These are the Days to be watching!

Once upon a time, the soap opera genre ruled daytime television. However, in the recent years the ratings for soaps have been declining. So far, two of daytime's longest running soaps have been a casualty of these declining ratings and a bad economy.

• There was a time when ABC, CBS, and NBC had countless numbers of soaps on the air, althought that has all changed. In 2009, Guilding Light, the longest running soap which begin on the radio, was cancelled after 72 years. And now, after 50 years on the air, CBS has decided not to renew As the World Turn, the second longest running soap opera.

If you're a fan of the soap opera genre, like me, these cancellations may have you asking, is my favorite soap next? Even thought soaps have seen decreasing numbers over the years. There are still a few soaps that continue to draw viewers.

But, out of all these soaps, the one that has seen the largest growth in ratings has been Days of our Lives, which was on the verge of cancellation this time last year after 44 years on the air. If there's one thing you can say about Days fans, it is that they are one of the most loyal fan bases around. But, as a Days fans, I think we stay so loyal in the hope that Days will return to the soap that we once loved. And if you have been watching Days, you would agree with me that Days is the best its been in years.

In recent years, the storylines on Days have been lukewarm, and it's because viewership has declined because of it. Now, if you were a fan of Days, who perhaps stopped watching because of the awful storylines - and I do mean awful - now is the time for you to return. Why, you ask?

The last several months, Days has undergone many changes that have improved the series. For instance, three fan favorite characters returned: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Wally Kuth as Justin Kiriakis, and Louise Sorel as Vivian Alamain. And then there was also the addition of three former Passions actors: Lindsay Hartley as Arianna "Ari" Hernandez, Galen Gering as Rafael "Rafe" Hernandez, and Eric Martsolf as Brady Black.

The return of Carly and Vivian, in my opinion, has renewed some life into Days, and brought back the wonderful memories from the time when Vivian buried Carly alive. And when it was announced that Wally Kuth would returing as Justin Kiriakis, I couldn't help but wonder would Judi Evans be next. If you wonder that to, you are in luck, because Evans will be making her return to Salem in the near future. I wonder what will happen when she see Justin getting a little too close to Hope.

Now, what has improved the most on Days is the storylines. The year ended on a high note, with the storyline that brought Carly (Chappell) back to Salem, and having her character kill her husband (Lawrence Alamain) to protect her unborn child (Melaine Layton) has given her character more depth. Plus, I love seeing Bo and Carly togehter. I would always say that if Days broke up Bo and Hope, it would bethe end of Days. But, with Carly back in Bo's life, you may have notice that he actually smiles more, so I say so long to Bo an Hope and give me more Bo and Carly scenes.

But, what would the return of Carly be like, if Vivian (Sorel), her archenemy - the woman who buried her alive - was not far behind? Vivian's return to Salem is brought about by her need to exact her revenge against the woman (Carly) who killed her beloved nephew. Watch out Melaine, now that Vivian knows you're Carly daughter, you will never be safe.

Another interesting storyline, as of right now, is the death of Mickey Horton, whose character has been a part of the series since its debut. Since the original actor who portrayed the role of Mickey Horton (John Clarke) retired, Days has recast the role three times. But none of those actors clicked with viewers.

However, Mickey's death finally gave Suzanne Rogers, who plays Maggie Horton, a decent storyline. I believe Mickey's death would have been a great way to refocus the shows on the Hortons, who were the first family of Days, even though I do not believe that will happen.

What I do know is that like the characters on Days, the drama never dies!

And if you are one of those fans, like me, who can't get enough of Days of our Lives, then I have great news for you. The show has landed a publishing deal. You can expect the books The Days of our Lives: The Untold Story of One Family's Dream and True History of The Days of our Lives to be released in this year.

Written by: Aaron Wallis, producer

Photos: Mitchell Haaseth / Copyright 2009 NBC Universal