Days of our Lives Recap June 22 to 26: Marlena Reminisces, Tainted Drugs, Mystery Money, and More

Here is what happened on Days of our Lives, the week of June 22-26, 2026, when Marlena reminisced about her 50 years in Salem, Theo called Gabi a traitor; Andrew cautioned Cat; Chad and Belle worked to unravel a mystery; Joy panicked Alex; Stephanie made a decision; EJ made a subtle threat against Rachel; Holly fell violently ill; EJ worked to cover up contaminated drugs; Xander worked to find EJ’s secret; and Ari learned what her mother did.

50 Years of Marlena

Marlena looked through an old photo album | Image: Peacock

Gabi gave Theo a gift as an apology and congratulations for his new job. Theo was furious to learn that Gabi planned to give her inheritance to Titan and called her a traitor. Theo told Gabi she reminded him of his cheating ex and he didn’t want to see her again. After Gabi left, Theo opened Gabi’s gift of a new journal.

Andrew argued with Cat about her romantic plans for EJ. Andrew relented, but he ordered Cat not to sleep with EJ. Concerned, Andrew reminded Cat that EJ had assaulted Sami and warned her to run if she was uncomfortable.

Chad and Belle used the key Theo found to unlock Stefano’s chess board box. Inside the box was a thousand lira. Chad cautioned Belle about the danger of following one of Stefano’s games, but Belle insisted on continuing. Belle asked Paul for help, but he did not have any new information. Chad borrowed Stefano’s chess book to look for clues and told Belle that he was looking forward to spending time with her while his kids were with their grandparents.

Paul visited Marlena and talked about her 50 years in Salem. Marlena explained that she had moved to town to work with Laura Horton. Marlena also told Paul about the tragic deaths of her twin sister, Samantha, and her first son, DJ. Marlena talked about John and her supernatural problems, as well.

Warrior Women

Joy sent Alex into a panic | Image: Peacock

A panicked Joy called Alex from the hospital. Before Alex could let Joy explain the situation, he rushed down to be with Kelsey. When Alex arrived, Joy confirmed that Kelsey was fine, but that she had panicked when the hospital had refused to accept her insurance. Alex promised to pay the bill and to make sure Kelsey was added to his insurance plan.

Stephanie lamented that she would not get to make happy memories with Kelsey and Alex because of her own actions. Joy was still resistant to allow Stephanie around Kelsey despite Steve and Kayla’s pleas. Stephanie told Kayla about her progress in therapy. When Belle told Stephanie that Owen had been deemed unfit to stand trial, she assured Stephanie that Owen would be locked up in a maximum security mental health facility. Belle reminded Stephanie that she was a survivor. After Stephanie read a quote from Jeremy about how she had inspired him to survive their ordeal, Stephanie decided not to be scared any more.

EJ accused Kristen of trying to kill Johnny. Kristen denied the accurate charge, but EJ was unswayed. When Chad interrupted, EJ vowed to continue his conversation with Kristen later. EJ asked Rita for help dealing with his sister. Brady and Kristen went to talk to Rachel about Sophia, and Kristen was alarmed to learn that EJ had personally visited Rachel the night before. Rachel was upset about Sophia, but Brady and Kristen promised they would always be there to support Rachel.

DiMera Pharmacetical Questions

Brady and Steve asked Johnny for help digging into old DiMera Pharmaceutical records about the drug Coriseal. Brady explained that it was possible that there was a looming public health crisis if there was tainted Coriseal circulating in the community. When Johnny attempted to search the DiMera database, it said there were no files on the drug.

Rita told EJ that Johnny was snooping around looking for information about the contaminated batch of Coriseal. EJ was concerned about why Johnny had known to look for information on the tainted drugs since they had kept it secret and no one had died from the arsenic that had been in the tainted batch. Rita informed EJ that the remaining drugs had been buried on Smith Island.

Sarah asked Xander for his help with DiMera records. Xander admitted that he had illegally retained a copy, and that he would look for information on Coriseal. Xander made Sarah promise not to confront EJ on her own. Xander asked Kristen for help with the Coriseal investigation. Kristen demanded that Xander help her take down EJ first.

Help For Holly

Sarah and Brady questioned Liam about Clea's death. Liam confirmed that Clea had bought drugs the night of her death and gotten nauseated and died. Holly continued to feel ill on Smith Island, but she refused to leave the cabin. When Holly passed out, they called Sarah and rushed Holly to the hospital. Liam overheard the call from Ari, and worried, he returned to Salem to check on her.

Holly had a seizure, and Sarah confirmed there was Coriseal in her bloodstream. Holly was adamant that she had not taken any drugs other than her anti-depressant. Tate vigorously defended Holly to Brady and Sarah when they questioned if Holly had been lying about her drug use again. Paranoid about the source of the Coriseal, Holly worried that Sophia was alive and had drugged her again.

Ari saw Liam in the town square and asked why he had ghosted her. Liam said he had had an opportunity and he was sorry he had left without a word. Liam kissed Ari goodbye and Aaron and Gabi saw them. When Gabi yelled, Ari realized that Gabi was the reason Liam had left. Gabi admitted what she had done. Though Liam defended Gabi’s actions, Ari told Gabi she would never forgive her. Aaron helped calm Ari down. Kristen overheard the argument in the square, and she told Gabi that she agreed with her.

After Xander comforted Sarah in the hospital hallway, EJ intentionally mentioned Xander’s affair with Kristen in front of Sarah. Sarah lashed out at EJ for attempting to hurt her, so EJ cautioned Sarah not to make an enemy of him. Sarah said she did not fear him. When Brady met up with Sarah later, EJ overheard them talk about whether the tainted Coriseal had originated at DiMera Pharmaceuticals. EJ was horrified to overhear that Holly was sick from Coriseal after a trip to Smith Island.