GH Short Recap Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Jens Siddwell tells Sonny that he is going to get what he wanted but he must let Marco go. Jens Siddwell tells Drew and Jordan that Sonny kidnapped Marco and, in order to set him free, he must withdraw his funding from Measure C. Jordan later tells Laura what Jens Sidwell told her and Drew. Jordan tells Laua that it is time she face the fact that Sonny is just as bad as Jens Sidwell.

Martin tells Tracy that Jens Sidwell has pulled his funding from Measure C so, Tracy agrees to step in and fund the measure because she wants Sonny to leave Port Charles.

Lucas reports Marco missing and Justine Turner overhears Lucas talking to Chase and she calls Sonny into the police station to give him a warning. ADA Turner warns Sonny that she will arrest him if Marco doesn’t appear in 24 hours.

Portia tells Isiah she is leaving General Hospital because, although she would like to stay, she isn’t willing to compromise her medical ethics to do it. Isiah tells Portia that, if she is going to go down, she should go down swinging. Portia tells Willow that Drew is forcing her to make it seem like Michael is addicted to pain killers so she can get back Wiley and Amelia.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Y&R logo

 

 

Recap written by Eva

Kyle tells Victor that he knows that he helped fund Audra’s new company, Vibrante, in exchange for Audra seducing Kyle and breaking up him and Audra. Kyle tells Victor that Audra failed because he loves Claire and would never hurt her. Kyle tells Victor that he is done trying to get his approval and he and Claire will move in together as soon as they get home.

Nick and Sharon find pictures of the former owners of the Château inside the room where they are being held. Nick looks at the pictures and thinks they are the de Leon family who used to be famous wine makers from the area. Nick thinks Cane must have bulldozed over the winery.

Cane tells Amanda that Victor already thinks he put Nick and Sharon under house arrest to use them as leverage to get Chancellor Industries. Cane tells Amanda that Victor gave him a good idea and he is going to hold Nick and Sharon hostage until Victor gives him Chancellor Industries.

Chance tells Victor that a groundskeeper told him that Carter came to get him after Damian was murdered and told him that there had been an accident inside the garden maze. Chance also tells Victor that Carter told him that he didn’t know about Damian’s death until he and Cane got him out of bed and told him about it. Victor tells Chance that Carter might have killed Damian because Cane ordered him to do it so Cane could say that he was innocent of the murder.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Update Friday, July 18, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Xander reads Victoria a story at the Titan office. Xander talks about them both having a long night and states that Gabi’s right that they need to get to know each other again because they haven’t spent much time together lately. Xander promises that’s all about to change because things are going to be different from now on.

Rafe informs Gabi that Shawn is starting an investigation and he’s putting an APB out on Arianna and Holly. Rafe adds that Shawn is having the security footage from the town square pulled which might take about an hour. Rafe encourages Gabi to stay calm and not panic. Gabi questions how she can not panic when her daughter has only been in Salem for a few months and this is already the second time she’s gone missing. Rafe points out that she came back the first time so he’s sure she’ll come back this time too. Gabi wishes she could be sure.

Chad and Cat run in to each other outside.

Tate tries calling Sophia from the town square but she ignores the call. Tate leaves a voicemail that he just ran in to her mom, who told him that she’s in Chicago meeting a couple who might adopt the baby. Tate questions why she wouldn’t tell him this and asks her to call him back.

Sophia checks her phone and sees that Tate left a voicemail, then she puts the phone back down.

Cat tells Chad that she was just dropping Felicity off at gymnastics camp where she will be a counselor. Chad mentions that he also just dropped his daughter Charlotte off at camp. Felicity says she will help her which Chad says would be amazing. Felicity says she’ll see them later and walks away. Chad talks to Cat about it being Charlotte’s first time at camp. Chad says he’s glad Charlotte will have a friend in Felicity as her counselor. Cat offers to give Charlotte a ride home when she picks up Felicity. Chad thanks her but says that’s not necessary. Cat remarks that she couldn’t expect Chad to trust her with his kid.

Xander tells Victoria that he’s sorry it’s so boring for her to be stuck in the office with him all day but promises it’s only temporary. Xander declares that when Victoria is living with him full-time, he will set up the most fantastic nursery. Xander promises to be home with her every night because she’s more important than anything else in his life.

Gabi talks to Rafe about Arianna first running off with a random guy and now being kidnapped. Rafe encourages not going to the worst case scenario. Gabi cries about her missing and asks if Holly’s family knows. Rafe points out that Nicole is in France and Maggie is in Bermuda, so he thinks they should wait until they know more. Rafe adds that does still leave Marlena and the rest of Will’s family. Gabi doesn’t want to tell them yet either since they’ve been through enough lately. Gabi adds that if Arianna and Holly don’t turn up soon, they will have to tell Will and Sonny. Gabi asks what to do now, complaining that she can’t just wait around until they hear something. Rafe knows it’s hard but says right now there is nothing they can do. Rafe thinks Gabi should try to distract herself by staying busy with work. Rafe reminds Gabi that she said she had an important meeting today. Gabi cries that nothing is important to her right now other than finding her daughter. Rafe agrees that it’s pointless to tell her to stay calm. Rafe admits that he’s worried too. Gabi thanks him for admitting that. Rafe agrees not to tell her not to panic and says she’s totally entitled. Rafe tries encouraging her to remain positive. Gabi says she will try and talks about how they will find Arianna soon. Rafe reiterates that he’s positive they will find them soon as he hugs Gabi.

Melinda returns to Sophia in their hotel room and apologizes for how long it took. Melinda asks Sophia what’s wrong. Sophia responds that Tate just called but she panicked and didn’t answer. Sophia tells Melinda that she doesn’t think she can do this.

Tate meets Doug III at the Brady Pub and informs him that he has the money. Doug III explains that the loan shark should be there in ten minutes and they will hand him the money in a takeout bag. Doug III tries to promise Tate that he will pay him back but Tate says he doesn’t want his money. Tate argues that if Doug III would’ve asked for help weeks ago then Holly and Arianna wouldn’t be in danger. Doug III wishes he could go back and change what he did but he can’t. Tate agrees that all he can do is get the hell out of town when this is all over, so he doesn’t hurt either of them again. Doug III repeats that he would and tells Tate to get out before the loan shark gets there but Tate declares that he’s staying right here to make sure he doesn’t screw this up.

Chad tells Cat that what he meant was that he gave Charlotte his word that he would pick her up and she doesn’t react well to plans changing. Cat tells him that he doesn’t have to spare her feelings. Chad asks if this is about not inviting her to play catch with he and Thomas. Cat assures that he doesn’t owe her any explanations and that she will see him around. Chad stops her and invites her out for coffee while they wait for the kids which she accepts, so they walk off together.

Melinda tells Sophia that if she wants to go home and tell Tate and her family the truth about leaving her baby at the fire station, they can do that. Melinda assures that she fully supports whatever Sophia wants to do. Sophia responds that the problem is she doesn’t really know what she wants to do. Sophia informs Melinda about how she ran in to Leo and Javi with her son. Sophia cries about seeing her baby boy again and she just wanted to hold him while something deep inside of her was saying to take him back because he’s her baby.

Rafe gets a call from Shawn, who informs him of bad news as they found footage on the town square, confirming that Arianna and Holly were abducted from the park at gunpoint. Shawn asks if Rafe knows of any trouble that Holly and Arianna were in. Rafe says he has nothing concrete but he has some ideas so he’ll be in touch. Rafe asks Shawn to keep him updated and hangs up.

Tate sits at a table at the Brady Pub as the loan shark appears outside the door. Doug III takes the money and goes outside to meet with him. Doug III informs him that he will hand over the cash as soon as he knows that Holly and Arianna are free.

Chad and Cat have coffee in the town square. Chad says he’s sorry they haven’t found time for their make up dinner with Felicity as he still wants to do it. Cat tells him not to worry about it as she knows how busy he is. Cat adds that she’s been busy and hasn’t had time to socialize anyway. Cat talks about teaching Felicity to drive.

Melinda tells Sophia that she understands how confusing the situation can be and brings up how she left her daughter Haley back in China while constantly wondering if she made the right decision. Melinda talks about having to try hard to stop imagining holding her baby and after awhile, she persuaded herself that Haley was better off without her and she was able to shut down her feelings of heartache to get on with her life. Sophia asks how long it took to stop the heartache. Melinda wishes she could tell her, but says she really doesn’t remember. Melinda encourages that Sophia is strong and resilient. Melinda reminds Sophia that she has 14 days to reclaim the baby if she changes her mind. Sophia assures that she does not want to do that. Sophia worries that if Tate and her mom find out about the baby, they will be first in line to take him back from Leo and Javi and she would be forced to raise him which she’s not ready for. Sophia cries that her baby deserves parents who would be able to raise him and admits she didn’t how how hard it would be to see her baby again and walk away from him a second time.

Xander tells Victoria that they are giving up on waiting for Gabi and will go for a stroll. Gabi arrives, apologizing for being late. Xander tells Gabi to save her excuses and that she can rearrange with his assistant as he’s going to spend the rest of the evening with his daughter. Xander then notes Gabi being upset and asks what’s wrong. Gabi says everything as she reveals her daughter is missing.

Doug III orders the loan shark to call his boss and tell him to let Arianna and Holly go, but he says not until he gives him his money. Doug III then hands over the money. The loan shark says he’s going to count it to make sure but Rafe approaches. The loan shark warns Doug III that he told him no police and runs away. Tate then runs out from the Pub and yells for Rafe to go stop that guy as he’s got Holly and Arianna so Tate and Rafe chase after him.

Melinda understands Sophia is overwhelmed after being through a terrible ordeal. Melinda encourages that she is strong, pointing out that she gave birth all by herself with no one there to help her and she can’t imagine the courage that took. Melinda adds that it took a tremendous amount of courage to leave her baby at the fire house and on top of that, she’s keeping this very big secret from everyone she loves. Sophia admits it’s been hard for her not to tell Tate and her mom. Melinda promises that she’s not alone and that she will help her through this. Melinda says she’s here for whatever she needs.

Xander sits Gabi down and asks if he can get her anything. Gabi says she’s good and thanks him for being so nice to her. Xander says he’s a father and a missing child is a parent’s worst nightmare. Xander brings up how little Victoria was when she was kidnapped. Xander asks when Gabi last saw Arianna. Gabi says yesterday, she was going to the lake on the Salem High senior trip but never got there. Xander questions what Gabi is doing here then.

At the police station, Rafe informs Tate and Doug III that Shawn is in the interrogation room with the loan shark, hoping to get information on where Arianna and Holly are. Doug III argues that if he just let him pay him, he would’ve told them where they are. Rafe questions how he doesn’t know he wouldn’t have just taken the money and run. Rafe adds that if he had just been honest in the first place and told them or just stayed away from Holly and Arianna, none of this would’ve happened. Doug III says he’s sorry. Rafe responds that sorry doesn’t bring the girls back. Tate asks what to do now and how they get the girls back. Rafe says they are going to do whatever it takes to find out where they are.

Shawn is in the interrogation room with the loan shark. Shawn informs him that they have him on video taking the girls and warns that they have enough evidence to put him away for a very long time. Shawn says if he wants to make things easier for himself, he will tell them where the girls are.

Doug III shows Rafe the photo of Holly and Arianna that he was sent but he has no idea where it was taken. Rafe thinks he knows someone who can help them and says he’ll be right back.

Chad gets a call from Leo, informing him about his jury duty. Chad laughs off the idea of writing him a letter to get him out of it and says they’ll just send another reporter to cover the trial. Chad tells him to have a nice day and hangs up. Cat then gets a call which Chad sees as from “James Smith”. Cat steps away to answer the call from Rafe, who says he sent her a picture and with her ISA resources, she can pin point where it was taken. Cat asks if he needs this right now. Rafe confirms it’s an emergency. Cat goes back to Chad and tells him that there’s something she has to take care of right away. Cat asks if Chad can pick up Felicity when he picks up Charlotte and bring her back to the Bakery for her shift. Chad says no problem. Cat says she owes him one and she will be there to pick her up when she’s done at the Bakery. Cat thanks Chad and walks off, leaving Chad confused.

Melinda encourages Sophia that she did nothing wrong and can’t let anyone else make her think otherwise. Melinda says she made a difficult choice in a terrible situation and adds that she’s here for whatever she needs. Sophia doesn’t know what she would do without her. Melinda recalls wishing for help when she was pregnant with her daughter, so it would do her heart good to be that for Sophia. Sophia cries that she can’t thank her enough. They agree to eat, watch a movie, and think about something else for a while.

Xander tells Gabi that he knows he can be a tough boss, but her daughter is missing so she didn’t have to come in today. Gabi says that Rafe told her to stay busy, so she figured she needs to stay out of the way while the cops do their job. Xander complains about the cops in Salem and questions relying on them to find her daughter. Xander thinks Gabi should be out kicking down doors and demanding answers. Gabi admits it’s taking everything in her not to charge in to the police station, but she trusts her brother and she knows Rafe is as determined to find Arianna as she is.

Rafe tells Tate and Doug III that hopefully they will have a lead on Arianna and Holly’s location soon. Shawn comes out from the interrogation room and tells them that the loan shark is not talking. Rafe threatens to go in and jog his memory but Shawn stops him and says he can’t do that as he’s too emotionally involved. Rafe argues that he’s holding people he cares deeply about. Shawn says they have to do it by the book and to let him do his job. Tate questions waiting around. Rafe argues that Tate could’ve tipped them off while Tate argues that he said no cops and Rafe is FBI, so he could’ve hurt the girls. Rafe agrees and tells Tate the best thing he can do is go home. Tate agrees since he has somewhere to be and asks Rafe to call him if he hears anything as he exits the station. Shawn then tells Doug III to come with him. Doug III asks if he’s arresting him.

Xander asks Gabi why she doesn’t just go home. Gabi won’t feel any better doing nothing. Xander encourages her to rest while he puts together a reward for information on Arianna’s whereabouts. Gabi is surprised that he would do that and thanks him, saying that’s very kind of him. Xander tells Gabi that he’s happy to help and to let him know anything he can do. Gabi cries that she just wants her daughter back and she can’t lose her daughter as she hugs Xander.

Shawn tells Doug III that he’s not arresting him but warns him not to leave town. Shawn then takes Doug III to give his statement. Rafe gets a call back from Cat, who reveals that she got a location on the girls. Rafe tells her to text it to him.

Sophia and Melinda finish their movie and dinner. Melinda tells Sophia that now it’s time. Sophia declares she needs to call Tate back and tell him the cover story. Sophia asks what if he doesn’t believe her. Melinda encourages that he will and that she can do this.

Chad brings Felicity and Charlotte back to the town square. Chad thanks Felicity for taking care of Charlotte. Chad offers them frozen yogurt but Felicity says she has to get to work. Felicity tells Charlotte that she will see her tomorrow and heads to the bakery. As Chad walks off with Charlotte, Tate comes through the town square, so Felicity rushes up saying she needs to talk to him.

Sophia calls Tate but he doesn’t answer, so she leaves a voicemail saying she’s sorry she missed his call and she just wants him to know that she’s in Chicago and she’s in labor.

Tate tells Felicity that he’s sorry he can’t talk as he has to go somewhere but Felicity reveals that she found something of Holly’s while she was at gymnastics. Felicity presents Tate with Holly’s class ring and asks him to return it to her.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Monday, July 21, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Leo and Gwen ran into each other at the town square. Gwen asked him about the paper. Leo said it was going well. He said she was being vindictive and petty about the necklace. Gwen said she had other reasons for being back in Salem, but she wasn’t telling her plans to a backstabber like him. Leo was okay with her not telling him. He said if she was doing something illegal, he would expose her. Gwen found his threat laughable. Leo said he could uncover scoops like her going in the Salem Inn with Xander. She didn’t care if he exposed it since Xander and Sarah were having problems. Leo said Xander and Sarah always found their way back to each other. He said she shouldn’t go after Xander again. Leo said he didn’t want to see her get hurt even though she hated him. Gwen said she hit rock bottom with Xander, but Leo was the one who broke her heart. Leo understood that he hurt her and said he was trying to apologize to her. He said he would do anything to get her to forgive him if it would help. Gwen said it wouldn’t. Leo said it was okay and that Dimitri screwed them both. Gwen got money and Leo moved on. She said Leo and Javi were lucky to have each other. Leo ended up leaving. At Titan, Gabi told Xander that she didn’t want to go home yet. She said she was happy that Arianna wanted to come home but now she wished she didn’t since Salem has been horrible for her. Gabi blamed herself for what happened to Arianna and called herself a terrible mother. Xander let her know that she was a good mother. He said he was able to see how much she loved Arianna. Xander said he and Sarah went through the same thing when Victoria was kidnapped.

Johnny told Philip that his trial started tomorrow and he might have to miss work. He told Philip that he would understand if he wanted to fire him for the company. Philip said he knew Johnny was innocent and would be back at work. Johnny thanked him and got recording equipment for Philip and Xander’s statement. Gabi left the office and told Philip that she had to leave. He went to Xander’s office and wondered what he did to Gabi. Xander was upset that Philip accused him of being the reason why Gabi was upset. Johnny came in the office. Xander said hiring Johnny was poor timing. He said Johnny was hired to undermine his father, but thanks to Philip, Johnny and EJ were closer than ever. Johnny said he was loyal to the company. Philip wanted to be alone with Xander. He told Xander that he couldn’t fire Johnny because he made up with his father. Philip said they needed to unite for the good of the company. Xander and Philip recorded the statement and continued fighting. Holly tried to pick the lock with a bobby pin but it didn’t work. Arianna noticed an air duct and was able to see daylight. The girls opened the air duct and Arianna crawled through. Arianna ended up getting stuck. Tate was at the alley where Holly and Arianna were taken. Rafe showed up and wondered why Tate was there. Tate showed him Holly’s class ring and suggested they split up and look through the warehouses. Rafe said it was too dangerous. He wanted Tate to wait for the police while he searched the warehouses. When Rafe left, Tate went to one of the warehouses and called out Holly’s name. Tate got to the door and heard Holly. He kicked the door open. Rafe showed up and sent Tate and Holly out so they could tell everyone where they were. Rafe called out to Arianna and heard her screaming. When Rafe called out to Arianna, she didn’t hear him because she passed out. He ended up rescuing Arianna.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Y&R logo

 

 

Recap written by Eva

The entire episode takes place in Nice (pronounced niece), France.

Michael tells Victor that Cane has put Nick and Sharon under house arrest. Michael offers to help but there isn’t much he can do since this is Cane’s property.

Victor tells Audra she has until tonight to fulfill the terms of her agreement, or all bets are off.

Nick and Sharon are locked in a room together and Sharon has a panic attack because it reminds her of when Martin locked her and Phyllis in the abandoned clinic. Nick calms Sharon down by telling her to think of their family vacation to London.

Victor and Nikki think that Cane framed Nick for Damian’s murder so they could sell him Chancellor Industries in exchange for Nick’s freedom.

Kyle tells Jack and Diane about the contract he signed with Victor. Victor financed Audra’s company in exchange for Audra seducing Kyle. Once Kyle cheated on Claire, he would have to pay Victor $ 5 million
and leave Genoa City.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Update Thursday, July 17, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

At the Hernandez home, Gabi informs Rafe that she sent Arianna five texts yesterday and she hasn’t responded to any of them. Gabi guesses she’s having fun at the lake but thinks she could at least send her a message to let her know she’s alive…

Holly and Arianna remain locked in the warehouse, wondering if it’s morning yet and talk about not sleeping at all. They get up and find a bag left at the door. Arianna finds a bottle of water inside and says she could really use it after screaming for help all night but Holly rushes to stop her.

Doug III is in his room and makes a call to be connected to Gwen’s room at the Salem Inn and finds out she’s not there. Doug III hopes she left her necklace in the room this time and declares that he’s going to get Holly and Arianna out of this mess.

Amy Choi walks through the town square and calls Sophia. Amy asks if she’s okay, pointing out that she didn’t answer when she knocked on her door and then she opened the door and she wasn’t there. Amy asks if Sophia is home now. Sophia reveals that she’s in Chicago. Amy questions what she’s doing there. Sophia claims she’s there to meet with a couple who would like to adopt her baby which shocks Amy.

Tate talks to Belle at home about jury selection and says he knows it can’t be easy for her to prosecute her own nephew. Belle says it’s not easy, especially since she thinks Johnny is innocent. Tate says that’s good because he thinks so too. Belle adds that she still has to prosecute the case to the best of her ability, whether EJ likes it or not.

EJ sits at home in the living room of the DiMera Mansion and has a flashback of hearing the gunshot.

Amy questions Sophia as to what couple and where she found them. Sophia reveals her new lawyer did. Amy questions when she got a new lawyer. Sophia says it was pretty recently and she just spoke this morning and decided to drive down together to meet the parents. Amy questions why she didn’t tell her any of this. Sophia says the baby is due any day now and she knew if she consulted with her, it would only hold her up. Amy argues that this is a life changing decision that should not be made on a whim. Amy gets an alert that she is supposed to report to jury duty but she tells Sophia that she’s going to skip it and come to Chicago because she needs to be with her and Tate when they meet with the couple. Sophia then admits that Tate is not there because he’s at senior lake week and this was all last minute. Sophia says she just figured she could handle this on her own. Amy finds that ridiculous and asks where she is exactly and she’ll head out there now. Sophia tells her that she won’t and declares that her mom already ruined one adoption for her so she won’t let her ruin another. Sophia then hangs up on her, leaving Amy frustrated.

Tate guesses it’s a good thing that Johnny and Chanel didn’t adopt he and Sophia’s baby as it would’ve been a huge mess given that Sophia is due to give birth any day. Belle asks how Sophia is doing. Tate admits Sophia has been acting weird lately, ignoring his calls, and seeming to be in a rush to get off the phone. Tate mentions Sophia being cool with him joining Holly at the lake, but Holly didn’t show up and he hasn’t heard from her. Belle questions Holly not texting him. Tate says now that the whole night has gone by, he’s started to get really worried.

Holly warns Arianna that the bottled water could be poisoned but Arianna reminds her that he wants Doug III’s money and if he wanted them dead, he wouldn’t have given them blankets to sleep. Holly guesses she’s right and wishes he would let her call Maggie so she could get the cash and then they could go home. Arianna complains about waiting on Doug III instead and wonder how long their kidnapper is willing to wait. Holly wonders if their families even know they are missing.

Gabi points out that Arianna said she would call her when she got to the lake but she never did. Gabi wonders if Arianna is punishing her for embarrassing her by giving her a box of condoms before she left. Gabi argues that the last thing the family needs is an unexpected pregnancy. Leo comes in and agrees, saying things are crazy enough with Tesoro and can’t imagine another baby in the mix. Leo talks about finally being responsible and reporting to jury duty. Rafe offers to watch over Tesoro. Leo says Tesoro is coming with him which Gabi questions. Leo explains that it’s his plan to get sent home from jury duty as he exits with Tesoro.

EJ wonders why he can’t remember.

EJ goes to court and takes his place opposite Belle in the room. EJ tells Belle that he didn’t seduce her so that she would drop the charges against Johnny and clarifies that he made love to her because he wanted to. Belle argues that it was also because he wanted her to drop the charges against Johnny. EJ states that he also wanted her.

Outside the court room, Amy is on the phone, complaining that she told them that she had a pregnant daughter and they didn’t give a damn. Leo is nearby with Tesoro and asks her to keep it down a little because Tesoro is sleeping. Amy tells her husband Sam that they told her she’s put off jury duty too many times, so she asks him to drive to Chicago and find their daughter. Amy hangs up and apologizes to Leo, hoping she didn’t wake the baby. Leo confirms that he’s still sleeping. Amy talks about how much easier it is when they are that age compared to when they grow up and you have little control over them. Leo says he’s only fostering the baby temporarily. Amy comments on it being a newborn. Leo explains that he was dropped off at the firehouse safe haven.

Rafe tells Gabi that he’s a little disappointed that Leo didn’t take him up on his offer because it would’ve been nice to spend time with Tesoro. Gabi acknowledges that Rafe always wanted a child of his own. Rafe guesses it wasn’t in the cards. Gabi encourages that it could still happen while Rafe thinks he’s running out of time. Gabi says either way, he’s been a wonderful uncle to Arianna. Rafe isn’t sure after he ratted her out for flirting with Doug III. Gabi is glad she wasn’t the overprotective one that time. Rafe jokes that she’ll regain the title when Arianna gets the 500 text messages that Gabi has sent. Rafe encourages Gabi to give Arianna space or else she will rebel. Gabi takes it that she shouldn’t drive up to the lake to track down her daughter in front of her friends.

Arianna tells Holly that she has no doubt that Gabi has had a complete meltdown since she was supposed to call her when they got to the lake. Holly points out that it wouldn’t be unusual for Arianna to blow her off. Arianna guesses that’s coming back to bite her in the ass. Arianna hopes Gabi’s anxiety is in full force so that Rafe will be out looking for them right now. Holly hopes Rafe finds her class ring or someone already did so that Rafe can figure out where to find them. Arianna suggests they try to relax. Arianna encourages Holly to eat the breakfast bars left for them, pointing out that they have no idea what they are up against and could be fighting for their lives.

Tate goes to Doug III’s room and demands to know where Holly is. Doug III repeats that he doesnt’ know but Tate thinks he does because he was acting nervous and weird like he’s hiding something. Doug III says he was imagining that but Tate accuses him of lying then and now. Doug III says he doesn’t have time for this but Tate says he’s not leaving until he tells him the truth.

Belle tells EJ that she thinks it’s best if they keep things strictly professional in the court room. EJ jokes with her and says he would like to talk to her about this later in private because he doesn’t want there to be a rift between them. Belle doesn’t either but thinks it would be wise to keep space between them in public until the trial is over. EJ admits he’s not keen on that. Belle reminds him that it’s for Johnny’s sake so EJ reluctantly agrees. Belle declares that starting now, they both have a job to do that will put them on opposite ends of the case, so in the court room, they are no longer lovers but adversaries.

Amy watches over Tesoro while Leo jokingly laments over his childhood but Amy remarks that she’s not a fan of jokes. Leo says he can tell that Tesoro really likes Amy. Amy says he’s the only thing keeping her from going out of her mind with worry. Leo encourages that Tesoro is spreading joy everywhere. Leo adds that with any luck, Tesoro will be his ticket out of jury duty.

Rafe suggests Gabi call the hotel to see if Arianna checked in. Gabi wonders why she didn’t think of that. Gabi remarks that she fully intends to count the number of condoms Arianna brings home. Gabi then calls the hotel to inquire about Arianna and Holly, but she is informed that they never checked in.

Holly says Arianna sounded pretty grim when she thought she was convinced the loan shark wouldn’t hurt them. Arianna says that’s only if Doug III comes through and he’s not exactly reliable. Holly encourages that it’s not like Doug III wanted this to happen. Arianna questions Holly defending him after everything.

Doug III tells Tate that he’s way off base. Tate says he won’t let him gaslight him. Doug III tells Tate to get the hell out but Tate refuses to leave until he tells him what he knows. Doug III grabs him and says he will toss him out. Tate tells him not to put his hands on him and shoves off. Tate then sees the envelope that was delivered to Doug III and finds the photos of Holly and Arianna that he was sent. Tate questions if Doug III is stalking them and calls him a sick pervert. Tate declares he’s calling the police. Doug III stops him and says he has it all wrong. Tate gives him two seconds to explain so Doug III reveals that he didn’t take the pictures but someone sent them to him. Tate questions why. Doug III then informs Tate that Holly and Arianna are in trouble and it’s all his fault.

Amy takes her seat in the courthouse and faces off with EJ, realizing that she’s on the jury for The People vs. Johnny DiMera. EJ acknowledges her dealings with his family and questions if she can be impartial. Amy says no and calls EJ a miserable excuse for a human being and says she’d like to tear him limb from limb for all the trouble he’s caused her daughter. Belle interrupts to question if Amy can be impartial when judging the defendant. Amy says definitely not and declared that EJ’s trigger happy son ruined everything for Sophia. EJ and Belle then both dismiss Amy from the jury.

Leo remains outside the court, commenting on the jury selection until Amy comes out from the court room. Leo asks how it went. Amy informs him that she got dismissed after telling the truth. Amy wishes Leo luck and hopes he catches a break. Amy says goodbye to Tesoro and says they didn’t hang out long but she felt a connection with him.

Belle comments to EJ that Amy Choi isn’t the only juror who feels they can’t be impartial when it comes to the DiMeras. Belle adds that it’s not surprising since everyone knows the checkered past of EJ’s family, so they automatically assume the worst. EJ remarks that includes her. Belle says that’s not true as she loves Johnny, Sydney, and Theo. EJ points out that his name was left out. Belle reminds him that they are in the court room. Leo then enters with Tesoro and asks if he’s in the right place as he questions what they are doing here.

Rafe encourages Gabi not to freak out. Gabi begins to worry about if Holly and Arianna were in some kind of accident. Rafe says they would’ve been notified and suggests maybe they made a pit stop. Gabi argues that it would make no sense since they were so excited to go to the lake and questions why they would stop somewhere else. Rafe agrees but points out that the police can’t do anything because it hasn’t been long enough yet, but he will unofficially put some feelers out and see if he can find them. Gabi thanks him and tells him to let her know as soon as he hears anything. Rafe encourages that it will be okay as he exits.

Holly tells Arianna that when Doug III first told her about how badly the loan sharks beat him up, it was pretty clear that he was in over his head which is why she gave him the money. Arianna questions them still coming after him. Holly is sure Doug III wishes he never got involved with them. Arianna remarks that she wishes she never got involved with him. Holly thinks Doug III was trying to protect them, pointing out that he was pushing her away recently. Arianna relates to him doing the same with her.

Doug III informs Tate that the loan shark told him that if he didn’t get the money by today, he would hurt Holly and Arianna. Tate questions him not calling the police. Doug III explains that they warned him not to. Tate suggests calling Rafe but Doug III feels it’s too risky to get anyone else involved because these guys are really dangerous. Tate worries that Holly and Arianna must be terrified. Doug III complains that he’s done everything he can and admits he almost took money from the cash register at the Brady Pub but Roman already emptied the till. Tate questions why he didn’t just ask him. Doug III argues that Tate is a trust fund baby and would have to ask his dad which he couldn’t risk. Tate calls him an idiot as he points out that he has his own savings account. Tate says he’s been saving up to buy a car so he probably has enough and asks how much he needs. Doug III questions if Tate would help him. Tate clarifies that he would be helping Holly and Arianna as he will do anything to bring them home.

Leo tries telling EJ and Belle that he has Tesoro who requires all of his attention. EJ points out that he didn’t mention this in his jury form while Belle adds that Leo has four other adults living in his home, questioning if they can’t take care of the baby and reminding Leo that he is under oath. Leo argues that he’s a journalist but EJ says the law states he would be prohibited from speaking about the case a member of the jury. Leo complains while EJ asks if Leo has been influenced by anything to have preconceived notions about the defendant’s guilt. Leo admits that he thinks there’s a number of people that could’ve shot EJ. Belle asks if Leo can be impartial. Leo talks about being open minded so they welcome him to the jury against his wishes.

Arianna tells Holly that even if Doug III was trying to protect them, he’s still a jerk for not telling her about what was going on with he and Holly. Holly argues that there was nothing to tell since they never hooked up. Arianna complains that he still knew they were friends and never said anything which she calls lying by omission. Arianna feels he was trying to keep his options open. Holly guesses she’s right and says she’s just grateful she’s back with Tate. Holly worries that Tate thinks she stood him up. Arianna says they have to worry about more important things like getting out of here and not being killed.

Tate is shocked by how much money Doug III owes and questions how he racked up that much debt. Doug III says they are loan sharks and trying to bleed him dry. Tate says that he does have enough and he will go to the bank to get the cash. Tate says he will return in an hour but if the loan sharks lay a finger on Holly or Arianna, the deal is off. Doug III responds that he doesn’t know how to thank him. Tate states that he can thank him by packing a bag and getting out of Salem because he doesn’t want him near Holly or Arianna ever again. Doug III tells him it’s done as he will do anything to get out of this mess.

EJ and Belle talk about jury selection not going too bad. EJ complains that the trial shouldn’t be happening and questions the police not arresting Chanel after the video was found. Belle feels it’s not a smoking gun while EJ complains they don’t have much more on Johnny. EJ believes the Salem police department have given up on finding the true culprit. Belle questions him thinking it’s Chanel. EJ responds that he hasn’t ruled it out. EJ calls it so frustrating because the answers are all inside and the key to exonerating his son is simply recalling what happened that night. Belle is surprised that EJ hasn’t told the police that he remembers who shot him even if he doesn’t. EJ admits the thought crossed his mind, but he knows first hand what it’s like to be wrongfully accused. Belle asks if it’s him having sympathy or that he’d look bad when the truth comes out. EJ feels they are both good reasons. Belle has an idea that might help him unlock his memories from that night.

Gabi calls Arianna and leaves a message, asking her to call her back when she gets the message so she knows she is okay. Leo comes home with Tesoro and complains that Gabi won’t believe this nightmare as he got selected for jury duty in Johnny’s case to determine whether he shot his father. Gabi asks why this is bad since Leo’s been obsessed with the case. Leo argues that he was as a journalist but now he can’t even gossip about it. Leo adds that he has one more card left to play.

Sophia calls Melinda and asks what’s taking so long as she thought she would be back with their food by now. Sophia informs her that her mom just called so she told her that she’s in Chicago and she flipped out, but she stuck to the cover story. Sophia admits she’s freaking out as their plan is so risky, so she questions if Melinda really thinks they will be able to pull it off.

Tate runs in to Amy in the town square. Amy asks if he’s heard from Sophia but Tate says he hasn’t. Amy reveals that Sophia just told her that she’s in Chicago, meeting with a couple to adopt the baby. Tate is shocked and questions why she wouldn’t tell him. Amy guesses Tate was too busy partying up with his friends at the lake. Tate argues that Sophia knew he was at the lake and that he would want to be at the meeting. Amy says there might still be time but Tate says he has an urgent matter with a friend in trouble. Amy asks what about his baby. Tate responds that he cares very much about the baby and Sophia but remarks that it’s not like she’s given birth yet. Tate tells Amy that he’s sorry that he has to go and promises to help sort this out at a later date. Tate repeats that he’s sorry and he has to go as he rushes off, leaving Amy in disbelief.

Doug III texts the loan shark that he will have the money in an hour with the warning that if he hurts his friends, the deal is off.

Rafe returns home and informs Gabi that he hasn’t found Arianna yet but he does have news, revealing that Holly’s car is still parked by the town square and the girls’ bags are still in the trunk, so it appears they never left Salem. Gabi is panicked and questions where her daughter is.

Arianna tells Holly that they can’t just wait around for Doug III or their families to save them. Holly argues that they can’t give up but Arianna declares that they have to find a way out of here now.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Friday, July 18, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Rafe let Gabi know that Shawn was starting an investigation into Arianna’s disappearance. He told her that they needed to stay calm. Gabi couldn’t relax knowing that her daughter was missing. She didn’t think that Arianna would come back. Gabi wondered if Holly’s family knew what happened. Rafe told her that Nicole was in France and Maggie was in Bermuda. He didn’t think Holly’s family needed to know. Rafe wanted her to distract herself by working, but she didn’t want to do that. Shawn called Rafe and told him that he went over the CCTV footage, and Arianna and Holly were held at gunpoint. Shawn wanted to know if Arianna and Holly someone who would do that to them. Rafe had a few ideas. Xander told Victoria that he would get to know her again since they would be spending more time together. He said that she was the most important person in the world to him. Xander was getting tired of waiting for Gabi and that’s when she walked in the room. He was upset that she was late. She told him that her daughter was kidnapped. Xander understood how she felt because he’s a parent. He wanted to know why she was at the office. She told him that Rafe wanted her to keep busy.

Tate left a message for Sophia, but she didn’t answer the phone. He wanted to know why she didn’t tell him about the couple in Chicago. Sophia saw the message, but she didn’t answer the phone. Melinda came in the room and noticed something wrong with Sophia. Sophia told her that Tate called, but she didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure she could go through with it. Melinda supported any decision she made about the baby. Sophia didn’t know what to do. She told Melinda that it broke her heart to see her baby when she saw him with Leo and Javi. Melinda told her how she felt when she gave her daughter up. She told her that the feeling wouldn’t last. Sophia wanted to know how long it would take, but Melinda didn’t know. Melinda said that she had time to change her mind about the baby, but she didn’t want to do that. Sophia wasn’t ready for motherhood and wanted her baby to have parents who were ready. Tate gave Doug money and didn’t want the money back. He said that Doug could have asked for the money a while ago, and Holly and Arianna would be okay. Tate wanted Doug to leave town. Doug agreed to leave town. Tate planned to stay to make sure that Doug didn’t screw up the meeting. The loan shark arrived at the pub. Doug told the guy that he would give him the money once he knew Holly and Arianna were okay. Rafe arrived and wanted to talk to Doug. The henchman ran off and Tate left the pub to tell Rafe to stop the guy. He told Rafe that he was the one who kidnapped Holly and Arianna. Rafe and Tate chased the henchman. Rafe, Tate, and Doug met at the station. Rafe blamed Doug for everything that happened. He thought Doug should have said he was being threatened. Doug showed Rafe the picture of Holly and Arianna that the henchman showed him. Shawn questioned the guy about the kidnapping. He said the mask didn’t hide anything because they have footage of him. Shawn warned him that he would go to prison for the rest of his life. He wanted to know where Holly and Arianna were.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Thursday, July 17, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Rafe found Gabi panicking because she hadn’t heard from Arianna. She thought Arianna was upset with her for embarrassing her. Gabi told Rafe about the condoms she bought for Arianna. He was surprised to hear that. Leo walked in the room with Tesoro and let them know that he had to go to jury duty. He thought the baby was his chance to get out of jury duty. Leo took the baby along to annoy the people at the courthouse. Rafe was disappointed because he wanted to look after the baby. Gabi knew how much Rafe loved kids and thought he still had time. Arianna adored Rafe. He warned her not to keep sending Arianna messages because she’s a teenager and needed space. Rafe advised her to call the hotel to see if she checked in. Gabi followed his advice and called the hotel. She found out that Arianna and Holly didn’t check into the hotel. Gabi panicked more once she found that out. Rafe tried to calm her down, but it didn’t work. Holly and Arianna woke up in the storage room. They noticed a paper bag with water in it. Arianna wanted to drink it, but Holly warned her that it could be poisoned. She told Holly that they were hostages, and the kidnapper would have killed them if he wanted to do it. Holly believed her grandmother Maggie could have helped. Arianna didn’t think any of their families knew where they were. She hoped Doug came through for them. Arianna was upset with him for getting them involved in his mess. Holly tried to defend Doug to her. She told her that Doug paid them so there was no reason for them to go after them. Her comments didn’t change Arianna’s opinion about Doug. Tate talked to Belle about Johnny’s case. He was surprised that jury selection started. They believed Johnny was innocent. Belle still had to prosecute his case. They changed the conversation and talked about Sophia’s pregnancy. Tate thought she was acting weird. He said she was okay with him going to the lake, but it didn’t matter since Holly didn’t show up. Tate was started to get worried about her.

Doug called Gwen, but she didn’t answer the phone. He planned to break in her place and take the necklace. Before he got a chance to leave, Tate showed up at her apartment and demanded to know where Holly was. He knew Doug was lying. Tate refused to leave until Doug gave him answers. Doug tried to force Tate out of the room. Tate found an envelope with pictures of Holly and Arianna. He accused Doug of stalking them. Doug denied stalking them, but he knew someone was doing it. Holly and Arianna were in trouble, and he blamed himself for what happened. Doug told him what he knew. He warned him not to tell the police or Rafe about what happened. Doug had to get the money to the henchman. Tate had some money to help him. Doug was relieved, but Tate wanted him to get out of town for good. He agreed to leave town and leave Holly and Arianna alone. Amy checked in with Sophia, and she told her that she was in Chicago with a couple who wanted to adopt the baby. Sophia told her that her lawyer found a new couple fast. She didn’t want to waste time talking things over because the baby was due any minute. Amy wasn’t having it, but she got a notification to report to jury duty. She wanted to skip jury duty and meet the family. Sophia thought she could handle it on her own, but Amy wouldn’t hear of it. She wanted to be there for her daughter, but she didn’t want that. Sophia felt like she ruined one adoption and wouldn’t do it again. She hung up the phone. EJ looked through pictures from the shooting and heard a gunshot in his mind. He jumped when he heard it. EJ didn’t understand why he couldn’t remember anything. He went to the courthouse and saw Belle there. She didn’t want to talk to him until he admitted that he didn’t seduce her. He made love to her. She thought he did it because he wanted her to drop the charges against Johnny. He flirted with her, but she wanted to keep things professional. Amy walked in the courthouse and yelled at her husband on the phone. She told him about Sophia’s situation. She saw Leo with a baby and apologized for yelling. He told her that he was fostering a child after he got dropped off at a firehouse. Amy looked at her grandson. EJ and Belle questioned Leo and Amy to see if they would work for the jury. Leo tried to get out of being picked, but EJ and Belle were okay with him being on the jury.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Friday, July 18, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

The Abbotts, Sally, and Audra find out about Damian ‘s death. Billy, Audra, and Kyle think that Cane did it while Jack and Phyllis don’t think Cane did it. Nick thinks Cane had one of his employees put the dagger
used to stab Damian in the bathroom of his sleeping car.

Audra asks Kyle if she can stay in his room because she is scared. Audra is worried about how she is going to tell Amy and Nate about Damian ‘s death. Audra hears a noise and gets scared which leads Audra and Kyle to start kissing.

Chance and Cane review the security footage but the footage right before Damian’s stabbing has been deleted. Cane tells Chance that he, Amanda, and Carter are the only ones who have access to security cameras. Cane tells Chance that he didn’t have his employees delete the security footage.

Cane later tells the Abbotts and Nick that he didn’t kill Damian. Nick tells Cane that he is tired of his games he is going to find a way to leave the Chateau and get the local police.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Update Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Alex sits at home with Stephanie, who is working on her laptop. Alex talks about planning to stay at the office but Xander’s daughter Victoria was screaming loudly. Alex notes Stephanie being distracted and comments that he hasn’t seen her so focused on something in awhile, so he asks what’s going on. Stephanie informs him that she’s working on notes for her meeting with EJ tomorrow about being hired to do PR for the hospital. Stephanie explains that she’s lost clients recently and could use the work. Alex reminds Stephanie that she could just quit the PR business and write full time but Stephanie remains unsure. Alex then shows her a cover art for her novel, “One Stormy Night” under the pseudonym of being written by Anastasia Sands and tells her that once it hits the stands, she may never have to work for someone else again.

Xander is in his office with Victoria and talks on the phone until Victoria wakes up crying. Xander decides to take her for a walk.

Rafe is at home when he gets a text from a Kelly Jones that they will see him in twenty. Rafe goes to leave as Gabi comes home and says she has a meeting but forgot her notes. Gabi then asks where Rafe is headed off to.

Chad brings his son Thomas to the park where they run in to Cat. Thomas questions what she is doing there.

EJ has a drink in the living room of the DiMera Mansion until Gwen walks in and talks about how she always couldn’t decide on a room in the mansion. Gwen tells EJ that Kristen was making her up a corner suite, so she’s going to gather her belongings from the Salem Inn and move right in, but EJ says no she won’t. Gwen questions what he means. EJ says she won’t be moving in today because Kristen forgot the entire east wing is scheduled to be painted, so she will have to wait a few days. Gwen decides she will wait until it’s all finished the. EJ sarcastically says they want her to be happy at her stay. Gwen says she plans to be quite comfortable. EJ repeats that it will be a few days. Gwen says she has the luxury of making her decision from the Salem Inn since she has Dimitri’s money.

Cat says she was just taking a stroll before sunset. Chad says they were taking advantage of the weather too. Thomas invites Cat to join them in playing catch but Chad says they only have two gloves, so maybe another time. Thomas then tells Cat that she can use his glove.

Rafe tells Gabi that he has a meeting. Gabi questions who with, then guesses he’s being a secret agent. Gabi says now that Rafe is back in the FBI, it will be like it used to be with him sneaking around. Gabi continues to ask who Rafe is meeting, pointing out that she won’t tell anyone. Rafe tells Gabi that she knows the drill, so she apologizes for pushing. Gabi advises Rafe to be careful. Rafe asks if Arianna made it to the lake safely. Gabi responds that she’s not sure. Rafe questions Gabi not freaking out over not hearing from her. Gabi says she will be if she doesn’t hear from her by tonight, but Arianna must be caught up and forgot to text her. Gabi guesses Arianna is having the time of her life..

Stephanie tells Alex that it’s amazing. Alex explains that it’s a mock up from the art department if she wants to make any change. Stephanie assures that she loves it. They talk about using her Grandmother’s romance novels to come up with the alias of Anastasia Sands. Alex calls it a nice tribute. Stephanie agrees that it’s perfect and says she can’t believe the book she wrote in her spare time for fun is going to be out in the world. Alex says it will be soon as Kate says she’s making it top priority to get it to press, which means she believes strongly that One Stormy Night is going to put their publishing division back on track. Alex tells Stephanie that she’s about to be a published author as they kiss and begin to undress until there’s a knock at the door. Stephanie gets up to answer the door and is surprised to see Kayla, who asks if it’s a bad time.

Cat thanks Thomas and says it’s really sweet of him but she can’t play catch right now because she has some place to be. Chad thinks back to the last time they were together and he saw her phone have a text from a James Smith, asking to meet tomorrow. Cat tells them to have fun and walks away. Thomas tells Chad that Cat is nice and questions why he was trying to get rid of her which Chad denies. Chad says he just wanted a little father-son time which Thomas decides is cool with him as they play catch.

Xander brings Victoria back to the office and says taking a walk wasn’t the answer, so he wonders what the problem is. Victoria continues crying as Xander wonders what else he can do for her. Gabi then arrives and offers to try.

Cat meets Rafe in his office and talk about getting used to their aliases of Kelly Jones and James Smith. Rafe says they will probably be texting each other a lot to meet like this. Cat says she has him saved in her phone as James Smith so no one will ever know which Rafe says is smart. Rafe asks what she’s got. Cat presents him a flash drive with EJ’s financial information. Rafe wants to go over their briefing before they get started. Rafe says the FBI and ISA have set up this new inter-agency task force that they will be working with and the objective is to take down the DiMeras. Cat confirms that Shane said the agency have been trying to do this for years with no success but with the recent Titan takeover, the DiMeras are off their game. Rafe agrees that it’s the best time to strike. Cat says the best way to track illegal activity is to follow the money. They talk about the most recent purchase being EJ buying the hospital. Rafe is sure it was nefarious and questions where EJ got the money, who chipped in, and why. Cat agrees that a failing hospital is hardly a good investment. Rafe adds that it could be years until the miracle drug comes to market. Cat wonders what EJ could be planning in the meantime. Rafe says nothing good, so the sooner they nail him, the better. Cat asks about this being personal for Rafe since he and EJ have history, so she’s curious about what went down to better understand how EJ operates. Rafe tells her to get comfortable because this could take awhile.

EJ comments on Gwen’s necklace and then realizes it’s the necklace stolen from Julie and sold to Melinda Trask. EJ asks if she stole it as well. Gwen informs him that she bought it from a broker with Dimitri’s money, though she wasn’t aware of it’s prominence. EJ assumes she will return it to it’s rightful owner but Gwen says she is the rightful owner now. Gwen declares that she will return it to Julie when Hell freezes over.

Stephanie invites Kayla in and asks what brings her by. Kayla says she did some stress baking with all the hospital business, so she decided to share some of her blueberry pie. Stephanie suggests they all have a slice. Alex decides he’s going to shower at his place and he’ll be right back so he hurries out. Kayla guesses it was a bad time but Stephanie says not at all and that she’s glad she’s there because there’s something important that she wants to talk to her about.

Xander thanks Gabi for her offer but says it’s not like he can’t soothe his own daughter. Gabi argues that she’s not saying he can’t and that sometimes it’s good to let someone else try. Gabi acknowledges that sometimes it seems nothing works and points out that he’s down a parent so Xander allows her to try.

Stephanie explains to Kayla that she didn’t turn down EJ’s offer to hire her for PR at the hospital and mentions that she could use the work. Stephanie adds that she knows what a jerk EJ is, but she wouldn’t be working for him, she’d be working for the hospital and Kayla. Stephanie doesn’t think EJ would bother to sit down with her unless he was prepared to make an offer, so the question is should she accept it. Kayla agrees that she would be a tremendous asset to the hospital and praises her, saying the hospital would be lucky to have her. Stephanie asks if she should take the job then. Kayla responds that she actually thinks she shouldn’t and that she should run the other way.

EJ questions Gwen still having problems with the Hortons. Gwen blames Laura for sending her packing before she was even born and complains that they treated her like rubbish when she first moved to Salem, so she doesn’t have a very high opinion of the Hortons. EJ remarks on there being two sides of every story. Gwen believes EJ should be on her sie after being villified by the Hortons. Chad then arrives with Thomas and greets Gwen.

Rafe informs Cat about EJ replacing him with a lookalike again and reinstating him as police commissioner. Cat doesn’t understand how EJ isn’t behind bars or how he does these terrible things and comes off normal. Rafe calls EJ a sociopath who only cares about himself and says he’ll do anything no matter how wrong it is, to get what he wants. Cat says EJ running the hospital is scary which Rafe says is why they need to stop him now. Cat admits she had zero interest in returning to the ISA but Shane told her how much was at stake. Cat adds that it’s personal for her since the hospital saved her sister’s life so she has no interest in letting someone mess with that place. Rafe is glad she’s on board. Cat says she told Shane that it’s a one and done as she knew they would be investigating EJ but she had no idea the super villain he was. Cat then mentions EJ also being Chad’s brother.

Gwen tells Chad and Thomas that it’s lovely to see them. Chad admits that he wasn’t expecting to see her here. EJ asks what brings Chad by. Chad says Thomas left some of his action figures so EJ says not to let them keep him. Thomas stops to question why Gwen has Julie’s necklace and why she won’t give it back.

Rafe appreciates Cat’s concern for Chad, but says that Chad knows very well about his family’s history and even published an expose’ on the front page of the Spectator, laying it all out. Cat remembers Chad thinking that was the reason EJ got shot and says he cares a great deal about his brother. Rafe says Chad also cares about justice as he’s the good DiMera. Rafe states that when the DiMeras aren’t stabbing each other in the back, they are busy making their legal problems go away, but not Chad. Rafe assures that if they find the goods on EJ, Chad won’t stand in the way or hold it against her. Cat says she’s not concerned about herself but brings up her two younger siblings being through a lot so she worries about anything happening to them because she got roped back in to the ISA. Rafe relates to being the oldest sibling as well and says he’s very protective of them. Cat bets they don’t love him doing this dangerous work. Rafe thinks they know that he chose this career to make the world a safer place. Cat guesses he enjoys the job. Rafe confirms that he does and he doesn’t even know if he would call it a job, but more of a calling and something he feels compelled to do. Rafe figures Cat is the same way.

Gabi gets Victoria to go to sleep. Xander is impressed and questions how she did that. Gabi says she didn’t really do anything as Victoria cried herself tired. Xander feels he couldn’t do anything while she goes out like a light as soon as Gabi picked her up. Gabi tells him not to overthink it. Xander worries that his own daughter forgot who he was. Gabi encourages that she was away from him for a month, so they just need to get reacquainted. Xander hopes she’s right as he didn’t think it would be this difficult.

Stephanie questions Kayla thinking she shouldn’t take a job at her hospital. Kayla argues that it’s not her hospital, it’s EJ’s while Stephanie argues that Kayla is chief of staff so she has a huge say over everything there. Kayla says if EJ’s budget proposal is any indication, he wants to make some big changes. Stephanie asks if she thinks he’s going to try to get her fired. Stephanie says in that case, she will definitely take the job to keep EJ in check. Kayla says she can handle EJ, but a PR person for EJ would be tricky because EJ would want her to make him look good and demand she put a rosy spin on anything he does for the hospital and turn away from anything illegal he does. Kayla brings up all the fires she will have to put out and says she would hate to see Stephanie compromise her morals for a paycheck. Stephanie says she would quit before it came to that and she thinks the hospital is in desperate need of positive press. Kayla admits there’s been a shadow over everything since the financial crisis started. Stephanie feels she can put the focus back on the incredible work the hospital does to make people’s lives better. Alex returns and asks who is ready for some pie. Kayla says she will let them get back to whatever they were doing, but then she comes across Alex’s table with the mock cover of Stephanie’s novel and questions what this is.

Chad tells Thomas that’s a good question and asks Gwen why she isn’t giving the necklace back to Julie. Gwen responds that there’s been a disagreement over who actually owns the necklace. EJ says he’s sure it will be sorted very soon while Chad warns that it better be.

Cat repeats to Rafe that she does really care about the hospital, so she guesses she did feel called to this particular mission but she’s not sure she’s ready for it. Rafe argues that Shane said she was one of the best analysts he ever worked with. Cat says this might cause them to be out in the field and she was not trained for that at all. Rafe is sure she’s more prepared for that than she thinks and assures that he has her back. Rafe offers to show her some basic self defense moves which Cat agrees would be great.

Gabi tells Xander that she’s getting reacquainted with her daughter as well. Xander suggests they can do a little work while Victoria is quiet. Gabi says she has the latest numbers for the Gabi Chic spring collection. Xander points out that it’d be better if they had a marketing reel but Johnny hasn’t gotten around to it. Xander adds that he told Johnny to come back after lunch but he’s nowhere to be found. Gabi mentions hearing that he had a personal emergency. Xander wonders if it has to do with being charged with shooting his own father. Xander adds that he’s behind anyone trying to get rid of EJ but thinks maybe Johnny wasn’t the right choice to handle rehabilitating the company’s image. Gabi points out Xander also being recently charged with attempted murder, so maybe he can cut Johnny some slack. Xander complains that the shareholders won’t cut him slack if the stock price drops so they need that video done. Gabi encourages him to relax. Xander questions Gabi being so calm. Gabi jokes that maybe it’s because he’s stressed enough for the both of them.

Alex tells Kayla that it’s just the cover of a book that Titan is publishing. Kayla calls it fabulous. Alex questions her reading it. Kayla says there was a manuscript going around the hospital so she thinks the entire staff read it and jokes that it should be called One Steamy Night. Alex asks if Kayla liked it though. Kayla confirms she did, calling it engaging and a real page turner. Kayla says she thinks Anastasia Sands and Titan will make a mint. Kayla asks if Stephanie has read it. Stephanie says not exactly so Kayla suggests making sure that Alex gives her a sneak peak as she thinks it will be a best seller. Kayla then says goodnight and tells them to enjoy the pie as she exits, leaving Stephanie horrified that her mom read her novel.

Chad sends Thomas upstairs to get his action figures and then tells Gwen that he had to be nice to her in front of his son, but the way she treated Julie last night made him sick and now he has the displeasure of seeing her again. Gwen calls him rude. Chad wants Gwen gone and tells her to wrap up whatever she’s doing in Salem. Gwen responds that she’s afraid she can’t do that as she has a few loose ends to tie up. Chad doesn’t know or care what that means. Chad warns that he’s watching her and to stay away from his family. Gwen reminds him that she is Thomas’s aunt so she’s part of his family on both sides, because she’s still Dimitri’s wife which makes her a DiMera. Gwen remarks that she’s going to really embrace that and soak it in. Gwen then announces to Chad that she’s moving in to the family home.

Xander remarks that he’s glad his total frustration is bringing out the zen in Gabi. Gabi jokes that she’s sure it won’t be long before she’s flipping out over something. Xander says they know it won’t be a crying baby and thanks Gabi for her help. Gabi acknowledges how many people helped her with Arianna over the years and says co-parenting is hard but worth it. Gabi remembers when Arianna was Victoria’s age and says time just flew by. Gabi talks about how she used to tell herself she’d have another baby and get to do it all over again, but she can’t. Gabi then tells Xander to be grateful for what he has. Xander responds that he’s trying. Gabi asks how hard can it be, pointing out that he has everything he ever wanted. Xander says everything except Sarah.

Rafe and Cat go over EJ’s financial information. Rafe says it definitely raises some flags. Cat talks about EJ not having the funds to purchase the hospital on his own, so he must have had a silent partner. Rafe declares that they have to find out who that silent partner is and why they want to remain silent.

Stephanie freaks out over Kayla reading her novel and says she’s mortified. Alex thinks she’s overreacting and says it doesn’t matter since Kayla doesn’t know that Stephanie wrote the book. Stephanie complains that her parents are the two people in the world that she wouldn’t want to read her book. Stephanie then points out that her parents aren’t here now, so she suggests picking up where they left off as she kisses Alex. Alex hugs her while Stephanie remains looking worried.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kayla went to Stephanie’s apartment to see her. Stephanie let her know that was trying to work for the hospital. She thought EJ wouldn’t want to talk to her if he wasn’t ready to make her an offer. Stephanie asked if Kayla thought she should take it. Kayla said the hospital would be lucky to have her, but she should run the other way. She told Stephanie that the hospital was EJ’s and that he was making big changes. She thought being EJ’s PR would be tricky. Stephanie said she wanted to help the hospital. At Titan, Xander had trouble calming Victoria down. When Gabi came to his office, she offered to help him. Gabi was able to get Victoria to calm down. Xander was afraid that Victoria forgot about him. Gabi said they needed to be reacquainted. She said she had to do that with her daughter. After they talked, they started working. Xander was frustrated with Johnny not showing up when he should. Gabi thought he should give Johnny a break since he knew what it was like to be charged with attempted murder. Xander reminded her that the charges were dropped. She told him everything would be okay.

Cat went to Rafe’s office. She took out the flash drive with EJ’s finances and gave it to Rafe. They talked about how the ISA and FBI were working together to take down the DiMeras. It was the best time to strike. Rafe said he knew EJ didn’t buy the hospital out of the goodness in his heart. He wondered where EJ got the money. Since Versavix wasn’t going to make money for a while, Rafe wondered what EJ’s plan was. Cat wanted to know why it was so personal for Rafe and wondered about their history. Rafe told her what happened between him and EJ. He said EJ was a sociopath and needed to be stopped. Cat didn’t want to do this since the hospital saved her sister’s life. She said she didn’t know that EJ was a bad guy since he was Chad’s brother. Rafe let her know that Chad knows his family’s history. He said Chad was a good DiMera. Rafe said Chad wouldn’t stand in their way. Cat said she wasn’t worried about Chad. She was worried about her siblings getting hurt because of the investigation. Rafe understood how she felt. He said the career was a calling for him. Cat said the hospital was why she wanted to help, but she wasn’t ready for field work. Gwen went to the DiMera mansion and told EJ that she couldn’t pick a room. EJ let her know she wasn’t moving in. He said she had to wait. While they were talking, he noticed that she was wearing Julie’s necklace. He thought she was going to return the necklace, but she said she wasn’t. Gwen said she hated most of the Hortons ever since Laura sent her away. EJ said there were two sides to every story. When Chad and Thomas came in, Thomas asked her why she had Julie’s necklace and why she hasn’t given it back. Gwen said there was a disagreement about the necklace’s owner. When Thomas left, Chad told her he was only nice to her for Thomas’ sake. He said he wanted her to give Julie back the necklace and then leave Salem. Gwen told him that wasn’t happening. She said she was moving into the mansion. Rafe and Cat looked through EJ’s finances and noticed red flags. They realized the only way he could have bought the hospital was with a silent partner.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle and EJ talked about being on opposite sides in court. They were on opposite side, but they wanted Johnny to go free. Belle wanted that, but she planned to do it by the book. She wished that the judge didn’t put her back on the case. Belle wished the ADA was on the case because it would look like favoritism if he was let go. EJ wasn’t worried about it because people knew that she had integrity. He felt like there was enough evidence for reasonable doubt and for the charges to be dropped against Johnny. Belle was shocked that he wanted the charges dropped. She felt like it would look bad if Johnny’s not exonerated in court. Belle felt like he seduced and manipulated her to get her to drop the charges against Johnny. She stormed out of his room. Kristen went to see Brady to let him know that there was a new suspect in EJ’s shooting. She felt like it was good for Rachel. Kristen told him that Chanel was the suspect. Kristen was glad because Rachel wouldn’t have to testify after all. Brady felt that it was a no-win situation for Johnny. Johnny did it or his wife did it. Kristen thought Chanel deserved what was coming to her since she was going to let Johnny take the blame for her crime. Brady thought Kristen would do the same thing Chanel did if she could protect someone she loved. Kristen agreed, but she wouldn’t let the man she loved go to prison for her crime. She was thankful that Rachel wouldn’t have to be involved in the case since EJ wanted her to convince Rachel to lie on the stand. Tate checked his phone as he waited for Holly. He tried to call Holly, but her phone went to voicemail. Brady wanted to go after EJ, but Kristen stopped him. She warned him that EJ was desperate and dangerous. Brady agreed to drop it for now. Tate arrived at the townhouse, and Brady was surprised to see him. Kristen slipped out of the townhouse while Brady and Tate were talking. Tate told Brady that Holly never showed up at the lake. He hadn’t heard from her at all. Tate thought Holly might have changed her mind about them being together. Brady tried to make Tate feel better. Johnny let Philip know that he couldn’t make it to work. Chanel couldn’t believe that he was being so calm about their worlds falling apart. People were going to think one of them shot EJ. Johnny wasn’t worried about it since they were innocent. They had to figure out who shot his father. He didn’t trust the police. Johnny felt like they weren’t interested in finding other suspects. He let Chanel know that he believed in her. Johnny knew she would never allow him to go to prison for her crime. They went through the list of suspects. Ava, Gabi, and Kristen were the people they suspected. Johnny wanted to write their names down. While he looked for something to take notes, he noticed that she used Sweet Bits as collateral for his bond. He didn’t like how she did that because she could lose her business. Chanel wanted him to know that she supported him 100 percent. He wished he didn’t keep things from her like wanting to kill his father.

Arianna and Holly were held in a room at gunpoint. A henchman let them know that once a friend gave them the money, they would be let go. If he didn’t pay the money, things would get complicated for them. They wouldn’t die if he didn’t pay. The thugs would ransom them to their families. After the guy left, Arianna and Holly began to panic. They tried to get the door open, but it wouldn’t open. Holly apologized to Arianna for the mess they were in. She helped the guy the thug was talking about. Arianna hooked up with someone like that. After they talked, they realized they were talking about Doug. Holly told her how she knew Doug, but she didn’t sleep with him. She was glad since she’s back with Tate. Arianna wasn’t happy that Doug got them in the mess they’re in now. She felt like a fool for getting involved with him. Arianna thought that Doug was with her because he couldn’t have Holly. They knew Doug didn’t have money but hopefully he could fix things. The girls tried to figure another way out of the room. Holly remembered dropping her ring in the alley. She thought someone would notice and help them. Doug saw the thug at the pub. He grabbed him and demanded that he let the girls go. The guy would do it once Doug gave him the money. Doug said he didn’t have the money. The guy was giving him one more day to get the money. Doug would be responsible for anything happening to them. He didn’t want the cops to be involved. Doug was tempted to take the money out of the register at the pub. He was about to grab it when Tate arrived. Tate wanted to know what happened to Holly. Doug pretended not to know anything about it. He said he hadn’t heard from her.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Update Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

EJ and Belle lay in bed together after having sex which EJ calls a perfect morning. They call it time well spent but Belle says now she has to get back to work. EJ asks her to stay a little while longer so Belle agrees as they continue kissing.

Kristen goes to see Brady and asks about him having good news about Rachel. Brady informs her that according to Belle, there’s a new suspect in EJ’s shooting and it’s Chanel.

Johnny is at home and calls Philip to tell him that he won’t be able to make it back in to work because a personal emergency popped up. Johnny promises to get the statement recorded first thing tomorrow and asks him to let Xander know as well. Johnny thanks him and hangs up. Chanel tells Johnny that she doesn’t know how he acts like everything is normal when their entire world is falling apart.

Tate goes to the lake and texts Holly that he’s still waiting, asking where she is.

The loan shark brings Holly and Arianna to a warehouse. They want to know who he is and why he wants to kill them. He explains that they just need a mutual friend to cough up the money he owes. Holly asks what if the mutual friend doesn’t have the money. He responds that then things are going to get complicated.

Doug III dresses up as room service at the Salem Inn and knocks on Gwen’s door but there’s no answer. He prepares to use a card to sneak in but Gwen arrives and catches him, asking what he thinks he’s doing.

Kristen questions the police thinking Chanel shot EJ and asks if Brady knows what this means. Brady believes it would mean Chanel let Johnny take the fall for a crime that she committed. Kristen points out that it would also mean the charges against Johnny would be dropped and Rachel won’t have to testify. Brady says that Belle couldn’t tell him much but that’s certainly a possibility. Kristen complains that she was convinced Johnny was guilty but she hoped she was wrong. Brady calls it a no-win situation for Johnny either way because if Chanel did this, his world will be turned upside down.

Johnny tells Chanel that he knows things look kind of bleak right now. Chanel panics that it won’t be long before all of Salem thinks she or Johnny shot EJ. Johnny asks who cares what people think and says they both know they are innocent, so all they have to do is prove that which means they need to figure out who shot EJ.

Tate tries calling Holly and leaves a message that he texted her and Arianna but they haven’t been read. Tate says he thinks he’s at the right meeting spot but he doesn’t see them anywhere so he’s going to do another lap around the lake and hope to run in to them. Tate says to call him when she gets this and hopes she’s okay.

Holly asks the loan shark if they are going to die if he doesn’t get his money. He says not necessarily as he knows her family is loaded so they can go to a ransom. Arianna intervenes to say that her family has money too and that if he gives her back her phone, she can call Gabi to work something out. The loan shark says that could get messy so he will just deal with their little friend. He tells them to sit tight and hope that he comes through for them as he exits.

Doug III claims to Gwen that he was just delivering her room service. Gwen says she didn’t order any. Doug III notices Gwen is wearing the necklace. Gwen says she did order breakfast earlier but she already had it. Doug III says he’s sorry to bother her and walks away.

EJ tells Belle that he can’t get enough of her as they kiss in bed. EJ says he’d like to spend the entire day in bed with her but he wants to prepare breakfast for her, so he gets up to head downstairs.

Chanel tells Johnny that she wants to clear their names but thinks they should leave the investigating to the police. Johnny argues that the police didn’t seem interested in any other suspects once they had him, until that video ended up in Belle’s lap. Chanel says she was horrified and swears she does not remember threatening EJ in that way. Johnny says it doesn’t matter what she said, only what she did. Chanel assures that she walked out and drove home. Johnny knows she didn’t shoot his dad and that she wouldn’t do something like that, no matter how angry she was. Johnny adds that he knows if she did, she wouldn’t let him take the fall for it. Chanel thanks him for believing in her as they hug.

Kristen tells Brady that if Chanel was going to let Johnny take the fall then she deserves whatever she gets. Brady feels that’s a little harsh. Brady says if Chanel did it, she did it because of all the pain and suffering EJ inflicted on Johnny over the years. Brady tells Kristen not to pretend she wouldn’t do the same thing in her shoes. Kristen admits she has been driven to that extreme. but says she would never stand back and watch the man she loves get arrested for it. Brady says they don’t know what’s going to happen yet. Kristen guesses they can hope for the best for Rachel. Kristen thanks Brady for keeping her in the loop as she’s been worried about Rachel testifying, especially after her run-in with EJ yesterday. Brady questions what happened. Kristen informs him that EJ wanted her to coach Rachel in to lying on the stand if she had to testify against Johnny but she refused. Brady gets upset and wants to confront EJ, feeling he needs to be put in his place. Kristen stops him and says that EJ is just desperate to save his son and liable to do anything to make that happen which means he’s a very dangerous man, so she will not let Brady confront him because the last thing she wants is to see Brady get hurt.

Doug III watches around the corner as Gwen exits her hotel room and walks away. Doug III notes that she’s still wearing the necklace.

Arianna and Holly try to escape but the door won’t move. They worry about what they are going to do. Holly blames herself for Arianna being in this mess which she questions. Holly explains that she had been involved with a guy who was in debt to some loan sharks. Arianna then reveals that she had been with the same guy, Doug Williams III, leaving them both in disbelief.

Chanel tells Johnny that since EJ most likely will never remember who shot him, they should come up with a list of possible suspects. Johnny says they talked about Gabi and Ava, but EJ seemed to really zero in on Kristen. Chanel says Kristen is certainly capable. Johnny decides they should write it down and goes to get paper, but is shocked to find another paper revealing that Chanel put up Sweet Bits Bakery as collateral for his bail bond and questions why she would do this.

EJ and Belle have breakfast in bed. Belle says it’s perfect as EJ says it’s his goal to satisfy her in every way. Belle is glad to spend time with him since she knows things are going to get chaotic during Johnny’s trial while they are on opposing sides. EJ says the same goal is to prove Johnny’s innocent. Belle reminds him that she believes Johnny is innocent but she still has to do her job and prosecute. Belle hopes that EJ didn’t get her back on the case because he thought she’d give Johnny a pass. EJ assures that he knows she would never do that and that he respects her integrity. Belle doesn’t get why the judge thinks so but decides she’s better off not knowing how EJ got her back on the case. EJ swears he just made a persuasive argument while Belle admits that she wishes he hadn’t.

Brady tells Kristen that he appreciates her concern but he can handle her brother. Kristen says there’s just no reason to get in to it and points out that Rachel might not even have to testify. Brady agrees to let it go for now. Tate comes home and greets them, saying he’s sorry to interrupt but Kristen says she was just leaving. Kristen tells Brady they can pick up later as she exits. Brady questions Tate not spending the day at the lake with Holly. Tate says he thought he would be too. Brady asks why he’s not with Holly. Tate responds that Holly never showed up.

Arianna confirms to Holly that Doug III was the guy that she slept with. Holly explains that Doug III said he had feelings for her while she was with Tate. Holly admits that she thought something might happen between them after but says she’s glad nothing did. Arianna gets upset and argues that it makes her sound like a slut for sleeping with him. Holly clarifies that she just meant because she still had feelings for Tate. Arianna apologizes for lashing out and says she’s not mad at her, but at herself. She blames Doug III for them being trapped her and the reason they might die.

Doug III goes outside the Brady Pub and grabs the loan shark, questioning what is wrong with him and screams that Holly and Arianna have nothing to do with this. He responds that if Doug III wants them to go free, he better back off. Doug III assures he will repay his debt as soon as possible but he has to let them go. The loan shark says he heard that so many times before, so he needed added incentive to do this. Doug III says he tried to get the necklace but it didn’t work. The loan shark says cash will do just fine. Doug III admits he doesn’t have that either so the loan shark says the girls are going to have to pay the price.

Johnny tells Chanel that he can’t let her risk losing her business, arguing that there was no need to do that since EJ could’ve put up the money. Chanel argues that it had to come from her because she needs him to know that she supports him and is here for him. Johnny says he’s really grateful. Chanel tells him that she loves him as they hug.

Belle thinks it would’ve been better for everyone if one of her assistants was put on the case. EJ feels it wouldn’t have been better for Johnny. Belle argues that if Johnny is found innocent, the public might think she went easy on him and it was rigged. EJ doesn’t care as long as Johnny is free. Belle worries about her reputation. EJ apologizes for putting her in a difficult position, but points out that she may not even have to prosecute Johnny with the video of Chanel and no physical evidence against Johnny. EJ feels there’s reasonable doubt and she could consider dropping the charges against Johnny altogether.

Gwen goes to the DiMera Mansion and walks around the living room, asking if anyone is home. Kristen then comes in and they embrace. Kristen calls her the last person she expected to find in her living room. Kristen adds that last she heard, Gwen was in Alamania, staking her claim on Dimitri’s fortune. Gwen confirms it took awhile but as Dimitri’s wife, she is entitled to his inheritance, so she is now filthy rich. They laugh together as Kristen congratulates her. Kristen questions why Gwen would be slumming it in Salem with all that money.

Tate tells Brady that he asked every person at the lake if they had seen Holly or Arianna but none of them have. Brady encourages that they could’ve just been late or stuck in traffic. Tate doesn’t think so and says he waited a really long time. Tate guesses it’s possible he missed them, but that doesn’t explain why Holly hasn’t called or texted him. Brady suggests it could be the signal but Tate says he had no issue. Tate brings up that he and Holly just patched things up, so he wonders if she had a change of heart and decided she wasn’t ready to get back together.

Arianna tells Holly that she feels like a fool while Holly insists that she and Doug III weren’t together. Arianna says she always knew Doug III was holding something back and even asked him if he had a girlfriend. Arianna says now she can’t help but think that he was only with her because he couldn’t be with Holly. Holly hopes they’ll just get their money and let them go, but points out that Doug III doesn’t actually have the money which is why he’s in this position in the first place. Arianna encourages that Doug III will figure something out because if not, they are screwed.

The loan shark warns Doug III that he’s going to have one of his co-workers set the whole thing in motion. Doug III pleads with him not to hurt Holly or Arianna and promises to get him the necklace or the money. He agrees to give Doug III one more day or that’s it with no more chances, adding that if anything happens to the girls, it’s on him. He reminds Doug III not to involve the cops and walks away.

Holly and Arianna try banging on the door and screaming for help to no avail. Arianna cries that it’s hopeless while Holly encourages that someone could still come rescue them. Arianna points out that their phones taken so they can’t be tracked. Holly mentions that she dropped her class ring in the alley. Arianna questions how anyone would know where to look. Holly calls it a start while Arianna says they just have to hope someone realizes they are missing. Holly brings up Tate.

Brady encourages that if Holly was really having second thoughts, she would just talk to Tate about it. Tate agrees since she had been so excited about them spending time together and things were perfectly fine a couple hours ago, so there’s no way she could’ve changed her mind that quickly. Brady asks if he can think of anyone else who would know where Holly is. Tate admits there is someone he could ask.

Johnny still can’t believe Chanel put the Bakery on the line for him when he knows much it means to her. Chanel responds that she would put everything on the line for him. Johnny appreciates that and is grateful but wishes he was more deserving of her love and support. Chanel insists that he is. Johnny feels horrible for keeping this from her and knows he should’ve told her from the start that he went to the DiMera Mansion to shoot EJ. Chanel understands why he kept it from her. Johnny feels he made a mess of everything and talks about how angry he was at EJ which affected her too. Johnny says his anger made Chanel hate EJ and he knows she still does. Chanel says that doesn’t have anything to do with Johnny and is entirely on EJ.

Belle argues that EJ cannot be serious about wanting her to drop the charges against Johnny, insisting that he has to be exonerated in court or this accusation will be hanging over his head for the rest of his life. EJ asks if that’s her real concern. Belle thinks he’s trying to manipulate her in to doing what he wants and that he was just trying to seduce her. EJ argues that she’s jumping to conclusions. Belle remarks that she is not his puppet and will not be doing his bidding. Belle gets upset and storms out, leaving EJ frustrated.

Gwen tells Kristen that Salem has a place in her heart and all her friends and family are here. Kristen understands that Gwen’s family hates her and that she’s probably her only friend. Kristen brings up Leo but Gwen says she will never forgive him for sleeping around with her husband. Kristen asks if that means she’s still married to Dimitri as she assumed he would’ve divorced her after he got out of prison. Gwen says she never heard from him and no one knows where he is which Kristen finds strange. Gwen says she’s still a Von Leuschner and a DiMera which is why she’s here. Gwen tells Kristen that they will have lots of time to catch up as she reveals she wants to move in to the DiMera Mansion.

Chanel asks Johnny if they can stop talking about EJ and who shot him which Johnny agrees to. Chanel asks him to just hold her which he does. Chanel wishes they could stay like this and forget about the rest of the world with no investigation or annoying family.

Doug III pours himself a drink at the Pub and then approaches the cash register but Tate arrives and asks if he’s got a minute. Tate says he wants to talk about Holly so Doug III asks what about her. Tate explains that they were supposed to meet at the lake today but Holly hasn’t returned any of his texts or calls and asks if he knows anything about that. Doug III claims not to and asks why he would. Tate points out that they are friends and he even wanted to be more than friends at point. Doug III assures that Holly is not with him, he hasn’t heard from her, and swears that he has no idea where she is.

Arianna remembers they were supposed to meet Tate hours ago so he has to realize something happened. Holly worries that he might think she ghosted him but hopes not. Arianna encourages that Tate will start asking around and get their families involved so that they will then be found.

Kristen questions Gwen wanting to live in the DiMera Mansion. Gwen points out that she is a DiMera and this is the DiMera family home. Kristen doesn’t know about that. Gwen encourages the idea of them living together. Kristen is unsure because things have been tense lately. Gwen jokes about not being shocked. Kristen knows there’s always drama here but lately it’s not the normal. Kristen says it’s been like a powder keg ready to explode. Belle comes in from downstairs. Kristen says she didn’t know she was there. Belle responds that she’s leaving now. EJ comes in to try to stop Belle but Belle tells him to get out of her way and storms out. Kristen asks EJ if there’s trouble in paradise. EJ is then shocked to see Gwen is there. Gwen and Kristen laugh as Gwen declares it’s going to be so much fun living there.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Thursday, July 17, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

The entire episode takes place in Nice (pronounced niece), France.

Nick tells Chance that he thinks Cane set him up for Damian’s murder because he wants to buy Chancellor Industries and Victor won’t sell it to him. Cane also wanted to get rid of Damian because Damian was his romantic rival for Lily.

Amanda thinks that Cane killed Damian although Cane tells her he didn’t do it. Amanda tells Cane she needs to see all the security footage from the property so she can defend him since he is the most likely suspect.

Nick tells Victor and Nikki that Cane is setting him up for Damian’s murder and they all try to figure out who would want to kill Damian.

Chance interviews Lily who tells him she is sure that Cane killed Damian because he was upset that she and Damian were romantically involved.

Cane tells Nick that he didn’t put the dagger in his bathroom. Nick doesn’t believe Cane and tells him that if he set him up he is going to wish he was dead.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Y&R Short Recap Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

The entire episode takes place in Nice (pronounced niece), France.

Lily is devastated by Damian’s death and wonders how she is going to tell Amy her son is dead.

Devon thinks that Cane did intend to kill Damian but for some other reason than Cane and Damian were both in love with Lily.

Nick tells Sharon about Damian’s murder and tells her that he thinks that Cane is going to try and blame him or Victor for Damian’s death.

Chance questions Phyllis who tells him that she doesn’t think Cane took the bottle of bourbon or the dagger from the crime scene because she was with him from the time after Damian was killed to the time Cane found him and took him back to the crime scene.

Amanda wonders why Cane lied to Chance and told him that there wasn’t a way to get in touch with the local police. Cane tells Amanda that he trusts Chance more than the local police to find out who meant to kill him but instead killed Damian. Cane thinks that Victor or Nick killed Damian. Cane asks Amanda if she thinks that he killed Damian.

Nick gives Chance the dagger that killed Damian and tells Chance that he found it in the bathroom of his sleeping car. Nick tells Chance that someone is setting him up to look guilty of Damian’s murder.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Update Monday, July 14, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Tate and Holly kiss in the town square and talk about how they can’t wait to do that on the beach with the upcoming senior lake trip. Holly mentions packing sunscreen and a bikini that Tate will have to wait to see. They go over how Holly is driving with Arianna and then Tate will meet them there. Holly asks if Brady is okay with Tate going. Tate confirms that he is since it’s only for a day. Holly asks about Sophia. Tate admits he hasn’t told her yet, but he’s about to.

Sophia is at home, writing a letter for her son to one day read about why she gave him up and how it was the hardest thing she’s ever done.

At the Hernandez house, Gabi checks with Arianna to make sure she packs sunscreen and bug spray for her lake trip. Arianna gets annoyed which amuses Javi, who is taking care of Tesoro. Gabi wants to make sure Arianna has ear plugs and advises her that there is to be no drugs or drinking at the lake. Arianna tells her to back off. Gabi says she has to go get something to give her for the trip anyway and exits the room. Arianna complains to Javi about Gabi being in her face. Javi assures that Gabi just loves her and wants her to be safe. Arianna says she’s just going to the lake, not a war zone. Javi says as a paramedic, he’s gone to his fair share of calls involving teenagers and bodies of water. Arianna says she gets it and promises not to do anything stupid.

Doug III serves Leo breakfast at the Brady Pub and joins him on his break. Doug III asks if Leo knows if Julie ever got her necklace back. Leo responds that he’s sorry to report she did not. Doug III mentions that Julie told him it was on it’s way back to her but guesses it never made it back to Salem after all. Leo informs him that it did along with the woman who bought it. Doug III asks when Julie will get it back but Leo informs him that the woman brought it back just to rub it in Julie’s face.

Sarah can’t believe Xander took their daughter. Maggie says she told him it was a bad idea but he wouldn’t listen. Sarah complains that Xander went in to a rage when she told him they were taking Victoria out of the country so she should’ve known he would come here. Sarah blames herself. Maggie encourages that she has every right to go on a vacation with her child. Sarah says Xander thought her real plan was to run off with Victoria and never come back which Maggie calls absurd. Sarah declares that she’s not going to let Xander control them like this. Maggie asks what she’s going to do. Sarah tells Maggie to stay and get ready for the trip. Maggie advises her to be careful. Sarah tells her not to worry as Xander’s the one who needs to watch out.

Xander brings Victoria to his office and calls Melinda to inform her that Victoria is with him because Sarah was trying to fly her out of the country. Xander complains that Sarah is trying to take his daughter from him and he refuses to let that happen so there will be no more talk of compromise or co-parenting. Xander declares they are going to make sure that he never has to part with his little girl again.

Doug III tells Leo that sucks because he thought Julie would be so happy to get her necklace back and hate him a little less for stealing it. Leo talks about his search for the necklace and wondering who may have bought it, but he never would’ve imagined it would’ve been Gwen. Leo says it now makes perfect sense. Doug III asks if he knows her. Leo confirms they go way back and are ex-BFFs. Doug III encourages him to talk to Gwen about returning the necklace then. Leo says that he tried but Gwen refused and since Julie has no proof of ownership, she can’t do anything about it. Doug III begs Leo to talk to Gwen again since they were close. Leo tells him that Gwen can hold a grudge like nobody’s business and she hates his guts rightfully so. Doug III asks what he did to her. Leo says his break isn’t long enough for that but everyone in town from the Hortons to DiMeras have screwed Gwen over in some way, so she’s using this as revenge on Julie. Leo bets that Gwen is sitting in her hotel room now, thrilled that she’s making Julie and her family so miserable.

Gabi gives Arianna a paper bag and talks about knowing there will be cute boys around. Gabi says she hopes Arianna doesn’t have sex with them, but if she does, she needs to be protected. Javi asks Arianna if she’s ready to go. Arianna responds that she is now.

Holly goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and talks with Maggie about her excitement to go to the lake. Maggie says she’s worked so hard this year and deserves to have fun. Holly thanks her and asks if Maggie is excited for Bermuda. Maggie says she’s getting there. Holly asks if Sarah and Victoria are around to say goodbye but Maggie says they aren’t. Maggie says she will tell them for her but Holly stops her and asks if something is wrong.

Xander finishes a call at the office, saying to get the deal done or he’ll find someone who will. Xander then goes to Victoria and talks about how Titan will one day belong to her. Xander says they have their whole day in front of them and asks what she wants to do. Sarah appears and suggests giving her back to her mother.

Tate shows up and knocks on Sophia’s door. Sophia begins to panic, wondering what he’s doing there as Tate calls out that he’s coming in.

Doug III tells Leo that he should get back to work and asks if he wants a refill. Leo comments that he could use a double shot of espresso. Doug III questions him being tired. Leo explains that he and his boyfriend have been looking after an infant. Leo asks what’s the latest on Doug III’s problem with the loan shark. Doug III admits it’s really bad and he’s working overtime, trying to save his tips but he’s barely made a dent in what he owes. Leo says he’s sorry and that he would help if he could but he doesn’t have it. Doug III says he’s gone above and beyond so he’ll figure it out and adds that he already has an idea.

Gabi asks Arianna to text her when she gets to the lake. Gabi knows she can be extra but says it’s only because she loves her so much. Arianna says she knows and she loves her too. Gabi then gets a work text and steps out to respond. Arianna tells Javi that she will miss him and Tesoro. Arianna wonders if Tesoro will still be there when she gets back. Javi says probably since the mother has 14 days to reclaim him before being put up for adoption. Javi admits he’s getting attached and can’t imagine how hard it was for his mother to say goodbye.

Sophia jumps in bed and gets under the blankets as Tate enters and says he knocked a couple times but she didn’t answer. Sophia claims she just had her ear buds in. Tate notes that she seems a little tense and asks if everything is okay. Sophia says he was just there yesterday so she just wasn’t expecting him back so soon and asks what’s up. Tate says he just wanted to check on her, adding that he called her a few times but she didn’t pick up. Sophia says she’s been sleeping a lot. Tate asks if he can get her anything. Sophia declines and says she just wants to chill. Tate informs her that he is planning on going to the lake later but just for the day. Sophia guesses he’s going to be with Holly.

Holly asks Maggie if everything is okay. Maggie responds that it will be soon and asks if she’s all packed for her trip. Holly confirms that she is and that she just got sunblock and a bathing suit. Maggie points out that she’s going to be gone for a week with a lot of kids and not much supervision, so she wants to make sure she will be responsible. Holly knows how much her overdose scared her and promises to never do anything like that again. Maggie says to call her if she needs anything. Holly says she doesn’t want to bother her while she’s in Bermuda. Maggie assures that she’s no bother while Holly assures that there will be nothing to worry about as she will be very safe. Maggie says that’s all she can hope for and hugs Holly.

Xander tells Sarah that Victoria is sleeping. Sarah argues that Victoria shouldn’t be stuck in an office all day during the summer. Xander argues that he’s just as much of a parent as she is and accuses Sarah of trying to abscond with his little girl. Sarah argues that she was trying to take her on vacation with her mother for a few days. Xander says he knows what her goal is and he’s not going to let her steal his little girl as Victoria then wakes up crying.

Tate admits to Sophia that Holly will be there with Arianna and pretty much their whole graduating class, but apologizes for coming off like he’s rubbing it in. Sophia says it’s okay as she had no expectation of being able to go. Tate feels bad that she missed the party and fireworks last night. Sophia admits it’s been hard missing so much of senior year because of pregnancy but she has no desire to waddle around on the beach. Tate says he’ll be back later and offers to stay but Sophia says he would just sit around and watch her sleep, so she tells him to go and adds that it would be a nice break after losing his Grandfather. Tate points out that the lake is like an hour away and he can come back fast if she goes in to labor. Sophia says he’ll be the first person she calls if she does. Sophia adds that first labors can go on for hours and assures that she’ll be fine. Tate thanks her for being cool about this and says he’ll see her tomorrow as he then exits.

Doug III comes out of the Salem Inn and gets a call from the loan shark, who says he knows why he’s calling. Doug III responds that he doesn’t have his money yet but asks if he would be interested in a necklace worth way more than what he owes. He says that does interest him and asks if he has it on him. Doug III says no but he thinks he can get it soon. He remarks that thinking won’t pay his debt. He tells Doug III to keep him posted and warns him not to take too long because he knows what will happen if he does as they hang up. Doug III walks in to the town square where Arianna finds him and asks if he’s not working today. He says he just dropped off a takeout order at the Salem Inn. She asks who he was on the phone with. He claims it was no one important but she says it seemed serious. Doug III then tells her that there is something he needs to tell her.

Javi puts Tesoro down for a nap while Gabi wishes she could take a nap but says she has a situation at work to deal with in person. Javi hoped she could join he and Leo for lunch. Gabi says she’s starting to hate working at Titan-DiMera as it’s miserable. Gabi asks if Javi wants to quit his paramedic job and come back to Gabi Chic. Javi declines and says he does not miss that place at all. Gabi laments that she’s stuck there for another two years. Javi encourages that if anyone can tough it out, it’s her. Gabi says normally she would agree but this merger is killing her. Javi asks if it’s really that bad. Gabi asks what could be worse than having to answer to Xander Kiriakis.

Xander and Sarah continue to argue over Victoria. Sarah says he sounds like a paranoid lunatic and that this isn’t some elaborate ruse, explaining that Melissa just called Maggie this morning. Xander laughs off believing that. Sarah says that Maggie asked if she and Victoria wanted to go with her last minute, but she said she had to discuss it with Xander first. Xander accuses her of trying to entrap him last night when he was trying to reach an agreement about custody. Xander points out that Sarah was willing to agree to shared custody as long as he confessed to attempted murder. Sarah admits she’s not comfortable with him being alone with Victoria unless he says he’s sorry for nearly beating his brother to death. Xander argues that she just wants to hear him say it out loud, so she can have him arrested. Xander states that Philip said he never laid a hand on him and the charges were dropped but Sarah still wants to say when he gets to see his daughter. Sarah argues that no one believes he didn’t lay a hand on Philip. Sarah says it’s for Victoria’s own safety. Xander says Sarah couldn’t trick him in to confessing, so now she was trying to take Victoria away with Maggie. Xander promises that it will be the worst mistake Sarah makes and that her days of controlling him and their daughter are over. Xander declares that he’s in control now.

Sophia calls Melinda and says normally she would be bummed that Tate was ditching her to go hang out with Holly but the timing is perfect, so now she won’t have to worry about Tate wanting to go with her to Chicago and he won’t have to find out what she really did with their baby.

Sarah asks if Xander’s plan is to keep Victoria holed up here and never let her see her again. Xander responds that he’s not going to let her take her abroad. Sarah questions Xander thinking she’s going to run off with Victoria and says she’ll save him the trouble of bringing up her past. Sarah admits she took Rachel and everyone knows that, so if she ran off with Victoria, he would have a very strong case for full custody so she asks why she would take such a huge risk. Xander argues that Maggie would have the resources to help Sarah disappear with Victoria forever. Sarah states that she doesn’t want to disappear and she wants him a part of Victoria’s life. Xander reminds her that she said she hated him earlier. Sarah admits they both know that’s not true. Sarah pleads with Xander that it’s just for a few days. Xander says nice try and asks if she’s wearing a wire. Sarah cannot believe they went from working on an agreement to this in under 24 hours. Sarah says she just wants to go on a short trip with her mom and her daughter. Xander says he’s sorry but it’s a no, not just because of her lies, but because she’s mentally unstable. Xander says in addition to kidnapping Brady and Rachel’s daughter, she once thought she was a dead heiress and a little girl. Sarah calls that really low and says he knows that she was drugged. Xander says all he knows is that he can’t trust her anymore and now he would like to spend some more time with his daughter alone. Sarah asks if he’s just banning her from going to Bermuda. Xander says he’s not banning her from anything, but Victoria is staying with him unless she plans on removing her by physical force. Xander asks Sarah to see herself out.

Arianna gets a text that her ride is there so she has to go and tells Doug III that she’s going on the senior trip to the lake. Arianna says she’s totally over high school but she’s going with Holly so it will be fun. Doug III asks how long she’ll be gone. Arianna says it will be a week and asks if he’s going to miss her. Doug III says of course. Arianna asks what he was going to tell her. Doug III says it can wait until after her trip and tells her to have fun. He notes he should get back to the Pub and kisses her goodbye as he then walks away. Holly then comes up to Arianna and excitedly hugs her. Arianna says she’s so ready and promises not to be a third wheel when Tate gets there. Holly says he’ll only be there for a day and she texted him that they are on their way. Holly and Arianna head to their ride while the loan shark appears in the town square and follows after them.

Sarah tells Xander that she’s too tired to keep fighting for him but she’s heartbroken for Victoria as this has gotten so ugly. Xander doesn’t like where they are either but she’s had her for weeks, so it’s his turn now. Sarah says they can’t keep doing this and they have to come to an agreement. Xander says it’s clearly not going to happen now so she can go on her little trip and then when she gets back, she can see Victoria. Sarah complains that she’s not going out of town without her daughter. Gabi arrives to see Xander, then says she can come back but Sarah says it’s fine as she was just leaving. Sarah says bye to Victoria and walks out of the office.

Sophia walks through the town square and sees Leo and Javi coming through with her baby.

Arianna and Holly walk to the park until the loan shark appears in a mask with a gun, demanding their phones. He tells them not to talk and that they are going on a little trip as he rushes them off.

Gabi tells Xander that the problem is solved and they are good. Xander thanks her for coming in. Gabi apologizes for interrupting he and Sarah before as she could tell it’s been a hard time for them. Victoria wakes up crying. Gabi comments on remembering those days and that she’s still at the age where she just wants her mother.

Sarah goes home and tells Maggie that she can’t go on their trip without Victoria. Maggie asks if Xander is keeping her. Sarah confirms that he said she’s had her for the last few weeks, so it’s his turn now. Sarah says she could’ve kept arguing but at least Victoria is safe and she is so exhausted. Maggie wonders if there’s anything Justin can do. Sarah admits she called him on the way home and he’s out of town, but he advised against taking legal action because it could end up backfiring. Maggie suggests having a virtual meeting with him later today. Sarah says no and tells Maggie to go on the trip because she knows how much she was looking forward to getting out and she’s sorry for disappointing her. Maggie says they can go to Bermuda anytime but right now, she has to do what’s best for her daughter. Sarah thanks her for understanding and cries that it’s such a mess. Maggie hugs her and tells her it will be alright. Sarah cries that she already misses Victoria even though she just saw her.

Sophia approaches Leo and Javi. She introduces herself and says she’s sorry to just come up but she saw Javi’s picture in the Spectator and that he took in the baby left at the fire house. Javi says the baby is right here and introduces her to Leo, saying they are taking care of him together. Sophia calls that amazing and thanks Javi for his service. Javi and Leo says they have the baby for two weeks until he goes up for adoption. They explain temporarily naming him Tesoro. Sophia says that’s nice and asks how he is doing. Javi says they found the right formula and now he’s thriving. Leo says since the article came out, social services have been getting calls wanting to adopt him which will be tough for them because they have fallen in love with Tesoro. Javi agrees that it will be tough. Javi then notes that it looks like Sophia is going to have a little one of her own soon. Sophia says she’s due any day now and that she has to get to a doctor’s appointment. Sophia gets emotional and says it was nice to meet them as she says bye to Tesoro and rushes off.

The loan shark holds his gun on Arianna and Holly in a back alley as he orders them to get up against the wall.

Tate goes to the park and says they should’ve been here by now as he texts Holly asking where they are.

Doug III resumes working at the Brady Pub when he gets a call from the loan shark. He answers and repeats that it doesn’t haev the money and needs time to get the necklace. He reveals that he took out an insurance policy and texts him a photo of Holly and Arianna. He warns that if Doug III calls the cops, he’ll never see them again. Doug III asks him to let them go but he says not until he brings his money, the necklace, or both and warns Doug III not to keep him or the girls waiting.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

The entire episode takes place in Nice, France.

Damian gets dizzy and doesn’t feel well after drinking the bourbon that Cane gave him. Cane also feels bad and tells Damian that they need to leave and get help since they are both not feeling well. Cane helps Damian get up but Damian falls over and Cane catches him. Someone who is hiding in the garden maze throws a dagger and it hits Damian in the back and he dies instantly. Phyllis walks in and sees Cane standing over Damian’s body. Phyllis wants to do CPR but Cane tells him there is no point because he doesn’t have a doctor on staff and the roads and the railroad tracks are washed out and they couldn’t get him to the doctor in time to save him. Cane goes to find Chance and take him back to where he left Damian’s body.

Cane tells Chance what happened but then Cane notices that the dagger that was in Damian’s back is gone and so is the bottle of bourbon and the glasses that Cane and Damian used to drink the bourbon. Cane tells Chance that this dagger was from his collection of knives that he had displayed in the club car. Cane tells Chance the collection of knives wasn’t locked in a cabinet so anyone could have taken the antique dagger. Cane tells Chance that he was the intended victim not Damian and he tells Chance he will pay him fifty $ 50,000.00 to figure out who killed Damian and is trying to kill him.

Nick is trying to find Sharon, but nobody has seen her.

Cane and Chance tell Lily, Devon, Abby, and Nick that Damian is dead.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Short Recap Monday, July 14, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Sophia read the note she wrote for the baby. While she was reading the note, Tate showed up. Tate noticed that something was off with Sophia. He let her know that he was going to the lake for a day. She asked if he was going to be with Holly. Tate said he was going to be with Holly as well as others. Sophia said it sucked to miss her senior year, but she didn’t want to waddle around on the beach. She told him to leave. When Tate left, Sophia called Melinda and told her the timing couldn’t be more right for them. At the pub, Leo told Doug that Julie never got her necklace back. Doug was upset that Gwen didn’t give back the necklace. Leo told him about his falling out with Gwen and her vendetta against the Hortons. While they were talking, Leo asked Doug about his problems with the loan shark. He told Doug he would help if he could. Doug said he had an idea.

Sarah was upset about Xander taking Victoria. Maggie said it wasn’t her fault. Sarah wanted Maggie to stay and get ready for the trip. Maggie advised her to be careful. At Titan, Xander talked to Melinda about making sure he’s never apart from Victoria. While he was on the phone, Sarah came in his office and told him to give her back her daughter. She yelled at him about keeping Victoria in an office. Xander said she was going to run away with Victoria. Sarah said he was paranoid and crazy. Xander accused her of trying to entrap him. Sarah said no one believed that he didn’t attack Philip. Xander said he didn’t believe that she wasn’t trying to run off with Victoria. He said her days of controlling him were over and let her know that he was in charge. Sarah said she ran off with Rachel and if she did the same with Victoria she would lose her. She asked why she would take the risk of losing Victoria. Xander said Maggie had the resources to make her disappear. Sarah said she wanted Xander in Victoria’s life. Xander thought she was trying to butter him up. He refused to let Sarah take Victoria. Xander called her mentally unstable and reminded her that she thought Rachel was her daughter and how she thought she was an heiress and a little girl. Sarah thought he was low when he said that. Xander said she could do whatever she wanted, but Victoria was staying with him. Sarah said she was tired of arguing with him. She said she was heartbroken for Victoria. Xander said he didn’t like this, but they would work it out later. Gabi showed up and apologized for interrupting. Sarah kissed Victoria before she left. Gabi and Xander talked about business. The loan shark called Doug. He told the loan shark that he didn’t have the money but he had jewelry that was worth more than money. The loan shark said he was interested but warned him to hurry because he didn’t have time. Holly and Arianna left for the trip. The loan shark followed them. When they got to the park, a guy wearing a ski mask was there with a gun. He took their phones and told them to move. Sarah went home and told Maggie that she couldn’t go to Bermuda without Victoria. She told Maggie to go on the trip. Maggie said she wasn’t going. The loan shark took Holly and Arianna to an alley. Holly took off one of her rings and put it behind her back. Arianna said her uncle was in law enforcement. Tate showed up to the park and wondered where Holly and Arianna were. The loan shark took off the mask and called Doug. He let Doug know that he took out an insurance policy. He sent Doug a picture of Holly and Arianna and told him not to go to the police. The loan shark said he wanted the money, necklace, or both if he wanted to see them again.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Update Friday, July 11, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Belle goes to see EJ at the DiMera Mansion and presents him with the memory stick from the camera planted in the living room. EJ asks if it clears Johnny but Belle says not exactly.

At the police station, Paulina tells Jada that she knew Chanel was upset with EJ but not enough to threaten his life. Jada says that’s why she wanted Paulina to see it first. Paulina asks what happens now. Jada responds that she’s sorry but she has no choice but to bring Chanel in for questioning.

In the town square, Johnny tells Chanel that he understands why she’s nervous about EJ representing him. Chanel remains uncertain about Johnny trusting EJ but agrees to go along with it if Johnny thinks EJ is the best choice. Johnny assures that he is, pointing out that he’d be the victim believing he’s innocent. Johnny declares that there is no way that EJ will let him get convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Chanel acknowledges that he’s right and regardless of how she feels about EJ, she knows that EJ loves Johnny and will fight like hell for him, just like her mother would for her.

Paulina tells Jada that before she starts making assumptions about Chanel, she questions the memory stick just showing up now and where it’s been all this time. Jada admits there are concerns but says that’s a question for Belle. Paulina asks what else is on the video. Jada says that’s it so Paulina argues that it proves nothing because she didn’t see a gun. Paulina understands how it looks, but declares that her daughter could not possibly have shot EJ. Jada asks how she could know that. Paulina responds that Chanel was with her most of that night. Jada asks if she knows where Chanel is now because she needs her to come down to the police station. Jada says she’s sorry and understands how upsetting this is for her. Paulina asks Jada to let her be the one to call Chanel and then promises to step back and let Jada do her job.

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Maggie finishes a phone call with her daughter Melissa and tells Sarah that Melissa had a work emergency so she won’t be able to go to Bermuda with her. Sarah is sorry as she knows she was looking forward to that. Maggie says it’s just been too long since she’s spent time with her oldest daughter. Sarah encourages that maybe they can plan it for later in the year. Sarah suggests she could take some time off and go with her, adding they could invite Melanie and Holly for a girls trip. Maggie asks why wait and points out that the trip she was going to take with Melissa was already planned and paid for, so she suggests that she and Sarah take Victoria.

Xander questions Philip suggesting he quit his father’s company when he is the sole heir. Philip points out that if Xander tells anyone that, he will have to correct his story that Xander tried to beat him to death. Philip says he doesn’t like the arrangement any more than Xander does but suggests they try their best to work together unless Xander plans to try to kill him again.

Johnny tells Chanel that he should get back to the office. Chanel suggests they can meet up later and hopefully EJ will have an update on his case by then. Johnny agrees and kisses her. Chanel then gets a call from Paulina and tells her that she needs to come down to the police station and to bring Johnny with her right away.

Maggie tells Sarah that she’s sure they can spare her from the hospital for a few days. Maggie offers to call and book her flight but Sarah reminds her that she can’t take Victoria out of the country without clearing it with Xander first.

Philip comments on it really bugging Xander that Victor loved him while barely tolerating Xander. Philip remarks that Xander must lay in bed, wondering what it must have been like to be loved by Victor. Xander responds that Victor’s dead so that’s all old news. Philip argues that he was in Victor’s heart and the son he actually loved while Xander was just another bastard that Victor was too embarrassed to acknowledge while he was still alive.

Johnny and Chanel go to the police station as Johnny finishes a call to let Philip and Xander know he’ll be in as soon as he can. As they arrive, Paulina is finishing a call as well. Chanel asks her what’s going on. Paulina says that Jada has some questions but she doesn’t want her talking to her without a lawyer present, so she just left a message for Justin. Jada comes over and tells Chanel that she needs her to come with her.

Xander tells Philip to get the hell out of his office. Sarah then walks in and asks what’s going on in here.

Paulina argues that Chanel is not going anywhere without her lawyer present for questioning. Johnny asks what’s going on here. Jada asks if Chanel is willing to answer. Chanel argues that she has nothing to hide. Johnny agrees with Paulina but Chanel says it’s fine and she’ll do anything to help Johnny’s case. Paulina pleads with her but Chanel insists that she’ll be fine and back in a minute, so Jada takes Chanel in to the interrogation room.

Belle and EJ watch the footage from the memory card, showing Chanel threatening EJ. Belle asks if EJ remembers that conversation. EJ says he doesn’t. Belle thought seeing the video would jog his memory. EJ doesn’t remember Chanel saying those things or shooting him, but says the video is pretty damning. Belle doesn’t want to jump to conclusions while EJ argues that Chanel was clearly threatening his life. Belle says that doesn’t mean she shot him and adds that Jada is questioning Chanel as they speak.

Chanel asks Jada what this is about. Jada asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to wait for her attorney. Chanel assures that she’s ready to answer any questions she has. Jada reveals that a video has surfaced showing Chanel having an intense conversation with EJ right before he was shot. Chanel says she’s never hidden that she and EJ spoke that night and admits the conversation was contentious. Jada informs her that they have her on tape, threatening EJ’s life. Jada says they know Chanel left the mansion after that conversation but questions if she returned later that night to make good on her threat.

Xander tells Sarah that he and Philip were just discussing how best to bring things up to speed in the office. Sarah remarks that it sounded like Xander was ordering Philip out. Philip claims he was just asking too many questions and Xander had enough. Philip decides he will head to the Brady Pub for breakfast and exits the office. Sarah questions why she feels like she walked in on much more than a business meeting. Xander asks what brings her by. Sarah says it’s about Victoria as she hoped they could go with Maggie to Bermuda but Xander says no. Sarah argues that they wouldn’t even be gone for a week and that it would be great for Victoria. Xander argues that Victoria is far too young and he wouldn’t let them leave the country with her. Sarah complains that he’s being unreasonable. Xander argues that Maggie despises him as much as Sarah does and has more than enough resources to help her disappear with Victoria forever. Sarah asks if she’d really be asking his permission to go if she planned to disappear forever. Xander says maybe she needed a cover story and assures she’s not taking Victoria anywhere. Xander warns that if Sarah tries, she’ll be arrested as soon as she enters the airport. Sarah calls him a mean and horrible human. Sarah tells Xander that she hates him and storms out. Xander then rushes out after her.

Belle points out to EJ that they know Johnny was there after Chanel. EJ wonders what if Chanel came back, found Roman’s gun and decided to use it. Belle says it’s possible but there’s no way to prove it. EJ feels it certainly casts reasonable doubt on Johnny’s guilt.

Johnny questions there being a video of Chanel confronting EJ. Paulina confirms she saw it herself. Johnny asks if Chanel really threatened EJ’s life. Paulina says she wouldn’t have believed it if she didn’t see it. Paulina insists that Chanel didn’t mean it but admits it looked pretty bad. Johnny argues that it doesn’t mean Chanel shot EJ as she doesn’t have it in her to hurt anyone.

Chanel sits with Jada in the interrogation room and questions her thinking that she shot EJ. Jada says she’s just asking questions. Chanel argues that Jada knows her. Jada says she does but she’s not asking as a friend, but as the police commissioner. Chanel tells Jada that she did not go back to EJ’s house and shoot him and she definitely did not threaten him. Jada asks what she meant by “I’m not going to let you live long enough to hurt Johnny or anyone else I care about ever again.” Chanel claims she never said that. Jada informs her that she saw the video. Chanel admits she was really angry about how much suffering EJ has caused Johnny and she was devastated at EJ causing them to lose their chance to adopt, but she does not remember threatening his life. Chanel says even if she said those words, she did not follow through on it and that’s the truth. Jada guesses they have reached an impasse then. Chanel asks if Jada is going to arrest her.

Johnny’s had enough and wants to go in to the interrogation room but Paulina stops him and says he can’t go barging in. Johnny argues that he has to do something and can’t just sit around and let his wife go down for a crime she didn’t commit. Johnny declares that he would confess to shooting EJ before he lets that happen. Paulina argues that he can’t be serious. Johnny says he’s the one who showed up with Roman’s gun and intended to shoot EJ. Johnny asks what kind of person does that to their own family. Johnny points out that he stood in front of his own father and told him he wanted him dead, so maybe he deserves this. Paulina realizes that Johnny really didn’t shoot EJ. Johnny says he didn’t, but neither did Chanel.

Sarah joins Philip at the Pub and tells him that she needs his help to take down Xander.

Xander storms in to the Kiriakis Mansion, asking Maggie where the hell Sarah is. Maggie asks what has gotten in to him. Xander responds that he knows what they are up to and he’s here to put a stop to it. Maggie says she has no idea what he’s talking about. Xander accuses her of trying to run off with his daughter and says he won’t let that happen. Xander declares that Victoria is coming home with him now.

Belle tells EJ that they will just have to wait and see if Jada can get any answers out of Chanel. Belle asks how EJ is feeling about it. EJ says he wished for anything to prove Johnny didn’t shoot him, but not this. Belle says it would be terrible for both of them but would get Johnny off the hook. EJ worries about what it would do to Johnny’s marriage to learn that his wife tried to murder his father. EJ questions how they would ever survive that.

Paulina tells Johnny that she’s grateful that Chanel has a husband that loves her so much that he would confess to attempted murder to protect her. Johnny points out that Paulina did it for her while Paulina points out how that turned out. Paulina declares that she can’t let him do this. Johnny says he and Chanel are just getting back on track after overcoming way too much in their marriage to let his father’s shooting tear them apart. Johnny declares that they need to find out who did shoot EJ for all their sakes.

Jada informs Chanel that she is not arresting her at this time, but the video moves her up on the suspect list. Chanel complains about how many times she’s going to be accused of crimes she did not commit. Jada argues that this is not like what happened on the roof in England or when her sister sabotaged Chanel’s bakery. Chanel asks how it’s different. Jada says she will make sure that Chanel is treated fairly throughout her investigation and there will be no jumping to conclusions. Jada advises Chanel to talk to Justin as soon as possible and not to leave the city as Chanel then exits.

Philip asks how he’s supposed to help Sarah take down Xander. Sarah tells him to admit that Xander attacked him. Philip reiterates that it wasn’t him but Sarah doesn’t believe him. Sarah knows he’s worried that if he tells the truth, Xander might tell the world about he and Vivian’s fraud to take Titan. Sarah asks what if she gave him an out.

Maggie tells Xander that he sounds like a crazy person. Xander argues that he’s protecting his rights as a father and asks Maggie to get the nanny to pack Victoria’s things. Maggie refuses so Xander asks if she really wants to pick this fight with him. Maggie wants him to come to his senses and stop imagining issues where there are none. Xander questions if she’s not trying to take his daughter out of the country then. Maggie responds that she only asked Sarah and Victoria to come with her on the trip because Melissa backed out at the last minute. Xander calls that convenient. Maggie tells him to get out. Xander says he’ll go after he collects his daughter and walks out of the room, leaving Maggie frustrated.

Belle tells EJ that as district attorney, her responsibility is to the people of Salem and the truth, so it’s important she keeps an open mind about the investigation and Chanel. Belle remembers Johnny and Chanel going through a hard time when trying to adopt Tate and Sophia’s baby. EJ points out that they blamed him for preventing that from happening. Belle asks if that’s enough for Chanel to want him dead. EJ acknowledges that she seemed awfully angry in the video and remarks that people commit all kinds of desperate acts when they feel backed in to a corner.

Chanel comes out of the interrogation room and hugs Johnny, who asks if she’s okay. Chanel cries that she doesn’t know. Johnny asks what happened in there. Chanel explains that there’s apparently some video from a hidden camera where she’s saying all sorts of crazy threatening things to EJ. Chanel adds that she doesn’t remember saying any of it. Paulina states that she saw the video. Chanel argues that she didn’t really threaten EJ like that. Johnny guesses she could’ve just forgot in the heat of the moment. Chanel assures that she didn’t shoot EJ. Paulina and Johnny say they both know she didn’t. Jada comes out of the interrogation room, so Johnny demands to see the video but Jada says she can’t do that.

Xander informs Maggie that the nanny is packing Victoria’s things and getting her ready to go. Maggie tells him that he’s making a mistake. Xander responds that the only mistake he made was thinking a woman like Maggie could look at him like a son and accuses her of conspiring to steal his daughter. Maggie responds that no one is stealing his child and argues that it’s not about her. Maggie says he and Sarah need to work this out for Victoria’s sake because if he keeps escalating this war, Victoria is the one who will get hurt. Xander argues that he’s protecting Victoria since they can’t come to terms on shared custody, it’s up to the most stable parent to step up. Maggie questions that being him. Xander says he’s the CEO of a multi million dollar company, sets his own hours, and has more than enough resources to keep Victoria safe and happy. Xander says she can tell Sarah that she will regret fighting him on this. Maggie asks what that’s supposed to mean. Xander warns that they will both find out.

Sarah asks Philip what if she talks to Stephanie, Alex, and Maggie as the only three people who know what he did and make them swear to never tell a soul about the forged letter. Philip thought they already agreed to that. Sarah calls that tenuous at best and asks what if she could guarantee that if Xander comes forward to claim he’s a pretender to the Kiriakis throne, they will call him a liar. Philip questions if she believes she can convince them to do that. Sarah assures that if Philip tells the truth about what Xander did to him, they will not support him and if Xander goes to prison, Philip will become the sole CEO like he always wanted.

Maggie tells Xander that Victor would be turning over in his grave if he knew that Xander was ripping his namesake out of this house. Xander complains that all he hears about is what Victor would want and argues that she has no idea since he’s Victor’s flesh and blood, not her or Sarah. Xander asks if Victor would want him to make peace with liars who wanna steal what is his. Maggie shouts that she was Victor’s wife so she knew him better than anyone and he wouldn’t want this. Xander argues that she’s really trying to say Victor wouldn’t want him. Maggie says it always goes back to that and that Xander is feeling unloved and wanted. Maggie asks if he’s going to burn everything down because Victor didn’t claim him before he died. Xander responds that he has to do what’s right for him. Maggie asks if that’s going back to who he he was before Salem and if he’s going to be a monster that tears Victoria away from her mother without letting her say goodbye. Xander responds that he is the monster that Victor made him. Maggie shouts that she’s calling the police. Xander tells her to go ahead, pointing out that Victoria is his daughter too, so he has every right to be with her just as much as Sarah does. Xander then walks out of the room.

Belle tells EJ that she has to get back to work to check in with Jada and reminds EJ that he has a hospital to run. EJ suggests she could help him with that and says that he’s been putting together a comprehensive plan on improving the hospital’s bedside manner. EJ jokes that he can take Belle upstairs and show her as they kiss. Belle gives in and they head upstairs together.

Philip admits that Sarah’s plan is tempting so Sarah asks what the problem is. Philip worries that there’s too many variables as Alex and Stephanie could still change their mind or Vivian could still out him. Sarah asks who would believe Vivian and argues that the forgery was vetted by experts. Philip brings up that Vivian somehow proved to Xander that it was forged so who knows what proof she has and worries that it would be gone over by a different team of experts. Sarah says she gets that he’s afraid. Philip feels he’s being realistic. Sarah argues that they could make this work and he could make Xander pay for what he did to him. Philip asks if that’s really what this is about. Sarah responds that he deserves justice and admits if it works, she would get Xander out of her and her daughter’s life for good. Sarah declares that all Philip has to do is tell the truth. Philip responds that he’s sorry but he can’t help her.

Johnny, Chanel, and Paulina sit together with coffee in the town square. Chanel questions Johnny not going back to work. Johnny says not until he knows she’s okay and that Philip and Xander can wait. Paulina agrees and says Chanel always comes first. Paulina gets a text from Justin, saying he’s out of town for the week but will check in this afternoon. Chanel says maybe she won’t need him since Jada did let her go. Paulina says it’s always a good idea to have legal representation. Chanel asks if she should be worried. Johnny encourages that Chanel is innocent and Jada will see that. Chanel hopes to God he’s right.

Sarah goes home and asks Maggie where Victoria is. Maggie responds that she’s not there. Sarah questions what is going on and where she is. Maggie then reveals that Xander took her.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

 

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

GH Short Recap Friday, July 11, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

GH logo

Recap written by Eva

Curtis warns Michael that he has to publish an article about Sonny because Drew is still blackmailing him. Curtis tells Michael that he had a plan to stop Drew, but the weasel was three steps ahead and he found out about his plan and put a stop to it. Michael tells Curtis not to give up and do whatever he has to do to protect his family.

Trina is very upset with Kai when he tells her that he told Drew about Curtis’s plan to use Jacinda to frame him. Trina is upset that Kai broke his promise not to tell Drew about Curtis’s plan and not get involved in the situation. Trina tells Kai she can’t trust him anymore and she isn’t sure that she still wants to be his girlfriend.

Brook Lynn apologizes to Dante and tells him that she didn’t mean for Rocco to see that file about Britt because she changed her mind about getting revenge on Lulu by showing the file to Rocco. Laura helps Rocco understand that Dante and Lulu really wanted to have a child and considered it a blessing when he was born. Laura also tells Rocco that Dante and Lulu intended to tell him about his birth and never wanted to keep it a secret. Rocco looks up Britt Westbourne on the internet to find out more about her.

Josslynn and Vaughn decide to drop their plan to keep Emma away from Professor Dalton because Anna is suspicious of Vaugn’s relationship with Emma because he is older than her.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

GH cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Friday, July 11, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

EJ and Belle watched the footage from the memory stick. They saw Chanel threatening EJ. The footage didn’t clear Johnny of the shooting. EJ said he didn’t remember talking to her or the shooting. He thought the evidence looked bad. Belle didn’t think it meant anything, but Jada was questioning Chanel. EJ wished he had a way to get Johnny off the hook, but he didn’t want to do it that way. He wondered what would happen to Johnny’s marriage. EJ didn’t think things looked good for Chanel. Jada talked to Paulina about the next steps with Chanel. She told Paulina that she was bringing Chanel in for questioning. Paulina felt like the timing that Belle received the memory stick was convenient. She wanted to know what else was on the stick. Jada told her that it was just Chanel. Paulina believed that Chanel was innocent. She said that she was with Chanel for most of the night. Paulina wanted to be the one to tell Chanel what happened. After that, she would step back from the investigation. Johnny tried to make Chanel feel better about EJ representing him. His father wouldn’t let him get convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Chanel agreed with him. Johnny was about to go to the office when Paulina called Chanel. She wanted them to go the police station. Later, Johnny and Chanel arrived at the station. Paulina saw them and told Chanel that Jada had questions for her. She wanted Chanel to have a lawyer present. Chanel was stunned by what happened. She agreed to talk to Jada without a lawyer present. Chanel didn’t have anything to hide. Johnny and Paulina begged her to reconsider talking without a lawyer. Chanel didn’t want to get a lawyer so Jada took her to the interrogation room to question her. Chanel admitted that she went to the mansion to yell at EJ. Jada told her that they had her on tape threatening EJ. Chanel was shocked by that and said that she didn’t shoot EJ. She said she didn’t threaten him either. Jada read the transcript of the threat which confused Chanel. She denied saying what was in the transcripts. Chanel was upset, but she didn’t remember threatening him. If she did threaten him, she didn’t go through with shooting him. Jada wasn’t going to arrest Chanel, but she moved up on the suspect list. She planned to be fair with the investigation. Jada allowed Chanel to leave, but she didn’t want her leaving town. Johnny told Paulina that Chanel didn’t mean to threaten EJ even if she did it. His wife would never hurt anyone. He was going to interrupt the interrogation and tell Jada that he shot EJ so he could save his wife. Paulina realized that Johnny didn’t do it, but Chanel didn’t either. They had to find out who really shot EJ. After her interrogation, Chanel told Johnny and Paulina that she didn’t remember threatening EJ. Paulina told her that she saw the footage. Johnny thought she might have forgot.

Xander and Philip argued about their destructive secrets when Sarah walked in the room. She wanted to know what was going on between them. They didn’t tell her anything. Philip told her that he was asking Xander too many questions, and Xander got annoyed. He said that he was going to get some food. Sarah asked Xander if she could take Victoria to Bermuda for a girls’ weekend with her family. Xander wouldn’t let her do it. He thought Victoria was too young to go to Bermuda. The trip was just for Sarah. He refused to let them leave the country with his daughter. Maggie had the money to make them disappear forever. If she tried to take her, he would have her arrested. Sarah thought he was a mean person. She told him that she hated him and stormed out of the office. Xander followed her out. Sarah found Philip at the pub and asked for his help. She wanted him to help her take down Xander. Sarah wanted him to admit that Xander attacked him. Philip didn’t want to admit to it. Sarah knew he was worried about his inheritance. She had an out for him. Sarah would go to Stephanie, Alex and her mother and ask them to keep quiet about his forged letter. Even if Xander said anything, they would support him. If Xander went to prison, Philip would be the only CEO. Xander barged into the Kiriakis mansion and demanded to know where his daughter was, He let Maggie know that he wouldn’t let them steal his daughter. Xander was going to take her with him. Maggie refused to let him take Victoria. She wanted to get out. He planned to leave after he got his daughter. She tried to stop him, but he told her that the nanny was packing Victoria’s things. Maggie told him that no one was stealing his child. She said he would make things worse and would hurt Victoria. Maggie felt like Victor would be disgusted with him if he could see him. Xander said he was the monster his father made him. Maggie wanted to call the police, but Xander called her bluff.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Thursday, July 10, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gwen woke up alone in her bed. She thought about what happened with Xander the night before. Things got hot and heavy with Xander, but he couldn’t go through with having sex with her. Someone knocked on her door, and she was very annoyed by it. JJ was the person at the door. They argued over who destroyed the family. He didn’t want to get into that. JJ wanted to talk to her about the necklace. Gwen was upset and told him that the necklace belonged to her fair and square. He said it was stolen, and he had a right to take it back. Gwen blocked him from leaving and told him that he didn’t have proof the necklace belonged to Julie first. She snatched the necklace and said that Julie could sue her if she wanted it so badly. Gwen wanted JJ to leave. JJ knew Gwen wanted to make the Hortons suffer because their father made a life with his mother instead of her mother. Gwen reminded him that they had everything, and she had nothing. She said that Jack didn’t have room for another daughter by the time she came around. JJ wanted her to get over it. He advised her to wallow or change her life for the better. Gwen told him that her life was perfect because she’s rich and young. She didn’t need anything else. JJ told her that she needed family. Chanel was getting ready to set up a Sweet Bits stand when Paulina arrived. She wanted to talk to Chanel. She told Chanel that she didn’t have a choice when she had Johnny arrested. Paulina didn’t have the luxury not to do the right thing. She hoped that she was wrong about Johnny. Hurting Chanel was the last thing Paulina wanted to do. She couldn’t give him special treatment. Paulina hoped Chanel understood that. Chanel finally accepted that Paulina thought she did the right thing. She didn’t know what to do for Johnny. Paulina advised her to keep the faith. She hugged Chanel, but she pulled back. Chanel told her that EJ said she couldn’t talk about the case. Paulina understood, but she warned her to be careful when it concerned EJ. He always had a trick up his sleeve. Xander and Philip argued at the office about trying to help the company when Johnny arrived. Philip said that they would support Johnny. He said that he wanted Johnny there to do a video statement together. Philip thought it would show that there wasn’t any dissension in the ranks. Xander wasn’t thrilled with the idea. Philip told him that they had to address the situation directly. Johnny agreed with Philip. Things at the company were bad ever since Xander was accused of attacking Philip. A joint statement would squash the problems. Xander agreed to do it. He thought it would be hard to pretend to like Philip.

EJ was on the phone with Rita when Tony walked in the room. He wanted to know what EJ was up to. EJ told him that he was running errands at the hospital, but Tony didn’t believe him. Tony talked to him about the Kiriakises taking DiMera Enterprises from them. He didn’t want to wait for Xander and Philip to implode. Tony wanted to find someone in the company to turn on them. EJ wanted to know why he wanted them company back since he wasn’t going to run it. Tony didn’t respond to that. He wanted the company back so a DiMera could run it again. Tony didn’t know who could run it since everyone messed it up when they ran it. EJ suggested that Johnny run the company. Tony loved Johnny, but he didn’t think he had enough experience to run the company. He mentioned that Johnny would be stuck in court. Tony wondered what would happen if Johnny got convicted. EJ was sure that Johnny would beat the charges. Tony thought EJ was going to fix the evidence to help Johnny. He warned EJ not to interfere with Johnny’s case. EJ thanked him and brushed of his warning. Belle and Jada reviewed the evidence in the case. They found out that Roman’s gun was the attempted murder weapon. The evidence didn’t help Johnny look innocent. Jada couldn’t believe the judge didn’t recuse Belle from the case. Belle promised to give Johnny a fair trial. Jada hoped the memory card would have the shooting on it. Belle didn’t think it would help. They thought it might give them an idea who else wanted to shoot EJ. The forensics team finished with the memory card. Jada and Belle watched the memory card and were shocked by what they saw. They wondered what they would do now. Jada called Paulina so she could watch the new evidence. Belle called EJ to tell him about the footage they saw. She wanted him to see it for himself. Paulina arrived at the station and saw the footage. She was shocked when she saw Chanel arguing with EJ. The footage concluded with her telling him that he wouldn’t stop unless someone made him. She wasn’t going to let him live long enough to hurt anyone else.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Y&R Short Recap Friday, July 11, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

 

Y&R logo

 

Recap written by Eva

In Nice France.

Cane agrees to do the perfume campaign with Audra and Kyle. Cane tells Audra and Kyle that he will delay revealing his identity so they can do the publicity campaign for their perfumes. Kyle and Audra celebrate by having a drink in Audra’s sleeping car.

In Genoa City.

Adam tells Chelsea that Aristotle Dumas is Cane Ashby. Chelsea tells Adam that Cole died. Claire and Victoria are grieving for him. Adam tells Chelsea they need to figure out who Cane has working for him in Genoa City because someone has to help him buy all this real estate in Genoa City. Chelsea tells Adam that she thinks that Holden is secretly working for Cane. Chelsea introduces Adam to Holden. Adam tells Holden that he might have a job for him at Newman Media. Holden tells Claire that he lost his father to cancer, so he knows how she feels right now. Holden tells Claire that he will listen if she ever needs to talk to someone.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

 

Y&R cast animation

Days Update Thursday, July 10, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

Days of Our Lives logo

Update written by Joseph

Gwen wakes up in bed with a smile but is disappointed when she turns over and sees the other side of the bed is empty.

Xander goes to the Titan office with a headache and is shocked to find Philip, who happily greets him. Xander questions what the hell he’s doing in his office.

Johnny gets ready for work while Chanel points out that he barely touched his breakfast. Johnny admits he’s a little nervous about going back to work. Chanel knows it will be tough but good for him like a distraction and something to focus on instead of everything else going on. Johnny agrees as Chanel kisses him.

In the living room of the DiMera Mansion, EJ calls Rita to confirm their package was delivered. EJ tells Rita that he knew he could count on her as Tony walks in and questions what exactly Rita did for him this time.

Belle joins Jada in the interrogation room. Jada informs Belle that she hasn’t seen the footage on the memory card yet but the ballistics report on the gun just came in, so there is no doubt now that Roman’s gun was the gun used to shoot EJ.

Xander demands an answer as to what Philip is doing in his office. Philip responds that he works here. Xander says he works for the company but part of their terms was that he would stay out of his way. Philip thought they established that the only way to pull Titan back from the brink is that they come together as brothers. Xander responds that they may be blood but he will never be his brother. Philip is sorry that he feels that way but says it doesn’t change the fact that are each other’s best hope and suggests working on their relationship. Xander responds that it’s hard for him to have a relationship with him when every time he sees him, he wants to wring his neck. Philip reveals that’s why he has signed Xander up for an anger management class. Xander asks what makes him think that he needs anger management classes as he grabs Philip, who says he’s kind of making the case for him.

Gwen gets up from bed and flashes back to the night before with Xander, revealing they almost hooked up but Xander stopped and told her that he couldn’t do this and left the room. JJ then shows up at Gwen’s door.

Chanel tells Johnny that she can’t imagine being in his shoes. Johnny says everything that is happening was brought on by himself. Chanel encourages to be kinder on himself and says all that matters is that he did not go through with shooting EJ. Johnny thanks her and says he’ll see her later and he loves her very much. Chanel says she loves him too and that she’s always got his back. Johnny then leaves for work.

EJ tells Tony that Rita is an employee of the family, so he was just having her run errands. Tony talks about why Stefano admired Rita. EJ calls him paranoid and claims he was just having Rita handle business for the hospital. EJ says if he asked Rita, she wouldn’t say a word which is why they value her like Stefano did.

Belle worries that it’s one more strike against Johnny. Jada states that all it proves was that Roman’s gun was used. Belle points out that Johnny already admitted to stealing it to confront EJ that night, so this does not make Johnny look innocent. Jada calls it crazy that the judge unrecused her from the case when Johnny is Belle’s nephew. Belle says she loves Johnny and talks about people having vendettas against DiMeras, while she will at least run the case with integrity and Johnny will get a fair trial. Belle insists on doing this by the book no matter what happens. Jada notes it won’t be easy. Belle agrees but says despite the evidence, her gut is telling her that he’s innocent. Jada hopes the footage will show someone else shooting EJ. Belle then reveals that she knows it won’t.

JJ walks in to Gwen’s room and says she just missed their dad as Jack and Jennifer were just in Salem until a few days ago. JJ asks if Gwen waited until they left town to show her face again. Gwen argues that Jack hasn’t ever given a damn about her so she doesn’t schedule her life around him. JJ disagrees and says that Jack wanted a relationship and she could’ve had one with him but she spat in his face. JJ adds that she screwed up their relationship when she decided to go after his sister. Gwen complains that it always comes back to Abigail. JJ tells Gwen that he will never forgive her for what she did to Abigail. Gwen asks why the hell he is in her room then.

Paulina finds Chanel in the town square and tells her not to walk away from her. Chanel accuses Paulina of railroading her husband and says they have nothing to say to each other. Paulina disagrees and declares they are going to hash this out right now.

Jada asks if there’s something Belle is not telling her. Belle reveals that EJ had a memory of finding the camera in the living room. Jada questions EJ knowing the whole time and asks why Belle didn’t say anything until now. Belle says it didn’t seem relevant at the time because EJ also remembered taking the memory stick out of the camera before he was shot. Belle adds that when EJ got home, the camera and memory card was missing, so he has no idea that Rafe is the one who planted it and initially accused her of planting it since she was wearing a wire that night. Jada concludes that the memory card won’t have the shooting on it, but it might include the events leading up to it and give them a clearer picture of who else might have wanted EJ dead.

EJ tells Tony that Rita has always be devoted to their family. Tony guesses he was just being paranoid. Tony questions EJ being complacent that DiMera is under the control of the Kiriakis brothers. EJ tells him to blame Kristen for ousting him. Tony argues that it’s not about blame but about making things right. Tony complains that when Philip was in the hospital and Xander was arrested, it was their time to strike but they squandered it. EJ tells Tony that he is content running the hospital for now. EJ argues that no one was stopping Tony from making a play for DiMera on his own. Tony says he hears now that Xander and Philip have mended faces. EJ bets they will be at each others’ throats in no time.

Philip stretches in the office which annoys Xander. Xander accuses Philip of trying to bait him in to losing it. Philip says it’s part of his physical therapy after his brutal beating. Johnny arrives at the office. Xander admits he’s surprised he came to work today. Johnny says he can’t hide from the world forever. Philip comments to Xander on working through being accused of a crime and tells Johnny that he has their unwavering support. Johnny calls that a relief and admits he was fearing the worst when he heard they wanted to see him. Xander says he didn’t ask to see him but Philip explains that they want a video statement from them to assure they are back in business as a united front with no dissension in the ranks. Xander tells him to forget it as it’s not happening and calls it the most ridiculous idea he’s ever heard.

Gwen argues that JJ didn’t come all this way to tell her to keep Abigail’s name out of her mouth. JJ admits that he didn’t and picks up the necklace from her nightstand and says he’s here about that. Gwen complains that Chad and Julie sent him. JJ says Julie is the owner of the necklace. Gwen says not anymore as she bought it fair and square. JJ tells Gwen that she’s been had then because what she bought was stolen property and he’s within his rights to return it to it’s proper owner which Gwen disagrees with.

Tony hopes EJ is right that things between Xander and Philip is only temporary but he’s not going to wait around for their relationship to deteriorate again. Tony suggests trying to find a disgruntled Titan employee to sabotage their CEOs. EJ questions the point since Tony is enjoying retirement with Anna and not planning on running the company. Tony thinks it’s vital that they get the company back in the family with one of them at the helm. EJ says not to look to him. Tony mocks him being too focused on the hospital while Kristen’s reign was a disaster. EJ brings up one other option. Tony says he hasn’t had any luck trying to contact Stefan. EJ then reveals he’s talking about Johnny.

Xander refuses to send out a video. Philip feels they need to do something because the stock price plummeted after Xander’s arrest. Xander questions drawing more attention to all the chaos. Philip feels the only way through is to address all the craziness directly. Xander asks Johnny to back him up but Johnny says that what Philip is suggesting could work. Johnny says his background comes from entertainment and not the corporate world but he’s seen many people save careers with a well written statement. Xander thinks there’s plenty of results that show the opposite. Philip talks about the shareholders being in a panic since Xander was accused of attacking him and says that them releasing a statement together would quell all that. Xander reluctantly agrees to do it, so Johnny asks when they want to do it. Philip suggests right now.

Chanel tells Paulina that she doesn’t have time for this as she has a business to run. Paulina argues that she’s trying to do her job too and wishes she didn’t have to have Johnny arrested, but points out the optics. Chanel questions Paulina just being worried about how it would look for her. Paulina says it’s how it would look for Johnny, them, the police department and the whole city hall. Chanel complains that Paulina believes Johnny is guilty as sin. Paulina admits that she does, but she’s praying to God that she’s wrong.

Belle knows the footage is a gamechanger for the case but feels it’s all convenient and they will have trouble using it in court without knowing who dropped it off, questioning it showing up after Johnny’s arrest. Jada says someone wanted to get it in Belle’s hands and get her attention.

Gwen demands the necklace back. JJ says it belongs to his family. Gwen stands in his way and argues that it’s her necklace. JJ repeats that it’s stolen property. Gwen argues that he has no proof. JJ brings up the police report. Gwen asks if Julie has proof that it belonged to her first. Gwen then grabs the necklace back from JJ and declares that if Julie wants it back so badly, she can sue her for it but that will take a really long time. JJ says if that’s the way she wants to play it, she’s just making it harder and more expensive on herself. Gwen calls it so much more enjoyable and tells JJ to get the hell out of her room if there’s nothing else.

Paulina tells Chanel that she’s hoping her gut is wrong. Chanel doesn’t believe her and argues that Paulina hates nothing more than admitting she’s wrong. Chanel argues that there must be something she could do to protect Johnny. Paulina wishes she could but says they have to let it play out in court and she can’t give any suspect special treatment. Paulina asks if Chanel understands that. Chanel admits she believes Paulina is doing what she believes is right. Chanel cries that she’s trying to be strong for Johnny but she’s about to break as she can’t lose him. Paulina encourages her to keep the faith. Paulina adds that there’s a chance that new evidence will be found, an alibi, or a new suspect. Paulina tells Chanel that if she runs out of strength, she can grab onto hers as they hug.

Johnny hands Xander and Philip a script for them to read from for their video statement. Xander argues that nobody talks like that. Johnny says they can take the bullet points and make it their own. Johnny adds that what’s key is that they both come off relaxed and like they like each other. Philip comments on that being easy for them.

Tony questions EJ wanting Johnny to run DiMera Enterprises. EJ asks why that’s such an absurd idea. Tony says he’s as big a fan of Johnny as anyone but points out his minimal business experience. EJ says they will guide him. Tony argues that Johnny doesn’t need a mentor even if he wasn’t being convicted of attempted murder. EJ states that Johnny is innocent while Tony argues that Johnny will be spending more time in court than running the company, especially if he’s convicted. EJ shouts that he knows for sure Johnny is going to beat this and that is never going to happen. Tony questions how he knows for sure. EJ points out that the case is young so there’s plenty of time for new evidence. Tony guesses that EJ has already arranged for that to happen.

Jada and Belle talk about getting the memory card back and there being no fingerprints on it, so whoever sent it wants to remain anonymous. Jada asks Belle if she’s ready to find out what is on it. Belle says she’s as ready as she’ll ever be.

JJ tells Gwen that this is pathetic and he knows exactly what it’s about. JJ believes Gwen wants to torture the Hortons because Jack started a family with Jennifer instead of her mother and that’s why she hated Abigail so much. Gwen complains that they had everything and that she needed a father too, pointing out that she had nobody after her mother died. Gwen talks about what it was like to grow up in a group home with no friends or family. Gwen says by the time she found Jack, he had no more love to give to her because he had his kids and grandkids. Gwen adds that even if Jack wanted a relationship with her, there was no room for her to be his daughter. Gwen asks if JJ has anything else to say to her. JJ responds that he actually does and tells Gwen to get over it.

EJ claims to have no idea what Tony is talking about. Tony talks about EJ being both Johnny’s attorney and alleged victim, so he advises EJ not interfere with the case at all. Tony warns that EJ can’t game the system when the stakes are this high. EJ thanks him for his concern but says that he just meant that he knows in his heart that Johnny did not shoot him and he’s confident that new evidence will arise. Tony hopes EJ is right. EJ assures that he is and tells Tony to let him focus on Johnny’s case while Tony can try to get the company back like Stefano would have wanted, not just for them but for all of Stefano’s grandchildren too. Tony says that includes the family that Johnny and Chanel will have as he exits the room. EJ remarks to himself that’s if they make it that far.

Xander calls Philip insufferable. Philip asks him to fake it. Xander says he’s pretended to like him for months. They argue until Philip decides they are not filming the video now, worrying that if it’s not perfect then it could damage Titan even further. Xander agrees and says he has a massive headache so he suggests they try again after lunch. Johnny suggests they rehearse a few times because right now, it feels like they want to kill each other. Johnny then exits the room.

Chanel tells Paulina that she shouldn’t be talking to her about the case as EJ asked her not to. Paulina questions her listening to EJ instead of her own mother. Chanel acknowledges that EJ is the expert here and claims to have Johnny’s best interests at heart. Paulina understands and warns her to be careful around EJ. Chanel assures that she’s not blind to who EJ is but she wants Johnny to have the best representation possible and right now, that’s EJ. Paulina worries that EJ always has some trick up his sleeve, so she doesn’t want this to backfire on Johnny or Chanel.

Belle and Jada are shocked by what they see on the memory card. Belle asks what to do now. Jada responds that they have to do their jobs and notify the mayor. Jada then calls Paulina and asks her to get to the police station as there’s some new evidence that she needs to see for herself. Paulina responds that she’s on her way. Chanel asks if everything is okay. Paulina admits that she doesn’t know.

JJ tells Gwen again to get over it. JJ points out that Abigail is dead while Gwen is very much alive, so she can continue being jealous of a dead woman or she can use the opportunity to change her life for the better. Gwen laughs off that her life is fine, pointing out that she’s healthy, young, and now filthy rich thanks to her gay husband. Gwen asks what more she could ask for. JJ says a family that cares and loves her in good times and bad. JJ points out that’s what all this has been about. JJ can’t say if they will ever get along but says she’s wrong about Jack as there is room in his heart for another daughter, now more than ever. JJ adds that considering how things went down last time, it would have to be Gwen who extends the olive branch. Gwen asks how to do that. JJ is sure she’ll think of something and tells Gwen that he’ll see her around as he exits the room.

Philip brings Xander a cup of herbal tea. Xander remarks that he’s not being subtle if he’s trying to poison him. Philip notes Xander being on edge and asks what kind of trouble he got in to last night. Xander tells him to knock off trying to be nice to him. Philip questions Xander not liking him to be mean or nice and asks what he should be. Xander tells him to be invisible. Xander says they will get the video done and stabilize the company, but he’s not sure how much longer he can work with someone who makes his skin crawl. Philip responds that Xander could quit.

EJ gets a call from Belle and says he thought she’d be too swamped to call him. Belle says that she is but something came up at work that concerns him. Belle informs EJ that they recovered the memory card from the night he was shot and she thinks he needs to see it for himself, which makes EJ smile.

Johnny joins Chanel in the town square and tells her that his work day is going well and he’s just taking lunch while Xander and Philip get their act together. Johnny asks how Chanel’s day is going. Chanel says that Paulina was there and they kind of made up, so she hopes that’s not weird for him. Johnny says not at all and that Chanel has been his rock through all of this, so he wants her to have the support she needs. Chanel calls it interesting that no one will fight for them as hard as their parents will. Johnny asks if that means she’s come to terms with EJ representing him. Chanel says he knows that she doesn’t like it, but since he thinks it’s best, she will back him up because they are in this together. Chanel acknowledges believing that EJ will do whatever it takes to prove Johnny is innocent.

Paulina joins Jada and Belle in the interrogation room, asking them to show her the video footage of the night EJ was shot. Jada starts to warn her but Paulina says she doesn’t have all day so Jada plays the video. Paulina is shocked to see the video showing Chanel confronting EJ the night he was shot and going off on him, warning him that Johnny would never forgive him. Paulina remembers Chanel saying she laid in to EJ that night. They continue watching the video where Chanel warned EJ that she wouldn’t let him live long enough to hurt Johnny or anyone else she cares about ever again, leaving Paulina in disbelief.

Back to the Main Days of Our Lives Page

Back to the Main Daytime Updates Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF

Days Short Recap Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

Days of Our Lives logo

Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle talked to Marlena about Johnny’s case. She told her important evidence came up. Belle said if Johnny was innocent it might lead to the real shooter. She said the last thing she wanted to do was prosecute Johnny. Marlena wondered how it would go. Belle said she and EJ wanted Johnny to be found not guilty. She hoped the case didn’t go to trial. Marlena admitted to Belle that she hadn’t been sleeping because her grief hasn’t stopped even though everyone has moved on. Belle said she wasn’t alone because she was there. When Marlena tried standing up and was unsteady, Belle asked if there was something going on that she wasn’t telling her. Gwen ripped into Leo for what he did to her. While she was talking, Leo noticed the necklace she was wearing. He tried to talk her into giving Julie back the necklace, but she didn’t want to listen to him after what he did to her. Gwen said she hated him and threatened to make him pay for betraying her. Leo apologized to her and said he paid for what he did. Gwen enjoyed the idea of Dimitri breaking up with him. She said Dimitri refused to divorce her which was okay with her because she got his money. Leo said he didn’t need money because he had love in his life. Javi didn’t understand what was going on. Gwen told Javi that he didn’t know what he got himself into. When Gwen left, Javi asked Leo what she was talking about. Leo told him what happened. Javi tried to process what Leo did. Leo said he wouldn’t forgive himself for what he did to Gwen. He thought Gwen was right about him needing to pay for what he did, even if he lost Javi. Javi told him that people did things they regretted. While they were talking, Javi said he could see them as a family, but Leo didn’t think he would make a good father after having horrible parents.

At the Bistro, Xander was drinking and thinking about spending time with Sarah and Victoria. Gwen showed up. She offered Xander her condolences over what happened with Sarah. Xander was shocked that she did that. Gwen said she wasn’t their biggest supporter, but they were married with a child. She said their love drove her crazy when they were together. Gwen thought her insecurity drove him away and pushed her to work with Kristen to kidnap Sarah. She said she didn’t think she could stand up against his love for Sarah. Gwen asked what would have happened if she told him the truth. She asked if he ever wondered about that to which he said he didn’t. Gwen said she thought about it all the time. Xander noticed the necklace around her neck. He thought she should have it since she was rich. They made a toast to her getting over on Dimitri and to the fact that they both had money. After they finished drinking, they went to the town square. Gwen told him he was the one who got away. Xander asked if there was another chance for them. Gwen kissed him. Sarah looked at pictures of her and Xander. Bonnie walked in and told her that looking at pictures wouldn’t help. She asked Sarah if she wanted to talk. Sarah told her what happened with Xander. Bonnie thought she should celebrate Xander being out of her life. Sarah was surprised by her reaction. Bonnie said she started to like Xander but that changed after what he did to Philip. Sarah said she still loved Xander even though she wished she didn’t. Bonnie talked about her first husband even though he beat her and was a drunk. She said he apologized for his actions but did them again until Mimi killed him. Sarah said she didn’t want to raise her daughter around violence. She told Bonnie that she didn’t think Xander would hurt Victoria. Bonnie said he only hurt other people. Sarah said she and Xander had to work together to raise Victoria, but she didn’t think that would work after what happened. Bonnie advised her to fight fire with fire. She told Sarah that Xander was going to fight dirty. Sarah asked how she could fight dirty. Bonnie gave her suggestions to try.

Back to the Daytime Recaps Page

Days of Our Lives cast animated GIF