Days of Our Lives renewed by NBC

It appears rumors of the untimely demise of Days of Our Lives were greatly exaggerated: NBC has ordered a 52nd season of the daytime sudser.

“It’s a great day in Salem!” said executive producer Ken Corday. “We’re pleased to announce that after more than 51 years in the hearts and homes of our amazing fans, Days of our Lives will continue to be part of the NBC family. We are grateful to our incredible network and longstanding partner Sony for their continued support, and we look forward to what the future will bring under the new creative direction of the show. I’m especially proud to be able to shepherd Days into the new season, continuing my parents’ dream and the show’s legacy.”

There was some unsubstantiated talk that Days could get the shaft to make way for Megyn Kelly, who left Fox News to headline her own daytime talk show at NBC. Now it appears likely that she will either join the third hour of TODAY or get her own show after the morning news program in the fall. NBC has yet to officially announce its plans for her.

Days of our Lives just aired its 13,000th episode in January. It airs in more than 25 countries worldwide.