Days of our Lives Recap August 18: Johnny's Confession Horrifies Theo

On the Tuesday, August 18, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Holly and Tate reconnected, JJ reached out to Gwen, Ari and Julie enjoyed trivia night with their dates, and Johnny’s confession upset Theo and Paulina.

Date night in Salem

Foster and Julie played trivia against Ari and Aaron | Image: JPI

In the square, Holly and Tate talked about the sale of the Kiriakis estate. Holly admitted that although she missed her mother, her life was in Salem. Aaron interrupted the two love birds and told them that he and Ari had kissed. Tate and Holly cheered, and Holly encouraged Aaron to visit Ari at the pub.

After Aaron ran off, Tate asked Holly if she had any theories about who had planted drugs in her bag. Holly told Tate about Sarah’s suspicions. Concerned, Tate asked Holly if EJ had helped her with the lawsuit out of guilt. Holly said that was Sarah’s theory. Holly admitted that she was furious that EJ had turned her family against her, but that they could not let EJ know they were on to him.

At the pub, Roman told Ari that he would miss her once she moved back into the dorms. Ari suggested that Kate could move into her room when she left. With a shrug, Roman noted that Kate had a home. Ari told Roman about the sale of the Kiriakis estate and noted that it was obvious how much Roman and Kate missed one another. When Aaron arrived, he and Ari flirted. Roman urged Aaron and Ari to join trivia night.

Foster and Julie took Trey with them to trivia night at the pub. Roman greeted Julie and told her about Lexie. Aaron and Ari said hello, and Aaron marveled at how big Trey had gotten. “He totally has your eyes,” Ari said. Foster looked at Julie, and she confirmed that Aaron was Trey’s biological father. Julie asked Aaron if he would like to hold Trey.

As Aaron held his son, he marveled to Ari that he had created a person. Ari asked Aaron if he regretted his decision. Aaron noted that he had not been ready to be a father and was happy that Trey had good parents to raise him. Aaron admitted that he hoped Trey would learn about him, but he was worried about what Chanel and Johnny would tell Trey about Sophia. Ari noted that although Sophia had struggled with mental illness, there were a lot of good things about her that they could talk about.

Across the pub, Julie talked to Foster about Lexie. They talked about the afterlife, and Foster admitted that he did not believe there was anything after death. Julie’s eyes went wide, but before they could discuss the matter further, Roman started trivia night. After trading the lead back and forth with Ari and Aaron, Julie and Foster won.

While Aaron and Ari went back to his place to play video games, Foster escorted Julie and Trey home. Foster insisted that they use the winning gift card to have dinner together. As Foster leaned in for a kiss, JJ interrupted. Foster said goodnight and left.

Welcome back

JJ told Gwen that he wanted to work on their relationship | Image: JPI

Gwen paced her room in the Salem Inn and left a voicemail for Chad, thanking him for helping save, but she asked him for his help to save Leo. JJ stopped by Gwen’s room to tell her that he and Jack were relieved that Gwen was home safe. JJ told Gwen that Jack had worked to track her down after she had disappeared. Gwen was surprised. JJ asked Gwen if there was a way that they could repair their relationship.

Suspicious, Gwen accused JJ of attempting to curry favor since she had decided to buy the hospital. JJ said he had been unaware of Gwen’s plans. JJ stressed that he honestly wanted to spend time with his sister. When Gwen mocked the idea, JJ suggested that they should try to get past Gwen’s reservations about him.

After Gwen’s conversation with JJ, she went out to buy a new cell phone. Tate spotted her, so he ran and gave her a hug. Tate said he was thankful that Gwen was okay. Holly forced a smile, but she clearly was taken aback by Tate’s action. Holly listened as Tate talked to Gwen and complimented her on her fitness. Gwen promised to be in touch about their next workout. After Gwen left, Holly noted that Gwen had been flirting with Tate. Holly asked Tate if all his female clients were like that. Tate reminded Holly that he only had eyes for her.

Blood confessions

Paulina warned Johnny not to become his father | Image: JPI

At the hospital, Theo was donating blood when Johnny walked in to do the same. Johnny explained that Chanel needed a blood transfusion, and thanked Theo for his help. Theo explained that his donation was for his mother because she was dying, and he hoped to give her more time. While the two men sat there, Theo complained that EJ was to blame. Theo argued that EJ had thoughtlessly used Lexie as a guinea pig and then had hidden her away without anyone to care for her in her final days. Johnny defended EJ, and Theo realized that Johnny had known about Lexie. Theo was furious that Johnny had lied to him.

Johnny told Theo that he had urged EJ to tell everyone the truth, but that Lexie had begged EJ to keep her health a secret until after she was gone. Theo asked Johnny if he had talked to Lexie, or if he had just believed EJ. Johnny lowered his eyes. Theo asked Johnny what else he had covered up for EJ. Johnny thought about how he had helped EJ with the Coriseal cover-up.

“Everything that I have done has been for the good of this family,” Johnny said. Theo argued that Johnny had cost him time with his mother, and he was just like his father. Before Theo left, he told Johnny that he should be ashamed to face Chanel after what he had done.

After Theo left, Paulina joined Johnny in the blood bank to donate. Johnny told Paulina about his conversation with Theo. Paulina gasped and asked Johnny how long he had known about Lexie. Johnny argued that he had honored Lexie’s dying wish. Paulina argued that Johnny should not have trusted EJ, especially when it meant betraying the trust of all his loved ones. Paulina reminded Johnny that Chanel was terrified that Johnny would put his father above his wife, but Johnny assured Paulina that Chanel had nothing to fear.

In the waiting area, JJ asked Theo how he could help. Theo thanked JJ for the visit, but he said there was nothing to be done. “It’s times like these when you find out who your real friends are,” Theo said. When Johnny exited the blood bank, he asked Theo how he could fix things between them. Theo said that was not possible.

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