For over five decades, Days of Our Lives has delivered unforgettable drama with its wild twists, shocking betrayals, and emotional moments.
Whether it’s beloved characters returning from the dead or unexpected villains causing chaos, the show has never been afraid to take risks.
If you’re a fan of soap operas, you know that Days is packed with some of the most jaw-dropping moments in TV history. Let’s take a look back at the Top 10 Most Shocking Moments in Days of Our Lives history and why they left fans gasping for more.
1. Marlena’s Possession (1994–1995)
One of the wildest and most talked-about storylines in Days history is undoubtedly Marlena Evans’ possession by the devil. In the mid-’90s, viewers were stunned when Marlena, a beloved and level-headed character, started displaying strange and dangerous behaviors.
Eventually, it was revealed that she was possessed by a demonic force. Marlena’s transformation, with her glowing yellow eyes and sinister voice, became iconic.
What made this moment even more shocking was how far it pushed the boundaries of daytime television. Days of Our Lives was known for its dramatic love triangles and family feuds, but this supernatural twist was something completely new.
Fans either loved or hated it, but it kept them glued to their screens. Even today, Days fans still talk about the possession as one of the most bizarre yet unforgettable moments on the show.
Fan Reaction
The storyline sparked massive debates. Some fans found it too outlandish for a soap opera, while others loved the daring direction. Either way, it’s a moment that remains etched in the memories of loyal viewers.
2. Stefano’s Many Deaths
Stefano DiMera is the ultimate soap opera villain—so much so that he refused to stay dead. Over the years, Stefano died multiple times, in various ways: shot, falling off cliffs, and even supposedly perishing in a plane crash.
Each time, fans mourned, only to be shocked when he inevitably returned to wreak more havoc on the people of Salem.
Stefano’s resilience became a running theme in Days, and viewers would eagerly wait to see how he would come back after each demise.
His final “death” in 2016 was one of the more dramatic exits, but long-time fans couldn’t help but wonder if that too was just another trick.
Character Impact
Stefano’s multiple deaths cemented his role as an indestructible villain. Every time he came back, it was a testament to his hold over the people of Salem and his undying desire for power.
Did You Know?
Stefano’s return wasn’t always planned. Sometimes the writers would bring him back due to popular demand, as fans loved to hate him.
3. Bo and Hope’s Wedding (1985)
If you’re a Days fan, you know that Bo and Hope’s relationship is legendary. One of their most iconic moments came during their wedding. Hope was about to marry another man when Bo heroically rode in on his motorcycle to stop the ceremony.
He swept her off her feet (literally!) and they rode off together, much to the shock and delight of fans.
This moment was pure soap opera magic. It’s not just about the romance, but also about how it showcased Bo’s rebellious nature and his deep love for Hope.
Their wedding became one of the most memorable episodes in soap history, and even non-*Days* viewers know about the famous motorcycle scene.
Fan Reaction
Fans couldn’t get enough of Bo and Hope’s love story. The wedding interruption became a defining moment for their relationship and set the stage for many more years of drama, breakups, and reconciliations.
4. The Salem Stalker Murders (2003–2004)
In the early 2000s, the show took a dark turn with the Salem Stalker storyline. This mysterious figure began killing off beloved characters one by one, including Jack Deveraux, Roman Brady, and Maggie Horton.
Viewers were in shock as iconic characters met their ends in brutal ways. For months, fans were left wondering who the killer was and why they were targeting the town’s most beloved residents.
The twist? In true soap fashion, it was revealed that all of the “dead” characters weren’t really dead. They had been kidnapped and sent to a remote island that was an exact replica of Salem, called “Melaswen” (which is “New Salem” spelled backward).
The reveal that everyone was still alive left fans both relieved and stunned by the sheer absurdity of the storyline.
Character Impact
This storyline pushed the boundaries of what soap operas could do. It mixed mystery, suspense, and absurdity, while also allowing fans to experience the shock of losing major characters—only to get them back in the end.
Fan Reaction
Viewers were on the edge of their seats during the Salem Stalker murders, but the twist left some feeling a bit cheated. Still, it’s one of the most ambitious plots in Days history and is often cited as one of the wildest twists the show ever pulled off.
5. Sami’s Wedding Day Disaster (2006)
Sami Brady is no stranger to drama, but one of her most memorable moments came on her wedding day. Just as Sami was about to marry Austin Reed, a shocking video played during the ceremony, revealing her affair with EJ DiMera. The revelation was explosive, and Sami’s wedding day quickly turned into a nightmare.
Sami’s dramatic reaction and the fallout from the video made this moment unforgettable. Fans were left shocked and heartbroken for Sami, even though her own actions had caused the disaster.
The wedding debacle set the stage for years of drama between Sami, EJ, and Austin, as their complicated love triangle continued to unravel.
Fan Poll
6. John Black’s Identity Crisis (1986)
For years, John Black believed he was Roman Brady—until the shocking revelation that he wasn’t. John’s struggle to discover his true identity became one of the longest-running and most complex storylines on the show. As John uncovered pieces of his past, fans were taken on a rollercoaster of twists and turns, never quite knowing what the next revelation would be.
Character Analysis
John’s identity crisis had a major impact on the character and the show as a whole. His journey to discover who he really was introduced new villains, love interests, and complicated family dynamics.
Did You Know?
John’s storyline was inspired by the real-life desire to keep the character of Roman alive, even after the original actor left the show.
7. The Baby Switch (2009)
Few things are as devastating as losing a child, and the baby switch storyline took that to new heights. After Nicole Walker’s baby tragically died, she secretly switched her deceased baby with another infant, leading to months of confusion, heartbreak, and deception.
This moment is a classic soap opera twist. The emotional fallout, especially for Sami Brady, was immense.
The storyline dragged on for months, with viewers anxiously waiting for the truth to come out. When it finally did, it was a heartbreaking revelation that left everyone involved devastated.
Fan Reaction
Viewers were hooked on this storyline, as they watched Nicole’s guilt grow while Sami’s heartbreak deepened. The baby switch plot showed just how far Days was willing to go to keep fans on edge.
8. EJ’s “Death” (2014)
EJ DiMera’s death was one of the most emotional moments in recent Days history. After being shot, EJ died in the arms of his wife, Sami, leaving fans devastated. But in true Days fashion, EJ wasn’t gone for good. Years later, it was revealed that he had been brought back to life thanks to the DiMera family’s shady dealings.
Fan Reaction
EJ’s death and resurrection sparked intense debates among fans. Many were heartbroken to see him go, but his eventual return left others feeling like no one stays dead for long in Salem.
9. Kristen’s Masked Deception (2019)
Kristen DiMera has always been a schemer, but when she started using masks to disguise herself as other characters, it took her deception to a new level. From pretending to be Nicole Walker to other manipulations, Kristen’s use of masks left everyone confused and shocked.
Fan Reaction
This storyline was both thrilling and bizarre. Fans loved to hate Kristen’s schemes, but the use of masks left some viewers questioning how far the show was willing to stretch reality.
10. Adrienne’s Death and the Time Jump (2019)
In 2019, Days made a bold move by jumping forward one year in time. When viewers caught up with the characters, they were shocked to learn that Adrienne Kiriakis had died in a car accident during the unseen year. The time jump was a daring move, and Adrienne’s death left fans heartbroken as they slowly uncovered the events that led to her tragic end.
Character Impact
Adrienne’s death shook the Kiriakis family and left a lasting impact on the show. The time jump gave the writers room to explore new storylines, but fans were left reeling from the loss of such an important character.