19 ‘Days of Our Lives’ Couples, Ranked
On November 8, 1965, Days of Our Lives premiered, introducing viewers to the trials, triumphs, and heart of the Horton family. Over the decades, the show’s unforgettable romances took center stage, and by the 1980s, the supercouple era was in full swing, creating love stories that continue to captivate fans today.
As the long-running soap celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit 19 best romances that have left an indelible mark on Salem — and on the hearts of viewers everywhere. From supercouples like John and Marlena to newer pairs like Ben and Ciara, our ranking chronicles decades of Salem romances.
Which Days of Our Lives couple is your favorite? Do you agree with our ranking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Days of Our Lives, Weekdays, Peacock
19. Eric Brady & Nicole Walker
Eric (Greg Vaughan, pictured above) and Nicole’s (Arianne Zucker, pictured above) story began in 1998 with instant chemistry and a long road of heartbreak ahead. When Nicole married Lucas for $5 million — thanks to Kate’s bribe — she shattered Eric’s heart. A secret affair followed, but Eric’s departure in 2000 ended their romance. Eric, now a priest, returned in 2012, and he and Nicole developed a strong friendship. They gave love another try after Eric left the priesthood, but Nicole’s scheming ended their engagement and deepened their trust issues. Years of breakups and reunions followed, until 2023, when they welcomed their son, Jude, and moved to Europe. After everything, love and family finally won.
18. Will Horton & Sonny Kiriakis
Will (Chandler Massey, pictured above)and Sonny’s (Freddie Smith, pictured above) love story broke barriers, culminating in their 2014 wedding — a historic moment as DAYS’ first same-sex marriage. Even Will’s affair with Paul Narita and his presumed death at the hands of the Necktie Killer couldn’t end their bond. When Will was found alive but suffering from amnesia in 2017, Sonny’s steadfast devotion helped bring him back, despite obstacles from Paul and Leo Stark. Now settled in Arizona, Will and Sonny stand as one of Salem’s most trailblazing couples, embodying the power of love and acceptance in the face of adversity.
17. John Black & Isabella Toscano
Following Marlena’s presumed death, John (Drake Hogestyn) — who at the time thought he was Roman — found a new lease on life in 1990 when he met the kind-hearted Isabella (Staci Greason). Their romance was thrown a shocking curveball when Marlena (Deidre Hall) unexpectedly returned, and the real Roman was revealed to be alive. A heartbroken John turned to Isabella for solace, and the two married, welcoming their son, Brady, almost immediately after the ceremony. Tragically, Isabella was soon diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Following a short but courageous fight, John took her to Italy, where she passed away in his arms in 1992.
16. Ben Weston & Ciara Brady
Ben (Robert Scott Wilson, pictured above) and Ciara’s (Victoria Konefal, pictured above) relationship began when he, a reformed serial killer, saved her life, and she became the first to see the good in him. Their bond, forged in isolation, grew into a controversial romance opposed by friends and family. Despite threats from Claire and Ben’s wrongful death sentence, their love endured, culminating in marriage. Tragedy struck when a bomb planted by Eve Donovan exploded at their wedding, leaving Ciara presumed dead. Later, she returned with amnesia and became engaged to Theo. Ben’s dramatic intervention restored her memories, reuniting them. Now raising two children, Ben and Ciara serve as one of DAYS’ most powerful redemption stories.
15. Sami Brady & Lucas Horton
Lucas (Bryan Dattilo) and Sami’s (Alison Sweeney) story began in 1993 as a scheming alliance to break up Carrie and Austin — but one impulsive night changed everything. Their son, Will, bound them for life, even as lies and custody battles tore them apart. Sami’s deception about Will’s paternity and their constant clashes evolved into a love story neither expected, culminating in their 2007 marriage. Despite Kate Roberts’ meddling and EJ’s interference, they survived chaos, heartbreak, and countless second chances. By 2022, they were engaged again — until Lucas’ shocking confession that he had her kidnapped destroyed it all. Explosive, messy, and magnetic, Lucas and Sami stand as one of the soap’s most fiery unions.
14. Shawn Brady & Belle Black
Few couples seemed more destined than Shawn (Brandon Beemer, pictured above) and Belle (Martha Madison, pictured above) — true next-generation Salem royalty. Children of iconic supercouples Bo and Hope and John and Marlena, their story carried an immense legacy and expectation. From high school friends to young lovers, they married in 2007 and, with their daughter, Claire, embarked on adventures around the world. Despite years split between Hong Kong and Salem, they faced trials — Philip Kiriakis’ interference, Jan Spears’ obsession, EJ DiMera’s schemes — yet always reunited. Now, even after their 2024 divorce, Shawn and Belle remain an anchor of Salem’s legacy.
13. Austin Reed & Carrie Brady
Austin (Austin Peck, pictured above) and Carrie’s (Christie Clark, pictured above) instant spark was tested by interference from Carrie’s sister, Sami, and Austin’s brother, Lucas. Sami, obsessed with Austin, drugged him and falsely claimed her son, Will, was his, though Lucas was the real father. After the truth emerged, Austin and Carrie married in 1997. Their bond fractured when Carrie had an affair with Mike Horton, but fate reunited them in 2005 through work. They remarried in 2006 and later moved to Switzerland, where their son, Noah, was born. Despite years of turmoil and distance, Austin and Carrie’s love ultimately triumphed, proving their connection is the real deal.
12. Roman Brady & Marlena Evans
In 1981, Salem PD’s Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop, pictured above) moved in with Marlena to protect her from the Salem Strangler, and their close quarters sparked a deep connection that grew into love. Their relationship faced relentless obstacles, including Roman’s presumed-dead wife Anna returning with their daughter, Carrie, Stefano DiMera’s scheming, and Roman’s presumed death in 1984. They reunited in 1991, but Marlena’s affair with John and the revelation that he fathered Belle ended their marriage. After leaving town, Roman returned in 1997, and today he and Marlena share a lasting friendship.
11. Abe Carver & Lexie Brooks
Abe (James Reynolds) and Lexie (Renee Jones), whose romance began at Salem PD in 1987 and led to their 1991 elopement, are remembered as one of Salem’s strongest duos. Their union survived shocking revelations, including Lexie’s parentage and the truth about their adopted son, Isaac, as well as her affairs with Abe’s son, Brandon Walker, and officer Tek Kramer. Through it all, Abe’s capacity to forgive and their shared devotion to raising their son, Theo, showcased their commitment. Their story ended tragically in 2012 when Lexie succumbed to a brain tumor in Abe’s arms, leaving a legacy of love tested to its limits.
10. Tony DiMera & Anna Fredericks
Anna (Leann Hunley) was captivated when she met Tony (Thaao Penghlis), a charming count, and was determined to become his bride. To that end, she drugged and married him during a Las Vegas getaway in 1983, and when Tony learned the truth, he divorced her. Over time, they acknowledged their deep feelings, marrying again in 1985 despite interference from Renée DuMonde and Alex Marshall. Anna was then heartbroken when Tony vanished and divorce papers arrived. In 2008, Anna discovered Tony had been held captive on an island for 20 years, and they joyfully remarried. Tragically, Tony was presumed dead the following year, but in 2019, he returned alive, and their timeless love prevailed once more.
9. Justin Kiriakis & Adrienne Johnson
In 1987, wealthy heir Justin (Wally Kurth) met Adrienne (Judi Evans), a young woman scarred by her father’s abuse, and became her protector. Helping her heal transformed Justin from playboy to devoted partner. Their whirlwind romance led to a lavish Greek wedding that November. Turmoil followed when Justin’s affair with Anjelica Deveraux produced a son, Alexander, but the couple rebuilt their life in Arizona, raising four boys. Returning to Salem in 2010, they weathered divorces, reconciliations, and two remarriages before Adrienne’s tragic death in 2020. Their union captured the highs and lows of love — fragile yet fiercely loyal to the end.
8. Shane Donovan & Kimberly Brady
Kimberly (Patsy Pease) first met the charismatic ISA agent in 1984 while teaming up to take down Stefano. Their journey was anything but smooth — surviving the shocking return of Shane’s presumed-dead wife, Emma, Kim’s temporary blindness, a false murder accusation, and a manipulated paternity test involving their son, Andrew. Despite these hurdles, Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) and Kim wed in a spontaneous, romantic ceremony in 1987. Their marriage endured further trials, including Shane’s involvement with Kim’s sister, Kayla, and family struggles with their daughter, Theresa. Today, as Kim faces a serious cancer battle, Shane remains steadfastly by her side, showing that love can survive even the most extreme challenges.
7. Mickey Horton & Maggie Simmons
In 1973, an amnesiac Mickey (John Clarke) arrived at Maggie’s (Suzanne Rogers) farmhouse, calling himself Marty Hansen. Working as her farmhand, he soon fell in love with her, and after regaining his memory, the two married. Their union endured heartbreak and scandal, including Mickey’s discovery that his brother, Bill, had fathered his son, Mike — a truth that led to tragedy when Mickey shot Bill and was institutionalized. Presumed dead in 1983, Mickey’s absence drove Maggie to Don Craig. Years later, after Maggie’s own presumed death, Mickey wed Bonnie Lockhart. Despite the twists and separations, Mickey and Maggie stayed together until his death in 2010 and helped establish the model for complicated yet abiding love stories in Salem.
6. Tom Horton & Alice Grayson
Tom (Macdonald Carey) and Alice (Frances Reid) set the benchmark for Salem’s couples, their bond the gold standard against which all others were measured. Loving, steadfast, and unwavering, they embodied true love and commitment, inspiring generations of children and grandchildren. Even after Tom’s death in 1994, Alice remained a pillar of strength and comfort for Salem’s first family until her own death in 2010. Today, their legacy endures — immortalized with a plaque in Horton Town Square — a reminder that some relationships truly define a town and a generation.
5. Doug Williams & Julie Olson
Doug Williams (Bill Hayes) came to Salem in 1970 to break Julie Olson’s (Susan Seaforth Hayes) heart, but instead, they fell in love. Over the next 54 years, they survived breakups, secrets, tragic accidents, and even Doug’s marriage to Julie’s mother, Addie Horton. Doug and Julie tied the knot in 1976, 1981, and 1993, building a life full of adventure and devotion. After years of globetrotting, they settled in Salem, sharing decades of happiness until Doug’s passing in 2024. Doug and Julie’s journey proves that even the most complicated beginnings can blossom into a legendary partnership.
4. Jack Deveraux & Jennifer Horton
Jack (Matthew Ashford) and Jennifer’s (Melissa Reeves) love story began in 1989, when ambitious reporter Jennifer joined The Spectator under seasoned newspaperman Jack. Their relationship started with tension, but passion ignited during the infamous Cruise of Deception in 1990, leading to a grand outdoor wedding a year later. Over the decades, their love faced countless trials: Jack’s presumed deaths, the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Abigail, son JJ’s struggles, and battles with addiction. Yet through every twist and tragedy, their connection endured. Jack and Jennifer have proven that true love can withstand the greatest challenges.
3. Steve Johnson & Kayla Brady
Steve “Patch” Johnson (Stephen Nichols) arrived in Salem in 1986 to torment Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans), but sparks flew instead. Together, they survived betrayal, violence, and heartbreak, including Kayla’s marriage to Steve’s brother, Jack Deveraux, and a brutal attack that left her deaf and mute. Their epic love brought two exceptional weddings, two children, and even Steve’s miraculous return from the dead. Over nearly four decades, they’ve endured brainwashing, villains, and every twist Salem could conjure, yet their affection never wavered. Today, after years of trials and triumphs, Steve and Kayla represent one of DAYS’ most unforgettable romances.
2. Marlena Evans & John Black
Marlena met amnesiac John Black in 1986, both believing he was her presumed-dead husband, Roman Brady. When the real Roman returned in 1991, Marlena’s heart was torn, leading to an affair with John and the birth of their daughter, Belle. Their love faced endless trials: Kristen Blake’s schemes, Stefano DiMera’s manipulations, brainwashing, mistaken identities, demonic possession, and even death itself. Yet through every twist Salem threw at them, their deep connection endured. Though John’s death in 2025 (after Hogestyn’s death in 2024) ended their long romance, John and Marlena remain one of DAYS’ most enduring supercouples, a testament to devotion, resilience, and timeless love.
1. Bo Brady & Hope Williams
Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope’s (Kristian Alfonso) legendary love story began in 1983, when the rebellious biker captured the heart of the spirited teen. After family drama and Hope’s ill-fated marriage to Larry Welch tore them apart, their passion reignited in New Orleans, leading to a fairytale wedding in England. Through decades of heartbreak — from Hope’s presumed death and the loss of their son, Zack, to DiMera manipulations and Bo’s own supposed demise — their love prevailed. Reunited earlier this year, the Bradys proved that some bonds can never be broken, defining the grand, adventurous romance that made them Days of Our Lives icons.
