For over 50 years, Days of Our Lives has kept viewers on their toes with shocking twists, unforgettable romances, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
But sometimes, the show pushed boundaries in ways that sparked heated debates among fans and made headlines in the real world. Here are the top 10 most controversial storylines that had everyone talking—whether they loved them or hated them!
1. Marlena’s Possession
Marlena Evans’ possession by the devil turned the soap opera world upside down in the mid-90s. Marlena, a respected psychiatrist and central character, shocked fans when she began exhibiting strange behaviors, such as levitating, speaking in tongues, and attacking loved ones under the influence of the devil.
Why It Was Controversial
Fans were divided over whether bringing demonic possession into a daytime drama was brilliant or completely over the top. Religious viewers, in particular, were uncomfortable with the storyline’s themes, and the show received both praise for its creativity and backlash for being too outrageous.
Fan Reactions
The storyline caused a massive reaction among viewers. Many long-time fans threatened to stop watching the show due to the controversial content, while others were intrigued by this unexpected twist. Despite the mixed reception, the possession storyline remains one of the most memorable in the show’s history.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Interestingly, the storyline was reportedly inspired by the show’s attempt to bring new life to its plots amidst falling ratings. Though controversial, it succeeded in sparking interest, and ratings saw a significant boost during the possession saga.
2. Sami’s Baby Switch
Sami Brady, known for her impulsive and often reckless actions, took things to a shocking level when she switched her sister Belle’s baby with another. Motivated by jealousy and desperation, Sami orchestrated the switch and kept her secret, watching as her actions unraveled the lives of those around her.
Why It Was Controversial
The idea of switching babies for personal gain struck a nerve with viewers, especially mothers, who couldn’t imagine the pain of being deceived like that. The storyline pushed Sami to her limits and tested how much fans could continue to root for her character.
Fan Reactions
Fans expressed outrage at Sami’s actions, with some labeling her as irredeemable. Yet, this storyline also solidified Sami’s place as one of Days’ most complex characters. Despite the backlash, others found her determination and willingness to go to extreme lengths compelling.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The baby switch storyline was inspired by real-life cases that made headlines at the time. The writers wanted to explore the psychological impact of such a situation while examining the lengths a person might go to out of desperation or jealousy.
3. The Bisexual Love Triangle
In 2015, Days of Our Lives introduced a storyline featuring a bisexual love triangle involving characters Will Horton, Sonny Kiriakis, and Paul Narita. Will and Sonny’s marriage faced a major crisis when Will cheated with Paul, his ex-boyfriend. This storyline explored complex themes of sexuality, infidelity, and forgiveness.
Why It Was Controversial
While many praised the show for tackling LGBTQ+ representation and challenging traditional soap opera storylines, others felt uncomfortable with the portrayal of infidelity in the context of a same-sex marriage. The storyline stirred up discussions both on and off the screen.
Fan Reactions
The love triangle created a passionate divide among fans. Supporters applauded the show for pushing boundaries and reflecting real-world issues, while some conservative viewers felt the storyline was too bold for daytime TV.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
This storyline marked a historic moment in daytime television as one of the first times a bisexual character’s complex relationships were explored so deeply. It also earned praise from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups for portraying same-sex relationships with the same complexity as heterosexual ones.
4. The Death and Resurrection of Hope
Hope Brady, a beloved character on the show, faced one of the most heart-wrenching moments when she was declared dead. The shocking storyline left fans mourning until Hope made an unexpected return to Salem, sparking confusion and excitement.
Why It Was Controversial
Fans were divided on whether Hope’s return was a thrilling twist or an unrealistic plot device that undermined her previous storylines. Many felt the constant back-and-forth between life and death was becoming a worn-out trope.
Fan Reactions
Hope’s death and resurrection stirred intense emotions among fans. Some felt it provided a chance to explore the grief of losing a beloved character, while others felt the show cheapened her death by bringing her back too soon.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
Hope’s return was originally meant to be a temporary twist, but fan backlash over her death prompted the writers to find a way to bring her back. The storyline highlighted the delicate balance writers face when dealing with iconic characters.
5. Stefano’s Mind Control Scheme
Stefano DiMera, the cunning patriarch of the DiMera family, was always known for his elaborate schemes. But one of his most unsettling plots involved using mind control to manipulate Marlena into falling in love with him. It was a bizarre and morally complex storyline that left fans questioning Stefano’s true motivations.
Why It Was Controversial
The storyline raised questions about consent, control, and how far the writers were willing to go to keep Stefano’s evil streak alive. Many viewers felt uncomfortable with the implications of mind control being used for romantic manipulation.
Fan Reactions
The storyline polarized fans, with some finding it an interesting exploration of control and manipulation, while others felt it crossed a line and made Stefano too irredeemable.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
According to the writers, Stefano’s mind control plot was meant to show the extent of his obsession with Marlena. However, it faced significant backlash, leading to the storyline being wrapped up sooner than originally planned.
6. The Necktie Killer
The Necktie Killer storyline took a dark turn when Days introduced a serial killer plot that saw several major characters meet their untimely demise. Ben Weston, once a relatively minor character, transformed into a chilling villain who went on a killing spree, strangling his victims with a necktie.
Why It Was Controversial
The graphic nature of the murders and the psychological impact on the remaining characters were unsettling for many fans. Some felt that the storyline was too dark for a daytime drama and detracted from the escapism soaps are known for.
Fan Reactions
The storyline received mixed reactions. Some viewers were gripped by the intense drama, while others felt the show had become too grim. The Necktie Killer plot left a lasting impact on the characters who survived and the fans who watched.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The Necktie Killer plot was an attempt by the writers to introduce a darker, more thriller-like storyline into the show. Despite the backlash, it significantly boosted ratings and made Ben Weston a memorable character.
7. John Black’s Multiple Identities
John Black’s ever-changing identity has been a recurring theme in Days, but it reached a peak when the show revealed that John might be connected to various mysterious organizations and family ties. Fans watched as John went from being Roman Brady to being linked to the DiMeras, only to discover new layers to his backstory as the years went on.
Why It Was Controversial
Viewers found it hard to keep up with John’s constantly changing identity and often criticized the show for using it as a plot crutch whenever it needed a twist. The storyline’s inconsistency left some fans frustrated and confused.
Fan Reactions
Long-time viewers expressed exhaustion with John’s identity crises. Many fans felt the writers were creating unnecessary twists just to keep the character relevant, leading to mixed feelings about his storylines.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The constant changes to John’s identity were largely due to actor departures and the need to rework his character to fit evolving storylines. Despite the confusion, John remains a central and beloved figure in the series.
8. Sami’s Rape by Alan
In one of the most serious and controversial storylines, Sami Brady was sexually assaulted by Alan Harris. This traumatic event was depicted in a raw and emotional way, showing Sami’s struggle to cope with the aftermath and the lasting impact it had on her life.
Why It Was Controversial
The show’s decision to tackle such a sensitive topic sparked debates among viewers. While some praised the storyline for shedding light on the issue of sexual assault, others felt it was too heavy for a daytime drama and criticized the handling of Sami’s recovery process.
Fan Reactions
Sami’s storyline generated significant discussion among fans, with many praising the show for addressing a real-life issue with care. However, others felt it was difficult to watch and expressed discomfort with the subject matter being explored so publicly.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The show consulted with mental health professionals to accurately depict the aftermath of sexual assault. However, the storyline faced backlash for the pacing of Sami’s recovery, which some felt was unrealistic.
9. The Return of the Salem Stalker Victims
The Salem Stalker storyline was shocking enough on its own, with many of Salem’s favorite characters meeting grisly ends at the hands of the mysterious killer. But what really stirred up controversy was the reveal that these victims weren’t actually dead—they were alive on a secret island called Melaswen (New Salem spelled backward).
Why It Was Controversial
While some fans enjoyed the twist, others found the storyline too far-fetched and even felt betrayed by the fake deaths. It blurred the line between suspenseful drama and outrageous soap opera fantasy.
Fan Reactions
The storyline became infamous for its absurdity, with fans expressing confusion and frustration over the sudden plot reversal. Some viewers felt it diminished the emotional weight of losing beloved characters only to have them “magically” return.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The writers initially planned for the Salem Stalker plot to be a dramatic, character-driven story. However, they faced criticism for going too far with the resurrection twist, leading to the decision to end the Melaswen arc earlier than expected.
10. Nicole’s Fake Pregnancy
Nicole Walker has always been known for her schemes, but faking a pregnancy was one of her most shocking and controversial acts. When Nicole lost her baby, she kept the news a secret and pretended to still be pregnant, all to hold onto her relationship with EJ.
Why It Was Controversial
The emotional manipulation involved in pretending to be pregnant hit a nerve with viewers, particularly those who had experienced the pain of losing a child. The storyline sparked strong reactions, with some fans feeling sympathy for Nicole while others were outraged by her deceit.
Fan Reactions
Nicole’s actions left viewers divided, with some empathizing with her desperation and others feeling disgusted by her willingness to deceive those closest to her. This storyline cemented Nicole’s place as one of Salem’s most complex characters.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
The fake pregnancy plot was inspired by similar storylines in classic soap operas, but with a modern twist. The writers wanted to explore Nicole’s emotional turmoil and the lengths she would go to avoid losing what mattered most to her.
Final Thoughts
For over five decades, Days of Our Lives has pushed boundaries and sparked debates with its daring storylines. Whether fans loved them or hated them, these controversial plots kept viewers tuning in to see what would happen next. And in the world of daytime television, isn’t that what it’s all about?
What’s Your Take?
What do you think about these controversial storylines? Were they brilliant or just too much? Share your thoughts in the comments below!