AUSTIN REED RETURNS TO SALEM AS FAMILY DRAMA EXPLODES

Patrick Muldoon Makes Shocking Comeback for Days’ 60th Anniversary

The moment fans have been waiting for is finally here! Patrick Muldoon is bringing Austin Reed back to Salem, and the timing couldn’t be more explosive. After years away from our screens, the beloved character is set to shake things up in ways we never saw coming.

The Return That Changes Everything

Austin Reed’s comeback was confirmed through a cryptic Instagram video that had fans buzzing with excitement. In the June 2025 announcement, Muldoon was spotted wandering Salem’s streets with that familiar smile, telling viewers “It’s good to be back.” But here’s where things get interesting — why NOW? What brings Austin home after all this time?

The pieces are starting to fall into place. Carrie Brady returned to Salem in May 2025 for John Black’s emotional goodbye, but she came alone. She told everyone Austin was at their son Noah’s graduation. Really? That’s the story they’re going with?

Given DAYS’ 8-9 month taping schedule, we’re looking at Austin’s episodes hitting our screens around February or March 2026 — just in time for the show’s monumental 60th anniversary celebrations. Coincidence? Not in Salem!

Family Crisis at the Worst Possible Time

Here’s what we know: Austin’s mother Kate Roberts is always scheming, and his half-brother Philip Kiriakis is currently caught up in some mysterious legal drama where he needs to “stick to his story.” Sound familiar? The Roberts-Kiriakis family dynamics are about to explode, and Austin might be walking straight into the eye of the storm.

Think about it. Carrie just lost her father figure in John Black. She’s grieving, vulnerable, and probably needs her husband more than ever. But where was Austin during the funeral? A graduation ceremony was more important than supporting his wife through one of the darkest moments of her life?

Fans on social media aren’t buying it. One viewer posted, “WHERE’S CARRIE?” when Muldoon’s return was announced, echoing what we’re all thinking. Another speculated that Carrie might follow him back to Salem, but what if she doesn’t? What if there’s more to this story than a simple family reunion?

The Marriage Nobody Wants to Talk About

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Austin and Carrie’s marriage has been rocky for years. Remember Beyond Salem 2021? That awkward moment when Carrie kissed Rafe Hernandez? Or Austin’s drunken comments about Rafe that suggested some serious unresolved tension?

The writers have been planting seeds of marital discord for a while now. Austin’s convenient absence during John’s funeral speaks volumes. Are we looking at a separation? A divorce? Or is Austin returning to fight for his marriage?

With the show’s new writers focusing on “Salem’s core family dynamics” for the 60th anniversary, Austin’s return seems perfectly timed to explore the Brady, Roberts, and Kiriakis family tensions that have been simmering for decades.

What’s Really Bringing Austin Home?

Sources suggest multiple possibilities for Austin’s storyline. Could Kate have called in reinforcements to help Philip with his legal troubles? Is Austin returning to support Carrie through her grief? Or is something else entirely pulling him back to Salem?

The timing is suspicious. Just as Philip finds himself in hot water, big brother Austin suddenly reappears. Just as Carrie needs emotional support, her absent husband finally shows up. And let’s not forget — Sami Brady has been making returns lately too. Could we be headed for a revival of that classic love triangle?

Austin’s background as a forensic accountant could come in handy if Philip’s legal drama involves financial crimes. And with Carrie being a lawyer, the power couple could team up professionally while working through their personal issues. But that’s assuming they’re still a couple…

The 60th Anniversary Connection

DAYS is pulling out all the stops for their 60th anniversary. Multiple returns have been announced, including Ciara, Will, Tony, and Anna. Austin’s return fits perfectly into this celebration of legacy characters and core families.

But here’s the twist — anniversary episodes often bring shocking revelations, unexpected reunions, and game-changing moments. What secrets will Austin bring with him? What truths will finally come to light?

The Missing Pieces

Something doesn’t add up. Austin missing John’s funeral for Noah’s graduation? Carrie returning alone and making excuses? The carefully worded Instagram announcement asking “why” he’s back?

Fans are already theorizing. Is Austin hiding something? Has he been dealing with his own crisis while Carrie faced hers alone? Or is their marriage already over, and nobody wants to admit it yet?

The fact that Patrick Muldoon filmed his scenes recently but they won’t air for months suggests a long-term storyline. This isn’t just a quick visit for the anniversary. Austin Reed is back for the long haul, and Salem better be ready for whatever comes next.

Will Austin save his marriage or watch it crumble? Can he help Philip out of his legal mess? Will old feelings resurface if Sami returns? And most importantly — what has he really been doing all this time?

One thing’s for sure: when Austin Reed walks back into Salem, nothing will ever be the same. The question is: are we ready for the truth?

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