Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, April 20: Lani returns to Salem...but she's not the only one back

On the Monday, April 20, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives Rafe’s suggestion threw Cat for a loop, Gabi saw something she shouldn’t have, and Stephanie and Alex continuec their tangled tango, while Stephanie sought out a new dance partner.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Days of our Lives' Theo got caught day-dreaming | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Theo poured his heart out about his feelings for Gabi to – a piece of paper. The woman of his dreams appeared right before him, ready for another round of ‘pretty please, tell me your secret.’ Theo told his secret crush…about his current sorta-girlfriend. He’d epically blown it with Jada. Gabi understood the Shawn of it all.

That wasn’t it. Sure, Jada was smart and beautiful, but there wasn’t a “spark.” How could Theo dump her without getting a drink in his face and a hate-on for the effort? Gabi encouraged her apparent high school bud (retcon?) to be honest and all would end well. (Let us know how that works out in Salem, Gabi).

Theo thanked Gabi and headed out the door, without his therapeutic paper scrap. Oops… Gabi, happily oblivious that doctor-patient confidentiality is attached to said scrap, began reading all about how Theo couldn’t stop thinking or dreaming about “G.” Double oops….

(What do we think? Gabi and Theo: yay or nay? Sound off in the comments).

True Confessions with Chanel, Alex – and a very special guest

Trey turned out to be the opposite of a chick magnet for Alex | Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, Chanel set up shop for her seemingly mostly-outdoors bakery (will we ever see the inside again, sans frisky biscuits?). Alex stopped by with Trey. Oh, no, was Trey fussy? Alex assured Chanel that Trey was a champ among babies. Stephanie, on the other hand….

They’d had a bit of a blow-up, and Alex was still in his feelings about his wife’s rejection of his tender loving care. Stephanie might not even consider him dad material. Chanel busted out her best pep talk, but Alex reminded his former threesome partner that he hadn’t always been Mr. Commitment. Just give it time, Chanel urged. Meanwhile, she’d take her bundle of joy off his hands.

Later, Chanel was giving multi-tasking a test run when someone tapped her on the shoulder. It was Lani, fresh from her long, long trip from DC. Hugs and squeals ensued. Turns out Lani and Eli got an offer on their house, so Lani decided to join the Salem fray early (hope she had the holy water handy) while Eli stayed behind a little longer. Theo joined the happy family reunion, until he remembered he’d left a little something behind at the pub and beat a quick retreat.

The Newlywed Game with Stephanie and…Jeremy?

Jeremy had a broad shoulder reserved just for Stephanie | Image: Peacock

At Alex and Stephanie’s place, Stephanie made a call to her favorite new bestie and asked him to come over. Jeremy broke the speed record and arrived on Stephanie’s doorstep fresh with trauma bond wisdom. He understood Stephanie feeling out of sorts with everyone else. Heck, he’d even snapped at Julie (maybe a little understandable). Stephanie bent her ex’s ear about her fight with Alex.

Alex just didn’t understand Stephanie’s ever-evolving feelings about motherhood. Stephanie dropped a potentially baby-sized anvil and mentioned Joy. Why could Alex need a minute to sort out his feelings about parenthood but not extend the same courtesy to Stephanie? Jeremy threw Alex a bone of understanding and said he’d feel the same way about protecting Stephanie. As for making major life decisions, Jeremy had decided to stay in Salem (or will he?..)

Stephanie definitely did not seem disappointed at Jeremy’s news. (Should that particular controversial flame be rekindled? Tell us what you think.) They agreed to continue being each other’s emotional support peeps. As for Jeremy’s visit, it would be their little secret.

Later, a newly reinvigorated Stephanie greeted Alex with apologies, cuddles, kisses, and an invitation for more. Alex, unaware that another man had been warming his couch just a short time before, took his wife to the bedroom for some sexual healing.

Meanwhile, Jeremy returned to the Horton house and found an over-the-moon Julie, who’d just put her great-grandchildren down for a nap and looked like she could use one herself. Julie was just happy that with Jules and Carver’s arrival, the house was once again filled with life, love…and toy trucks. After Julie shared a sentimental story about Doug and retired, Jeremy got back to being mysterious and made a call to Mike.

Whose pod is it, anyway, with Rafe and Cat

Cat wasn't buying what Rafe was selling on Days of our Lives | Image: Peacock

At Rafe's house, Rafe told Cat that Kristen had officially joined Team Take Down EJ. Of course she was still a “psychotic nutjob,” but she was now their psychotic nutjob. Rafe and his partner pivoted to a game of Name That Mystery Pod Occupant. Couldn’t be Stefan, since EJ hated him and all. Couldn’t be Stefano, as the old man was currently playing the role of Mr. Bones.

Then, a lightbulb went off over Rafe’s head: Abigail! Her body had done a disappearing act, so she'd be his bet in the Pod Person sweepstakes. AnnaLynne McCord put on her best impression of the Cat who’d swallowed the dead canary at that bit of supposition. Of course she’d be happy! Of course she wanted Chad to be happy, save the awkwardness of playing another round of 'surprise, your dead wife is alive'! And of course she wasn’t still in love with Chad; she just didn’t want to disappoint him again, was all.

Later, Cat’s claims about her total non-feelings for Chad were put to the test when she made a trip to Horton Town Square and spotted a very familiar little girl (with her ‘looking like a whole new man’ dad likely just around the corner).

Coming up on DAYS

You can look forward to Cat reuniting with a certain someone. Meanwhile, Javi's reunion with Leo continues to go off the rails, as the reporter finds himself playing online stalker to his ex's new beau. Gabi's love life is going markedly better, and she finds time for a little romance with Philip.

Over at Casa DiMera, EJ decides to take his unwelcome roommate out with the trash, while hope springs eternal for Theo...at least when it comes to his dearly departed mom.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.