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The soap opera world wasn’t in a drought this summer. Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and many other daytime dramas kept things sizzling. From passionate hookups to shocking revelations, there was plenty of buzzworthy material. Here’s a look at the top 5 soap opera moments from July 2024.
5. The Young and the Restless Kicks Off July 2024 With Adam and Chelsea’s Affair
The Young and the Restless holds the honor of being the number soap opera in daytime TV. Although they get criticized for their writing, the July 4th episode kicked off with an explosive moment.
Passion erupted when former couple Adam Newman and Chelsea Lawson slept together. Even though the writers were foreshadowing a Chadam reunion, their hookup was still jaw-dropping. As sizzling as the love scenes were, the real fireworks begins with the aftermath.
Guilt is overwhelming the two as they hide their secret from Sally Spectra and Billy Abbott. Adam and Chelsea want to prolong the inevitable, but a shocking twist could force them into confessing.
4. The Bold and the Beautiful Creates a Soap Opera Murder Mystery
The Bold and the Beautiful is criticized for it’s predictable and recycled plots. However, they started the month with a killer storyline. Tom Starr died at II Giardino after a musical performance. Days later, another death occurred at the restaurant, this time it was Paul “Hollis” Hollister. Although their deaths looked like drug overdoses, an autopsy revealed they were poisoned.
The suspect who had motive to get rid of these men is Poppy Nozawa. Before Tom’s death, he confronted his former lover Poppy with claims he was Luna Nozawa’s father. Then after Tom’s murder, Hollis discovered Tom’s backpack containing letters about his past with Poppy.
While Poppy is the main suspect, Li Finnegan, Jack Finnegan, and Justin Barber are also candidates. The guessing game over the killer’s identity has kept viewers in suspense. On Reddit, one fan applauded the show for the murder mystery story.
I’m really surprised how well the writers have covered up who the murderer is. At this point I’m frustrated to name anyone.
3. Baby Jude’s Paternity Reveal on Days of Our Lives
The long-awaited reveal of baby Jude’s paternity was finally revealed this month on Days of Our Lives. Nicole Walker believed EJ DiMera was the father of her son, but it was actually Eric Brady. EJ knew the truth and tried to conceal it from his wife. But thanks to Gabi Hernandez, the secret was publicly revealed.
The show didn’t disappoint in the reveal with EJ being publicly humiliated followed by an emotional confrontation with Nicole. Although what EJ did was wrong, you felt sorry for him as his world came crashing down.
While EJ came out on the losing end, Eric was the true winner. He and Nicole reunited, then left for Paris to begin a new life with their son.
2. General Hospital Star Rick Hearst Announces Return to the Soap Opera
2024 is shaping up to be the year of big returns to General Hospital. First, there was Steve Burton, and then Jonathan Jackson. Now, the show is bringing back another popular male character.
After an eight-year absence, Rick Hearst will reprise his role as Ric Lansing on the ABC soap opera. The Daytime Emmy winner announced his return on July 25th via Instagram. Hearst played the Port Charles attorney from 2002 to 2009, and again from 2014 to 2016.
Ric’s return comes as his daughter Molly Lansing-Davis preps for a custody battle with her sister Kristina Corinthos-Davis. Ric is bound to cause courtroom drama by helping Molly get custody of her baby. But his actions will raise conflict with his ex-wife Alexis Davis and his half-brother Sonny Corinthos.
Viewers can expect Hearst’s first airdate on August 19, according to TV Insider.
1. Bill Hayes’ Final Days of Our Lives Episode Leaves Fans in Tears
In January, Days of Our Lives mourned the loss of cast member Bill Hayes. The beloved actor, 98, has played Doug Williams on soap operas since 1970. His final episode as Doug aired on July 11, 2024, six months after his death.
Hayes’ final scenes were shared with his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who played his onscreen wife, Julie Williams. In a sweet, poignant moment, Doug and Julie reflected on their five-decade love story. Julie said it was always love at first sight, and Doug praised Julie for making him a better man.
The scene ended with the couple sharing a kiss.
It was a beautiful way to honor Hayes’ final episode along with Doug and Julie’s iconic love story. There wasn’t a dry eye with viewers, who expressed their goodbyes on X.
His final scene with his wife was absolutely beautiful. Rest, Bill. Your work here is done.
Another fan wrote:
What a sad episode to know it was his last acting on the show. Thank You Bill for the years and all the memories you left, RIP our dearest Bill Hayes, you won’t be forgotten.
Fans will be shedding more tears with Doug’s funeral, which is scheduled to air later this year.
