development of trust and intimacy. Their interactions hint at a relationship poised between hope and tension, with the potential for both joy and heartbreak as secrets continue to simmer beneath the surface. Fans have already begun speculating on couple nicknames—“Fabby,” “Gabip,” or even the acronym “GAP”—illustrating the excitement around this developing storyline.

Back at the Horton household, Thanksgiving is anything but traditional. Jennifer Horton, portrayed by Melissa Reeves, delivers shocking news: she intends to sue Chad Dera, played by Billy Flynn, for custody of Abigail Horton’s children, Thomas and Charlotte. This legal action exacerbates existing family tensions, threatening to fracture bonds and ignite long-standing disputes. Julie Williams, the family’s emotional anchor, portrayed by Susan Seaforth Hayes, finds herself caught between loyalty and love, attempting to mediate while honoring the memory of her late husband Doug Williams. The episode deftly portrays the generational and familial conflicts that emerge when personal grievances collide with longstanding traditions, underscoring the emotional complexity that has kept viewers engaged for decades.

The Horton storyline is further enriched by the interplay of personal loss and holiday expectations. Jennifer’s custody battle is more than a legal maneuver; it reflects a deeper struggle over trust, protection, and the future of the family unit. Julie’s attempts to foster temporary peace highlight her enduring wisdom and moral compass, yet even her experience cannot fully contain the storm of emotions sweeping through the household. Thanksgiving, typically a time of gratitude and unity, becomes a tense battleground, illustrating the show’s commitment to portraying relatable, high-stakes drama.

Looking ahead, Friday’s episode sets the stage for multiple narrative arcs to intersect. Kristen and Tony’s revelations in the crypt promise to upend the Dera family hierarchy, creating tension that will echo across Salem. Leo and Jabi’s heartfelt exchange opens new doors for romance and character development, while Gabby and Philip’s dinner signals the careful evolution of a relationship fraught with potential for both connection and betrayal. The Horton family’s struggles offer a stark reminder that even the closest-knit families are vulnerable to conflict, secrets, and emotional upheaval.

Ultimately, November 28th, 2025, delivers everything Days of Our Lives fans have come to expect: suspense, emotional intensity, and character-driven storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll. The episode masterfully balances moments of dark intrigue with genuine human connection, proving that even in the midst of chaos, the show’s characters continue to reflect the complexities of real-life relationships. From hidden kidnappings and emerging romances to family disputes that threaten to upend tradition, Salem is alive with tension, drama, and emotional stakes that will keep viewers returning, episode after episode.

As the curtain falls on this extraordinary Thanksgiving installment, one thing is certain: nothing in Salem is ever truly settled. Every secret unearthed, every emotion revealed, every relationship tested sets the stage for future conflicts and dramatic payoffs. For fans, the episode is a thrilling reminder that in Salem, every holiday comes with a price, every dinner table holds a story, and every family gathering has the potential to ignite chaos.

Friday, November 28, 2025, stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga, blending suspense, romance, and moral complexity into a single unforgettable episode. Days of Our Lives continues to prove its enduring appeal, offering viewers a rich tapestry of intrigue, emotion, and compelling storytelling that ensures Salem remains the ultimate destination for daytime drama.