In a bombshell that has left longtime fans reeling, Days of Our Lives has confirmed that Sami Brady—portrayed by the legendary Alison Sweeney—will not be making a full return to Salem in the wake of one of the most heartbreaking events in recent show history. The shocking absence of Sami during John Black’s funeral has ignited a storm of emotion across the fan base, sparking questions, outrage, and deep sadness over what many consider a missed opportunity for closure and emotional resonance.

For decades, Sami Brady has been at the center of some of Days’ most intense and unforgettable storylines. Since 1993, Alison Sweeney has made the role her own—playing Sami as passionate, impulsive, fiery, and fiercely protective of her family. So when John Black—a foundational character played by the late Drake Hogestyn—was killed off in a heart-wrenching storyline, viewers naturally expected to see Sami return home to pay her respects. After all, John was not just a family figure—he was a complicated and pivotal presence in Sami’s life. But to the astonishment of loyal viewers, Sami never showed.

Instead, the show offered up a series of brief, unsatisfying plot explanations for her absence. First, viewers were told she was en route to Salem but delayed due to travel complications. Then, in an even more melodramatic twist, her daughter Sydney was injured during a chaotic airport moment, forcing Sami to abandon her plans to attend the funeral in favor of caring for her child. While these story beats may have satisfied the logistical requirements of the plot, fans were left unsatisfied, feeling the emotional weight of what could have been—and wasn’t.

To understand the depth of this disappointment, one has to look back at Sami and John’s history. While Roman Brady is Sami’s biological father, John raised her (and her siblings Eric and Carrie) during the years he mistakenly believed himself to be Roman. This created a layered dynamic filled with tension, mistrust, and, ultimately, a slow path toward reconciliation. One of the most iconic—and controversial—moments in their shared history was when Sami discovered John and her mother Marlena in a compromising position atop a conference table. That trauma shaped Sami’s adolescence, creating a rift that took years to mend.

But mend it did. Over time, Sami came to respect and love John in her own way. He was a stable force during much of the chaos that swirled through her life, and their relationship—though never simple—was built on mutual understanding and a shared love for Marlena. That’s why the absence of a proper goodbye between them has hit fans so hard.

It’s worth noting that Sweeney did make a brief return to the show in March 2025, in another explosive storyline involving her ex-husband EJ DiMera. After EJ was gunned down in an assassination attempt, fingers pointed directly at their son Johnny. What followed was a powerful reveal: Johnny learned he and his twin sister Allie were conceived under harrowing circumstances—Sami had been raped by EJ. The trauma of that revelation sent Johnny into an emotional spiral, and Sami’s return was charged with maternal fury, protective instinct, and emotional vulnerability.

Her scenes were raw and intense—classic Sami. But just as quickly as she re-entered the canvas, Sami exited again, returning to her life in Italy by April. Her brief reappearance had many fans hoping it was just a preview of what was to come—perhaps a longer arc leading up to or through John’s death. But it wasn’t meant to be.

Alison Sweeney, for her part, has not been silent on the controversy. Taking to social media, she acknowledged the overwhelming disappointment surrounding her character’s absence from John’s funeral. She explained that there were plans for Sami to return and honor John, and she even filmed scenes in the aftermath of the funeral. “They arranged for me to come back a week or two later,” she said in a heartfelt post. “I did film scenes with John… my timing was just off.” Her words, tinged with regret, were meant to soothe the passionate fan base—but for many, it wasn’t enough. 

Fans have been vocal about what they feel was a missed narrative opportunity. Sami should have been front and center alongside her mother Marlena during this pivotal moment. Her grief, her guilt, and her complex relationship with John deserved screen time. The raw potential for emotional storytelling was immense, and the fact that viewers were denied that has left a lasting sting.

However, the realities behind the scenes help shed light on why Sami’s absence may have been unavoidable. Since leaving Days as a full-time cast member in 2014, Sweeney has balanced a thriving career with the Hallmark Channel—starring in and producing multiple movie series such as The Wedding Veil trilogy and Murder, She Baked. In addition, she has a full life as a mother and wife. Coordinating her availability with the show’s tight shooting schedule, which often films months in advance, is a challenge in and of itself.

It’s likely that the decision to bring her back for EJ’s shooting but not for John’s funeral was influenced more by production logistics than creative intent. But even so, fans can’t help but feel let down. John’s death wasn’t just another dramatic twist—it was the emotional climax of years of storytelling, and Sami’s voice felt conspicuously absent from the chorus of grief.

Drake Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black spanned nearly 40 years. From mysterious beginnings to becoming a beloved father figure and romantic partner, John was an institution in Salem. His funeral was beautifully written and emotionally powerful, with characters like Marlena, Brady, Belle, and Paul coming together to celebrate his life and legacy. But without Sami present, the tribute felt incomplete.

Fortunately, there’s hope for closure. Sweeney confirmed that Sami will return to Salem in the coming weeks for scenes that delve into her personal grieving process. Though not part of the funeral, these scenes promise to give fans the emotional reckoning they’ve been waiting for. Viewers can expect intimate moments between Sami and Marlena, quiet reflections on John’s impact, and the raw, passionate intensity that only Sami Brady can bring.

This delayed return offers a different kind of narrative payoff. Rather than participate in the public mourning, Sami’s scenes will explore private loss—how it lingers, how it shapes you, and how it continues long after the rest of the world has moved on. For fans of Sweeney and the character she so vividly embodies, this will be a chance to see Sami’s softer, more introspective side—a rare vulnerability behind the fierce facade.

Still, the news that Sami won’t be rejoining the show for a longer or more permanent stay is disappointing to many. Her legacy is deeply woven into the tapestry of Days of Our Lives, and her presence always brings a jolt of energy, unpredictability, and drama. With John gone, and the show entering a new era, Sami’s absence marks the end of a significant chapter—and possibly the beginning of another.

In the end, soap operas are all about timing, emotion, and connection. And while Sami’s absence from John’s funeral was a blow, her upcoming return still holds the promise of healing, reflection, and emotional truth. It may not be what fans hoped for—but it’s something. And in Salem, even the smallest moment can lead to the biggest twists.

Stay tuned, because while Sami may not be back for good, her story is far from over.