NBC’s Days of Our Lives could be coming to an end after a 55-year tenure on the air, as the entire cast has been released from their contracts. Hailed as one of the longest-running scripted programs of all time, Days of Our Lives has been a soap opera flagship since November 8th, 1965. Considered one of the most groundbreaking shows in the soap opera genre, the series has continued to hold its ground, winning numerous Daytime Emmy Awards during its decades-long run.
Created by Ted and Betty Corday, Days of Our Lives is one of four remaining daytime dramas, sharing the daily viewer fan base with CBS’ The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, and ABC’s General Hospital. Recognized for its opening sequence of sand cascading through an hourglass, Days of Our Lives has featured constant scandals, shocking deaths, and outrageous plotlines. Entertaining for over five decades, Days of Our Lives has seen a revolving door of cast members. It's also been a launching platform for celebrities like Mila Kunis, Andrea Barber, Vivica A. Fox, Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, and Barry Watson. Set in the fictional Midwestern town of Salem, Day of Our Lives has aired more than 13,000 episodes. However, the iconic soap opera could be approaching its final days.
As reported to TVLine, producers of Days of Our Lives have released the entire cast from their contracts, with the show slated to go on an indefinite hiatus at the end of this month. Currently, Sony Pictures Television and NBC are in negotiations to renew the series. Days of Our Lives has filmed enough episodes to air through summer 2020. Should the show get picked up for another season, cast members will not receive confirmation until the beginning of next year.
Amid speculations regarding the show’s future, Days of Our Lives star Kristian Alfonso has spoken out about the cancellation of the cast’s contracts. Alfonso boldly stated, “Today is Tuesday, November 12th, and we are still here and we are not going anywhere. You heard it here first, folks. Don’t listen to the news, always - especially that report.” Regardless of what negotiations Sony and NBC cook up, the news is unfortunate for the Days of Our Lives cast members. Should the soap opera be officially canceled , the cast, crew, and fans will have to bid farewell to the television icon. If NBC does renew Days of Our Lives, producers can offer the actors new contracts at a significantly reduced rate.
Originally deriving their name from advertising soap on daytime TV, soap operas appear to be fizzling out. Despite being referred to as disposable TV, soap operas have accomplished longevity with talented actors, directors, and writers. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Days of Our Lives, but the show has left its mark with the indellible phrase, “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.”
Source: TVLine