Days of our Lives Recap September 24: Cat Quit, Sydney Set Johnny on a Path to Redemption

On the Thursday, September 24, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Cat and EJ had it out; Belle expressed her worries, and Johnny kinda-sorta took his little sister's good advice.

Love Matches

Chad and Belle enjoyed some afternoon delight | Image: Peacock

Leo and Chad ran into one another outside the pub. Chad commented on how spiffy Leo looked in a suit. Chad was thrilled for Leo when Leo admitted that he was dressed for a date with Javi. When Chad entered the pub, he spotted Belle on her phone and snuck up behind her with a kiss.

Chad asked Belle why she had called him over to talk. Belle admitted that she was worried about Sami. She told him about the Dante and Dominic boarding school connection and was concerned that Sami was now engaged to Dante. "I have a feeling that all of this is adding up to something life-changing that could affect all of us," Belle said.

Despite the longtime rivalry between them, Belle cared for her sister. "I love her. I just don't want to see her get hurt," she said. Chad understood and mentioned how people can surprise you. For example, EJ was shocked to learn that Cat was ISA. "I'm sure he wasn't the only one, was he?" Belle asked. Chad noted that Cat was a skilled liar.

Later, they decided to forget about Cat and Sami for a while and got a room at the Salem Inn for what they called a little "afternoon delight."

At the cafe in the square, Leo met Javi, who was in his EMT attire and not dressed quite as nicely as Leo, who said he was going for a Mad Men look. They made some awkward small talk as they drank lattes. The small talk became less awkward as time passed.

Javi and Leo had to admit they had enjoyed their time together as Javi told Leo that he was forever charming. "You can't turn it off. It's just who you are," he said. Just then, Javi was called to work, but suggested they get dinner on his day off.

Sibling Advice

Sydney told Johnny to stand his ground with EJ | Image: Peacock

On the square bench, Johnny told Sydney that he'd take his family out of Salem immediately if he could and advised her not to stick around. Sydney was surprised to hear this and questioned her brother. He told her that accepting the CEO position at DiMera was the biggest mistake of his life.

Johnny explained that Theo had quit because he was honest and principled. Sydney realized that the illicit DiMera activities were still going on and Johnny was "up to your eyeballs" in. "It's a nightmare, Syd. I keep telling Dad that there's a line I'm not comfortable crossing and he keeps moving it," Johnny said.

Sydney gave Johnny the advice he needed. "Either quit or hold the line. You're the CEO, not Dad," she said. Johnny wanted to do that and make things right, but worried that it could cost him everything. Sydney left Johnny with advice from Great-Grandma Caroline: "Always look to your better angels."

Paulina and Lani also strolled through the square. Paulina told Lani that she knew Chanel needed that shower. She also knew Lani needed direction in her life, so she was ready to appeal to the governor to get her daughter a pardon. Paulina wanted Lani to be a cop again. Lani didn't want Paulina to do anything. She hated the idea of her mother calling the governor for a favor.

However, she had been considering her future and decided to appear on Leo's podcast. She told Leo, who was thrilled to get the news. That didn't stop Paulina from calling the governor as Leo and Lani discussed the new project.

Johnny's Theo News

Chanel got a few surprises | Image: Peacock

Before their stroll through the square, Paulina and Lani folded baby clothing in Johnny and Chanel's living room, with Paulina fretting about all the things she had to do before the baby shower. Chanel heard that and came running out of the bedroom to put a stop to that. "Mama, if you're planning to throw me a baby shower, don't," she said.

Chanel insisted they had everything they needed, but Lani argued that a shower was also about celebration. Chanel admitted that she just wasn't up for a party at the moment. They agreed, but as soon as Chanel left the room, Paulina resumed the party planning.

Later, when Chanel mentioned Johnny had texted, Lani blabbed the "big news" — that Johnny had left DiMera. Paulina and Chanel were shocked. When Johnny arrived home, Chanel was alone and she wanted to question him about Theo, but Johnny surprised Chanel with Sydney's arrival.

They shared a happy reunion, but when Sydney went to give her new niece her bottle, Chanel put Johnny on the spot and asked about Theo's resignation. Johnny said it was about something EJ had done and he was sorry for not telling her sooner.

ISA Problems

When EJ arrived at his hospital office, he found Cat packing things up at Kayla's request. EJ asked why she hadn't told him this before. Cat said that he had been cold and distant to her ever since she told him about her ISA association and hadn't been answering her calls.

Cat was furious with EJ, telling him that Chad had confronted her about her ISA secret. She couldn't believe that EJ told his brother. "I thought that conversation was a private one between us," Cat said. She told him that Paul had confirmed she left the ISA years ago, but EJ still didn't seem to believe it.

"You know what they say. There's no such thing as former ISA," EJ declared. He thought it would be just like the ISA to use an "unassuming desk jockey to gain access to me." Cat feigned being offended by that remark. She said she only told him so there wouldn't be secrets between them, but the secrets between them were EJ's.

EJ pointed out that everything about their professional and personal relationship was just a little too convenient. No matter how much Cat tried to explain herself, it was clear that EJ was not going to believe her. He also thought her time at the Italian clinic was just an act and part of her job, which Cat denied. "EJ, you're not going to have to worry about whether or not I am lying to you, because I quit," a frustrated Cat said before storming out.

Are you enjoying the SORAS'd Sydney? Does Cat really have feelings for EJ? Sound off in the comments.