Days of Our Lives has been a staple of daytime television for decades, and part of what keeps fans coming back is the show’s ability to deliver shocking, unexpected twists. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, Salem throws a curveball that leaves you gasping for air.
From character returns to jaw-dropping reveals, Days has a long history of keeping its audience on their toes. Let’s dive into seven of the most surprising moments in the show’s history that left fans buzzing for weeks.
1. Marlena’s Possession
When Days of Our Lives ventured into the supernatural with Marlena Evans’ possession in the 1990s, fans were stunned. Up until this point, Days had stuck mostly to soap opera drama, with its fair share of love triangles and betrayals, but this storyline was something completely different. Marlena, a beloved psychiatrist in Salem, was possessed by a demon, and the scenes of her with glowing yellow eyes and floating above her bed became iconic.
This storyline wasn’t just a surprise for fans—it was a game-changer for daytime TV. Soap operas rarely delved into the supernatural, but Days of Our Lives broke the mold and captured the attention of viewers in a big way. The possession storyline remains one of the most talked-about plots in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why.
Why It Surprised Fans
Soap operas are known for romance and scandal, but Marlena’s possession added a supernatural twist that shocked even the most loyal fans.
Fan Reactions
Viewers couldn’t stop talking about it. One fan on Twitter wrote, “I still can’t believe they did that to Marlena. She’s my favorite! #DaysOfOurLives,” showing just how much this twist impacted fans. Across social media, fans shared their disbelief, while some embraced the horror element that had invaded their beloved soap.
Did You Know?
The decision to include Marlena’s possession was inspired by the growing popularity of horror movies at the time. The producers wanted to give fans something totally unexpected and spooky, which led to the creation of this now-famous storyline.
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2. Bo and Hope’s First Wedding Interruptions
Bo and Hope are without a doubt one of the most iconic couples on Days of Our Lives, and their love story is full of dramatic moments. But none were more surprising than their first wedding, or should we say, the wedding that wasn’t. Just as Hope was about to marry another man, Bo rode in on a motorcycle and literally kidnapped her from the altar. Fans were expecting a typical soap wedding but were instead treated to a high-speed rescue mission that left them speechless.
This daring and unexpected move solidified Bo as a soap opera hero and set the tone for his relationship with Hope. Their love story has always been filled with twists and turns, but their first wedding interruption is definitely one of the most memorable.
Why It Surprised Fans
Bo’s dramatic entrance on a motorcycle turned what was supposed to be a typical soap opera wedding into an action-packed moment that fans didn’t see coming.
Fan Reactions
Fans were thrilled by Bo’s bold move. “This is why Bo is a legend! That wedding interruption was everything. #BoAndHopeForever,” one fan tweeted, capturing the excitement that swept across the fanbase after the episode aired.
Did You Know?
The scene where Bo rides in on a motorcycle was actually inspired by classic romantic films where the hero sweeps the damsel away in a daring act of love. The showrunners wanted to give the audience a modern version of this classic trope, and it worked perfectly.
3. Jack’s Return from the Dead (Multiple Times!)
If you’re a longtime Days fan, you know that death in Salem is never the end. One character who has proven this time and again is Jack Deveraux. Jack has “died” several times throughout his time on the show, only to come back alive, leaving fans stunned each time. Whether it’s falling off a cliff or being presumed dead in an explosion, Jack always manages to find his way back to Salem.
His most recent return after being presumed dead for years was one of the biggest surprises in Days history. Fans were shocked, not just because of his return, but because of how he came back—this time with no memory of his previous life. The storyline threw everyone for a loop and kept viewers guessing about what was coming next.
Why It Surprised Fans
While soap operas are known for bringing characters back from the dead, Jack’s multiple returns have become a defining feature of his character, and the writers always find a way to make it feel new and exciting.
Fan Reactions
Social media lit up when Jack returned from the dead once again. “How many times is Jack going to ‘die’ before it sticks? Not that I’m complaining, though. #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, capturing the mix of disbelief and excitement among the viewers.
Did You Know?
Jack’s repeated resurrections are a nod to the soap opera trope of bringing characters back from the dead, but Days of Our Lives took it further by giving Jack’s character new twists with each return, keeping his story fresh.
4. Kristen DiMera’s Multiple Disguises
Kristen DiMera is one of the most notorious villains in Salem, and she has mastered the art of deception. One of her most surprising schemes involved disguising herself as Nicole Walker to manipulate those around her. For months, Kristen walked around Salem, fooling nearly everyone, including Nicole’s closest friends and family.
When the truth finally came out, fans were left stunned. How had Kristen managed to keep up this charade for so long without getting caught? Her disguises and secret plots became some of the most talked-about moments in Days history, showcasing just how far Kristen would go to get what she wanted.
Why It Surprised Fans
Kristen’s ability to completely take on someone else’s identity and fool everyone in Salem, including viewers, made this one of the most shocking and suspenseful storylines.
Fan Reactions
“Kristen is honestly the queen of disguises! I can’t believe she pulled that off for so long. #SalemDrama,” a fan wrote on Instagram, summing up the disbelief that many felt when Kristen’s secret finally came out.
Did You Know?
The makeup and prosthetics used for Kristen’s disguise took hours to apply each day. The actress, Stacy Haiduk, worked closely with the makeup team to ensure that her transformation into “Nicole” was believable enough to fool both the characters and the audience.
5. Sami’s Secret Pregnancy Reveal
Sami Brady is no stranger to drama, but her secret pregnancy reveal was one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Days history. Sami, known for her schemes and secrets, managed to keep her pregnancy hidden from nearly everyone for months. When she finally revealed that she was pregnant, it came at a time when tensions in Salem were already high, making the announcement even more shocking.
The pregnancy revelation not only complicated Sami’s life but also set off a chain reaction that affected multiple characters. Fans were left scrambling to figure out how this new development would impact the already chaotic relationships in Salem.
Why It Surprised Fans
The timing of Sami’s pregnancy reveal during an already intense storyline made the moment even more surprising, adding another layer of drama to an already complicated situation.
Fan Reactions
“Leave it to Sami to drop a bomb like that in the middle of everything! #DaysOfOurLives,” one fan tweeted, capturing the general sentiment of shock and excitement that followed the reveal.
Did You Know?
The writers intentionally kept Sami’s pregnancy a secret from both the characters and the audience to maximize the impact of the reveal, ensuring that it would leave fans talking.
6. Abigail’s Shocking Diagnosis of DID
Abigail Deveraux’s diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) was one of the most complex and surprising storylines in recent Days history. For months, viewers watched as Abigail’s personality seemed to shift, unaware that she was suffering from DID. Her alternate personality, “Gabby,” caused chaos in Salem, leading to betrayals, lies, and heartbreak.
The reveal that Abigail had DID was both surprising and heartbreaking for fans, as it added a psychological depth to the character that no one saw coming. This storyline not only shocked fans but also showcased the show’s ability to handle sensitive topics with care.
Why It Surprised Fans
The gradual buildup to Abigail’s diagnosis kept viewers on edge, and when the truth finally came out, it added a whole new layer of complexity to her character and relationships.
Fan Reactions
Fans took to social media to express their shock and sympathy for Abigail. “I never saw that coming. Poor Abigail! I hope she gets the help she needs. #Days,” one fan commented on Facebook.
Did You Know?
The show’s writers consulted with mental health professionals to ensure that Abigail’s DID storyline was handled accurately and respectfully, adding authenticity to the shocking twist.
7. The Baby Switch Reveal
One of the most heartbreaking and shocking moments in Days of Our Lives was the baby switch reveal. After months of tension, it was revealed that two babies had been switched at birth, leading to emotional devastation for the families involved. The moment when the truth came out left fans in tears, as characters were forced to confront the loss of the child they had been raising as their own.
The fallout from this secret rocked Salem and had long-lasting consequences that fans are still talking about. The baby switch storyline was filled with twists and turns that no one saw coming, making it one of the most unforgettable moments in the show’s history.
Why It Surprised Fans
The emotional weight of the reveal and the ripple effect it had on so many characters made this one of the most shocking and impactful surprises on the show.
Fan Reactions
“I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much watching a soap before. That baby switch reveal broke me. #DaysOfOurLives,” a fan tweeted, capturing the emotional impact the storyline had on viewers.
Did You Know?
The baby switch storyline drew inspiration from real-life events, adding an extra layer of drama and emotion to the already intense plot. The show’s writers wanted to create a storyline that resonated with viewers on a deeper emotional level, and it worked.
Conclusion: Days of Our Lives Always Keeps Us Guessing
Whether it’s characters returning from the dead, long-held secrets being revealed, or jaw-dropping plot twists, Days of Our Lives knows how to keep its audience on their toes. These seven moments are just a few examples of the many times the show has taken fans by surprise. One thing’s for sure—no matter how much you think you know what’s going to happen next, Days always finds a way to shock us.