Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, January 21, 2026: Chad, Jennifer, and Jack reach an agreement

On Days of our Lives today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, grievances are aired at the mediation hearing, Thomas confesses his fears, and Salem’s grieving widows seek solace with each other.

What Happened on Days of our Lives

At the mediation hearing, Jack informed Jennifer that no lawyers would be present for the hearing. Jennifer vetoed the idea at first but eventually acquiesced. Chad, meanwhile, received a scolding from Melinda over the phone because of the ‘no-lawyers’ request. He, too, conceded that perhaps the Deverauxs and he could work towards a solution that was best for the children, without legal counsel.

Later, the mediator convened with Chad, Jennifer, and Jack. After laying out the ground rules of the hearing, the mediator gave Chad a chance to speak. Chad opened up about how important his kids were to him, especially after the family had lost Thomas and Charlotte’s mom. Chad had been his kids' only parent and had rocked the children to sleep, had taken them to all their dance recitals and baseball games, and had comforted them when they were sad. One time, Chad had lost his temper with Thomas and had sought Jennifer’s counsel.

Chad recounted how Jennifer had told him, “You don’t always have to be wise and wonderful with your kids; you just have to be there.” Chad had taken her advice to heart and had said he was sorry to his son. During their conversation, Chad and Thomas had come to the conclusion that they were more angry at the world for taking Abigail than at each other. Thomas had said to Chad, “You can make me feel better, and I can make you feel better.”

Thomas’s comment had been a turning point for Chad, and he had finally understood that his kids and he could move on with their lives and be happy, as long as they had each other. The mediator asked what had changed and caused the recent friction. Chad provided a brief summary of Cat’s impersonation of Abigail. He admitted that while he had been furious at first because of Cat’s deception, he had eventually forgiven her because, as he saw it, everyone deserved a second chance. The mediator took note of Chad’s look toward Jennifer and Jack and asked him to elaborate.

Chad began to bring up Jennifer’s addiction to painkillers, but before he could get far, Jack angrily interrupted him and declared the meeting over. He couldn’t believe Chad would “stoop so low” as to bring up Jennifer’s past. The mediator intervened and asserted that Jennifer’s addiction would be relevant to a custody agreement. But the mediator wanted to go back to the topic of Cat. Chad talked about how he had developed romantic feelings for Cat while she was impersonating Abigail -- and how once they had developed a friendship later, those feelings had grown.

Jennifer let the mediator know how she, Jack, and Thomas had felt upon learning about Chad’s secret relationship with Cat. Chad affirmed he had ended the relationship. Jennifer countered that while Chad had sworn he would stay away from Cat, he hadn’t been able to honor his promise to his son. Chad lashed out and said he couldn’t guarantee he would never do something to make his children angry again. But he could pledge that he would do anything for them and would always put them first.

Jennifer responded, “I don’t believe you.” She followed up by affirming that Jack and she loved Chad and appreciated how much he loved their grandchildren. But Thomas’ accident had changed Jennifer’s perspective on letting Thomas live with Jack and her in Boston. Chad tried to explain that he had only been comforting Cat after she had gotten bad news. Jennifer said it didn’t matter because it had demonstrated that Chad hadn’t put his children first.

Jennifer recalled how Thomas hadn’t wanted to see his dad after the accident. Jennifer had been the one to hold Thomas and comfort him while he cried in pain. When asked for his perspective, Jack added that Chad had broken their trust time and time again. Chad fiercely pushed back and claimed Jennifer and Jack simply didn’t want him to be happy with anyone else. Jennifer refuted his assertion; she wanted nothing more than for Chad to find happiness and love again…just never with Cat.

Jennifer added that her views had recently changed again after Chad had been kidnapped. She had seen how much Thomas worried about his father. When Chad returned home safely, Jennifer and Jack had come to the conclusion that they needed to find a better way forward. The mediator asked if Chad agreed, and he did. In fact, his lawyer, Melinda, had helped him draft a proposal.

Jack snarked at the mention of Melinda’s name but was willing to hear Chad out. Chad laid out the terms. Retaining full custody was non-negotiable for him. He did, however, want Jennifer and Jack to come home for an extended stay for one month every summer. Jennifer and Jack raised it to two months, with the caveat that they could “revisit” custody if Thomas expressed concern again. Chad shot down that idea.

Chad didn’t believe it was fair for Thomas to dictate where his sister Charlotte lived. Moreover, he didn’t want to give Thomas the power to hold custody over his head every time Chad might make Thomas angry. Jennifer backed off from that point, but she did have a non-negotiable inclusion of her own: Chad could never become involved with Cat again. Chad agreed to the terms. The trio joined hands in acknowledgement of their successful mediation.

Thomas is torn

Thomas (Cary Christopher) and Jeremy (Michael Roark) on Days of our Lives. \Image: Peacock

At the Horton house, Jeremy tried to help a distracted Thomas with his homework. Picking up on his student’s distress, Jeremy compelled Thomas to confide in him. Thomas sighed and said everyone was mad and fighting. “I feel like it’s all my fault,” he admitted. He had just been so angry when his dad had lied to him.

Jeremy acknowledged it could be hard to forgive when someone screwed up. But he assured Thomas that his dad and grandparents were working hard to find a peaceful resolution, which is why they had chosen mediation over another court date. Thomas confessed that his feelings about his dad and about living with his grandparents had possibly changed when he thought he might have lost his dad. Jeremy urged Thomas to be honest about his feelings with his family. He also suggested Thomas work on giving his Dad another opportunity to make things right.

Later, Jack and Jennifer returned and happily greeted Thomas, who insisted they tell him what had happened at the hearing. Jennifer and Jack broke the good news to their grandson that everyone had reached an agreement. Jennifer relayed the details and ended with the most important development: Cat would never be in their lives again. Jennifer sensed Thomas was less than enthused and asked what was wrong. “It’s not good enough,” Thomas replied…none of them could be sure his dad wouldn’t lie again.

Cat moves forward

Cat (AnnaLynne McCord) and Felicity (Kennedy Garcia) on Days of our Lives. \Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, Marlena spotted Cat and said hello to her former employee. Cat asked about Marlena and about her granddaughter, Sydney. After Marlena reported Sydney was doing better, Cat wondered if EJ would be returning to Salem soon. The mention of EJ prompted Marlena to offer Cat her old job back. Cat politely declined the offer, as EJ had always been kind to her and she didn’t want to leave him in the lurch after he had helped her during a trying time.

Marlena left for her book club meeting, and Cat was joined by Felicity. Cat told her sister Marlena had seemed sad because of losing her husband recently. Felicity noted Cat seemed sad as well and immediately drew a connection to Chad.

Cat gently stressed to her sister that being with Chad was “impossible,” and they had to accept that reality. Cat wished Chad and his family the best, especially with what was transpiring that day. As a distraction, she took Felicity for ice cream.

Marlena's Struggles Deepen

Marlena (Deidre Hall), Maggie (Suzanne Rogers), and Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) on Days of our Lives. \Image: Peacock

At the bookstore, Julie nervously prepared for her first book club meeting. Foster gave her a pep talk and reminded Julie she’d be among friends. On cue, Maggie arrived, and greetings were exchanged. Julie observed that Marlena was running late, and Foster suggested they begin the meeting, since the store was only closed for a short time.

Maggie began the discussion by talking about how she related to the main character’s strained relationship with her deceased spouse’s adult children. Marlena arrived in the midst of Maggie’s speech and took her seat. Julie confided that while reading the book selection, she often found herself having a “one-way” conversation with her beloved Doug about it. Doug had always been so spirited and insightful, and sharing the reading experience with him gave her comfort.

Foster asked if Marlena would like to say something, but she said she’d rather listen. Julie joked about listening being Marlena’s talent as a psychiatrist. Marlena said she wasn’t sure she’d be returning to her practice. She decided to leave. Julie attempted to dissuade Marlena, but she said she wasn’t ready, gave her apologies, and abruptly departed.

Following the meeting, Julie expressed concern for Marlena. Foster reassured her that Marlena’s response was normal. Julie, however, didn’t seem so certain.

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