If you’ve been keeping up with the chaos in Salem lately, you know that being a DiMera is basically a full-time job with terrible benefits. And honestly, nobody embodies that struggle quite like Chad DiMera. For over a decade, we’ve watched him try to outrun his father’s shadow, only to trip over a new family scandal every other week. But as we move through January 2026, things aren't just dramatic—they're changing in a way that’s going to shift the show's DNA forever.
Most fans think they know Chad. He’s the "good" DiMera, right? The one who actually has a conscience? Well, it's more complicated than that.
Why Chad DiMera Still Matters in 2026
Right now, we are witnessing the final stretch of an era. Billy Flynn, who has lived and breathed this character since 2014, is officially heading for the exit. It’s a bittersweet moment for the "Chabby" faithful. Flynn didn’t just play Chad; he turned a soap opera archetype into a grieving, flawed, and deeply empathetic father.
But here is the twist: while Flynn is moving over to The Young and the Restless to play Cane Ashby (or Aristotle Dumas, depending on which day you catch the reveal), Salem isn't losing Chad. We’re getting a fresh face. Conner Floyd, formerly of Y&R, is stepping into the role. Because Days of Our Lives films so far in advance—seriously, they’re practically living in the future—we won't actually see Floyd on our screens until April 21, 2026.
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This creates a weird, limbo-like energy for the character. We’re watching Flynn’s final beats, knowing a total reset is coming. It’s like watching the last season of a favorite show while the reboot is already being cast.
The Abigail Factor: What Really Happened?
You can’t talk about Chad without talking about Abigail Deveraux. Their love story wasn't just a plot point; it was the show's anchor. Since her "death" at the hands of Clyde Weston, Chad has been a man adrift.
Recently, the arrival of Cat Greene (played by AnnaLynne McCord) turned everything upside down. If you’ve been following the rumors, you know the fan theories are flying. Is she Abigail with amnesia? Is she a brainwashed pawn of Clyde Weston and Dr. Rolf?
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The current drama involving the Greene family—Mark and Cat—has been a masterclass in soap opera gaslighting. We’ve seen revelations about DNA tests matching Cat to Jack Deveraux, but also the dark truth that Cat and Mark were blackmailed into a scheme to marry Chad and drain the DiMera fortune. It’s messy. It’s classic Days.
The Custody Battle Nobody Talks About
While everyone is focused on the romance, the real heart-wrencher right now is the tension between Chad and his in-laws, Jack and Jennifer. This isn't just about who gets to keep the kids for the weekend. We’re seeing a massive mediation battle over Thomas and Charlotte.
Poor Thomas is currently drowning in "kid guilt." He thinks the friction between his dad and his grandparents is all his fault. It adds a layer of realism to the show that’s actually kinda rare—showing the collateral damage of all these adult secrets on the children living in the mansion.
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What most people miss about Chad’s "Good Guy" persona:
- The Inner Darkness: Chad likes to think he's different from Stefano, but when he's backed into a corner, that DiMera ruthlessness comes out.
- The Grief Cycle: He hasn't actually processed Abigail’s death. He’s just been jumping from one distraction to the next.
- The Legacy Trap: He wants to be a "regular guy," but he can't stop using the DiMera name when it’s convenient.
Looking Ahead: The Conner Floyd Era
When Conner Floyd takes over in April, expect a shift in tone. Floyd has already teased that his version of Chad will lean into that "black symbiote" energy—fighting the evil family power but occasionally letting it take the wheel.
It’s a smart move. After years of "Grieving Chad," we might finally get "Dangerous Chad" back. The "buttoned-up" Chance Chancellor vibe is gone; Floyd is looking to play someone a bit more loose and, frankly, more troubled.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a die-hard fan, don’t just passively watch the transition. To really appreciate the weight of Billy Flynn’s exit, you should go back and revisit the "Chad and Abby in Paris" digital series. It reminds you why this character’s heart was always his strongest feature.
Keep a close eye on the Jan 19–23 episodes. The mediation scenes with Jack and Jennifer are going to set the stage for how Chad exits his current storyline before the actor swap. If you're feeling skeptical about the recast, give it time. Every major character in Salem has had a different face at some point—it’s just part of the magic.
Pay attention to Cat Greene’s next move. If she really is a brainwashed Abigail, the fallout for Chad’s mental state is going to be monumental before he leaves our screens this spring.