Days of Our Lives Recap - Thursday, July 31, 2025 | Susan Drops a Bomb & Stefano’s Ghost Stirs the Pot

Thursday on Days of Our Lives, Alex’s big mistake sends Stephanie spiraling into memories she’d rather forget, Susan delivers a jaw-dropping revelation about Stefano, and Chad gets trapped with the one person who asks way too many questions. 

EJ and Susan face Stefano's portrait | DAYS, Peacock

Stephanie’s Past Comes Roaring Back

While tossing pizza dough at home, Steve confesses to Kayla that something’s off with Alex. Turns out the guy’s got a little criminal record from before he came to Salem. He pled guilty back then, and Justin chalks it up to youth and stupidity, but the whole thing brings back some dark memories for Steve. He can’t help thinking about Jeremy Horton, the abusive ex Stephanie once dated.

Kayla reminds Steve that Alex isn’t Jeremy, and she should know — she married a bad boy herself. They both agree Stephanie’s happy now and they don’t want to rock the boat, but Steve’s definitely keeping one eye on Alex. Their conversation ends in a kiss and a little frisky time, because this is Salem and even heavy talks lead to steamy moments.

Dinner Disaster and a Book Bombshell

Stephanie walks in to find Alex wearing nothing but an apron and a smile. He’s making tacos and trying to turn on the charm. But when he reveals that her book’s ready to print, Steph’s thrilled... until she scrolls and sees a passage she begged to have removed. The horror on her face? Priceless.

Alex fumbles hard, realizing he never followed up with Kate. He calls her, but it’s too late. The book’s at the printer, and pulling it would cost a fortune. Stephanie decides not to blow it up, saying it’s not the end of the world, even if the chapter was inspired by an old flame. Alex apologizes like his life depends on it, and while she forgives him, the mood is definitely off. She jokes about writing a murder mystery next, but for now, tacos and wine will have to do.

Cat and Rafe Get Caught, Then Dig Up DiMera Dirt

In the square, Rafe thanks Cat for helping with the Holly and Ari rescue, but their chat gets interrupted when Chad strolls up and gives them both the side-eye. They brush it off as casual chit-chat, but once Chad’s gone, Cat’s ready to spill her latest theory.

At Rafe’s office, she vents about how she hasn’t had a reason to be near the hospital now that Marlena’s rarely there. Her only scoop has been complaints about EJ penny-pinching like the world’s most bitter Scrooge. She’s convinced there’s more going on and asks Rafe to give her the real scoop on the DiMeras.

They go through the rogues' gallery: Megan vanished, Dimitri’s MIA, Andre’s definitely dead... allegedly. And then she drops the big one. What if Stefano isn’t dead? Rafe tries to laugh it off, but this is Salem. Microchips, essence backups, miracle returns — anything’s possible. Especially when Stefano’s nickname was The Phoenix.

Susan Declares Stefano Is Alive, EJ Reaches for Booze

EJ barely has time to recover from one dramatic moment before Susan pops up with another. Mid-lecture, she goes still and declares that Stefano is alive. EJ reminds her the man’s been dead for years, but Susan insists she’s getting vibes. Apparently, her psychic powers didn’t kick in until recently, courtesy of the Lord. Naturally.

EJ pours himself a drink while Susan wanders around sensing the spirit world and annoying the furniture. Chad shows up just in time for her to rope him into the madness. She’s absolutely convinced that Stefano lives, maybe not in body, but in soul.

While Susan roams the room trying to open her chakras, Chad and EJ have a rare brotherly moment. EJ thanks Chad for helping during the trial, then invites him to dinner. One look at Susan hugging a lampshade and Chad nopes out immediately.

But Susan isn’t done. She corners EJ alone and tells him she knows he’s been trying to manipulate the press with Chad’s help. Then she turns to Stefano’s portrait and accuses him of giving her the look. Whatever that means.

Chad Gets Stuck... Literally

Chad’s racing through the hospital when Cat intercepts him, clearly curious about the DiMeras and the courtroom drama. He tries brushing her off, but she’s not giving up. They end up in the same elevator, which promptly breaks down. Because of course it does.

Meanwhile, just outside the elevator, Xander watches Sarah with Victoria. She’s glowing as a mom, and he quietly lets go a little more.

Are Xander and Sarah Really Done?

Xander stops by to drop Victoria off a day early, but when Sarah questions his motive, it nearly starts a fight. She apologizes quickly, explaining she’s just had an emotional talk with a patient. Seeing how fortunate they are makes her realize how lucky Victoria is to have them both.

They admit they’ll always love each other, but also agree they need to move forward. Just when it seems they might share a soft moment, Xander pulls out the divorce papers. Sarah signs, trying to believe it’s truly over. But something in both their eyes says it might not be that simple.

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