Days of our Lives Recap August 27: Ari Overhears EJ's Secrets About Holly

On the Thursday, August 27, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Ari learned a lot at her internship, Chanel learned a lot from Johnny, and Alex and Stephanie learned a lot about babies.

The Truth Is Out There

Chanel and Johnny told Paulina about Olivia's middle name | Image: Peacock

At the hospital, Chanel admitted that she was a little anxious about some cancer tests, but wanted to focus on her new baby. Johnny was in awe of his wife for how she went through 24 hours of labor with no pain meds. "If I can do that, cancer doesn't stand a chance," Chanel said.

When Paulina arrived, she was surprised to see the baby's isolette and said, "Olivia Alexandra DiMera." Johnny and Chanel explained they had decided on the name when Theo told them that Lexie had passed just as their baby came into the world. Paulina had some mixed feelings, but put on a happy face and said it was a beautiful name.

When Chanel mentioned how surprised she was about what had happened to Lexie, Paulina implied that Johnny knew what was going on. Chanel didn't pick up on it, so Johnny sent Paulina to get water so he could talk to his wife.

Chanel listened intently as Johnny told her he was aware his father had hidden Lexie in the tunnels, but it was at her insistence. Chanel asked if Johnny was keeping other secrets for EJ. Johnny lied and said no, neglecting to mention the Coriseal and arsenic mess.

Johnny left to take care of some work when Theo arrived. Once alone, Theo confided in Chanel. He had lived most of his life without his mother, but this was still so hard on him. When Paulina returned, she embraced Theo and told him how sorry she was.

She also asked how Abe was, so Theo told her to go talk to him herself. Theo assured Paulina that Lexie would be happy to know that Paulina was a support for Abe. Paulina appreciated Theo's words, but wanted Abe to make the first move.

Holly Confronts EJ

When EJ ran into Holly in Horton Town Square, he inquired about her health and whether she needed any special treatment. "You mean like rehab? No, because I didn't take any pills. But you already knew that," she spat. EJ astutely asked if Holly had a problem with him. He couldn't imagine why when he had gotten Amy to drop the lawsuit.

Holly accused EJ of playing dumb, so EJ continued to play dumb. Holly then surprised him by launching into a tirade about buying out Titan's loan. "Thanks to you, my grandmother's losing her home," she accused. EJ tried to write it off as just business, but Holly didn't want to hear him and walked off. As soon as Holly was gone, EJ put in a call to Rita to try and learn who the Kiriakis house buyer was.

Ari Eavesdrops

Aaron and Ari moved into the dorm | Image: Peacock

Aaron helped Ari move back into the dorm room she shares with Holly, where she lamented her problems with her mother. Aaron understood that Gabi had crossed some boundaries, but he admitted he would have given anything for his mom to interfere with his life. Ari immediately felt bad for not thinking of Aaron's feelings.

When Ari said that Holly was out shopping for more dorm decor, Aaron noted that they had the room all to themselves for a while. Ari reminded Aaron she could be back soon, so the idea of her walking in on them "kills the vibe." So, they joked about playing video games instead.

And they did just that. Aaron set up his gaming computer and they started playing. But they also flirted so much that they ended up kissing. And that's when Holly walked in, mortifying Aaron and Ari. After Ari left for her internship, Holly told Aaron that she was happy he and Ari were growing closer.

When Johnny got to work, EJ found him and asked about Chanel and the baby. Johnny only wanted to talk about how he's lying to Chanel and covering for his father. "And what about Holly?" he shouted, as Ari walked by in the hall. She stopped as soon as she heard her BFF's name and listened in.

EJ and Johnny spoke cryptically about EJ doing something to Holly. But EJ just advised Johnny to move on as Holly had. "Johnny, I assure you, there's nothing to worry about. Holly doesn't know anything about it," EJ said

The Next Morning

Stephanie woke with Theo | Image: Peacock

Alex dropped Kelsey off with Bonnie so he could plan a surprise for Stephanie. Alex was concerned when Kelsey began crying as soon as he walked away, but Bonnie calmed the baby and sent Alex on his way. Bonnie sang to the baby and it was all good.

Alex headed straight to his building and knocked on Jada's door, looking for Stephanie, but nobody answered. He sent her a text saying he thought that she had planned to work from home.

Stephanie freaked out when she woke up in bed next to Theo, but realized she was above the covers and fully clothed. She tried to quietly leave, but Theo woke just as she received a text from Alex. Stephanie worried about what she would tell her husband, but Theo didn't see it as a big deal that they were there when the other needed a friend.

"But maybe spending the night was a mistake, but that's 100 percent on me. Please don't mention this to Alex," she requested, before advising Theo to lean on his family and not spend the day alone. Stephanie then left.

Stephanie met Alex at the Brady Pub, where he apologized for neglecting her, but in the middle of his speech, he noticed she was wearing the same clothing as the day before. Stephanie explained that she spent the night at her parents' because Jada and Shawn had a hot date.

"I was going out of my mind all night thinking that I was going to lose the love of my life," Alex confessed, before asking Stephanie to promise him that wasn't true. Stephanie assured Alex that he was not losing her. They apologized for the things they had said yesterday. They agreed to use Bonnie's babysitting generosity to spend the day and night together.

Unfortunately, as they made plans for a night in Chicago, Bonnie called to tell Alex that Kelsey was inconsolable and needed her dad. She had a fever and was tugging at her ears, which likely meant that she had an ear infection.

Is Johnny about to blow up his marriage? Will EJ ever learn? Does Theo fall for women as easily as Brady? Sound off in the comments.