Days of Our Lives has long been known for its dramatic storylines, intense love triangles, and unforgettable character feuds. But the show has always gone a step further by diving into the supernatural.
Whether it’s possessions, resurrections, time travel, or ghostly appearances, Days has never been afraid to add a touch of magic and mystery to Salem. Let’s explore 8 times Days of Our Lives used supernatural elements to create some of the most iconic moments in the show’s history.
1. Marlena’s Demonic Possession
Perhaps the most iconic supernatural storyline in Days of Our Lives history is the possession of Marlena Evans. In the mid-1990s, Stefano DiMera manipulated events to cause Marlena to be possessed by a demon, leading to some of the most shocking scenes in daytime TV history. The image of Marlena levitating and her glowing yellow eyes became legendary. This storyline took soap operas into uncharted territory, mixing horror with drama in a way that hadn’t been seen before.
Why It Stands Out
Marlena’s possession wasn’t just a spooky detour—it changed the tone of Days and took viewers on a wild ride. It was one of the most controversial yet talked-about storylines of its time.
Character Impact
This supernatural twist deeply affected Marlena’s relationships, especially with John Black, who was desperate to save her. Marlena’s possession tested their bond and showed how far Stefano would go to control her.
Fan Reactions
“I’ll never forget watching Marlena levitate for the first time. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, summing up the surprise that many viewers felt.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The demonic possession storyline was so popular that Days revisited it in 2021, bringing back the supernatural twist to a new generation of viewers. Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena, embraced the challenge of portraying such a complex and dark storyline, making it one of her most memorable performances.
2. The Return of the Salem Stalker Victims
One of the wildest twists in Days history came when several characters were killed off by the “Salem Stalker,” only to later be revealed as alive and living on an island called Melaswen (which is “New Salem” spelled backward). Characters like Jack, Roman, and Marlena were “killed” by the stalker, but fans were in for a huge surprise when it was revealed that they were all alive and had been kidnapped by André DiMera.
Why It Stands Out
This storyline blurred the lines between life and death, with beloved characters seemingly killed off only to return. The idea of an entire secret island where people are held captive added a supernatural twist that kept fans guessing.
Character Impact
The return of the Salem Stalker victims had a ripple effect on their loved ones back in Salem. Their “deaths” left deep emotional scars, and their eventual return forced their families to confront feelings of loss and betrayal.
Fan Reactions
“When I thought Marlena and Jack were dead, I almost stopped watching! But finding out they were on Melaswen blew my mind. #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan commented on Facebook.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The Salem Stalker storyline was originally meant to be a way for the show to retire certain characters, but the decision to bring them back was made due to fan outcry. The storyline remains one of the most discussed supernatural arcs in Days history.
3. Stefano DiMera’s Many Resurrections
Stefano DiMera, one of the most iconic villains in soap opera history, became famous for his seemingly supernatural ability to cheat death. Over the years, Stefano “died” multiple times, only to return to Salem through mysterious means. Whether it was advanced medical science, secret resurrections, or just pure evil, Stefano always found a way to return, no matter how many times his enemies thought he was gone for good.
Why It Stands Out
Stefano’s multiple resurrections made him seem almost immortal. His ability to come back from the dead cemented his role as Salem’s ultimate villain and gave him a near-mythical status.
Character Impact
Stefano’s ability to cheat death kept his enemies constantly on edge. His returns from the dead always came with a new plan to control Salem and exact revenge on those who wronged him, making him a constant threat.
Fan Reactions
“I lost count of how many times Stefano has come back from the dead. It’s wild! #DaysVillain,” a fan tweeted, showing just how iconic his resurrections have become.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Many of Stefano’s resurrections were explained using strange medical technology, like being cryogenically frozen or having his brain transplanted into another body. This gave the storylines a sci-fi twist, adding to the supernatural feel of his returns.
4. Hope Brady Becomes Princess Gina
Hope Brady, a staple of Salem, found herself in one of the most bizarre storylines when she was brainwashed into believing she was Princess Gina. This was all thanks to Stefano DiMera, who used his influence and mind control to turn Hope into a glamorous art thief. While the storyline didn’t involve traditional supernatural elements like ghosts or demons, the psychological manipulation and identity switch gave it an eerie, almost magical quality.
Why It Stands Out
The transformation of Hope into Princess Gina was one of the strangest and most unexpected storylines in Days history, adding an element of fantasy and psychological intrigue.
Character Impact
Hope’s transformation into Princess Gina had a lasting impact on her character. It forced her to confront an alternate version of herself and deal with the emotional fallout of being manipulated by Stefano.
Fan Reactions
“Hope becoming Princess Gina was so crazy, but I loved every minute of it. #DaysOfOurLives,” a fan tweeted, capturing the excitement this strange twist brought to the show.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The storyline allowed Kristian Alfonso, who plays Hope, to show a completely different side of her character. Playing Princess Gina gave her the chance to step into a new persona and explore a darker, more glamorous version of Hope.
5. Dr. Rolf’s Strange Science
Dr. Wilhelm Rolf, the mad scientist working for Stefano, is responsible for some of the strangest and most supernatural events in Salem. From brainwashing characters to bringing them back from the dead, Dr. Rolf’s experiments blurred the lines between science and magic. His mysterious serum has been used to revive characters like Jack Deveraux and Will Horton, making Dr. Rolf a key figure in the supernatural happenings of Salem.
Why It Stands Out
Dr. Rolf’s bizarre experiments added a scientific twist to the supernatural elements in Days. His ability to bring people back from the dead gave the show its own version of modern magic.
Character Impact
Dr. Rolf’s experiments allowed characters to return from the dead, but it also created emotional complications as their loved ones had to adjust to having them back. His brainwashing schemes have long-lasting effects on the memories and personalities of those he manipulates.
Fan Reactions
“Dr. Rolf is responsible for half of the crazy stuff that happens
in Salem. His science feels more like magic! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan shared on social media.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Dr. Rolf’s character was introduced in the 1980s, and his bizarre experiments have been central to many of Days’ most supernatural moments. His role as a “mad scientist” gave the writers an opportunity to explore more outlandish and fantasy-like storylines.
6. The Time-Travel Wedding
In 2021, Days of Our Lives experimented with time travel in a storyline involving Ben Weston and Ciara Brady. The couple found themselves transported back in time to their wedding day, giving them a second chance to relive the happiest moments of their relationship. This supernatural twist allowed them to reconnect and find closure on unresolved issues, blending romance with an otherworldly element.
Why It Stands Out
Time travel is a rare storyline in soap operas, but Days pulled it off, adding a magical quality to Ben and Ciara’s love story.
Character Impact
The time-travel element allowed Ben and Ciara to revisit key moments in their relationship, strengthening their bond and giving them a second chance at happiness.
Fan Reactions
“I never thought I’d see time travel on Days, but Ben and Ciara’s wedding made it work. #CinWedding,” a fan tweeted, expressing surprise at the unique storyline.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The time-travel storyline was a nod to Days’ history of pushing the boundaries of traditional soap opera storytelling. The writers wanted to give fans a fresh, magical take on Ben and Ciara’s relationship, cementing their status as one of the show’s favorite couples.
Conclusion: Supernatural in Salem
From possessions and resurrections to ghosts and time travel, Days of Our Lives has proven that the supernatural belongs in Salem. These eight moments remind us that anything is possible in the world of soap operas, and sometimes a little magic or mystery is exactly what the story needs.