While already set to appear in the upcoming 15,000th episode of “Days of our Lives,” releasing later this year on Peacock, Kristian Alfonso will again reprise her role as Hope Brady alongside long-time co-star Peter Reckell, who portrays Bo Brady, for a story arc slated to air next year on the streaming service.
According to TV Insider, which first reported the news, Alfonso and Reckell are actively taping episodes “for a special story arc” that will air in May 2025. The actors last appeared on screen together in April 2023 when Bo fell into a coma after being shot by his son, Shawn (Brandon Beemer). That storyline twist left a sour taste in the mouths of fans and saw current breakdown writer Jamey Giddens (“Ambitions,” “Tyler Perry’s Sistas”) take to X (formerly Twitter) to defend now former head writer Ron Carlivati who had been receiving backlash.
In an April 27, 2023 post, Giddens revealed, “Ron pitched a Happily Ever After where the couple reunited, returned to Salem, saw Doug, Julie & Victor then went off to hunt Megan. For whatever reason, that story wasn’t approved.” His post was in response to one of the show’s fans who directed their ire at the writing team, saying, “@Jamey_Giddens Got to ask because I’m just curious? Why do the Days writers dislike the Bo and Hope fans?! We have been a loyal and dedicated fanbase for forty (40) years and to get a payoff like this after all the hype and time! Feels, like another 2015 slap in the face!”
In July, it was announced that Carlivati would be exiting the show as head writer after a seven-year run. He was immediately replaced by new co-head writers Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie. “My material will continue to air through April of 2025, so I really hope you enjoy what’s coming!” said Carlivati to TV Insider.
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As for Bo and Hope’s return this time around, it looks like their reunion will help put fans at ease, with Reckell telling TV Insider, “[It’s] just like riding a bike,” in reference to playing his character again. He added, “And thank goodness they keep one at the ready for me in Salem. This ride is one we know the fans are really going to love. Stay tuned!”
“There is a saying I love: ‘Life takes you to unexpected places but love always brings you home,’” shared Alfonso of the experience. “Anyone who knows me knows how grateful I am to have all of you supporting me and welcoming me back when I’m back in Salem. These episodes with Pete will not disappoint.”
In a post on her Instagram story timeline, Alfonso shared a photo of herself standing beside Reckell with their arms interlocked, captioning the post, saying, “Back in the Brady Pub. Hope you join us.”
In addition to Alfonso and Reckell, “Days of our Lives” has also announced that Alison Sweeney will reprise her role as Sami Brady for an arc set to begin airing sometime in 2025. She told TV Insider in August, “I love playing Sami and I am always happy for the chance to come back. We always have to figure out scheduling and such, but if at all possible, I’m so glad to make it happen.”
Although the show’s 60th anniversary season kicked off on Monday, August 26 on Peacock, “Days of our Lives” will officially turn 60 years old on November 8, 2025, having premiered in 1965.
On Saturday, November 2, “Days of our Lives” will host its annual fan celebration (“Day of DAYS”) in honor of the show’s anniversary season at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event will be hosted by “Dishin’ Days” superfan Tony Moore.