<P> In the 1990s, the show branched out into supernatural story lines, which critics immediately panned, as it was seen as a departure from more realistic storylines for which the show had originally become known . However, these storylines did have the desired effect, making Days of Our Lives the most - watched daytime soap among young and middle - aged women, also becoming one of NBC's five most profitable shows in any time slot . In 2006, when asked about his character, Jack Deveraux, "coming back from the dead"--for the third time--actor Matthew Ashford responded, "It is hard to play that because at a certain point it becomes too unreal...actors look at that and think,' What is this--the Cartoon Network'?" </P> <P> In addition to receiving critical acclaim in print journalism, the series has won a number of awards, including a Daytime Emmy for Best Drama in 1978 and 2013 and a Writers Guild of America, East Award for Best Drama in 2000 and 2013 . Days of Our lives actors have also won awards: Macdonald Carey (Dr. Tom Horton) won Best Actor in 1974 and 1975 . Susan Flannery (Laura Horton) and Eileen Davidson (Kristen DiMera) won Best Actress in 1975 and 2014, respectively . Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton), Leann Hunley (Anna DiMera), and Tamara Braun (Ava Vitali) won Best Supporting Actress for, respectively, 1979, 1986, and 2009 and Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady) won Best Younger Actor for 1988 . In 2009, Darin Brooks (Max Brady) took home the Emmy for Best Younger Actor ", and Tamara Braun (Ava Vitali) won for Best Supporting Actress, the show's first acting victories in over 21 and 23 years, respectively </P> <P> As with all other network programming, Days of Our Lives' ratings have declined somewhat since the 1990s . In January 2007 it was suggested by NBC that the show "is unlikely to continue (on NBC) past 2009 ." In November 2008, in an eleventh - hour decision, it was announced the show had been renewed through September 2010 . The 18 - month renewal was down from its previous renewal, which was for five years . The show made somewhat of a comeback in 2009, with ratings increasing as the year progressed . In March 2010, the show was renewed once again through September 2011; then again on November 8, 2010, its 45th anniversary, the show was renewed for two more years through September 2013, with an option for an additional year which would keep the soap on through 2014, its 49th year on the air . The series received a two - year renewal in January 2014 that is set to last until September 2016 . Beginning on November 8, 2010, which marked Days of Our Lives' 45th anniversary, the show began airing in high definition . </P> <P> The show was officially "rebooted" on September 26, 2011, in an effort to gain back its lapsed audience, appeal to long - term loyal fans, begin new stories, and boost ratings . Former fan favorite characters were reintroduced as part of the reboot . These included Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford), Carrie Brady (Christie Clark), and Austin Reed (Patrick Muldoon). All three, including actress Sarah Brown, were fired from the show in an effort to lower production costs . The reboot was met with mixed reviews from critics . Head writers hired to handle the reboot, Marlene McPherson, and Darrell Ray Thomas Junior were subsequently fired due to declining ratings . Chris Whitesell, and former Days executive producer Gary Tomlin were rehired after being fired as part of the show's revamp . Daytime Emmy award winner Lorraine Broderick was hired as a member of the breakdown writing team in April 2012 . Days of Our Lives is noted as the fourth longest running soap opera in the United States . </P>

How many seasons does days of our lives