5 fascinating facts you didn’t know about Days of Our Lives

Days of Our Lives is one of the longest-running scripted American television daily soap operas. It premiered on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and currently streams new episodes on Peacock. The show first aired on November 8, 1965.

The show has been a pioneer in the daily soap opera genre. It has been popular due to showcasing its ground-breaking storyline. The show is also widely loved by audiences due to addressing issues like interracial relationships, same-s*x marriages, and mental health.

Set in the fictional town of Salem, the storyline revolves around the Brady and the Horton families. Iconic characters like Marlena Evans, Bo and Hope Brady, and Stefano DiMera have been contributing to the show's rich legacy.

Even decades after its release, the daily soap opera keeps the viewer hooked to their seats with its dramatic storylines, plot twists, love triangles, shocking revelations, and betrayals. The show is a blend of love, suspense, and drama. Over the years, it has gained a loyal fanbase, earning numerous awards, including Daytime Emmys. Let's dive into five fascinating facts about the show you didn't know.

---

Days of Our Lives: 5 fascinating facts

1) The iconic super couple are real-life partners

Doug Williams and Julie Olson, played by Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes were widely loved by the audience. Their onscreen romance began in the 1970s and captivated the audience. The chemistry led to them getting married in real life on October 12, 1974, which in turn was a bonus for the show, as their performances made them fan favorites.

Doug made his final appearance on July 11, 2024, six months after his death on January 12, 2024.

---

2) Days of Our Lives is the longest-running daily soap opera on NBC

Days of Our Lives (Image via NBC)

The show premiered in 1965 and was announced as the longest-running on NBC in 1999. However, Another World, which premiered in 1964, held the record. After its cancellation in 1999, Days of Our Lives remains the longest to date.

The show won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Writing Team in June 2012, April 2018, and June 2022 and also won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in June 2013, April 2015, and April 2018.

---

3) First soap to cast a man in a woman's role

Alison Sweeney and James Scott in Days of Our Lives (Image via NBC)

The show made history by casting a male actor to portray a woman's character. In 2005, when Alison Sweeney took maternity leave, the show took a daring turn by introducing Dan Wells as "Stan," a male alter ego for Sami, created to seek revenge on another character.

Dan brought "Stan" to life for six months, adding an intriguing twist to the storyline, until Alison returned to reprise her role as Sami. This step contributed to its lasting legacy and continued popularity.

---

4) Julia Roberts is a Day's devotee.

Julia Roberts in 'Homecoming' (2018) (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Julia Fiona Roberts is an American actress who is well known for her roles in various genres. She has won various awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.

According to a Little Things article published on August 8, 2017, she is a big fan of the show and is hooked on its bizarre storyline.

---

5) The show was created by a married couple.

Ted was a Canadian-American producer and director, and Betty Corday was also a Broadway dramatic actress and long-time American television producer.

Ted and Betty Corday the real-life husband and wife were the the creative minds and powerful behind the long-running show. Ted, with his background in television production, and Betty, a gifted screenwriter, joined forces to launch the show on NBC in 1965. Their unique storytelling and unforgettable characters quickly won over audiences.

---

Fans can now stream Days of Our Lives on Peacock.