Days Recap: Days of our Lives Recap, May 25: Jennifer gets surprising news from Jack and JJ

In today’s Days of our Lives recap for May 25, 2026, Jack and Jennifer had a heart-to-heart, Gabi and Gwen and Brady and Philip commiserated, Xander and Sarah clashed, and Amy refused to give up.

What happened on Days of our Lives

Brady got a dose of Philip's latest drama | Image: Peacock

In the park, Philip – decked out in military attire – ran into Brady. Philip explained he’d been at a Memorial Day ceremony to honor his fallen comrades. Following some talk about Philip’s service, Philip acknowledged to Brady that although he didn’t have regrets about his time in the military, he had a lot of regrets about events that had unfolded in his life afterward. Number one currently on the list was his involvement with Gabi.

Brady was shocked to learn the dirty details of Gabi’s betrayal of Philip and of Titan. Philip chastised himself for ever having trusted Gabi. Brady believed Gabi was plenty busy beating herself up. He suggested that in time, Philip might come to view things differently and want a reconciliation with Gabi. Philip didn’t see that prospect ever happening.

Regards and regrets

Amy couldn't face the truth | Image: Peacock

At the Brady Pub, Amy complemented Roman on the Memorial Day items he’d set up. The talk turned to Sophia’s upcoming memorial, which Amy preferred to think of as a “prayer service” since she still hadn’t given up hope on finding her daughter alive. Jada soon arrived with an update that Amy didn’t want to hear: the search and recovery had been called off, since the police no longer had confidence they could find Sophia’s body. The news upset Amy, even more so after Jada revealed that the search team had retrieved a gun...with Sophia’s fingerprints and Johnny’s blood on it. Amy was taken aback and couldn’t understand how Sophia had gotten access to the gun.

Jada and Roman both assured Amy that the department would remain diligent in investigating Sophia’s case. Shortly after Jada left, Philip came into the pub and had a brief conversation with Roman about Memorial Day. Spotting Amy, he approached the grieving mother, expressed his sympathies, and introduced himself as Tate’s uncle. Amy indicated she had been wanting to talk to Philip, which piqued his curiosity. Philip grew uncomfortable, though, when Amy began peppering him with questions about how he’d survived his own fall into the river.

A contrite Philip had to admit that he’d faked his death due to his mental health issues at the time. He had eventually gotten the help he needed. Amy wished more than anything that Sophia would have done the same. When Philip mentioned the roses on the table symbolizing remembrance and faith, Amy reaffirmed that she would never lose faith in one day seeing her daughter again.

Misery loves company

Gwen and Gabi hosted their own pity party | Image: Peacock

At Small Bar, Gwen saw Gabi drowning her sorrows and decided to join in. Gabi immediately got to lamenting the demise of her relationship with Philip. Gwen nearly did a spit-take and blurted out, “Did you cheat?” Gabi stayed vague on details and said she’d done something to break Philip’s trust irreparably. Gwen and she shared a toast to their mutual penchant for self-destruction.

Gabi apologized for taking over the conversation and asked how Gwen was faring. Gwen confided she’d had both highs and lows recently…the high being Jack’s visit and her father wanting a relationship with her. Gabi was happy for Gwen but confused as to what had caused her friend’s down mood. Gwen could sum it up in one word: Xander. Although she’d pledged to herself their fling would stay no-strings-attached, she had “caught feelings,” in Gabi’s words.

Gwen complained about Xander’s undying devotion to sainted Sarah and sighed that she had become accustomed to coming in second. Ever since her mother had died, she’d vowed to just survive and not let messy, complicated feelings get in the way. But she’d realized she did want love. Gabi encouraged Gwen to find someone who could give her everything she wanted – and, more importantly, to always be honest with that person.

Later, Gabi had a tense run-in with Philip outside the pub. She tried to thank him for his service, but Philip stopped her cold. “Semper fi means always faithful, always loyal. Those don’t apply to you,” Philip bluntly stated before walking away.

The Bickersons are back together

Days of our Lives' Xander wanted to prove he could go home again | Image: Peacock

At the Kiriakis mansion, Xander explained the water damage problems at his place and insisted he had the right to stay at his own home while repairs were made. Besides, he wanted to be close to Victoria…and to Sarah — for convenience, of course. Sarah let Xander know she didn’t think the living arrangement was a good idea. She argued it would be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone.

Xander sidled up to Sarah and questioned if she was more afraid of contentious arguments, or perhaps of “something else.” Sarah bringing up the so-called “pull” between them and quickly insisting it no longer existed drew a smirk out of Xander. Sarah testily reminded her ex she had another man in her life. Cue Brady’s entrance, as he raised a trademark Black eyebrow at the exchange.

When Brady was brought up to speed about Xander’s return to the mansion, uncle tried to get a rise out of nephew by asking if Brady had a problem with the arrangement. Brady kept his cool and said he wasn’t taking the bait. Instead, he suggested Sarah give Xander all the space he needed to settle in by going home…with Brady. As the couple left, Brady threw in a kiss with Sarah for good measure, while Xander quietly seethed.

Beginning a new chapter

Shawn supported former partner/cousin JJ | Image: Peacock

In Horton Town Square, JJ and Shawn shared a drink. JJ again apologized for freezing before Shawn was shot, but Shawn stressed he was fine and held no ill will. Shawn was still on medical leave and anticipated a long stint of desk duty. He wondered what was next for JJ.

JJ claimed he was doing well and looked forward to a new beginning. He lightly teased Shawn about staying with Jada before taking his leave. Shawn was just glad that Jada had supported him despite his lies of omission to her. After JJ departed, Jada joined Shawn at his table. She filled him in on her difficult conversation with Amy Choi, and both agreed that giving bad news to a victim’s loved ones was the most harrowing part of the job.

Shawn wanted to investigate why the gun retrieved from the river had a filed-off serial number and also wanted to track down the owner of the gun. Jada put the brakes on Shawn’s attempt to jump back into work. She intended to get him "home" and back to recovering. “You mean to your home,” Shawn corrected with a flirtatious smile.

Jennifer didn't give Jack the reaction he had been expecting | Image: Peacock

At the Horton house, Jack and Jennifer talked cupcakes before Jack hesitantly broached the subject of his recent visit with Gwen. Jennifer was not entirely surprised that Jack had wanted to reconnect with his daughter or that Gwen seemed open to the idea. She understood Jack’s desire and admitted a part of her was “jealous” that Jack still had a daughter to love. Jennifer opened up about how she felt the same way every time she saw a mother and daughter together in public. She would give anything to hug, to talk to, or even spend one more moment with Abigail.

Jennifer confessed that she had been holding tight to pain, anger, and resentment on Abigail’s behalf “like a torch.” If she let those feelings go, she feared she would lose a last link to her daughter. Jack pledged neither he nor Jennifer would ever forget Abigail, and he comforted his wife with a hug.

Later, JJ arrived home and shared a warm reunion with his parents. Jack and Jennifer conceded they had been worried about their son, especially after what had happened with Shawn’s shooting. Jennifer confided that what had happened previously with JJ (when he considered suicide) was driving her anxiety. JJ reassured his mom that suicide was nowhere in his mind and that he was in a much better place than he had been in a long time.

JJ credited the love and support he had received from the people in his life – like his parents and Julie – for getting him through the tough times. He had realized, however, that he hadn’t been truly meant to rejoin the police force. Wanting to become a cop had arisen out of his deep need to help people. And there had been another time in his life when JJ had felt most fulfilled: his stint as an EMT. The work had been rewarding and had truly made a difference.

With that assertion, JJ announced he had gotten his recertification as an EMT and would be returning to his old job. Jack and Jennifer were overjoyed for their son.

The show ended with a commemoration of Memorial Day.

Coming up on Days of our Lives

Tomorrow on DAYS, Jennifer makes good on her new perspective by reaching out to Cat for a truce. Xander and Sarah lay some hard truths on each other, while Alex and Joy’s interaction is far more pleasant. The new parents find themselves bonding.

Meanwhile, Johnny gets an update from EJ on the latest DiMera dirty dealings. And Chanel gets the update she’s been dreading, as her biopsy results have arrived.

Stream new episodes of Days of our Lives on Peacock.