Days of Our Lives recap for January 16, 2026.

Johnny and Rafe Catch Up on the EJ of it All

Johnny runs into Rafe at the hospital and they chat about Theo. Rafe isn’t thrilled with Johnny going into the family business and hopes Theo returns soon. Their discussion reveals to Johnny that Rafe is actually investigating his daddy. Rafe can’t reveal any details but promises to let him know if he or his siblings are in danger. Johnny wonders if this investigation has anything to do with the delivery his dad and Gwen were awaiting.

Rafe pushes and Johnny tells him about reviewing the video footage for Leo’s article. In the review, he noticed the interaction between his dad and Gwen which revealed the information about a delivery. Rafe asks for a copy of the video and Johnny promises to send it over. They chat a bit more before Johnny makes his exit.

Cat Tricks Mark on Days of Our Lives

Cat and Mark are chowing down at the Brady Pub. She wants him to take the day off, but he says he is too close to a breakthrough in their research. Cat pushes a bit but backs down when Mark says he can’t reveal details. She does ask for an important favor as she needs to scan from EJ’s binder which might be in the lab. She asks for the passcode, but Mark cannot oblige. Cat says she is simply trying to keep her job and can’t believe her brother won’t help her. Mark relents saying he can’t give her the code but will take her over and let her look around.

Cat and Mark run into Rafe at the hospital. Cat and Rafe make fake tension about harassing Mark. After a minute, the sibling duo heads off to the lab.

Cat and Mark show up at the lab and she quickly takes a video of her brother entering the door code. Just then, Mark gets a text and leaves her waiting for his return.

Later, Cat calls Rafe and they catch up about the EJ of it all.

Leo Threatens to Expose Gwen

A hungover Leo arrives at the DiMera mansion. Gwen answers and recoils as he smells like a distillery. He marches into the living room; downs dark liquor and demands information about what EJ is up to and mentions the delivery they were awaiting the night of the gala. Gwen denies everything but Leo doubles and triples down. Gwen tries to push him off but Leo says he will tell everyone about everything he knows if she doesn’t continue to engage. He goes on to say he believes her need for vengeance has gotten her in trouble as he is sure EJ doesn’t know about the Dimitri of it all. He promises to spare her the wrath of EJ for a while if she makes Dimitri disappear.

Leo pours more dark liquor and says if Dimitri is gone, Gwen gets to keep the money, and he and Javi can go on with their lives. Gwen thinks he is pathetic for not being able to make a choice with Dimitri still in town. The duo goes back and forth before admitting they still oddly have soft spots for one another. Gwen shakes them out of it and reminds Leo of the decision he needs to make. Further, if he wants Dimitri to disappear, he’ll have to do it himself. Before he leaves, Leo notes he thought Gwen was smarter than this as by destroying his life, she has more than likely done the same to her own.

Theo Dreams of Gabi

Chanel visits Theo with pictures of Little T in tow. Just then, Paulina arrives saying Abe is on his way. The smell of coffee seems to make Chanel sick, and she runs into the bathroom. She returns and apologizes and Theo thinks she should get checked out. Chanel tells Theo that she and Johnny are pregnant. She explains her condition is high-risk which is why they aren’t telling folks just yet. Just then, Paulina gets a call and heads to the hallway.

Johnny arrives and is surprised to see Chanel with Theo. They make awkward small talk before Chanel makes her exit. Johnny is surprised to learn Theo knows about the pregnancy. Theo notes her morning sickness then asks if he is seeing tension between the married duo, and Johnny confirms.

Theo dreams of Gabi when he suddenly awakens to find Paulina and his dad with goodies from Sweet Bits. They chat a bit about his time in the crypt and Theo says it was nice seeing his DiMera family come together. Rafe

Johnny catches up with Chanel in the lobby and asks about her morning sickness. They hate what’s going on and Johnny thinks they should wait through the next few weeks of uncertainty together. They go back and forth about the dangers of the pregnancy before Johnny relents. He apologizes for pushing for an abortion and the two forgive each other and embrace.

Javi Uses His Daddy As an Excuse to Leave Town on a One-Way Ticket on Days of Our Lives

Javi is at home looking through Leo’s mail when Gabi walks in and yanks it away from him. Just then, Javi gets a call about his dad. He tells Gabi his dad needs quadruple bypass surgery tomorrow, which means he needs to head to Texas. Gabi books a flight and Javi says to keep it one way for now as he wants to stick around for his dad’s recovery. Javi says he may never return. Gabi says he has a life here, but Javi says he can’t put his life on hold until Leo figures things out (Wait, isn’t that exactly what Javi asked Leo to do? Also, hasn’t it only been a few days?) Gabi says she gets it but hopes he will come back to them soon.

Rafe returns home to find Gabi on the phone with the airline. She tells him Javi is leaving town, maybe for good and it’s all Leo’s fault. Rafe takes Leo’s side and says the situation isn’t his fault and thinks they should just let the duo figure things out themselves. Gabi hopes Javi finds better than Leo.

Johnny and Chanel return home but before they get comfortable Javi arrives to say goodbye to Little T. Unfortunately, he is out with the sitter. They ask if he wants to wait but Javi says to tell the little man he will miss him. Chanel stops him as there is no way they will let him leave without saying goodbye. Johnny thinks they should throw together a quick christening and Javi is on board.