Another major shift in the world of soap with a decision by NBC to move Days of Our Lives from
linear broadcast to its streaming platform, Peacock. Its daytime slot will be replaced with NBC News Daily.
“This programming shift benefits both Peacock and NBC and is reflective of our broader strategy
to utilize our portfolio to maximize reach and strengthen engagement with viewers,” said Mark Lazarus,
Chairman, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, in a statement. “With a large percentage of the
Days of Our Lives audience already watching digitally, this move enables us to build the show’s
loyal fanbase on streaming while simultaneously bolstering the network daytime offering
with an urgent, live programming opportunity for partners and consumers.”
Only three daytime soaps will exist on ABC and CBS: General Hospital, The Young and the Restless
and The Bold and the Beautiful. Peacock previously aired the spinoff Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem
in 2021, with a second installment in July. A spinoff film Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem
Christmas also aired in December. Days of Our Lives was renewed for Seasons 57 and 58 at NBC in
2021. It aired its 14,000th episode in December 2020 and remains NBC’s longest-running series.
The news follows the recent end for long-running Australian soap Neighbours after 37 years with
producers unable to secure a new British partner. Days of Our Lives screens in Australia on FOX One and 9GEM.