FANS SPLIT ON ALEX AND STEPHANIE’S RELATIONSHIP — LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM?

The battle lines have been drawn in Salem, and the controversial relationship between Alex Kiriakis and Stephanie Johnson has fans completely divided! Some viewers are swooning over their chemistry while others are literally reaching for their remote to fast-forward through what they call “boring” scenes.

A POLARIZING COUPLE THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING

Recent episodes featuring Alex and Stephanie have sparked heated debates across social media platforms and fan forums. The couple’s hospital lobby make-out session in particular had the fandom in an uproar, with some fans defending their passionate reunion while others branded them as “self-absorbed snogging nincompoops” with zero awareness of others around them—particularly Joy Wesley, who might be dealing with her own emotional crisis nearby.

“Always thought Stephanie’s best pairing was with Alex on the show because she actually had a fun side to her with him,” wrote one Reddit fan, highlighting the chemistry that supporters see between the characters. Meanwhile, critics fired back that the pairing is “scraping bottom of barrel” with “no individual character development” and that Stephanie supposedly had “more spark with Everett.”

RELATIONSHIP HISTORY FUELING THE DEBATE

The couple’s complicated history is a major factor in fan reactions. Some viewers have been “Team Alex and Stephanie” ever since he declared her the love of his life, expressing hope for a lasting reunion despite their ups and downs.

Critics, however, point to their romantic histories with numerous other Salem residents as evidence that this relationship lacks substance. As one frustrated fan noted, their “ridiculous number of sexual partners” makes it difficult to invest in this particular romance. The list of exes includes Alex’s past with Theresa, Kristen, and Joy, while Stephanie has history with Chad, Everett, and Philip.

DRAMATIC CONFRONTATIONS ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE

Recent storylines have only intensified the division. When Alex physically attacked Philip over rumors of an affair with Stephanie, fans had wildly different reactions. Some viewers celebrated the dramatic confrontation as “riveting soapy stuff,” while others worried about Alex’s controlling behavior and temper.

The MyHourglass forum lit up with comments after Stephanie stood up to Alex and “read him the riot act” for his intrusive behavior. This assertiveness won praise from some fans who believe the couple shows growth together, unlike Stephanie’s other relationships.

JOY FACTOR: THE SIDE CHARACTER STIRRING THE POT

An unexpected influence on fan reactions is Joy Wesley’s storyline. When Stephanie overheard something about Joy possibly being pregnant with Alex’s baby, it added another layer of complexity to an already complicated situation.

Even viewers who aren’t particularly invested in Joy as a character found themselves drawn into the drama. “I’m not a fan of Joy, but how dare Alex and Stephanie thoughtlessly and boldly make out in the hospital lobby,” wrote one fan, illustrating how side characters can significantly impact perceptions of the main couple.

THE VERDICT: IS THIS COUPLE WORTH ROOTING FOR?

With such passionate opinions on both sides, it’s clear that Alex and Stephanie have become one of Salem’s most polarizing pairings. Some viewers see them as having electric chemistry and bringing out each other’s fun side, while others dismiss them as shallow characters thrown together without proper development.

One thing’s certain—the debate isn’t ending anytime soon. With Joy’s potential pregnancy bombshell still hanging in the air and Philip stirring up trouble, the drama surrounding Alex and Stephanie is just heating up.

Where do YOU stand on this controversial couple? Are you fast-forwarding through their scenes or eagerly anticipating their next romantic moment? Let us know in the comments!Retry