Days Spoilers | Major Crisis in Salem! Writers Are Destroying the Couples — Fans Are Furious!

In Days of Our Lives, Salem’s romantic landscape is in turmoil — a full-blown crisis of connection that’s left even die-hard fans wondering if the magic that once defined this beloved soap has vanished for good. For decades, Days has thrived on passion — heartbreaks, forbidden affairs, and undying love stories that drew viewers in day after day. But now, many fans are asking the same question: What happened to the romance in Salem?

Once upon a time, the show overflowed with love stories that made fans swoon — dramatic, passionate, and addictive. But today, it feels like the emotional pulse of Salem has gone flat. The once-vibrant tapestry of relationships has unraveled into disconnected, half-baked pairings. Viewers aren’t shy about voicing their disappointment either — the latest discussions across social media and fan forums reveal an audience that feels alienated and frustrated. The show’s heart — its couples — are no longer beating in sync with its audience.

While a few iconic pairs still remind viewers of what Days once was, the list is painfully short. Steve “Patch” Johnson and Kayla Brady remain the gold standard — a couple whose chemistry, history, and mutual devotion continue to resonate. Their love story has stood the test of time, reminding fans what true soap opera romance is supposed to feel like. Similarly, Johnny and Chanel, Roman and Kate, and Abe and Paulina keep their corners of Salem alive — though even these relationships have weathered rough storytelling.

But aside from these anchors, Salem’s romantic waters are dangerously shallow. The recent collapse of Xander and Sarah’s relationship struck a nerve across the fandom. Their fiery yet tender dynamic had become one of the few remaining examples of real passion. With their breakup, fans are left adrift — mourning another great love story dismantled by questionable writing choices. Many fear that no couple is safe anymore, that any romance can be tossed aside to serve the next short-term plot twist.

And the fans? They’ve had enough.

Across Reddit and social media, discussions about Salem’s “worst couples” have exploded. The verdict is harsh but consistent — fans feel disconnected, uninvested, and angry. The most common complaint? Forced chemistry and lazy storytelling.

Take Tate and Holly — a pairing that’s quickly become infamous among viewers. Many fans call them “boring,” “flat,” and “unnecessary.” Despite the actors’ talents, their on-screen connection feels nonexistent. Fans have even pointed out that Holly had far more spark with another character, Tate’s rival Duck. The problem, they argue, isn’t the performers — it’s the writing. The producers’ attempt to link Tate and Holly as a “legacy couple,” tying them to Brady and Nicole’s history, might have looked good on paper. But in execution, it’s been a disaster. Viewers see the intention — but not the emotion.

Another pairing under fire is Stephanie Johnson and Alex Kiriakis. On-screen, they look great together. On paper, it makes sense. But fans say the relationship feels forced — more like a business decision than a natural story. Critics online describe the couple as a “production fix” — two talented actors put together simply so both stay relevant. The chemistry, however, never quite lands. Even after multiple attempts to spark something between them, the result feels hollow. “They’re acting like they’re in love, but I don’t believe it,” one fan wrote — echoing the general consensus across multiple platforms.

But perhaps the most shocking backlash involves couples fans once adored — like Johnny and Chanel. Once seen as Days’ next power couple, they’re now a case study in how pacing can destroy potential. Fans argue the writers are rushing them toward marriage without properly developing the emotional groundwork. “It’s like the writers are checking boxes,” one viewer lamented. “They skipped the love story and went straight to the wedding.” The complaint isn’t about the chemistry — which most agree exists — but about the execution. Fans don’t want fast. They want earned.

Even veteran couples aren’t safe from criticism. Roman Brady and Kate Roberts — two legacy characters with decades of story — have found themselves on fans’ “worst couple” lists. The issue isn’t their history; it’s their energy. Many viewers describe their scenes as “awkward” or “clinical,” lacking the warmth or affection that once defined them. Fans miss the spark — the sense that two people want to be together. Without it, even the most iconic characters feel like strangers sharing a storyline.

And then there’s the controversial issue of forced coupling — when writers seem to pair characters simply out of convenience. The relationship between Justin Kiriakis and Bonnie Lockhart is a perfect example. After the show wrote off Adrienne (also played by Judy Evans), producers seemed eager to keep the actress involved — leading to the decision to pair her other character, Bonnie, with Justin. But fans saw right through it. Instead of feeling organic, it came across as mechanical, even desperate. The result was a romance that felt less like love and more like damage control.

This pattern — pairing for practicality instead of passion — is what has fans most worried. When writers treat relationships like puzzle pieces to fill screen time instead of emotional journeys to invest in, the heart of Days gets lost. Fans can always tell the difference between chemistry born from storytelling and chemistry forced by scheduling. And once that illusion is gone, so is the magic.

For Days of Our Lives, this isn’t just a temporary rough patch — it’s a crisis of identity. Romance has always been the soul of the show, the reason fans tune in every day. When love stories lose their authenticity, the entire foundation starts to crack. Without couples worth rooting for, the emotional investment fades — and so does viewership.

Longtime fans report feeling unmoored, without any couple to believe in. New viewers — who might have discovered Days on Peacock — find a show that talks about love but rarely shows it. The emotional core that once defined Salem’s greatest stories has been replaced by pairings that feel random and soulless.

The solution, according to many fans, is simple — but not easy. They want genuine, slow-burn romance again. Relationships that feel earned through conflict, growth, and mutual care. They want the writers to remember that chemistry isn’t just about two attractive people sharing a kiss — it’s about storytelling that makes the audience feel the connection.

Until the creative team listens, Salem’s love life may remain in freefall. The fans have spoken — and they’re not mincing words. Days of Our Lives has weathered countless storms, but this one cuts to the heart of what keeps it alive. The couples are crumbling, the writing feels detached, and the romance that once defined the show’s soul is slipping away.

If the writers don’t fix the growing disconnect soon, the biggest tragedy in Salem won’t be a murder or a betrayal — it’ll be the slow death of the love stories that made Days of Our Lives legendary.