Image: © XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
1/177
<p>Jennifer may have a tough time accepting that Abigail is back on <em>Days of Our Lives</em>, but it looks like JJ won’t be feeling the same when he returns in October to officiate the latest “Chabby” wedding!</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
2/177
<p>Lucas returned to<em>General Hospital</em>in October, but this time around, he’s being played by<em>As the World Turns </em>alum Hansis!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
3/177
<p>Jack and Jennifer will be back on <em>Days of Our Lives </em>in June, with Reeves continuing in the role once again after her November return to say farewell to Doug and Bill Hayes!</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
4/177
<p>Shane is one of many returns slated for<em>Days of Our Lives</em> this summer. And let’s hope this time around goes better than the last! After all, his handing Victor’s will over to Theresa led to the whole Alex heir scheme and gave Konstantin an opening to worm his way into everyone’s lives.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
5/177
<p>First Sami, now sister Carrie is headed back to Days of Our Lives this coming June for her first visit since Clark ended her last stint in 2019 — outside of her 2021 <em>Beyond Salem</em> run, that is!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
6/177
<p>Will is one of a slew of characters returning to<em>Days of Our Lives</em> this summer, which, of course, coincides with the show’s 60th anniversary. There’s no word, though, if Sonny or Ari will be coming back with him!</p>
Image: EvansVestalWard/Peacock
7/177
<p>Once we learned that Bo and Hope would be heading back to <em>Days of Our Lives</em> — hopefully giving us the reunion we’ve been dreaming of — we were fairly sure Ciara would be back with her parents as well. And it turns out, we were right! Konefal is one of many returns to the Peacock sudser this June.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
8/177
<p>Tony and Anna are set to make their <em>Days of Our Lives </em>returns in June of 2025, which is a huge relief to fans who thought Penghlis was done with daytime!</p>
Image: Courtesy of CBS (3)
9/177
<p>The <em>One Life to Live</em> alum (as doc Sheila) was chosen by <em>Young & Restless</em> to pick up the role of Amy where Stephanie E. Williams left off in the 1980s.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
10/177
<p>Connie’s been caught, her reign of terror ended and her would-be victims saved. Next stop? Bayview! And that means it’s time to say goodbye to Julie Dove.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
11/177
<p>Pucker up, Liam! As of the fall of 2024, the Australian-born beauty was making tracks back to <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> as Ivy, an old flame who still has beyond-warm feelings for her ex.</p>
Image: Courtesy of CBS (3)
12/177
<p>The daytime newcomer nabbed the plum part of Ivy’s niece Electra on <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>.</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI, Howard Wise/JPI
13/177
<p>Ahead of Monaco’s <em>exit</em>-exit from <em>General Hospital</em>, her frequent fill-in as Sam was once again tapped to step in for a few episodes in the middle of September.</p>
Image: ABC
14/177
<p>Port Charles was set to get a whole lost more mischievous in the fall with the return of the Emmy winner’s shady Martin to <em>General Hospital.</em></p>
Image: Disney
15/177
<p>He’s smiling here, but when the <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> vet reprised his role of Jackson in Season 21, he was sure to wear the kind of scowl that befits a doctor trying to mend the relationship between his temperamental mother and her star surgeon.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
16/177
<p>She’s moved out of the <em>Little House On the Prairie</em>: In Season 12 of <em>When Calls the Heart</em>, the primetime legend was set to appear in two episodes as Georgie McGill, “who shares a surprising past with one special Hope Valley resident,” according to the Hallmark Channel. </p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
17/177
<p>Apparently, there’s no such thing as a last dance for <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Hope and Bo. Their portrayers were set to return to Salem in 2025.</p>
Image: Sean Smith/Bell Phillip TV Productions Inc.
18/177
<p>Though daytime is awash in killers, <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> appeared to be going to give the actress a time-out as double murderess Luna after her crime spree was revealed in September. The soap even put out a casting call for a <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/comings-and-goings/745027/recast-rick-maya-daughter-lizzy/" target="_blank">sorta replacement</a>.</p>
Image: TNT screenshot
19/177
<p>From robbers to cops: As summer gave way to fall, the <em>Animal Kingdom</em> vet signed up to recur on Season 12 of <em>Chicago P.D.</em> as Deputy Chief Charlie Reid.</p>
Image: Disney
20/177
<p>The doctor is in… jured. No sooner had the <em>Star Trek: Discovery</em> captain joined <em>General Hospital</em> as Isaiah than his character was struck by a car. Or was that the welcome wagon?</p>
Image: ©Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
21/177
<p>After over 20 years with<em>General Hospital</em>, it’s been reported that <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/comings-and-goings/742986/kelly-monaco-leaving-general-hospital/" target="_blank">Kelly Monaco will be leaving</a> and Sam is about to be killed off.</p>
Image: ABC/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
22/177
<p>The <em>Lost</em> star is found: He was tapped to star opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in Taylor Sheridan’s <em>Yellowstone</em> spinoff with <em>Suits</em>’ Patrick J. Adams and <em>Firefly Lane</em>’s Beau Garrett.</p>
Image: Bobby Bank/Getty Images
23/177
<p>On August 19, <em>General Hospital</em> surprised us in the best way by returning the scene stealer to the canvas after way too long off screen as mischievous Brad.</p>
Image: Theo Wargo/Getty Images
24/177
<p>After 17 years away from <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em>, the actress booked a return arc for Season 21 as perky Dr. Sydney Heron.</p>
Image: ABC
25/177
<p>For all practical purposes, <em>General Hospital</em> snuffed out <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/recaps/741532/blaze-leaves-port-charles-on-tour/" target="_blank">Blaze</a> when Kristina’s grief over losing Molly and TJ’s baby — got all that? — prompted her to push away her distraught girlfriend.</p>
Image: Brian Bowen Smith/THE CW
26/177
<p>Formerly TV’s <em>Walker</em>, the erstwhile Gilmore Guy signed on to <em>Fire Country</em> Season 3 to play Camden, a SoCal firefighter with, NBC says, “surfer swagger.” Know what else he has? A 99-percent chance of being spun off into his own series.</p>
Image: Sony Pictures/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
27/177
<p>After months of speculation that the movie icon and onetime Catwoman would be starring in <em>Yellowstone</em> spinoff <em>2024</em>, she was confirmed in August to be playing the lead in the sequel, now titled <em>The Madison.</em></p>
Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
28/177
<p>The alum of <em>Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist</em> booked a Season 21 Grey’s Anatomy gig as James, the hospital’s new gay chaplain. Wait… had we ever met the <em>old</em> gay chaplain?</p>
Image: CBS
29/177
<p>Maybe he was gonna have to —wait for it — <em>Tracker</em>. Get it? Track ’er? Anyway, Weigert wouldn’t be back for Season 2 as Colter’s handler, Teddi.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
30/177
<p>After four years and two roles (Gwen and then Theresa), the Days of Our Lives MVPbid Salem adieu… at least for now. “<a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/741085/emily-obrien-leaving/" target="_blank">I was in tears</a>, and I faced everybody on stage and looked at the cameras,” she said of leaving. “Then I just told everyone how incredibly lucky I am.</p>
Image: Michael Courtney/CBS/Getty Images
31/177
<p>Lights… camera… Taylor? <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> made jaws drop on August 6, 2024, when it revealed that the <em>General Hospital</em> alum had been tapped to replace Krista Allen, who had replaced Hunter Tylo.</p>
Image: Vassilis Ikoutas/Hallmark Media
32/177
<p>Despite her hectic schedule as a Hallmark star, the <em>Days of Our Lives</em> vet managed to make time to reprise her role of Sami in episodes that would air… OMG, do we have to wait <em>that</em> long? In 2025!</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
33/177
<p>Berris has said goodbye to<em>Days of Our Lives</em>yet again as his split personality character Everett/Bobby was killed by Connie with a drug overdose.</p>
Image: WGN America/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
34/177
<p>The actress, who got her start on<em>All My Children</em>, is set to recur on <em>Fire</em> <em>Country</em>‘s third season as Audrey, a former fire camp inmate.</p>
Image: Dee Cercone/Everett Collection
35/177
<p><em>Chicago Fire</em>has cast the<em>Private Practice</em>vet in a recurring role in the upcoming 13th season, as Monica Pascal, the estranged wife of Chief Dom Pascal.</p>
Image: Netflix/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
36/177
<p>The <em>Warrior Nun </em>alum is joining <em>Chicago P.D. </em>for its 12th season as Kiana Cook, a patrol officer who loves her job’s adrenaline rush and high stakes.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
37/177
<p>Nicole and Eric finally got their happy ending on<em>Days of Our Lives</em>when the two left Salem for a new life in Paris with their son Jude. But we have been told that we will see Eric again!</p>
Image: Bobby Bank/Getty
38/177
<p>After eight years away from <em>General Hospital</em>, the Emmy winner booked a late-summer return engagement as Molly’s dad, Ric.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
39/177
<p>Sonny returned to<em>Days of Our Lives</em>to welcome big brother Alex back into the family.</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
40/177
<p>Paul and Andrew dropped by Salem just in time to witness Theresa’s wedding disaster on<em>Days of Our Lives.</em>At least they’re still happily together!</p>
Image: Paul Sarkis/Showtime/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
41/177
<p><em>Law & Order</em> tapped the <em>E.R.</em> and <em>The Affair</em> vet to replace Camryn Manheim in Season 24.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
42/177
<p>Entrances don’t get much grander than the one that the English actress made as she debuted on <em>Days of Our Lives</em> as Xander’s oft-mentioned mother, double-wedding crasher Fiona.</p>
Image: Disney
43/177
<p>Though <em>General Hospital</em> had Anna bust Valentin in July 2024 for his involvement in Pikeman, she still let her ex-lover escape with daughter Charlotte, lest they be torn apart again.</p>
Image: Disney
44/177
<p>No need to look so glum. The <em>General Hospital</em> junior achiever was only said to be off the canvas as Jake while the character went to art school in Spain.</p>
Image: NBC
45/177
<p>As Luke Kleintank left <em>FBI: International</em> ahead of Season 4, the <em>Chicago P.D.</em> fave was revealed to be coming aboard, essentially as his replacement.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
46/177
<p>Why, that’s the worst <em>possible</em> way a waiter can be stiffed! In mid-July, <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> killed off Il Giardino’s sexy server.</p>
Image: NBC/Getty Images
47/177
<p>He’s outta there. In late June, it was confirmed that the <em>Chicago Med</em> vet would not be scrubbing back in for Season 10 as trauma surgeon Crockett Marcel.</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
48/177
<p>The harebrained scheme that <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Tate cooked up to make time with Holly meant that his scene-stealing pal Aaron would be leaving the canvas — hopefully just for the summer.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
49/177
<p>In late June of 2024, the soap-hopper, who’d played several roles on <em>General Hospital</em> over the course of a decade, announced that he had taped his final scenes on the daytime drama.</p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
50/177
<p>Nearly 10 years after his last visit to <em>General Hospital</em>, the five-time Emmy winner booked a long-term return engagment as Liz’s first love Lucky that was set to start in the summer of 2024.</p>
Image: Freeform
51/177
<p>Six years after <em>General Hospital</em> had Ava’s ill-fated lover Morgan haunt her, the two-time Emmy winner was set to reprise his role of Carly and Sonny’s son in August — but, alas, only for a single August episode, our <a href="https://tvline.com/casting-news/morgan-corinthos-returning-general-hospital-bryan-craig-air-date-1235270742/" target="_blank">sister site TVLine</a> reported.</p>
Image: Robby Klein/Getty Images
52/177
<p>The soap vet shared the news on X in June that his time as <em>The Young and the Restless’</em>Tucker had come to an end. “I thank each and every member of the wonderful cast, the crew, the directors, the producers and production staff,” he said, “for the great experience from day one to the last.”</p>
Image: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV
53/177
<p>The actress — who is, indeed, the daughter of Jim Belushi — guested on <em>The Bold and the Beautiful</em>as lab technician April. What’s more, she was set to be embroiled in a summer mystery on the show!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
54/177
<p>The <em>90210</em> grad debuted on <em>Days of Our Lives</em>in June as the mysterious woman who may or may not be an amnesiac Abigail… with a healthy dose of plastic surgery thrown in to confuse the matter even more!</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
55/177
<p>Jack’s portrayer made his return to <em>Days of Our Lives</em>just in time for the character to complicate the search for his presumed-dead daughter, Abigail.</p>
Image: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip Television (3)
56/177
<p>Bill and Katie’s son is getting the SORAS treatment on <em>The Bold and the Beautiful </em>as Morrow is set to take over the role. And if you’re thinking he looks familiar, you’d be right: The newbie is the son of <em>The Young and the Restless’ </em>Joshua Morrow (Nick)!</p>
Image: © Argoimages/jpistudios.com
57/177
<p>Fly the <em>funny</em> skies? That was what <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> had in mind when it booked the <em>Roseanne</em> vet — both on <em>and</em> off screen — to play Deuce Stevens, the captain jetting the Forresters back to Monte Carlo in the summer of 2024.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
58/177
<p>All bad guys must come to an end — and in mid-June 2024, <em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ villainous Konstantin was sent back from whence he came: hell.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
59/177
<p><em>Days of Our Lives</em>‘ wardrobe department must have started stocking up on towels when the news broke that J.J.’s portrayer was winging his way back to Salem.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
60/177
<p>Consider that first impression made. In mid-June, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> introduced the newbie as Dr. Mark Greene, Aaron and Felicity’s big brother.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
61/177
<p>Any job that’s gotta be done for <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Tucker is a dirty one indeed. But the newcomer who plays his assistant appeared to be up to the challenge when she made her debut as Anna in June.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
62/177
<p>With (almost) all her lies blown to pieces and a manhunt on the way, it looks like Sloan may spend the rest of her life on the run, bringin Serfaty’s<em>Days of Our Lives</em>run to an end.</p>
Image: CBS via Getty Images
63/177
<p>After a year away following Cameron’s reign of terror, Caster is finally bringing Faith home to<em>The Young and the Restless.</em></p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
64/177
<p>Oh, to have the metabolism that could burn off donuts like <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Tate and new pal Aaron Greene, who showed up on the scene just in time for summer 2024.</p>
Image: Disney
65/177
<p>Welp, at least he got to attend son Chase’s wedding on <em>General Hospital</em>. But no sooner had the bouquet been tossed than the Chase brothers’ dad passed away in his sleep, bringing to an end the primetime mainstay’s four-year run in the role.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
66/177
<p>Yes, yes, we know we “inned” him weeks ago as <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Alan. But this time we’re “inning” him as the shrink’s twin brother, Martin.</p>
Image: Priscilla Grant/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
67/177
<p>In the middle of May, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> revealed that the daytime newcomer, who has Down syndrome, had been cast as Sweet Bits regular Felicity.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
68/177
<p>Dang it. A bright light since joining <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> in Season 19, Mika’s portrayer would only be coming back for Season 21 to give Yasuda a proper sendoff.</p>
Image: Nino Muñoz/Disney
69/177
<p>As <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> neared the end of Season 20, the news broke that Schmitt’s portrayer would only be returning for Season 21 for long enough to wrap up his character’s storyline.</p>
Image: Virginia Sherwood/NBC
70/177
<p>As May sweeps got underway, the primetime mainstay announced that her third season as Lt. Kate Dixon on <em>Law & Order</em> would be her last. Luckily, the procedural was likely to be around for centuries to come, so if the alum of <em>The Practice</em> ever changed her mind…</p>
Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images
71/177
<p>“I’m leaving the soap world,” the<em> Days of Our Lives</em> veteran <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/730192/thao-penghlis-leaving-tony-dimera-exit/" target="_blank">told Soap Opera News</a> in May 2024. “There are changes happening that I can’t discuss right now. It feels like it’s coming from somewhere else, maybe with a different writer. When people start taking you for granted, you change.” Later, the actor, who touched down in Salem in 1981 as Tony (and then lookalike Andre), tweeted that “nothing is final.” So was he <em>done</em>-done or just done? Tune in tomorrow.</p>
Image: Disney
72/177
<p>Though <em>General Hospital</em> didn’t seem to immediately inform Gio of the undress code at the Metro Court pool, Brook Lynn’s cousin was going to be sticking around to make a splash over the summer of 2024.</p>
Image: Getty Images
73/177
<p>After 12 seasons as <em>Chicago Fire</em>’s Deputy District Chief Wallace Boden, the OG exited the NBC drama as a series regular — but at least he was expected to continue on in a recurring capacity.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
74/177
<p>May 2, 2024, was a weird day for kids on <em>General Hospital</em>. Not only did this newcomer step in as a temporary replacement for Lily Fisher as Georgie, but another youngster was recast — permanently.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot (2)
75/177
<p>We really liked Enzo De Angelis (left) as Liz’s son Aiden on <em>General Hospital</em>. But he was swapped out for another actor in early May nonetheless.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
76/177
<p>In early May, it was announced that the daytime legend would be appearing on <em>General Hospital</em> as Neil’s attorney brother, Fergus, who was instrumental in getting Alexis disbarred. In other words, we’d be getting a rematch of <em>Santa Barbara</em> supercouple Mason and Julia (whom Davies and Nancy Lee Grahn played in the 1980s)!</p>
Image: Peacock screenshot
77/177
<p>May 1 marked the first <em>Days of Our Lives</em> appearance by this primetime vet, who’d beencast as EJ’s no-nonsense assistant, Rita.</p>
Image: ABC
78/177
<p>Though the <em>General Hospital</em> Emmy winner was supposed to return as Spencer once he was done filming Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s <em>Monster</em>, our sister site <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/comings-and-goings/727335/nicholas-chavez-not-returning-as-spencer/" target="_blank">TVLine</a> reported in April that nope, the actor was gone for good.</p>
Image: Netflix screenshot
79/177
<p>We’d have to wait until <em>Heartstopper</em> Season 3 dropped in October to see the <em>Bridgerton</em> heartthrob in action, but in April, it was announced that he’d joined the cast of the LGBTQ+ romantic dramedy as Charlie’s celebrity crush. Also new to the Emmy-winning series would be <em>Agent Carter</em>’s Hayley Atwell as Nick’s aunt and <em>Ray Donovan</em>’s Eddie Marsan as Charlie’s therapist.</p>
Image: Paul Skipper/JPI
80/177
<p>For a while there, we were worried that the actress wasn’t going to be returning to <em>Days of Our Lives</em> for its farewell to Hope’s father, Doug (and his late portrayer, Bill Hayes). Thankfully, it turned out that our fears were unwarranted.</p>
Image: Virginia Sherwood/NBC
81/177
<p>Three weeks after Sam Waterston’s <em>Law & Order</em> exit, the Scandal POTUS stepped in as new D.A. Nicholas Baxter.</p>
Image: Disney
82/177
<p>No way would the matriarch of the Cerullo family let granddaughter Brook Lynn tie the knot without booking a return trip to Port Charles. This time, <em>General Hospital</em> scene stealer Gloria was even bringing husband Carmine (with George Russo stepping in for John Capudice).</p>
Image: Nelly Kiss/CBS/Getty Images
83/177
<p>The <em>Young & Restless</em> alum — he was Noah for a hot minute — planned to leave <em>FBI: International</em> and his role of Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester at the end of the CBS drama’s Season 3.</p>
Image: Getty Images
84/177
<p>Right after Kleintank’s exit, this <em>Chicago Med</em> vet was set to make his entrance in the last two episodes of <em>FBI: International. </em>Could a Season 4 regular gig be far behind?</p>
Image: CBS, John Paschal/JPI
85/177
<p>Turns out there’s an upside to a nervous breakdown, at least in the case of <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Ashley. The show snagged the scene stealer who played <em>One Life to Live</em>’s Cain to recur as her shrink, Alan Laurent.</p>
Image: Getty Images
86/177
<p>The <em>NCIS: Los Angeles</em> vet, who played Special Agent Kensi Blye for all 14 seasons of the <em>NCIS</em> spinoff, signed up to reprise her role in the 1,000th episode of the mothership.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
87/177
<p>There were probably better times to start recurring on<em> Station 19</em> than during its final season, but we were still glad to see the familiar face (from <em>Queer as Folk</em> and <em>Hacks</em>) in action as first-responder-for-hire Dominic. Here, his patient seems to be saying, and we don’t blame her, “Oh my God, have you <em>seen</em> how well that uniform fits him?!?”</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI, NBC/Getty Images
88/177
<p>The OG <em>Days of Our Lives</em> cast member, who played unlucky-in-love ex-nun Marie, was among the alumni set to return for the soap’s farewell to the late Bill Hayes and his character, Doug.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
89/177
<p>Also headed back to <em>Days of Our Lives</em> for the show’s tribute to Hayes was this fan favorite, who played Doug’s granddaughter, Ciara.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
90/177
<p><em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Eli and Lani booked a flight back to Salem so that they could be there to support his grandmother Julie in her hour of need.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
91/177
<p>No way could <em>Days of Our Lives</em> say goodbye to Doug without bringing home Belle and Shawn for the occasion.</p>
Image: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
92/177
<p>On April 10, 2024, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> announced that “we’re seeing some newcomers in Salem” and shared a photo of two them. One was this alum of Apple TV+’s <em>Nova Vita</em> with Marci Miller (ex-Abigail). Who was Jimenez playing, though? The show wouldn’t say, although it seemed likely that she was going to be Camila Banus’ successor as Gabi. In the picture with Jimenez was another fresh face…</p>
Image: Antony Platt/AMC
93/177
<p>This new arrival on <em>Days of Our Lives</em> previously appeared on such series as <em>The Haves and the Have Nots</em> and <em>The Dead Girls Detective Agency</em>. He was also one of the few good things about <em>The Walking Dead: World Beyond</em>. (He’s wearing his soldier-boy garb from that show above). The identity of his new character was also kept secret. Gabi’s brother, Dario, maybe? A re-recast Sonny?</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI
94/177
<p><em>Days of Our Lives </em>revealed that it was bringing this vet back to play the role she originated, Jennifer, for a Thanksgiving celebration and to join in the memorial for the late Bill Hayes’ character, Doug.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
95/177
<p>Needless to say, if <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Jennifer was coming back, on-again/off-again husband Jack would be, too.</p>
Image: 20th Century Fox Licensing/Everett Collection
96/177
<p><em>9-1-1</em> tapped the <em>Cosby Show</em> vet for a four-episode arc as Amir, a hospital burn unit nurse with ties to Bobby’s past.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
97/177
<p>Or should we simply say “Not going after all”? Rumors of <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> baddie Sheila’s death were, as usual, exaggerated. Since that wasn’t her on the slab — the 10th toe was the giveaway for fiancé Deacon — it was only a matter of time before her portrayer was back in action.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
98/177
<p>During an April visit to <em>The Locher Room</em> podcast, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> star Deidre Hall (Marlena) revealed that after nearly 40 years away, Loring was returning to the soap as Liz Chandler.</p>
99/177
<p><em>General Hospital</em> tapped the daytime newbie to sling hash as Hunter, the new manager of Port Charles hot spot Bobbie’s.</p>
Image: Disney
100/177
<p>Don’t let the scrubs fool ya. The “Dr. Millin” that this head turner introduced on <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> in April hadn’t been to medical school; he was just Jules’ social-media influencer brother.</p>
Image: ABC
101/177
<p>Midway through the final season of <em>The Good Doctor</em>, ABC’s medical drama jabbed a scalpel into our hearts by brutally murdering the fan favorite’s Asher Wolke. And just as his boyfriend was waiting to propose, too!</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
102/177
<p>On her very first day as Nina’s assistant Madison on <em>General Hospital</em>, the Port Charles newcomer wore the pained expression for which we expected her to have a whole lotta use — especially if Drew was going to keep bypassing her desk to march straight into the <em>Crimson</em> editor’s office.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
103/177
<p>A recurring player on <em>General Hospital </em>since 2023, Cross made his first appearance as Detective Bennet in months in April 2024 so that the police academy instructor could question the wisdom of Anna inviting Mob flunky Dex to start playing for the cops’ team instead of the robbers’. Maybe next Bennet will get a first name?</p>
Image: NBC
104/177
<p>With six, you get… going? Apparently so. After appearing in just a half-dozen Season 12 episodes of <em>Chicago Fire</em>, the <em>Bold & Beautiful</em>, <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> and <em>Haves and the Have Nots</em> alum was written off as Derrick Gibson.</p>
Image: Aaron Montgomery/JPI (3)
105/177
<p>This was no April Fool’s Day prank: As March passed the baton to the month after it, the recognizable character actor — a fave from <em>The People Under the Stairs</em> — booked a return engagement as possibly the only nerd ever to walk among <em>The Bold and the Beautiful</em>: Carl the Hospital Janitor.</p>
Image: NBC/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
106/177
<p>The soap legend — <em>Another World</em> playboy Cass Winthrop from 1982-99 — revealed during a <em>Locher Room</em> visit that he was set to return to <em>Days of Our Lives</em> briefly after more than four decades as Julie’s brother, Steve.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
107/177
<p>In the spring of 2024, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> revealed that the insta-fave had decided to trade his role of Tate for the honor roll to focus on his college studies. At once, a called was placed to bring…</p>
Image: CW Network/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
108/177
<p>The <em>Legacies</em> vet, a skilled martial artist, was ready and willing to kick butt as <em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ new Tate.</p>
Image: John Paschal/JPI (3)
109/177
<p>No way could <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> hold a funeral for the demented Sheila Carter without her longtime <em>Young & Restless</em> victim Lauren Fenmore showing up to dance on the psycho’s grave.</p>
Image: Netflix screenshot
110/177
<p><em>Heartstopper</em> fans were gutted to learn ahead of Season 3 of the Netflix coming-of-age dramedy that scheduling conflicts had prevented the Emmy winner from reprising her role of Nick’s mum, Sarah. But, said series creator Alice Oseman, “If we get a Season 4, I would love for Olivia to be a part of it again!”</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI (3)
111/177
<p>We doubted — or at least hoped against hope — that it wasn’t au revoir for good when <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> shipped off Douglas and dad Thomas to Paris in late March 2024. But after the latter’s <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/news/723171/steffy-gaslights-hope/" target="_blank">deeply disturbing breakup with Hope</a>, we could understand why maybe the character was due for a French twist.</p>
Image: Disney
112/177
<p>Before <em>Station 19</em> shut its doors forever, in through them once more walked this <em>Young & Restless</em> alum as Emmett, the ex of Travis’ who was destined to blow up his new relationship with Eli.</p>
Image: Sean Smith/JPI
113/177
<p>We could only hope that <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> was going to be perking up Liam’s love life when it was revealed that the Aussie actress would be returning as his former romantic interest, Ivy.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
114/177
<p><em>Young & Restless</em> announced in March that the towhead, who’s been playing Kyle’s son Harrison since his debut in May of 2021, would be recast come April.</p>
Image: CBS, CBS screenshot
115/177
<p>Aaand this is the moppet (left) that <em>Young & Restless</em> picked to succeed Enriquez (right) as Jack’s grandson.</p>
Image: ABC
116/177
<p>Before <em>The Good Doctor</em> finished making rounds, original cast member Antonia Thomas set a return engagement as Dr. Claire Browne. She’d even be around for the series’ send-off.</p>
Image: ABC/Getty Images
117/177
<p>Also scrubbing back in to <em>The Good Doctor</em> was the Season 6 regular who played Danny Perez.</p>
Image: Allan Gould/TV Guide/Courtesy of the Everett Collection, Derek Storm/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
118/177
<p>The former child star of <em>Gentle Ben</em> was tapped by <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> to play a homeless man who holds the key to an ongoing mystery. Maybe he’ll reveal how in all these years Forrester Creations has never had a gay designer!</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
119/177
<p><em>Days of Our Lives</em> finally brought back “Elani” — but only long enough for the couple to rest assured that her mom Paulina was going to be OK.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
120/177
<p>Lily returned to <em>Young & Restless</em> on March 13, 2024. And thanks to boyfriend Daniel’s hookup with his ex, the fireworks were cued up, um, a nanosecond later.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI (2)
121/177
<p>In March, <em>Days of Our Lives</em> temporarily had the actress step in for Jessica Serfaty as Sloan. Gotta say, as recasts go, this one was a home run!</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
122/177
<p><em>Bold & Beautiful</em> let us see Sheila stop breathing after being stabbed during a murder attempt on daughter-in-law Steffy. But was the hellcat really out of lives? TBD.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
123/177
<p>It was last call for <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Seth when he raised a glass to Jordan’s charade. Busted, she gave him a fatal nudge into oncoming traffic.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
124/177
<p><em>General Hospital</em> didn’t even bring on the soap vet who originated the role of Olivia Jerome back in the 1980s to kill off her demented character. (For the second time.) She was just said to have been rubbed out during a February-sweeps prison transport.</p>
Image: NBC
125/177
<p>“The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me,” the <em>Law & Order</em> mainstay said in February. “There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next. An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable. I’m more grateful to you than I can say.” And vice versa, buddy.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
126/177
<p>Smith and Chyz are tackling two iconic roles on<em>Days of Our Lives</em>as they’ve been tapped to play a young Alice and Tom Horton in flashbacks following the family’s longtime home burning down during February sweeps.</p>
Image: © XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
127/177
<p>Less than a month after the actresses took off from <em>Days of Our Lives</em> so that Nicole could get daughter Holly into rehab, they were back. But, given what was <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/soapbox/717325/arianne-zucker/" target="_blank">going on behind the scenes</a>, how long Zucker would be sticking around remained a big question mark.</p>
Image: JB Lacroix/ WireImage/Getty Images
128/177
<p>The doctor is in… sorta! It was our sister site <a href="https://tvline.com/casting-news/general-hospital-eva-larue-cast-blaze-mother-1235168061/" target="_blank">TVLine</a> that first reported <em>General Hospital</em> had invited former <em>All My Children</em> M.D. Maria Santos to scrub in — but not as her old character, a new one: Blaze’s homophobic mother, Natalia.</p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
129/177
<p>After six seasons away from <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em>, Arizona’s portrayer was set to scrub back in, ABC announced in February. The guest star wasn’t coming back alone, either.</p>
Image: Rich Polk/Getty Images
130/177
<p>The <em>Morning Show</em> and <em>Dead to Me</em> vet would be joining Capshaw on <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> in Season 20 as a fellow pediatric surgeon whose good intentions don’t always yield the best reactions.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
131/177
<p>In February of 2024, <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/news/717071/arianne-zucker-sues-producer-albert-alarr-ken-corday/" target="_blank">TMZ reported</a> that the <em>Days of Our Lives</em> vet had, in effect, been dismissed as Nicole months after she spoke out about allegations of misconduct on the part of since-axed EP Albert Alarr. In response to her ouster, Zucker filed a lawsuit against the show for sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, negligent hiring and supervision, and wrongful termination.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
132/177
<p><em>Days of Our Lives</em>’ Officer Goldman has been slowly moving from background to foreground as we get into the new year, but is she a <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/days-of-our-lives/comings-and-goings/716853/who-is-officer-goldman-the-mole/" target="_blank">trusted cop or duplicitous mole</a>? The jury’s still out, but we always welcome an addition to the Salem PD!</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
133/177
<p>Jagger is back on<em>General Hospital</em> after nearly 30 years, but this time, he’s played by a brand new face, has moved from cop to FBI agent and prefers to go by his actual name: John!</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
134/177
<p>Just when Trina was going to need old pal Cameron the most, <em>General Hospital</em> revealed that it was bringing him home to Port Charles. Sadly, not to stay.</p>
Image: Ralph Bavaro/NBC/Getty Images
135/177
<p>It’s hard to imagine <em>Law & Order</em> without Jack McCoy. But after the February 22 episode of the long-running procedural, we wouldn’t have to: It would be the last for the veteran actor, who joined the show back in Season 5. And taking his place?</p>
Image: ABC/Courtesy of the Everett Collection
136/177
<p>Dun-<em>dunn</em>! No less than <em>Scandal</em>’s former POTUS was tapped to be <em>Law & Order</em>’s new D.A.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
137/177
<p>To accommodate the actor’s temporary absence, <em>General Hospital</em> had Spencer plunge to a watery “grave” as part of Esme’s cockamamie plan to get baby Ace back.</p>
Image: ABC
138/177
<p>Esme’s plot worked out even worse for her than it did Spencer: Her portrayer was supposedly not going to be making another splash on <em>General Hospital</em> following the vixen’s death.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
139/177
<p>In February, <em>Young & Restless</em>’ Chelsea and Adam got a slightly late Christmas present — or a very early one for 2024? In any case, son Connor returned to Genoa City. (Ornaments not included.)</p>
Image: Disney/Getty Images
140/177
<p>The son of <em>General Hospital</em> star Maurice Benard (Sonny) wrapped his return engagement as Josslyn’s troubled classmate Adam in early February.</p>
Image: ABC
141/177
<p>After <em>General Hospital</em> — technically, Spencer — let Nikolas run off with baby Ace, Esme was so beside herself that she turned to Mommie Dearest Heather.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
142/177
<p>We couldn’t help but hope that <em>Young & Restless</em> planned to put Devon and Abby’s relationship to the test when the Emmy winner teased her return as Amanda. And no, that can’t be the same couch on which she caught them cheating, can it?</p>
Image: Paramount Network
143/177
<p>According to TV industry newsletter <a href="https://puck.news/newsletter_content/what-im-hearing">Puck</a>, <em>Yellowstone</em> co-creator Taylor Sheridan has written the back half of the Paramount Network hit’s fifth and final season without John Dutton in it.</p>
Image: ABC
144/177
<p>After taking some time off in the wake of her mother’s passing, the Emmy winner who plays Josslyn on <em>General Hospital</em> was set to return to work in February 2024. Needless to say, that meant that…</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
145/177
<p>The sub that <em>General Hospital</em> brought in during Eden McCoy’s absence had wrapped her stint in Port Charles.</p>
Image: Chris Haston/NBC
146/177
<p>Color us surprised when <em>Days of Our Lives</em> sent Nicole off to Italy with her daughter in January — at least for now! Nicole’s got <em>a lot</em> of unfinished business in Salem.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
147/177
<p>Holly barely got to play with the big kids on<em>Days of Our Lives</em>before a drug overdose put her in a coma. And in January, she was packed off to Italy for miracle treatment to wake her up.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
148/177
<p>Kids — they grow up so fast and move on so quickly! It seems like only yesterday that <em>Days of Our Lives</em> SORAS’d Tate — technically, it was October 2023 — and in January, the character was shipped off to rehab. At least for the moment.</p>
Image: Trae Patton/NBC/Getty Images
149/177
<p>The alum of <em>American Auto</em> was tapped to turn up the heat in <em>Fire Country</em> Season 2 as Bode’s cellmate, Cole.</p>
Image: ABC screenshot
150/177
<p>If you blinked, you might’ve missed him. Turned out, <em>General Hospital</em> had only brought Nikolas back for long enough to convince son Spencer to let him take baby Ace and run.</p>
Image: Sean Smith/CBS
151/177
<p>Only three months after announcing that he was <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/comings-and-goings/695693/darin-brooks-out-wyatt-leaving/" target="_blank">done at <em>Bold & Beautiful</em></a> as Wyatt, the Emmy winner was booked for a brief return.</p>
Image: Paramount +
152/177
<p>In mid-January, the<em> Criminal Minds: Evolution</em> actor announced on X that “sadly, my days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. are over.”</p>
Image: Lia Toby/Getty Images
153/177
<p>Just in time for <em>The Good Doctor</em> to hang up its scrubs, the actor who plays Dr. Jared Kalu was promoted to series-regular status.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
154/177
<p>On second thought, make that “Out?” After pulling off what may have been the surprise of the decade by showing up out of nowhere as crazy Aunt Jordan on <em>Young & Restless</em>, the <em>As the World Turns</em> legend appeared to wrap her run when the villainess was carted off to jail. But as her nefarious character would point out, appearances can be <em>very</em> deceiving.</p>
Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
155/177
<p>The <em>Right Stuff</em> vet nabbed the plum part of Stabler’s kid brother Joe Jr. in Season 4 of <em>Law & Order: Organized Crime.</em></p>
Image: Disney
156/177
<p>What? We can’t keep him? Apparently not. No sooner had <em>General Hospital</em> aired Bobbie’s memorial service than Lucas’ portrayer ended his return engagement.</p>
Image: Getty Images
157/177
<p>Is it hot in here, or is it just that the <em>Chicago Fire</em> favorite returned as Kelly Severide in Season 12 after a sudden departure the previous season?</p>
158/177
<p>The <em>General Hospital</em> alum, who’d played Bobbie and Tony’s ill-fated daughter B.J. from 1986-94, returned in angelic form to interact with Mom’s loved ones at her funeral.</p>
Image: Howard Wise/JPI
159/177
<p>Only days after giving birth to her and fiance Brock Powell’s son Bridger, the <em>Young & Restless</em> Emmy winner was back at work as Mariah.</p>
Image: ABC
160/177
<p>Good news for fans of <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em>’s “Schmico.” As production got underway on Season 20 of the ABC drama, the network revealed that Nico’s former portrayer was scrubbing back in.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
161/177
<p>MIA from <em>Days of Our Lives</em> since October 2023, the scene stealer brought Kristen roaring back in January — and no, not <em>just</em> to appreciate the finer points of Brady’s sexy stubble.</p>
Image: © XJJohnson/jpistudios.com
162/177
<p><em>General Hospital</em> couldn’t bid adieu to Bobbie without bringing back Felix to say goodbye to the fellow nurse with whom he brought down the house in 2018.</p>
Image: ABC
163/177
<p>After being spelled by <em>Hope & Faith</em> alum Nicole Paggi, Maxie’s usual portrayer reported back to work at <em>General Hospital.</em></p>
Image: JPI (2)
164/177
<p>Only a day after the actor announced that he was out at <em>Days of Our Lives</em>, he announced that he was headed back to <em>General Hospital</em> to raise Jason from the grave. Again!</p>
Image: ABC
165/177
<p>The Emmy winner revealed shortly after New Year that he had taped his last episodes as Harris on<em> Days of Our Lives </em>— and just as <em>General Hospital</em> seemed to be <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/713006/drew-new-jason-morgan/" target="_blank">crafting itself a new Jason</a>, too.</p>
Image: ABC; Jill Johnson/JPI
166/177
<p>In early January, the <em>General Hospital</em> fan favorite was again temporarily replaced by soap-hopper Lindsay Hartley, late of <em>Passions</em>, <em>All My Children</em> and <em>Days of Our Lives.</em></p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
167/177
<p>Only a day later, Sam’s usual portrayer was back on screen on <em>General Hospital.</em></p>
Image: ABC screenshot
168/177
<p>We had known for a while that <em>General Hospital</em> had greatly exaggerated rumors of Nikolas’ death. But we were still caught as off guard as Ava when her ex made a surprise appearance at her art gallery.</p>
Image: Jill Johnson/JPI
169/177
<p>As 2023 was about to exit stage left, the news broke that <em>The Young and the Restless</em> had cast Brian Gaskill as Seth, whose acquaintance recovering alcoholic Nikki makes at an AA meeting. The soap vet was previously Bobby on <em>All My Children</em>, Rafe on <em>Port Charles</em>, Ozzy on <em>Bold & Beautiful</em> and Dylan on <em>Guiding Light.</em></p>
Image: Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
170/177
<p><em>General Hospital</em> announced in late 2023 that it was bringing the actor back as Lucas for the saddest of occasions: its <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/711663/when-is-bobbie-spencer-funeral/" target="_blank">farewell to Bobbie Spencer</a>, the iconic character played by the late Jacklyn Zeman. Carnes was but one of many recasts of Bobbie’s adopted son but held the role the longest and played, arguably, the doctor’s most memorable storylines.</p>
Image: © Howard Wise/jpistudios.com
171/177
<p>Better late than never, it looked like<em> Bold & Beautiful</em> might provide #JusticeForEmma. Xander returned to the canvas full of accusations that Thomas was responsible for his ex-girlfriend’s murder. As luck would have it — good for Xander, bad for Thomas — Finn was only too happy to listen.</p>
Image: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images
172/177
<p>Given how far ahead <em>Days of Our Lives</em> tapes, it would be months after the <em>90210</em> alum’s casting was announced that she’d finally make her debut on Peacock’s soap. But the description of her character certainly had us looking forward to it. Marin was said to be “the desire of many, but her heart belongs to only one man who continues to push her away for her own good.”</p>
Image: YouTube screenshot
173/177
<p>As intel about Season 3 of Netflix’s LGBTQ+ romance <em>Heartstopper</em> began to leak, creator Alice Oseman spilled the beans that this charismatic newcomer had been cast as Michael, Tori’s love interest from her first novel, <em>Solitaire</em>.</p>
Image: Art Streiber/NBC
174/177
<p>A <em>Chicago Fire</em> regular since Season 3, the actress’ departure during Season 12 was disclosed in November of 2023. Perhaps to give the show time to write a happy ending for “Brettsey”?</p>
Image: ABC
175/177
<p>Though the <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> OG’s days as a series regular were behind her, she was set to make two appearances as Meredith in Season 20 of the long-running ABC drama.</p>
Image: CBS screenshot
176/177
<p>We didn’t even realize that she had left until poof…she was gone. In fact, by the time the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, the <em>Days of Our Lives</em> vet who succeeded Hunter Tylo as Taylor on <em>The Bold and the Beautiful</em> had taped her final episode, aired for the last time and moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Could one of these actresses be <a href="https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/news/710862/taylor-hayes-recast/" target="_blank">the show’s next Taylor</a>?</p>
Image: Lori Allen/NBC
177/177
