Days of our Lives Comings and Goings: Supercouple Returns and a New Face Joins the Cast
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Bo and Hope Return, Ciara Rejoins Salem, and Ariana Horton Debuts Grown-Up — A Week of Reunions and Emotional Farewells!
Salem is about to be shaken to its emotional core as “Days of Our Lives” delivers a blockbuster week of returns, reunions, and fresh faces. The week of May 20–24, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated periods in recent show history. Iconic couples, long-absent family members, and new grown-up roles converge for a blend of heartfelt drama, medical miracles, and surprise homecomings.
Whether you’re a die-hard veteran of the soap or a returning viewer looking for that familiar nostalgia, NBC’s long-running daytime drama is pulling out all the stops—and it all begins on Friday, May 23, with the return of two of the show’s most legendary characters.
Bo and Hope Brady Are Back — But It’s Bittersweet
Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) return to “Days of Our Lives” in an emotional short arc that has fans already reaching for tissues. Beginning Friday, May 23, Bo and Hope’s reappearance is sure to send shockwaves through Salem, especially as Hope prepares to say a final goodbye to the love of her life.
Bo, once presumed dead and miraculously returned years ago, is now facing a grave health crisis that could mark the end of his story once and for all. Hope’s return to his side underscores a tragic but beautiful reunion between soulmates who have weathered decades of turmoil, separations, and passion.
Kristian Alfonso last appeared in November 2024, while Peter Reckell’s most recent return was in April 2023. Their reunion—timed perfectly for maximum emotional impact—will no doubt pull on the heartstrings of longtime fans who have followed Bo and Hope since their first days as Salem’s supercouple.
Ciara Brady Weston Returns — Reuniting the Brady Family
In a triple-punch of nostalgia, Victoria Konefal returns as Ciara Brady Weston, airing the same day as Bo and Hope on Friday, May 23. Konefal’s Ciara has always brought fierce loyalty and fire to her role, and her return will add a deeper emotional resonance to Bo and Hope’s arc.
Last seen in November 2024, Ciara has been away from Salem, navigating her own life while raising her and Ben Weston’s child. But with her father’s life in jeopardy and her mother returning to say goodbye, Ciara makes her way back home to stand beside her family during one of its most heartbreaking chapters.
Her return isn’t just about Bo—it’s a homecoming that reignites her bond with Hope and gives fans a much-needed reunion of the Brady trio.
Ariana Horton Is All Grown Up — Meet Marisa Reyes in the Role
Another exciting twist comes with the debut of the teenage Ariana Horton, now portrayed by rising star Marisa Reyes. Fans will get their first glimpse of the older Ariana on Tuesday, May 20, as she returns to Salem after years away.
Ariana, the daughter of Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis, had previously been written off when she left for New Zealand with her dads. Last portrayed by Lane Rose, the character has been off-screen since 2023—but now, Reyes brings Ariana back as a young adult with her own story to tell.
Reyes, best known for her roles on Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home” and Amazon’s “Bosch: Legacy”, is expected to bring fresh energy to the show. Her portrayal of Ariana will likely explore themes of identity, family legacy, and rediscovering roots in a town full of history and heartache. Expect sparks as she reconnects with the Horton and Kiriakis clans and begins to carve out her own path in Salem.
Dr. Jeffrey Russell Resurfaces — The Versic Serum Plot Thickens
Science and secrets collide once more as Michael Deetsch returns as Dr. Jeffrey Russell, the brilliant mind behind the experimental Versic Serum. He reappears on Thursday, May 22, sharing tense and possibly game-changing scenes with Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) and Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer).
The Versic Serum storyline has introduced the possibility of medical miracles, particularly in the realm of memory restoration and reversing long-term ailments. Could it have a role in Bo’s health crisis? Could it connect to future storylines involving EJ DiMera or even the presumed-dead characters who might return?
Dr. Russell’s increased presence suggests that the medical drama in Salem is far from over, and with Bo’s condition looming large, all signs point to a collision between science and emotion.
Legacy, Love, and Loss — A Week That Has It All
With Bo and Hope’s tender farewell, Ciara’s emotional homecoming, Ariana’s grown-up debut, and a renewed medical mystery through Dr. Russell, this week of “Days of Our Lives” is packed with legacy-driven storytelling, high-stakes emotions, and heartwarming reunions.
But there’s more beneath the surface. Could Ariana’s return shake up the younger generation? Will Dr. Russell’s serum save Bo—or is it too late? Could Ciara and Ben rekindle their romance from afar through flashbacks or surprise video calls? And how will Hope survive saying goodbye to Bo one more time?
Why This Week Is a Must-Watch for Every DOOL Fan
Whether you’ve watched since the 80s or just recently returned to Salem, the week of May 20–24 offers something unforgettable. These aren’t just cameos—they’re emotionally charged appearances that tap into the soul of the show. They honor its rich past while opening doors for new beginnings.
Bo and Hope’s return is a gift to longtime fans. Ariana’s debut promises new generational energy. Dr. Russell’s reappearance hints at twists yet to come. And through it all, Salem continues to be the city where love, secrets, and family collide.
So mark your calendars and prepare your tissues. “Days of Our Lives” is pulling out all the stops—and this is only the beginning.
