Thursday’s episode of Days of Our Lives is shaping up to be one of those quintessential Salem hours where romance, danger, and buried secrets collide

with explosive force. Airing January 22, 2026, the episode weaves together a chilling stalker mystery, emotional reckonings at the hospital, and an unexpected spark between

two of Salem’s most complicated players. As always, what appears on the surface is only part of the story — and by the final moments, viewers may find everything

they thought they knew turned upside down. At the center of the hour is the escalating threat surrounding Stephanie Johnson. Her recent engagement to Alex Kiriakis should be a joyful milestone, but in Salem, happiness is often a prelude to chaos. Instead of champagne toasts and carefree wedding planning, Stephanie’s future is overshadowed by a stalker whose presence is growing increasingly bold — and increasingly dangerous.

A Dangerous Game: Steve Johnson Takes Control

Steve “Patch” Johnson is not a man who takes threats lightly, especially when his daughter is involved. On Thursday, viewers will see Steve step into full investigator mode as he confronts Alex with disturbing new evidence. A threatening photograph — its contents still chillingly ambiguous — becomes the catalyst for a high-stakes discussion that could change everything.

Is the photo proof that the stalker has already invaded Stephanie’s most private moments? Or is it a calculated warning aimed directly at Alex, signaling that he, too, is now a target? Either way, the message is clear: someone is watching, and they want to be seen.

Steve’s strategy may surprise some. Rather than pulling Alex out of harm’s way, it appears Steve is considering using him as bait — a calculated risk designed to draw the stalker into the open. For Alex, this is a terrifying proposition. Freshly engaged and finally secure in his future with Stephanie, he’s now being asked to knowingly place himself in danger. The emotional toll is heavy, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. One wrong move could cost him everything.

Meanwhile, Detective Jada Hunter is making her own progress. While she appears to be accompanying Stephanie during wedding preparations, it quickly becomes clear that Jada’s focus extends far beyond flowers and cake tastings. New clues emerge, suggesting the stalker may be closer than anyone realizes — possibly even lurking in plain sight. Whether Jada and Steve are working in tandem or unknowingly circling the same suspect from different angles remains to be seen, but the walls are undeniably closing in.

The Jeremy Question: Confession or Manipulation?

Adding another layer of intrigue is Jeremy, whose sudden emotional confession to Julie Williams raises more questions than answers. Julie, the moral compass of Salem, has long been the confidante of lost souls seeking redemption. That Jeremy chooses her as his sounding board is significant — and potentially strategic.

Is Jeremy a troubled man burdened by a past he’s desperate to escape? Or is he carefully crafting a narrative designed to earn sympathy and deflect suspicion? The timing of his heart-to-heart is suspicious enough, but matters escalate when Jada arrives shortly after, armed with pointed questions and a detective’s instinct that something isn’t adding up.

Jeremy’s reaction in this moment could prove pivotal. Does he welcome the scrutiny, relieved that the truth might finally come out? Or does he bristle under pressure, revealing cracks in his carefully constructed façade? For now, he stands squarely in the hot seat — though in true Days fashion, the most obvious suspect is rarely the true culprit.

A Friendship on the Brink: JJ and Theo Clash

While danger looms elsewhere, a deeply personal confrontation unfolds at the hospital. Theo Carver is still recovering from the trauma of his kidnapping, both physically and emotionally, when JJ Deveraux pays him a visit. What should have been a moment of support quickly turns tense, as unresolved resentment and painful accusations come bubbling to the surface.

Theo’s anger centers on JJ’s actions during the recent curfew — actions Theo believes were motivated by bias rather than concern. For JJ, who has spent years trying to redeem himself and rebuild trust, the accusation cuts deep. Their shared history only makes the exchange more painful. These two were once nearly family, bound by love and loyalty. Now, that bond threatens to shatter completely.

Trauma has changed Theo, hardening him in ways viewers may not be prepared for. As JJ attempts to explain himself, it becomes clear that apologies alone won’t mend this fracture. The hospital room becomes a battleground of emotions, and by the end of the encounter, their friendship may be damaged beyond repair — at least for now.

Sparks Fly: Gabi and Philip’s Unexpected Connection

On a lighter — though no less complicated — note, Gabi Hernandez and Philip Kiriakis find themselves enjoying an unexpectedly carefree night out. Both are seasoned veterans of heartbreak, betrayal, and family drama, making their sudden ease with one another all the more surprising.

Their shared status as outsiders within powerful families gives them common ground, and for a brief moment, it seems they may be letting their guard down. But in Salem, motives are never simple. Is Gabi playing a long game, using Philip to gain leverage? Is Philip seeking distraction from old wounds? Or could this truly be the start of something genuine?

Their evening coincides with a lively game night at the town square — and seasoned viewers know that public gatherings in Salem rarely end without incident. Whether their budding chemistry survives what comes next remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if Gabi and Philip align, they could become one of the most formidable — and volatile — pairings in town.

Final Thoughts: A Cliffhanger Looms

As Thursday’s episode barrels toward its conclusion, all signs point to a classic Days of Our Lives twist. New evidence threatens to upend the stalker investigation just as suspicion peaks. An arrest may be made — but whether it brings justice or merely distracts from the true threat is another question entirely.

With relationships strained, alliances shifting, and danger closing in, Salem once again proves that peace is fleeting and secrets never stay buried for long. One thing is guaranteed: when the hourglass runs out on January 22, viewers will be left breathless — and desperate for what comes next.