“Days of Our Lives” fans, get your tissues ready, because a beloved and iconic character is making an emotional comeback that promises to bring raw grief and heartfelt family reunions to Salem! Alison Sweeney is officially returning as Sami Brady, and her first order of business will be a tearful reunion with her mother, Marlena (Deidre Hall), following the devastating recent loss of Marlena’s beloved husband, John Black (Drake Hogestyn).
Sweeney’s highly anticipated return has been officially confirmed by TV Guide Magazine, stating that the actress will grace the Peacock streaming soap on August 5th. This immediate return, so close on the heels of John’s tragic passing, is set to be incredibly impactful.
Sweeney herself expressed her deep regret at missing a crucial moment in Salem’s recent history: “I was so devastated that my schedule didn’t allow me to film the funeral scenes for John with the rest of the cast. I’m really glad they were able to make this happen.” This indicates that while she couldn’t be there for the initial outpouring of grief, her return now is specifically designed to address Sami’s reaction to John’s death and to provide emotional support to her mother. The actress emphasized the profound emotional weight of these upcoming scenes, explaining, “It is one of those mom-daughter moments where you really don’t have to say anything. It is just extremely emotional as they hug and cry, and it is really heartbreaking.” This promises a powerful, silent display of grief and comfort between one of “Days of Our Lives'” most enduring mother-daughter duos. Fans can anticipate a scene filled with tears and unspoken understanding as Sami rushes to her mother’s side in her time of need.
Beyond this immediate, emotionally charged visit, Sweeney reaffirmed her deep connection to the show and her character, stating, “I love Sami, I love Salem, I love everyone there. It is a second home to me. I can’t imagine not having it in my life.” This heartfelt sentiment will resonate deeply with long-time viewers who cherish Sami’s often tumultuous but always compelling presence in Port Charles.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! In an even bigger “spoiler” for devoted fans, Sweeney will be making a more extensive return this fall as “Days of Our Lives” celebrates its monumental 60th anniversary on air! This major milestone will see a parade of beloved familiar faces making their way back to Salem to commemorate decades of drama, romance, and shocking twists. Confirmed returns for the fall festivities include: Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford), Jennifer Deveraux (Melissa Reeves), Sami’s twin brother Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan), and her son Will Horton (Chandler Massey). This star-studded lineup promises a nostalgic and dramatic celebration, potentially bringing various long-dormant storylines and family dynamics back to the forefront. The return of so many key figures, especially for such a significant anniversary, suggests major plot developments and emotional reunions are in store for the fall.
The official “Days of Our Lives” YouTube account has already given viewers a tantalizing sneak peek at Sweeney’s immediate return, confirming Sami’s characteristic flair for drama. In the brief clip, Sami is back in town, greeting someone off-screen with her signature boldness, stating, “Well, hello E.J.” This brief but impactful line immediately sets up potential conflict or rekindled chemistry with her tumultuous on-again, off-again husband, E.J. DiMera. The clip then transitions to the highly anticipated mother-daughter reunion, showcasing the raw emotion as Sami embraces Marlena. “Sami,” Marlena says, her voice thick with emotion, to which Sami replies simply, “Mom,” as they share a poignant embrace. Marlena then adds, “I’ve missed you so much,” cementing the depth of their bond and the pain of their separation. Another glimpse shows Sami with her twin brother, Eric, in front of the iconic Brady Pub, with Sami asking, “Where does the time go?” This suggests moments of reflection and catching up amidst the drama.
These sneak peeks confirm that Sami’s return will be packed with emotional moments, family interactions, and perhaps even rekindled romantic tensions, all against the backdrop of John Black’s recent passing and the looming 60th-anniversary celebration.
Adding to the long-term stability of the show, “Days of Our Lives” recently secured a renewal for two additional years by Peacock, confirming its future through its 63rd season! This ensures that fans will have many more years of Salem’s compelling narratives, intricate relationships, and shocking twists to look forward to, solidifying its place as a daytime television staple.
“Days of Our Lives” streams weekdays on Peacock, ensuring fans can catch every moment of Sami’s emotional return and the unfolding drama in Salem.
👉 What do you think Sami’s reaction to John’s death will mean for her relationship with Marlena, and which of the confirmed returning characters are you most excited to see back in Salem for the 60th anniversary? Share your thoughts below! 👇
