At its core, Days of Our Lives thrives on the tangled lives of the DiMera, Horton, Brady, and Kiriakis families—dynasties bound together by love, rivalry, ambition,

and long-standing grudges. As the new year unfolds, the week of January 5 through January 9, 2026, promises to deliver seismic shifts that will leave lasting consequences

for Salem’s most powerful players. From a long-awaited awakening that brings both relief and reckoning, to a wedding overshadowed by manipulation,

and a romantic triangle threatening to explode, here are the three major developments fans can expect this week.

1. Theo DiMera Awakens—and Faces the Dark Truth of His Legacy

One of the most emotionally charged storylines of the week centers on Theo DiMera, whose harrowing ordeal inside the DiMera crypt has left him physically injured and emotionally shaken. After being held captive for an extended period, Theo finds himself confined to a hospital bed, struggling to recover not only from his wounds, but from the psychological trauma of his imprisonment.

The mood shifts dramatically on Tuesday’s episode when Theo finally regains consciousness. For Abe Carver and Paulina Price, the moment feels nothing short of miraculous. Their relief is overwhelming, filled with gratitude and cautious hope as they rush to his bedside. Abe, in particular, is visibly moved—his joy tempered by the fear of nearly losing his son to the violent legacy that has followed the DiMera name for generations.

As Theo slowly begins to piece together what happened, his awakening sparks a deeper internal conflict. He becomes painfully aware of the danger that comes with being a DiMera, realizing that no matter how far he tries to distance himself from the family’s shadowy history, it continues to shape his fate. This realization marks a turning point for Theo, forcing him to question who he is, where he belongs, and whether he can ever truly escape the pull of the DiMera empire.

Meanwhile, Kristen DiMera—who also endured captivity in the crypt—faces a pivotal decision of her own. The experience leaves her shaken, and for once, survival doesn’t automatically translate into victory. Kristen must confront the personal cost of her choices, setting the stage for decisions that could alter her future relationships and her standing within the family.

This storyline blends emotional depth with classic Days intensity, reminding viewers that survival in Salem often comes with a price.

2. Dimitri Returns to Salem—and Turns a Wedding Into a Battlefield

While one chapter focuses on healing, another promises chaos. Dimitri’s return to Salem sends immediate ripples through the town, particularly as he inserts himself into what should be a joyful occasion: the wedding of Leo Stark and Javi Hernandez.

On the surface, Dimitri appears to be there to celebrate. But longtime viewers know better. Beneath the smiles and formal attire lies a carefully calculated agenda. Dimitri’s true goal is not romance—it’s control. His presence alone is enough to unsettle Salem’s residents, many of whom are wary of his manipulative tendencies and hunger for power.

The tension escalates when Dimitri crosses paths with Gwen Rizczech. Their encounter crackles with unspoken history and mutual suspicion. During their conversation, Dimitri reveals his ambition to rise above everyone else in Salem, hinting at plans that extend far beyond the wedding festivities. Gwen, no stranger to schemes of her own, is left questioning whether aligning with Dimitri could serve her interests—or doom her.

As vows are exchanged and champagne glasses raised, Dimitri’s maneuvering casts a shadow over the celebration. What should be a moment of unity instead becomes another reminder that in Salem, even love stories can be weaponized. His return signals that power struggles are far from over, and alliances may soon be tested in unexpected ways.

3. Sarah and Brady Grow Closer—But Xander’s Jealousy Threatens to Explode

Rounding out the week’s biggest developments is a volatile romantic triangle involving Sarah Horton Kiriakis, Brady Black, and Xander Kiriakis. As the new year begins, Sarah makes noticeable progress in her relationship with Brady, finding comfort and connection in his steady presence.

The pair share a meaningful New Year’s kiss, a moment that symbolizes fresh beginnings and tentative hope. For Sarah, it feels like a chance to finally move forward after the emotional wreckage of her past. For Brady, the connection offers stability in a life that has often been defined by turmoil.

But happiness in Salem rarely goes unchallenged.

Xander Kiriakis, Sarah’s former husband, watches this budding romance with growing resentment. His jealousy quickly morphs into anger, fueled by unresolved feelings and a bruised ego. By the end of the week, Xander’s emotions threaten to boil over, raising the possibility of a confrontation that could spiral out of control.

The looming tension underscores a familiar Days of Our Lives theme: love is never simple, and the past is never truly buried. Xander’s reaction not only jeopardizes Sarah and Brady’s fragile happiness, but also risks reigniting old conflicts within the Kiriakis family—conflicts that could have consequences far beyond matters of the heart.

A Pivotal Week for Salem

The week of January 5 to January 9, 2026, encapsulates everything that makes Days of Our Lives endure. It balances heartfelt family moments with ruthless ambition, romantic hope with destructive jealousy, and recovery with revenge. Theo’s awakening forces a reckoning with legacy, Dimitri’s return destabilizes the town’s fragile peace, and Sarah’s new beginning threatens to ignite old flames.

As Salem braces for the fallout, one thing is clear: these three developments are only the beginning. In true Days fashion, every step forward sets the stage for another dramatic twist, ensuring that the lives—and loves—of Salem’s residents remain as compelling as ever.