Days of our Lives Recaps November 17-21

On the Days of our Lives episode on Monday, November 17th, Tony and Kristen catch up, Rachel spots Sarah and Brady hugging, and EJ anticipates a family reunion.

What Happened on Days of our Lives

EJ came into the pub and interrupted Brady talking to Rachel. He pulled him aside and told him that Kristen had escaped from prison. Brady returned to the table and asked Rachel if she had heard from her mom but she said she hadn’t.

At the hospital, Sarah checked on Marlena, who was aware that her afib medication wasn’t working. Sarah noticed a rash on Marlena’s arm, and noted that it was a symptom of Lyme disease but she’d tested her for that already. 

Sarah went to the hallway where Eric and Belle were waiting. She told them about Marlena’s heart condition and the possible Lyme disease. She said thanks to EJ’s cutbacks, it was possible that things were missed in Marlena’s previous diagnosis. When EJ arrived, Belle laid into him about it, and threatened to sue the hospital for negligence.

Eric and Belle went to Marlena’s room, and Roman showed up to visit as well.

In the hallway, Brady and Rachel came. Sarah soothed Rachel’s fears about Marlena. While Rachel was at the vending machine, Brady told Sarah about Kristen escaping. Sarah told him she’d always be there for him and Rachel and they hugged, just as Rachel was returning. She stopped in her tracks when she saw them embrace.

Javi talked about Tony’s disappearance and how Leo was working on it. Javi and Gabi talked about Leo being a better person because of Javi and Tesoro. Javi told her that Leo didn’t think she really shot EJ, but Javi also stuck his foot in his mouth when he suggested she had a good motive for wanting Tony to disappear. 

In the Dimera crypt, Tony took off Kristen’s handcuffs and blindfold, and told her that he was drugged and kidnapped, and Kristen surmises the same happened to her. They wonder who brought them there; Tony thinks of Gabi, while Kristen accuses EJ. Tony lamented that Anna would be most distraught that he didnt’ return to the ship.

The siblings commented on the irony of all people not to be in the crypt was Stefano. They talked about Stefan, Dimitri, and Megan as well, and Kristen said she could feel Stefano around her. Suddenly, Dristen announced that she was going to get out of there, even if she had to dig her way out.

At the clinic, EJ was in the lab with a large cyrogenic chamber. He touched it as he mused that his family reunion was long overdue. “Wouldn’t you say?” he asked.

Photos: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby

On the Days of our Lives episode on Tuesday, November 18th, Lucas and Sami return to Salem, Jennifer goes all in on Chad, Julie and Maggie remember their soul mates, and Sami has some surprising news.

What Happened on Days of our Lives

Chad came to the mansion and wanted information from EJ about Kristen’s reported escape. Chad noted that first Tony vanished, and now Kristen. “What is going on with this family?” he asked. EJ asked about Jennifer, but Chad said he was hoping it was just high emotions. Now that Thomas was fine, she would change her mind about fighting him for custody of his children.

Stephanie came home after some retail therapy and offered to do a fashion show for Alex. But her phone kept going off to the point that she wasn’t even listening. Eventually, she realized it and put her phone down to give Alex some attention. She ordered their dinner, then he told her about an offer he’d received from another publisher.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, a man in a leather jacket and gloves came to the door and listened. When their food arrived, he took out one of the drinks and put some drops in it from a little bottle, then returned it to the bag.

Stephanie got a text that the food had arrived and opened the door to pick it up. Chad immediately took out his drink and began sipping. He stopped, though, and said it tasted weird so he would stick with his water. 

At home, Gabi talked to Rafe about Sami being in town. He said it was good to see her, but he had no notion that they were going to get back together. Gabi was surprised to hear of Sami’s engagement to a Vitale.

At the bookstore, Jada and Theo went on a date, which was going well until she told him that his aunt Kristen was missing. Theo’s mood darkened, and he accused Jada of only going out with him to fish for information about his family. 

Jada smoothed it over by pointing out they’d made their date before Kristen’s escape. They chatted over coffee, and Theo asked if she played chess. 

Jada and Theo moved to a table to play chess. As he taught he, he touched her hand and they locked eyes. They talked about losing a parent, and how Jada used to play poker with her dad. Theo offered to play it with her instead. Jada agreed to a second date. He offered to shake her hand when she was leaving but she kissed his cheek instead.

Lucas saw EJ and Rafe come into the pub and declared it the inaugural meeting of the Sami Brady’s Ex-Husband Club. They talked about Sami and her engagement. Lucas wondered if it was real or if Sami was just trying to get under their skin. 

EJ said that Lucas was just pining for his ex. Lucas and Rafe admitted that Sami was the one who got away. At the bar, EJ didn’t say anything but looked like he agreed.

Gabi ran into Chad in the square, and he invited her to sit and have a drink with him. He told her about Jennifer’s threats and his feelings for Cat, which he wished would just go away. Gabi suggested he join Salem Singles and see what came of it. She thought it could help Jennifer see that he’d moved on.

Xander came to Marlena’s, looking to talk to her as he was distraught, but Brady was there instead. Brady assumed he was there to talk to Rachel on Kristen’s behalf, but Xander didn’t know what he was talking about as he hadn’t heard that she’d escaped. 

Xander reminded Brady that he wasn’t his enemy, he was his boss and his family, and said he had no interest in Kristen. Brady noted that he’d kidnapped Rachel, and he might not even know his daughter if he’d had his way. Xander claimed that was ancient history. “But screwing up people’s lives isn’t. What you did to me…what you did to Philip…” Brady added. Xander was shocked when Brady revealed that Sarah had told him everything.

Brady sneered at Xander, asking if he was going to plot revenge on Sarah for telling his secret. “Are you going to break her legs?” he asked. Xander told him that his old self would have lost his temper for the things he’d just said but he was working hard to be a better man. Regardless, he insisted he would never hurt Sarah.

Brady said that some people couldn’t help themselves to just constantly hurt the people they cared about the most. Xander insisted he was determined to change and win Sarah back. “What if you’re too late?” Brady goaded.

Brady told Xander that Sarah had been through hell and he was being a friend. Xander realized that Brady wanted to be more than friends with Sarah. Brady insisted that they were only friends and asked him to leave. Xander asked Brady to tell Marlena that he hoped she was feeling better, but told Brady to go to hell. Brady stopped him from walking away and called him back to tell him that he obviously couldn’t hold his temper. “So if you really love Sarah the way you say you do, do her a favor: Let her go!” Brady said. Xander walked out.

In the park, the man wearing the black leather jacket and gloves stopped to pull out his phone and look at an ad about Stephanie’s tour and the cities she would be doing meet-and-greets.

Photo: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby

On the Days of our Lives episode on Wednesday, November 19th, EJ meets his grandson, Chad looks for a match, Belle connects with Shawn, and Cat thwarts an attack.

Wednesday's Days of our Lives Recap

At the pub, EJ thanked Roman for putting up with him and hosting the baby shower. Roman said as EJ was the father of his grandkids, he wanted to keep things civilized. 

At Chanel and Johnny’s, Trey was still crying. Johnny said he’d take him for a walk to the pub to see if he could find his pacifier that they had lost. Chanel was going to come, but Johnny said he’d take Trey with him and give Chanel a break. As he passed the pub, a drunken EJ was walking out the door.

Roman watched as Johnny rolled his eyes at the sight of his dad. Johnny explained he was looking for the pacifier, but said they had more at home. Roman went to close up, and EJ asked Johnny if he could see the baby.

Johnny reluctantly agreed, but only because Trey was asleep. EJ bent over the stroller and said hello to his grandson. Johnny cut him off as he said that he didn’t want him in his son’s life. EJ understood and told him that he’d promised Amy Choi he’d stay out of his life if she agreed to the adoption. EJ hoped that now that he was a father, Johnny would understand how he would do or say anything for the sake of his child.

EJ told Johnny about Tony and Kristen. Johnny thanked him for letting him know and for remindingh him how dangerous it was to be a DiMera. “You’re a DiMera as well, son,” EJ told him. Johnny took Trey and left.

Paulina helped Chanel clean up and fold baby laundry. Chanel poured her heart out about how exhausted she was. Paulina encouraged her to take maternity leave. She said Chanel had to take care of herself so she could take care of the baby. 

Chanel shared that she wished she could ask more of Johnny for help but he was busy at work. Paulina told her not to let that stop her from asking. She offered to make her a meal, and Chanel laid down on the couch and fell asleep.

In the square, Leo saw Chad and caught up about Thomas and the gala. Leo wanted to write about more exciting things, like his sister’s prison break and his brother’s disappearance. He was sorry that all the family stuff was hitting Chad all at once, but he knew Chad was resilient to tough times.

Leo spotted the dating app on Chad’s phone and asked if he was back on the market. Chad told him it was Gabi’s idea to get Cat out of his head. Leo read his profile and thought it was boring. Leo offered to take over.

Cat was walking through the park when a man tried to grab her purse, but she stopped him. He started to run off, but Abe intervened, and Liam was stopped in his tracks. Liam asked Abe not to turn him in because it would wreck his probation. Abe lectured him never to try it again, and Cat said they could forget it ever happened.

Cat had a sore arm fending him off, and was going home to ice it. Abe made Liam apologize, which he barely did. Cat headpatted him and said he was lucky to have someone like Abe in his corner.

Once alone, Abe scolded Liam again. He offered to give him money to feed his kid, which is why he’d claimed he was doing bad things. 

Meanwhile, Cat ran into Chad. He stopped her when he saw her injured arm to ask what had happened.  She told him but wanted to walk away because she couldn’t be seen with him. Chad didn’t want her to go but knew she couldn’t stay. 

He asked again if her wrist was okay and she told him not to worry about him. 

After Cat left, Chad read Leo’s version of Chad’s dating app bio. He cringed but said whatever and posted it.

Javi came home and found Leo writing an article called, “Where have all the DiMeras gone?” They had a quiet night in, and pondered life’s questions together, like who was hotter, Butch Cassidy or the Sundance Kid?

At the hospital, Belle ran into Shawn. He asked about Marlena, then offered to have coffee with her. She lamented that EJ’s cutback prevented Marlena from getting a proper diagnosis when she should have. Belle regretted ever getting involved with him.

Shawn told Belle that she’d find the right man one day, and he was rooting for her. Shawn got called to work, so he had to go. He said he’d go say hi to Marlena and Eric first and gave Belle a hug. As Shawn walked away, Belle got a notification that she’d had a new match on her dating app. She opened it up and saw that it was Chad.

EJ came home and saw a copy of Wuthering Heights on the coffee table. As he opened it and read some words, he had a flashback to a woman’s voice reading it aloud.

Photo: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby

On the Days of our Lives episode on Thursday, November 13th, Gwen and EJ’s shipment arrives, the gala begins, Cat gets information from a surprising source, and Marlena has a medical emergency.

Thursday's Days of our Lives Recap

At the pub, Eric suggested he visit Sami in Italy, and she knew instantly that Marlena had asked him to check up on her when they got back home. They ran into Ari outside, and she told them about going to college, making Sami proud. 

After Ari left with Will, Sami wondered where the time had gone as her son and granddaughter were all grown up.

Cat arrived at the square with a copy of Wuthering Heights in her hand. When EJ came in, he told her that Tony was still missing. He’d heard from Interpol, and Tony’s phone was found on a beach with the location tracking turned off. EJ shared that he’d hired his own investigators. “Can’t leave my brother’s fate to the likes of Shane Donovan or that idiot, Rafe Hernandez,” he added.

After EJ walked away, Cat called Rafe and told him about her conversation with EJ. She noted that he seemed genuinely concerned about his brother, and she didn’t think he had anything to do with Tony’s disappearance.

Paul and Andrew got ready in their hotel suite, the same one they had their honeymoon.

Gwen was on the phone with someone telling her the shipment was delayed, and she insisted it had to be there that night.

At Marlena’s, she saw Belle and Will both get ready, but was still in her chair. Belle wondered if she was up to going to the gala. Marlena told Belle she wouldn’t miss it, but wanted some time alone before going to honor John. Alone, Marlena picked up a bracelet with a tree charm and had a flashback to when John gave it to her.

At the hospital, Leo told Chad he’d cover the gala, then ran into Cat and Kayla, who questioned why he wasn’t at the square yet. He made his excuses, as did Cat, then Leo went with Kayla, and Cat claimed EJ had forgotten his speech and she went to get it.

Sami got to the square and saw EJ, who was disappointed when she told him that Johnny and Chanel were staying home with the baby. When Brady and Rachel arrived, Tate took a photo, then asked Sami and Brady about saying a few words. 

Alone with Rachel, EJ pulled her aside to tell her that Thomas wasn’t like her and EJ — he was more Horton, than DiMera, and he preferred that it stayed that way. Brady interrupted and got Rachel away from EJ, then told him to stay away from his daughter.  

Gwen told EJ that the shipment was delayed so he sent her to find Rita and find a solution. As Gwen walked away, Sami rushed over and accused EJ of sleeping with Gwen. EJ asked why Sami would care.

Belle arrived, and she and Sami shared some jabs. They paused when Sami empathized for what EJ had done to Belle, but they began bickering again.

Leo snuck off and was opening the clinic door as Cat arrived. He said he was working on his story, and Cat claimed to be there on behalf of EJ. Inside, Gwen and Rita were following up on the shipment.

Cat and Leo made their excuses to one another and went back to the square. Cat talked to Andrew, and told him that she was having memories of reading to a man covered in bandages, who seemed very familiar. She added that she remembered Sami also visiting him. Andrew told Cat that she and EJ were in the same rehab facility in Italy.

Marlena and the rest of the guests arrived, and the gala began with EJ at the podium. Then Belle spoke about John and his contributions to the hospital's pancreatic cancer research. Paul and Brady also spoke, followed by Marlena.

Marlena talked about the importance of finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. After Sami left for her flight, Marlena sat down with Rachel. Marlena seemed to be having heart pains and told Kayla and Belle not to make a scene, but said she needed to get to the hospital.

At the clinic, a large crate arrived. Gwen quickly ushered the delivery driver out and told him not to be seen.

Photo: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby

On the Days of our Lives episode on Friday, November 21st, Kayla wanted to see inside the lab, Ari and Aaron visit Sophia, and Rachel gives Sarah a dose she can’t handle.

Friday's Days of our Lives Recap

At the pub, Sarah told Kayla that Xander wasn’t fighting her on the divorce. Kayla recommended some self-care and a lot of ice cream. Kayla saw Brady and Rachel outside on her way out. After Kayla left, Brady asked Rachel why she was so quiet. Rachel was depressed that she’d have Christmas without her mom.

They went inside and saw Sarah, who invited them to have ice cream. Rachel recalled how there was a Salem Spectator article about how Sarah was allergic to pistachios and had a reaction to some nut milk. She smiled and said she’d love to have some ice cream.

They ordered three hot fudge sundaes, and Sarah asked for no maraschino cherry on hers. Rachel bit Sarah’s head off when she asked how her break was going. Rachel reminded her that her mom was missing, so it wasn’t going very well. Sarah apologized for her insensitivity.

Rachel went to the bar and asked Roman to make her sundae with pistachio ice cream. When Roman came back from the kitchen with a tray of sundaes, Rachel scooped some of her ice cream into Sarah’s sundae.

Rachel went back to the table and asked Sarah if she always calls her her favorite patient because she thougth she was her daughter at one point. Rachel explaioned that she’d read about it online. Brady asked why Rachel never told her, but Rachel snapped that she could say the same thing.

Brady told Rachel he was going to tell her about the baby switch when she was a little older. Roman delivered the sundaes, but Sarah paused to tell Rachel that it must have been shocking and confusing to read what she had. She explained that she thought for about a year that she was her daughter, and admitted she’d taken her but she gave her back.

Sarah told Rachel that she wasn’t just her favorite patient, she was one of the brightest lights in her life. Brady added that he was sorry she found out the way that she did, but Rachel was lucky to have him, her mom, and one more person like Sarah who loved her. 

As Sarah went to take a bite of her sundae, Rachel yelled out for her to stop but she and Brady laughed it off. Sarah had already taken a bite, and within seconds began to have a reaction. 

As Roman called 911, Rachel couldn’t do anything but watch helplessly. She had a flashback to the moment she shot EJ, realizing too late what she had done in that moment as well.

In the square, Mark ran into Kayla, who wasn’t happy to see him, and even more irritated when she found out he was working at the free clinic. 

At the Hernandez house, Ari told Gabi that she was going to Tate’s for the Friendsgiving dinner they had planned and asked if she could take some of the pastries they had just baked. They talked about Sophia and Ari said that she didn’t want anything to do with her after all she’d done. Gabi told her how hard it was to be a pregnant teen. 

They sat down as Gabi got emotional, telling her about Nick Fallon and how he pretended to be the father of her baby when she was a teenager and how Chad told everyone the truth. Gabi said she made bad choices, too, and could understand how alone and desperate Sophia must have felt to do what she did. Ari admitted she hadn’t thought of it that way. Gabi encouraged her to think about visiting Sophia.

Aaron came by and told Ari that he’d talked to Mrs. Choi and she agreed to let Sophia’s friends come see her. He asked if Ari to come but when they got there, she was still catatonic.  

Aaron told Sophia that he understood how hard it was for her. He wished she’d told him that he could’ve been the father, because he would have been there for her. He said that the baby had been adopted and it was wonderful. Sophia didn’t react. 

Aaron told Sophia how happy and healthy their son was, and promised that everything was going to be okay. Ari agreed and told her to focus on getting better. Ari and a tearful Aaron decided to go. 

In the square, Aaron and Ari wondered if Sophia knew they were even there. Ari said she was proud of the way he spoke to her. She added that before Sophia spiraled, she wanted Johnny and Chanel to have the baby, so maybe when she found out that detail, it would bring her peace.

Susan saw EJ and could tell he’d done something wrong regarding Marlena. He admitted that her diagnosis may have been affected by his cutbacks. 

Later at the hospital, EJ saw Kayla, and she was upset that he’d gone behind her back to hire a criminal like Mark Greene. EJ told her that Chad was able to forgive the whole Greene family, and suggested that Abigail’s family do the same. 

Inside the lab, Mark saw the dead body and told Dr. Rolf he’d remove it, but he stopped him. Mark noted the vial of Versalex but Dr. Rolf told him to be quiet and to learn. 

Kayla told EJ she wanted a tour of the lab to see what Mark was working on. EJ brought her in and Mark greeted her, while Dr. Rolf his behind a fake wall.

Gabi ran into Susan in the square, who told her that she was getting a strong vibe from her that she was hiding something. 

Photos: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby

Here’s your Days of our Lives episodes recap for last week, when Johnny and Chanel became parents, Testoro got a new name, Mark met his new co-worker, and Chad’s accidental sighting led to another accident.

Days of our Lives Weekly Recap for the Week of November 10th to 14th, 2025

Here’s your Days of our Lives episodes recap for last week, when the gala was the place to be.

It was a historic and star-studded week with visitors from the Horton and Brady clans, reminiscing about 60 years' worth of Days gone by. Marie Horton and Julie did film project with Tate and Holly, and recalled through flashbacks all about the family and the hospital.

Julie told Jeremy how Bill forced himself on Laura, and that Mickey shot Bill. Julie told Jeremy that all families had secrets but you learn and you grow, and you find out in time that it’s not about sweeping things under the rug. “It’s about not letting the past define you as you move forward with your life, Jeremy,” Julie added, and Marie nodded in agreement.

Tony continued to be more missing, and EJ was soon concerned. Gwen and Rita worked to get their supplies to the lab. On the night of the gala, a large crate arrived. 

Thomas survived being hit by a car with just a dislocated shoulder, but he was still mad at Chad, and Jennifer as well. She told Chad she changed her mind and was going full force against him to take his kids.

Many lovely speeches were made at the gala by Jennifer, Maggie, Marie, Kayla, Julie, Mike, and others.

Sami had a baby shower at the pub, and told everyone she was engaged to Dante Vitale.

Cat remembered seeing Sami visit EJ in the hospital when he was covered in bandages, and that she (Cat) would read Wuthering Heights to him.

Kristen was led into a room, handcuffed and blindfolded. When the mask was taken off, she realized she was with Tony.

At the gala, Marlena had chest pains and had to go to the hospital.

In the clinic, Dr. Rolf worked in the lab and said that he was close to his breakthrough.

Photos: Peacock

Written by: Erin Goldsby