How a medical family drama became one of the world's longest-running television programs
In short: Created by Ted and Betty Corday in 1965, Days of Our Lives transformed from a domestic hospital drama into a daring, supernatural-tinged cultural institution. Spanning 15,000 episodes, the series has navigated shifting network landscapes, high-profile cast controversies, and a historic move from broadcast television to exclusive streaming on Peacock.
Premiering on November 8, 1965, Days of Our Lives was designed by the Cordays and writer William J. Bell to center on a family of doctors in the fictional Illinois town of Salem. The show initially focused on the suburban Horton family, grounding its narrative in the professional and personal lives of middle-class characters. By the 1970s, it earned a reputation as the most daring daytime drama, tackling taboo subjects like interracial romance and artificial insemination, which helped it secure a top spot in the Nielsen ratings.
The show’s evolution saw significant tonal shifts, particularly in the 1990s when it introduced supernatural and science-fiction elements. While critics initially panned these departures from realism, the strategy proved commercially successful, making it one of NBC’s most profitable programs. The series has maintained its longevity through constant reinvention, including a 2011 reboot and the introduction of diverse storylines, such as the show's first gay romance featuring Sonny Kiriakis and Will Horton in 2011.
Behind the scenes, the production has faced intense scrutiny. In 2019, Corday Productions filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Television alleging financial mismanagement and competitive disadvantage. More recently, the show dealt with internal turmoil following a 2023 investigation into misconduct by co-executive producer Albert Alarr, which led to his departure. Despite these challenges, the series continues to thrive; it moved to the Peacock streaming service in 2022 and has been renewed through its 63rd season, ensuring its presence on screen through 2028.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Days of Our Lives
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