JokersUpdates.com: Days of Our Lives - ‘Days of our Lives’ Fall 2026 Preview: Chess Mystery, Xander–Sarah

The change of seasons will bring some new faces and developments to Salem as Days of our Lives moves into its fall stories.

“Fall in Salem is full of twists and turns and secrets and surprises,” tease co-head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford. “Dots connect in unexpected ways as seemingly unrelated threads converge.”

Several new faces will join the cast. Newcomer Brandon Butler made his debut as Mason Whitfield last week, while Sydney Malakeh will arrive on September 10 as Sydney DiMera, the daughter of EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney). Heated Rivalry‘s Franco Lo Presti will follow on September 14 as Dante, who also has ties to Sami.”

“The arrival of a stranger who will set the whole town on its ear,” add the writers. “The character has several strong ties to the current canvas and impacts many storylines.”

Looking ahead, Cwikly and Ford describe the new season as “familiar yet surprising,” adding that viewers should “Watch for romance and adventure for some of your favorite couples and perhaps the birth of some new favorites.”

Here, they preview what’s coming up in Salem.

Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd)
“The [chess board] mystery and its fallout are central to the fall stories. Chad and Belle follow the clues to a discovery that changes both of their families, and Salem, forever. Marlena worries that their investigation/the chess set may be a Pandora’s box that has been opened. And she is right…”

EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel) and Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord)
“EJ is going to need bigger hands. Every time he puts one fire out, it seems another one starts. Feelings definitely grow between Cat and EJ, but so do the secrets they are each keeping from the other.

Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk)
“We will see Kristen again — and she does not come back alone.”

The Kiriakis Family
“The Kiriakises are determined to take a page from the DiMera playbook and rise from the ashes, rebuilding from scratch if necessary. They come together as a family and try some very unorthodox ways to keep the wolf from the door.”

Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer), Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf)
“When Sarah faces attacks personally and professionally, Xander and Brady work together to help and protect her. Sarah’s new love for Brady is challenged by her lingering love for Xander. Xander risks everything for Sarah.”

Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) and Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez)
“Gabi and Philip draw closer as he tries to save the family company and home.”

Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens)
“Chanel resumes cancer treatment after the safe arrival of the new baby. Johnny tries to support her but his lies and ties to EJ threaten their happiness.”

Abe Carver (James Reynolds) and Paulina Price (Jackée Harry)
“The love is still there, but so is the hurt. Even though Paulina stepped away on her own, she struggles with the fact that Abe ultimately chose Lexie [Carver, Nikki Crawford] over her.”

Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews)
“Struggling with the loss of his mother, and unable and unwilling to do business the way Johnny and EJ do, Theo finds himself at a crossroads.”

Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins), Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) and Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein)
“Joy ups her game even as Stephanie becomes more suspicious of her. Alex finds himself torn between his wife and wanting to be there for his daughter, but just as it seems Joy is about to get what she wants, Alex has a surprise for her.”

Familiar Faces
“World travels lead to some characters coming home and shaking up things in Salem.”

Days of Our Lives, Weekdays, Peacock

tvinsider.com/1285506/days-of-our-lives-fall-2026-preview-returns-arrivals-storylines-spoilers/