Former Co-Head Writer Returns to NBC Soap: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Shakeup
Days of Our Lives is shaking things up with a fresh writing team joining the show for long-term storytelling. TV Insider exclusively confirmed that Ryan Quan, previously with General Hospital, will step in as co-head writer alongside Jeanne Marie Ford starting in July 2026. The current co-head writer Paula Cwikly will transition to a consultant role, maintaining her ties to the series.
Executive producer Ken Corday expressed his excitement about having Quan back on board, praising his deep knowledge and understanding of the show’s history. Quan, a UCLA graduate, first started with Days in 2007 as a writer’s assistant, later holding various writing roles over almost two decades. During his previous stint as co-head writer from 2016-17, Quan aimed to capture the essence of the show with a blend of mystery, adventure, romance, and fun.
Following his collaboration with former head writer Ron Carlivati, Quan moved to General Hospital before returning to Days. Their partnership earned the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series in 2022. Quan’s contributions were highly valued, with Carlivati acknowledging their creative synergy.
Episodes under the new writing team’s guidance are anticipated to hit the airwaves around mid-2027 due to the show’s production schedule. This news coincides with Peacock, the streaming platform for Days, poised to turn a profit for the first time soon, demonstrating ongoing corporate support for the beloved soap opera. Keep an eye out for the fresh storytelling direction as the Days of Our Lives narrative evolves under a new creative vision.
