DOOL: 5 SHOCKING STORYLINES SET TO TURN SALEM UPSIDE DOWN IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS (JAN 5–JAN 16)
DOOL: 5 SHOCKING STORYLINES SET TO TURN SALEM UPSIDE DOWN IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS (JAN 5–JAN 16)
Welcome back to Salem, where January 2026 wastes absolutely no time delivering chaos, heartbreak, romance, and jaw-dropping twists. Over the next two weeks—from January 5th through January 16th—Days of Our Lives is lining up a slate of explosive storylines that promise to shake the town to its core. From unexpected hookups and corporate betrayals to dangerous obsessions and long-awaited returns, these plots are designed to keep fans glued to their screens. Let’s break down the five most shocking arcs set to dominate Peacock in the coming days—and trust me, every single one has major consequences.
1. A Desperation Date Turns Dangerous: Chad & Belle’s Revenge Romance
Perhaps the most surprising twist on Salem’s romantic radar is the sudden spark between Chad DiMera and Belle Black. This pairing feels almost unreal—and that’s exactly why it works. Chad is still haunted by the loss of Abigail, the love of his life, and despite the passage of time, that grief still defines him. Adding fuel to the fire is the ongoing DiMera chaos, especially the lingering bitterness tied to EJ and recent betrayals.
Belle, meanwhile, is nursing wounds of her own. Her love life has imploded more times than she cares to count, and she’s desperate for a distraction—something to help her forget the emotional wreckage she’s carrying. Enter a dating app, of all things. Yes, in classic Salem fashion, a DiMera and a Black/Brady connection begins with a swipe.
But this isn’t a love story. It’s survival. Two broken people using each other to escape pain—and maybe to get a little revenge along the way. Chad knows exactly how much this would infuriate EJ, and Belle is fully aware that Chad represents everything reckless and forbidden. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s also combustible.
As thrilling as it is, this romance is almost certainly doomed. Belle’s moral compass and Chad’s DiMera instincts are on a collision course, and when the dust settles, the fallout could be devastating—especially once EJ finds out. Expect passion, regret, and a mess neither of them will walk away from unscathed.
2. The Kiriakis Civil War: Xander’s Jealousy Ignites a Family Explosion
The Kiriakis family drama is about to reach a boiling point, with Xander Cook at the center of it all. After Sarah shares a heated New Year’s Eve moment with Brady Black, emotions spiral out of control. Sarah confides in Maggie, but word travels fast in Salem—and Xander’s green-eyed monster is fully unleashed.
Rather than keeping his cool, Xander makes a bold and reckless move: he fires Brady from Titan. It’s classic soap opera behavior—mixing personal vendettas with corporate power—but it may be the biggest mistake Xander has ever made. Instead of pushing Brady away from Sarah, he may end up making him more appealing. After all, nothing draws sympathy like a man wronged.
Meanwhile, another ticking time bomb looms in the form of Gabi Hernandez. She’s growing closer to Philip, but she’s hiding a massive secret—she was responsible for sabotaging the Titan-DiMera merger. With Xander already on a warpath, the truth could push him over the edge. By mid-January, the Kiriakis mansion is less a home and more a battlefield, and alliances will crumble fast.
3. Peter Blake Rises: Mercy or Murder in the DiMera Dynasty
Longtime fans are in for a shock as Peter Blake makes his dramatic return—and he’s not coming back quietly. Kristen DiMera, claiming an act of mercy, nearly pulled the plug on Peter’s life support, insisting she couldn’t bear to see him suffer. But history tells us one thing clearly: Kristen always has an agenda.
When Peter survives and physically stops Kristen mid-confession, the moment is chilling. He sees through her instantly. No guilt. No forgiveness. Just calculation. Peter knows what it means to be used by the DiMeras, and this time, he’s done being a pawn.
His survival shifts the power dynamic completely. Armed with proof of Kristen’s attempted murder, Peter is poised to strike back—possibly by seizing control of DiMera Enterprises itself. For once, Kristen isn’t the hunter; she’s the hunted. The next two weeks will showcase a masterclass in twisted sibling rivalry, and the question remains: will Kristen eliminate the threat for good, or will Peter succeed in banishing her from Salem entirely?
4. A Mother’s Worst Nightmare: Chanel, Trey, and a Terrifying Obsession
The most emotionally devastating storyline ahead belongs to Chanel Dupree. As if dealing with a high-risk pregnancy weren’t enough, she now faces a nightmare scenario involving her son, Trey. Sophia Choi—deeply unstable and dangerously obsessed—is planning a bold prison escape, and all signs point to one horrifying goal: Trey.
Sophia doesn’t just want the child. She believes, with terrifying conviction, that Johnny and Chanel are unfit parents and that Trey belongs with her. That level of delusion makes her one of Salem’s most frightening antagonists. Spoilers suggest a possible kidnapping, and the thought alone is enough to leave viewers shaken.
Stress threatens to overwhelm Chanel as Johnny worries constantly, and tensions rise by the day. A high-stakes standoff is rumored to unfold by the week of January 12th. Adding another layer of danger is the possibility that Rachel Black may be involved in Sophia’s escape. Rachel’s inherited dark streak could pull her into something far bigger—and more dangerous—than she realizes.
If harm comes to Trey or Chanel’s unborn child, the ripple effects will permanently alter Salem. This isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a defining moment for Chanel, testing her strength, resilience, and the limits of her love.
5. A Kiss in the Dark: Leo, Dmitri, and a Love Triangle Ready to Explode
Finally, we arrive at a storyline that blends romance, chaos, and manipulation in perfect DOOL fashion. Dmitri von Leuschner has settled comfortably into the DiMera mansion, and his attention quickly turns to Leo Stark. Their chemistry has always simmered beneath the surface—playful, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
When Dmitri surprises Leo with a kiss, it’s a game-changing moment for fans of the pairing. But there’s a problem: Javi. Leo’s current relationship is already fragile, and this betrayal could destroy it entirely. Leo has a history of sabotaging his own happiness, and Dmitri knows exactly how to exploit that weakness.
There’s also the suspicion that Dmitri has ulterior motives. Getting close to Leo may be his ticket to uncovering DiMera secrets—especially anything connected to Gwen. As this love triangle heats up, expect sparks, confrontations, and maybe even a slap or two. Whether Leo chooses stability or chaos remains to be seen.
Bonus Twist: A New Year’s Eve That Changes Everything
Amid all the chaos, Days of Our Lives delivers a rare moment of warmth and tradition. On New Year’s Eve, Alex and Stephanie share an intimate, heartfelt evening that quietly alters their future. Interrupted kisses, family understanding, and a shared celebration at the Bistro set the stage for something unforgettable.
What begins as an emotional night culminates in a public proposal—simple, sincere, and deeply meaningful. Surrounded by Steve and Kayla, whose support anchors the moment, Alex proposes with intention rather than spectacle. Stephanie’s yes marks not just an engagement, but a reaffirmation of love, family, and values that Salem desperately needs amid the turmoil.
Final Thoughts
The next two weeks in Salem promise a relentless roller coaster of emotion, betrayal, romance, and danger. From shocking hookups and corporate wars to terrifying threats against a child and the return of a classic villain, January 5th through January 16th is packed with must-watch drama.
Will Chad and Belle regret crossing a line they can’t uncross? Has Xander permanently pushed Sarah away? Can Kristen survive Peter Blake’s revenge? And will Chanel’s family emerge from this nightmare intact?
One thing is certain—Salem will never be the same.