Today in Soap Opera History (May 30)

1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met EJ DiMera.

"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later Elspeth Eric appeared on The Secret Storm then joined the Another World writing team from 1969 to 1971.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 30)

1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met EJ DiMera.

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later Elspeth Eric appeared on The Secret Storm then joined the Another World writing team from 1969 to 1971.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 30)

1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met EJ DiMera.

"History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later Elspeth Eric appeared on The Secret Storm then joined the Another World writing team from 1969 to 1971.

Today in Soap Opera History (May 30)

1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met EJ DiMera.

"If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree."
― Michael Crichton

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later Elspeth Eric appeared on The Secret Storm then joined the Another World writing team from 1969 to 1971.

TBS Releases Trailer for 'Wrecked,' the Upcoming Comedy Starring 'Days of our Lives' Alum James Scott

Days of our Lives alum James Scott stars in Wrecked as Liam.

This week at the 2016 Winter Television Critics Association (TCA) tour, TBS did not reveal a premiere date for its upcoming single-camera comedy, Wrecked, but it did release a trailer for the series. The ensemble cast includes former Days of our Lives star James Scott, who played EJ DiMera from 2006 to 2014, when the character was killed off.

Wrecked centers on a diverse group of people trying to adjust to life after being stranded on a remote island, a dangerous new world where they must face many threats - mostly brought on by themselves. No longer plugged into the rest of the world, the group struggles to navigate their makeshift society while also learning to live without such modern comforts as indoor plumbing, Wi-Fi, social media and Chipotle.

Scott stars as Liam, who is "seemingly the most handsome man in the world (even after a plane crash)."

In addition to Scott, the series stars Zack Creggar, Ginger Gonzaga, Jessica Lowe, Asif Ali, Ally Maki, Will Greenberg, Brooke Dillman, George Basil, Rhys Darby and Brian Sacca.

Watch the trailer below.

'Days of our Lives' 50th Anniversary: A Look Back at the Tear Jerkers (Video)

NBC.com is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Days of our Lives with a weekly look back at the show using various themes. This week, they focus on tear jerkers.

The clip looks back at some of the sad moments that made us cry, and ones that led to tears of joy.

Watch the video below which includes Madison (Sarah Brown) with Brady (Eric Martsolf), Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) with Daniel (Shawn Christian) after she gave birth, Lexie (Renee Jones) dying in Abe's (James Reynolds) arms, Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) trying to get through to Jack (Matthew Ashford), Isabella's (Staci Greason) death, Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope (Kristian Alfonso) losing Zack, Sonny (Freddie Smith) at Will's (Chandler Massey) bedside, the death of EJ DiMera (James Scott) and more.

'Days of our Lives' 50th Anniversary: A Look Back at the Villains (Video)

Joseph Mascolo as Stephano DiMera

NBC.com is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Days of our Lives with a weekly look back at the show using various themes. This week, they focus on villains.

The new clip looks back at some of the highlights from the show's most memorable baddies over the years including Stefano DiMera (played by Joseph Mascolo), Ernesto Toscano (Charles Cioffi), Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel), Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun) and Kristen DiMera (Eileen Davidson).

Watch the video below which includes Carly Manning (Crystal Chappell) being buried alive, EJ DiMera (James Scott) firing shots in Stefano's direction, and Hope Brady's (Kristian Alfonso) memorable 1990 "death" scene.

Nageen Mustafa After Call With 'Days of our Lives' Stars Alison Sweeney and James Scott: "This Is My Lucky Day!"

Nageen Mustafa

A teenage refugee expressed her delight on Tuesday after Days of our Lives stars Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) and James Scott (EJ DiMera) filmed a special scene in her honor for HBO's Last Week Tonight.

Nageen Mustafa (spelled in various reports as Nugeen and Noujain) is a wheelchair-bound 16-year-old Syrian migrant who traveled to Germany in her wheelchair.

To brighten her day, host John Oliver reunited EJ (Nujeen's favorite character, who died last year) and Sami, as Sami learned EJ wasn't dead after all. Mustafa previously revealed to ABC that she learned English by watching the soap.

In a new video posted Tuesday after a call with Sweeney and Scott, Mustafa said she was "so grateful" and it was "her lucky day".

Now in a small room in Germany with her sister, she also wanted send a message to other victims of war around the world.

"You are stronger and braver than you think. Fight for what you want and I am sure you will get it," she said. She has applied for asylum in Dortmund.

Watch her video message below:

'Days of our Lives' Couple EJ & Sami Reunited on 'Last Week Tonight'

EJ's live!  At least for one night, Days of our Lives' EJ and Sami were
reunited on Last Week Tonight.

On Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight on HBO, host John Oliver had a wonderful surprise for 16-year old refugee Nageen Mustafa, who traveled from her home in the war-torn Syrian town of Kobani to the Serbian border with Hungary. Bound to a wheel chair, the obstacles she has faced are unimaginable, and yet she is endlessly optimistic. Mustafa said in a recent interview that she taught herself English by watching American soap opera Days of our Lives, but was sad that the character of EJ DiMera (James Scott) had been killed off the show because EJ and Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) were her favorite couple.

To brighten Mustafa's day, in some small way, Oliver reunited EJ and Sami in a special scene created just for the show.

"She loves Days of our Lives," Oliver explained. "Specifically, she loves EJ and Sami. Even after weeks of total hell, mortal danger and inhumane treatment, Nageen's biggest complaint is that the show actually killed off EJ, who was her favorite character. And, frankly, she's right to be upset. EJ and Sami were magic together. Yes, you could argue that EJ basically blackmailed Sami into marriage and then impregnanted her and then worked for Sami's arch nemesis, Nicole Walker, who he then also impregnated, and then he kidnapped Sami's baby and made her think it was dead so Sami shot him in the head, but you know what, that's the the kind of thing couples do."

Alison Sweeney and James Scott reunited as Sami & EJ.

Oliver then introduced the Sami and EJ reunion, in which EJ didn't die after all.

"My sister made sure I survived the morgue, and she flew me to Germany where my father's witch doctors did their work."

EJ explained that it wasn't that hard to come back.

"It was nothing," EJ told her. "Coming back from the dead, that's not hard. You know what's hard, getting from Syria to Germany."

"Have you see what those migrants are going through?" Sami asked.

Watch the entire "Migrants and Refugees" segment below:

Today in Soap Opera History (May 30)

1995: The exorcism of Days of our Lives' Marlena began.
1997: General Hospital's Monica wanted to shoot Pierce.
2001: All My Children's Anna heard her daughter's voice.
2006: Days of our Lives' Sami met EJ DiMera.

"History never looks like history when you are living through it."
― John W. Gardner

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1938: Radio soap opera Joyce Jordan, M.D. debuted on the Mutual Network. Elspeth Eric was the original actress to play Joyce, who worked at Heights Hospital. Other cast members during the show's run included Bill Johnstone and Agnes Moorehead. Note: Three decades later Elspeth Eric appeared on The Secret Storm then joined the Another World writing team from 1969 to 1971.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (October 13-17, 2014)

A grieving Sami is hit hard by an unexpected delivery. Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of October 13th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, October 13
Stefano (Joseph Mascolo) makes a mysterious request; Chad (Billy Flynn) and Kate (Lauren Koslow) hit a snag in their scheme against E.J. (James Scott) and Stefano; Roman (Josh Taylor) tells Marlena (Deidre Hall) about EJ's death; Rafe (Galen Gering) and Abe (James Reynolds) deal with a challenging case.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (October 6-10, 2014)

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of October 6th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, October 6
Stefano (Joseph Mascolo) turns his back on E.J. (James Scott); Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) gets Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) to intervene with Eve (Kassie DePaiva); Paige (True O'Brien) questions Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) about J.J.'s (Casey Moss) dad; Brady (Eric Martsolf) finds himself pulled back into Kristen's (Eileen Davidson) web.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (September 29-October 3, 2014)

Ben and Abigail make love for the first time. Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak preview video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of September 29th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, September 29
Susan (Eileen Davidson) has a message for E.J. (James Scott); Paige (True O'Brien) hears about a dark moment in J.J.'s (Casey Moss) family history; J.J. enlists Daniel's (Shawn Christian) help to defend himself against Eve (Kassie DePaiva); Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove) and Hope's(Kristian Alfonso) first date goes roughly.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (September 22-26, 2014)

Theresa fears the truth about what she did to John is about to be exposed!
Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak preview video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of September 22nd.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, September 22
E.J. (James Scott) and Sami (Alison Sweeney) come together after months of estrangement; Brady (Eric Martsolf) believes Kristen's (Eileen Davidson) drug to save John (Drake Hogestyn) was a lie; Marlena (Deidre Hall) prepares to say goodbye to John; Kristen advises Chad (Billy Flynn) about dealing with enemies.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (May 19-23, 2014): A New #1 Suspect

Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) lands in hot water when Hope (Kristian
Alfonso) catches him in a lie. Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of May 19th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, May 19
Nicole (Arianne Zucker) and Eric (Greg Vaughan) get intimate; Sami (Alison Sweeney) and E.J. (James Scott) get unexpected news; Hope (Kristian Alfonso) catches Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) in a lie; Theresa (Jen Lilley) affects J.J.'s (Casey Moss) first date with Paige (True O'Brien).

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (May 12-16, 2014)

Nick's loved ones say a tearful farewell. Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of May 12th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Who really killed Nick Fallon?

Monday, May 12
A dramatic murder makes suspects out of half the town; relationships are tested as accusations fly.

James Scott Leaving 'Days of our Lives' as EJ DiMera

James Scott is leaving Days of our Lives and the role of EJ DiMera after eight years. According to Soap Opera Digest, Scott taped his final episode on Friday, though he will air well into the fall since the show tapes so far in advance.

"We are saddened but supportive of James Scott's decision to leave the show after eight years to take some personal time and pursue new projects," said NBC/Corday Productions in a statement. "His contribution to the show has been tremendous and we wish him the best always."

In his own statement, Scott said, "I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to NBC, Sony and Corday, particularly Ken Corday, for the amazing 8 year run on Days of our Lives and for graciously supporting me in my decision in leaving the show to take personal time. To the unbelievably loving fans, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your love and support over the years. I will miss you immensely."

In the most recent We Love Soaps "Soap of the Week" poll, Scott was voted favorite actor by our readers.

RELATED:
- Alison Sweeney Leaving 'Days of our Lives' After 21 Years as Sami Brady (Video)

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (May 5-9, 2014)

Much of Salem is out to get Nick Fallon. Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of May 5th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, May 5
Following a confrontation with Nick (Blake Berris), E.J. (James Scott) decides to take action; Nick's revelation stuns Abigail (Kate Mansi); Jordan (Chrishell Stause) and Kate (Lauren Koslow) get into a huge catfight; Hope (Kristian Alfonso) uncovers Aiden (Daniel Cosgroves) and Ciara's (Lauren Boles) plot.

'Days of our Lives' Spoilers (April 28-May 2, 2014)

Liam (Mark Collier) reveals his true colors - and things take a
dangerous turn for Jennifer (Melissa Reeves). Photo Credit: NBC

Check out day-to-day spoilers and a sneak peek video below to find out what's happening on Days of our Lives during the week of April 28th.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Monday, April 28
Liam (Mark Collier) reveals his true colors, stunning Jennifer; Will (Guy Wilson) reads a draft of Gabi's (Camila Banus) custody agreement; Jordan (Chrishell Stause) admits to being in love with Rafe (Galen Gering); Abigail (Kate Mansi) questions Ben's (Justin Gaston) overreaction.

Special 'Days of our Lives' Episode: Will EJ Survive The Wrath of a Scorned Sami?

EJ and Sami have had quite the tempestuous relationship from the beginning. EJ raped Sami. Sami shot EJ in the head. They have been through it all.

They have loved and hated each other with equal passion. Somehow, EJ and Sami found love, or their own definition of love. With the all of the awful things they have done to each other, they found common ground in their human failings. Sami has forgiven EJ for a lot, and vice versa, but can Sami forgive the ultimate betrayal? Would it ever occur to Sami that EJ would cheat on her? And cheat on her multiple times with virginal Abby Deveraux? Our Sami Brady doesn’t take betrayal well. How is she going to react?

On Monday, April 21, Sami is going to learn the truth about Abby and EJ's time between the sheets. DAYS will feature a special episode, focused on EJ (James Scott) and Sami (Alison Sweeney), and her reaction to the bombshell.