The soap opera world has been thrown into chaos as Days of Our Lives star Eric Martsolf — known for his long-running portrayal of Brady

Black — opens up about his fears for the future of daytime television. In a brutally honest and emotional revelation, the actor admits he’s

terrified that the beloved series, along with the entire soap genre, may be on the verge of collapse. His chilling words — “This genre is dying

 

 

out” — have sent shockwaves through fans and castmates alike, sparking a wider debate about whether Days of Our Lives (DOOL) can survive in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

Eric Martsolf Speaks Out – “I’m Scared for What’s Coming”

In a recent behind-the-scenes interview, Martsolf broke the silence that many soap stars have been avoiding. While promoting his latest storyline on Days of Our Lives, he unexpectedly shifted the topic to something much deeper — his fear that soaps are fighting a losing battle.

“I love Days more than anything,” Eric confessed, visibly emotional. “But the truth is… this genre is on life support. I’ve seen the ratings, the budgets, and the way networks talk. It scares me. This is my family — and I don’t want to see it fade away.”

Martsolf, who joined DOOL back in 2008, has become one of the show’s most recognizable faces. For over 17 years, he’s been at the heart of Salem’s most scandalous and heartbreaking stories. But despite his dedication, he admits the industry’s direction feels grim.

“When you start hearing whispers in the hallways about cost cuts, about storylines being shortened, or about writers being let go… you know something’s wrong,” he said.

Behind the Curtain: The State of DOOL

Eric’s fears aren’t unfounded. According to recent reports, Days of Our Lives has faced a series of production struggles. The move to Peacock in 2022 initially promised a new digital future for the show, but the streaming transition came with challenges. While dedicated fans followed, many casual viewers — especially older ones — didn’t make the switch.

Ratings, once the pride of NBC’s daytime lineup, have struggled to reach previous highs. Budget limitations have also forced creative decisions, from smaller set designs to condensed shooting schedules.

An insider close to the production revealed,

“The cast feels the pressure. Everyone’s working hard, but there’s this unspoken tension — like everyone knows we’re fighting to prove that Days still belongs on the air.”

The source added that even long-time producers have started exploring “alternative distribution models” and possible collaborations with international markets to keep the show afloat.

A Legacy Worth Saving

For Eric Martsolf, the fight is personal. Days of Our Lives isn’t just another acting job — it’s a piece of his identity.

“This show gave me everything,” he said. “It gave me lifelong friends, a platform, and fans who’ve supported me through everything. I owe them my best, but I also owe them honesty. If we want to save soaps, we can’t pretend everything’s fine when it’s not.”

The actor went on to praise the show’s loyal audience — a fanbase that has kept DOOL alive for nearly six decades. He emphasized that fan engagement, especially through social media and streaming support, is critical now more than ever.

“Every episode watched, every comment online, every bit of buzz — it all counts,” he explained. “Because the networks see that. They measure passion now as much as they measure numbers.”

Industry Voices Echo the Concern

Eric’s comments have struck a nerve across the industry. Within days, actors from The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful began speaking up, expressing similar fears about the state of soaps in 2025.

A veteran soap writer, speaking anonymously, told entertainment press:

“The problem isn’t the storytelling. It’s the system. Networks are prioritizing quick-turn reality shows because they’re cheaper. Soaps take time, money, and emotional investment — something TV execs aren’t patient with anymore.”

Still, despite the grim tone, there’s a glimmer of hope. Streaming services have started to see value in serialized drama again — with fan-driven movements breathing new life into older franchises. Many believe that Days of Our Lives, with its iconic characters and deep-rooted legacy, could survive by evolving into a more modern, hybrid format.

The Fans Refuse to Let Go

Following Martsolf’s comments, DOOL fans flooded social media with emotional responses. Hashtags like #SaveDays and #LongLiveDOOL began trending within hours.

One fan wrote:

“We’ve been through every death, every wedding, every resurrection. We’re not giving up now. Salem deserves to live on.”

Another added:

“Eric Martsolf said what we’re all feeling. The world is changing, but the heart of soaps — love, betrayal, redemption — never gets old.”

Eric’s Final Plea – “We Can Still Save This”

Despite his fears, Eric Martsolf isn’t giving up. In fact, his passionate words may be the rallying cry Days of Our Lives needs right now.

“We’re storytellers,” he said firmly. “And as long as there are fans out there who care — who tune in, who fight for us — then maybe this isn’t the end. Maybe it’s just another chapter.”

Those words, filled with both fear and hope, capture exactly what DOOL has always been about — resilience in the face of heartbreak.