Days of Our Lives’ Greg Rikaart Makes a Dire Prediction in the Wake of Peacock Move — But There’s Good News, Too
Thursday, September 29th, 2022
“Network television is dying.”
Ever since that fateful announcement back in August that Days of Our Lives would be leaving NBC and moving exclusively to Peacock, the actors and show folks have been doing their best to drum up support for the transition.
More: Paul Telfer grapples with Xander’s mixed feelings
Naturally, right? Viewers need to follow the show if they want it to continue, and the fact that it wasn’t cancelled is a definite plus. In a recent interview with Michael Fairman on his YouTube channel, Billy Flynn (Chad), Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) and Greg Rikaart (Leo) chatted a bit about the move, admitting that while they didn’t expect it so quickly, they figured it would happen at some point.
Flynn pointed out that ever since he joined the show years ago, there was always a question of whether it would continue or not. “I don’t care where the show lives, to be honest with you,” he admitted, so long as it’s able to continue and the folks on the show — not just actors, but everyone involved in it — get to keep working.
Rikaart, though, shared a completely new perspective with some inside scoop. He has a friend, he noted, who’s a lawyer at NBC Universal. That pal knew this was coming before the actors did, though he couldn’t say anything until the announcement. But Rikaart says he turned to his friend right away to ask, “‘Is this good news or bad news?”
We’re all wondering where this new future is headed.
Credit: NBC screenshot
His buddy replied that, “‘It’s good news,” adding that, “Network television is dying. It’s ultimately going to be all sports and news.’”
That’s why NBC replaced Days of Our Lives with their live news program. They’re just hurrying things along a bit.
“They could have cancelled the show,” Rikaart continued, “but I think they see the value of the show, as evidenced by Beyond Salem. It certainly beats the alternative of not being around.”
So, sure, it may be good news for Days of Our Lives, since we know it made the cut for now, but Rikaart pulls double duty as both Leo and The Young and the Restless’ Kevin. And that makes the prediction of network death even more worrying. There are still three soaps left on network television.
Will they all make the cut and jump online when the time comes, or will any of them fall by the wayside?
Or maybe, once network television is gone, there’ll be a new renaissance online and our soaps will not only be saved, we’ll also, for the first time in ages get new ones. It’s too early to tell, but we do know that it’s not all bad news.
There’s a metaphor in here somewhere about pain followed by healing…
Credit: NBC screenshot
More: Deidre Hall knows what the headwriter needs
Flynn made sure to add that, “they’re putting more money into [Days of Our Lives] than they had before. They made a large investment.”
“They’re excited about it,” Evans agreed, “which is nice!”
So, heck, if Peacock and the folks running the show are excited, then we might as well hop on too. As for what happens with the rest of network television and the other soaps still airing there, we’ll just have to take it one day at a time and always hope for the best.
Beginning September 12, Days of Our Lives started airing exclusively on Peacock. To make sure you never miss an episode, click here. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Catch up on all things Salem with our who’s who beginner’s guide photo gallery of Days of Our Lives.
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1/36
<p>For decades, <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ superspy John Black and super shrink Marlena Evans have been one of daytime’s top supercouples. They’ve survived death, supervillains, brainwashing faux serial killers, real serial killers, unruly children and even a dance with the literal devil. Twice! And now, it looks like John’s mysterious past as The Pawn may be coming back to haunt him! </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
2/36
<p>John’s brush with his past is courtesy of Greek conman Konstantin, who’s in town trying to woo grieving widow Maggie and steal her half of the vast Kiriakis fortune left to her after beloved husband Victor died. Konstantin knew Victor… and hated him. But he knows <em>something </em>about John’s past with Victor as the amnesiac assassin, The Pawn. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
3/36
<p>The other half of Victor’s fortune was given to Alex, who<em> thought</em> he was Victor’s grand-nephew only for the patriarch’s will to reveal he was his son. Except, he isn’t really Victor’s son. Theresa rewrote the will with Konstantin so she could seduce Alex and take <em>his </em>half of the fortune. Except…</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
4/36
<p>Theresa’s a bit distracted right now as Tate, her son with Brady Black (who, in turn, is John Black’s son) has been sent off to a rehab facility for being falsely charged with causing crush Holly’s coma when she overdosed on New Year’s Eve. </p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
5/36
<p>Holly’s mom Nicole Walker just left for Italy with her daughter to try getting expert medical help in waking her up. What’s worse? This was shortly after Nicole’s miracle baby supposedly died. But more on that later.</p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
6/36
<p>Though he wasn’t the firstborn of mobster, mogul and occasional supervillain Stefano DiMera, EJ DiMera probably takes after his deceased father more than any other sibling in the cutthroat world of business. His latest gig, though, is husband to Nicole and Salem’s District Attorney. Which at least partially explains why he threw the book at poor, innocent Tate after Holly’s coma! </p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
7/36
<p>Nicole’s baby didn’t actually die, but was swiped by Sloan Petersen in a desperate attempt to keep Eric Brady. She’s passing off baby Jude as an adoptee with a little help from Salem’s previous DA, Melinda Trask. Worse, everyone thinks the baby that “died” was Nicole and EJ’s thanks to Sloan’s meddling, but it’s actually Nicole and Eric’s! Yes, he’s unkowingly raising his own kid! </p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
8/36
<p>When Eric (who is Marlena’s son with Roman Brady, <em>not </em>John Black) returned to town, he was a priest. But then he was defrocked and hooked up first with hot new cop, Jada, before ditching her for old flame Nicole. That all crashed and burned, though, after Nicole not-so-subtly had a chat with Jada about aborting her and Eric’s baby… which Jada then did. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
9/36
<p>These days, Jada works for Rafe, the Salem police commissioner and is also dating him! Things are going all well and good, but Jada’s got a traumatic marriage in her past that still haunts her and ex-husband who’s putting the moves on her good friend, Stephanie — even if no one realizes who he is just yet!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
10/36
<p>Jada’s best friend in town right now is Stephanie Johnson, Salem’s crack public relations expert. She’s in the midst of hooking back with her former beau Everett Lynch, who just arrived in town after claiming he left her because he was hit by a car and fell into a coma. Sure, Jan. Because Everett is also Jada’s ex-husband “Bobby” and, well, something’s not adding up. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
11/36
<p>Everett works for Chad DiMera (who is EJ’s half brother), who owns half of the town paper, <em>The Spectator</em>. Sure, he only bought it to fire Everett (only to unfire him) after he stole Stephanie away, but since his murdered wife Abigail used to be its editor in chief, it also holds a special place in his heart.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
12/36
<p>Xander (who owns the other half of the paper and used to be a murdering psychopath) and Sarah (who is Maggie’s daughter) have a long, complicated history, starting, as true love so often does, with a deep-seated mutual loathing. Despite some hiccups, they’ve found their way back together after the birth of their daughter, Victoria. Oh, and Xander is actually Victor’s heir, not Alex, but no one but Theresa and Konstantin know that! </p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
13/36
<p>Victor Kiriakis was never <em>quite</em> as evil as his late nemesis, Stefano, but he’s also never shied away from breaking a law or twenty. He mellowed out a bit later in life and even won the heart of his unfailingly sweet wife, Maggie. His death, though, through the whole Kiriakis family into chaos, made even worse by this heir business!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
14/36
<p>Former con artist Leo Stark has become the town’s gossip columnist, rounding out the staff of <em>The Spectator</em> as “Lady Whistleblower.” If you’re wondering how he pays for those snazzy suits, it’s not from his paper paycheck, but Sloan’s payout. You see, he’s blackmailing her to keep his mouth shut about who baby Jude <em>really </em>is!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI (3)
15/36
<p>Once upon a time, Stefano’s long-lost son Stefan O. DiMera (get it?) came to town to claim his birthright. He died. Then his long-lost twin brother, Jake DiMera, came to town to claim <em>his</em> birthright. He died. Then his heart was stuffed into Stefan’s body and now the original flavor son is back. Again, that’s just the kinda thing that happens in Salem. Go with it. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
16/36
<p>Stefan currently owns the town Bistro, which is run by former mafia princess Ava Vitali. Except it’s really just a drug front that they’ve been strongarmed into running after kingpin Clyde threatened Stefan’s wife, Gabi, and Ava’s son, Tripp, if they didn’t do what he said. And yes, their drugs were responsible for putting Holly in a coma. Oh, and they’re faking an affair to throw the cops off their scent because… Look over there! </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
17/36
<p>Clyde Weston is running the town’s drug scene right now from prison — where he was sentenced to after murdering Chad’s wife Abigail. This was after he claimed he was turning over a new leaf, but honestly, he’s been scum his entire life, so no one was that surprised to learn what he’d done. About the only real surprise now is why a woman with mafia ties and a man who’s father was a supervillain can’t figure out how to deal with him. </p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
18/36
<p>Lucas Horton isn’t a bad guy… he just makes a whole lot of bad decisions, usually with regard to ex-wife Sami. Need proof? He’s currently behind bars for having kidnapped her so she wouldn’t fall into the romantic clutches of rival EJ. Then again, even when he does the right thing it tends to backfire, like how he tried to get the goods on Clyde in jail, only to end up beaten within an inch of his life!</p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
19/36
<p>This is Gabi Hernandez, police commissioner Rafe’s sister and Stefan’s wife. We haven’t seen her for a few months, ever since she was tossed in prison for murdering her ex-husband, Li Shin. She didn’t do it, though, so she <em>should </em>be released eventually. At least, we think she didn’t do it. We also aren’t entirely sure Li is dead. But that’s normal for Salem. </p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
20/36
<p>Li’s little sis Wendy is dating (and living with) Ava’s son Tripp. Actually, they’re living with Ava too. It’s super awkward, especially when mom gets drunk on the couch from all that drug business stress. </p>
Image: NBC
21/36
<p>ISA agent Steve “Patch” Johnson — dad of Stephanie and Tripp — has been through it all to be with true love Kayla. He “died” for 16 years, was possessed by the “essence” of Stefano (don’t ask!) and is currently trying to kick Konstantin out of Maggie’s life with good friend John Black. Except now Konstantin is making us think his past with John may go a bit deeper than we thought…</p>
Image: NBC
22/36
<p>Salem’s top doc, Kayla Brady, is good for what ails you, whether it’s a gunshot wound, demonic posession recovery or brain altering microchip removal. She and Steve have a love that just won’t quit — and they also have two kids, one of whom, Stephanie, is finally back home! (The other, Joey, is currently living in Seattle.) </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
23/36
<p>Kayla and the rest of the docs at Salem University Hospital are kept plenty busy treating the resident’s nonstop ailments. Most recently, mayor Paulina Price is dealing with thyroid cancer, which is, honestly, one of the most normal things to ever happen in Salem. </p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
24/36
<p>Paulina is married to Abe Carver, Salem’s former mayor and one of its most respected residents. Abe got bonked over the head by a bad guy awhile back and lost his memory, which is when he turned over the mayorship to Paulina… Yay democracy? He still doesn’t remember anything, but at least he’s fallen back in love with Paulina! </p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
25/36
<p>Paulina’s youngest daughter, Chanel (oldest daughter Lani is still in prison-ish for killing her dad and Paulina’s abusive ex) is the town baker and runs Sweet Bits Bakery. It’s the hottest spot in Salem, even after that batch of tainted biscuits caused half of Salem to hallucinate. Yes, you read that right. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
26/36
<p>Despite being the son of legendary schemers EJ DiMera and Sami Brady, Johnny DiMera is… well, certainly not as bad as he could be! Sure, he may be a little bratty, but he’s also prone to taking off his shirt a lot, so he can’t be all bad, right? He and Chanel recently got engaged again after his posession by the devil derailed their last marriage awhile back. And we’ll just leave that there for you to ponder. </p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
27/36
<p>Speaking of the DiMeras, Tony was actually the <em>first</em> DiMera to arrive in Salem, paving the way for his villainous dad, Stefano. He’s always been one of the kinder members of the clan.. at least when he wasn’t being impersonated by his identical cousin, Andre! Luckily, Andre’s dead now. We think. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
28/36
<p>Dr. Rolf was Stefano’s favorite henchman, what with his penchant for bringing people back from the dead and scrambling their brains. Not that long ago, he did both this things with Stefan, but he’s also got a knack for chemistry and technology, what with his brain altering microchips, memory wiping serums and that handy submarine he escapes in whenever the heat gets to be a bit <em>too </em>much. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
29/36
<p>Stefano’s adopted daughter, Kristen DiMera, is nothing if not persistent. When she’s not trying to force ex Brady back into loving her through any means necessary, she’s caring for their daughter, Rachel. Yes, somehow despite Kristen’s litany of crimes of everything from kidnapping to murder, a judge granted <em>her </em>custody of their kid. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
30/36
<p>Susan Banks is not just EJ’s mom, she also looks so nearly like Kristen DiMera, the two have been known to pass for each other when the mood strikes. With that said, EJ’s lovably wacky mom who’s prone to psychic visions is about as far from his calculating, self-serving adopted sister as they come! Right now she’s off reconnecting with her beau after being kidnapped and presumed dead, but you can bet she’ll pop up again at some point! </p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
31/36
<p>Chad’s wife Abigail Horton was once his entire world. But her brutal murder at Clyde’s hands has left their two kids without a mother, and a father who’s struggled to move on. His inability to commit torpedoed his relationsthip with Stephanie (not to mention his jelousy over Everett returning to her life), but even if he’s flying solo right now, when it comes to the DiMeras, there’s always a chance Abigail could return to life some day!</p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
32/36
<p>Let’s be clear: Most viewers hate Gwen and kinda wish she’d been offed instead of half-sister Abigail. But the long-lost sibling who came to town with a <em>major </em>chip on her shoulder and a drive for vengeance is currently off in Europe trying to get two-timing jailhouse husband Dimitri Von Leuschner’s family moment. Odds are she’ll be back eventually — but probably only once Theresa is gone since she’s, you know, played by the same actress!</p> <p> </p>
Image: NBC
33/36
<p>Kate Roberts has done her share of bad deeds, from kidnapping to attempted murder, but she’s not all that bad. In fact, these days, Lucas’ mom tends to walk the straight and narrow now that she’s married to Salem’s former police commish and all-around good guy, Roman Brady. With that said, if you cross her, she <em>will </em>make you pay. </p>
Image: NBC
34/36
<p>Roman runs the family watering hole, aptly named the Brady Pub. With ex-wife Marlena, he’s also the proud pop of Eric, though neither of them are too thrilled about this whole Sloan situation. Still, they got a new grandson out of it, so you take the good with the bad!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
35/36
<p>Lawyer Justin Kiriakis was much like his <span style="text-decoration: line-through">son</span> <span style="text-decoration: line-through">cousin</span> whatever Alex before he settled down, tamed by the love of a good woman, Adrienne Johnson. This is <em>not </em>Adrienne in the photo though. She sadly died, and her lookalike, Bonnie Lockhart took her place as Justin’s wife.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
36/36
