Days of Our Lives: Cliffhanger in future of cast of long-running soap uncertain

Deidre Hall from Days of Our Lives.

The cast of the popular and long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives has reportedly been released from their contracts as the series' future remains uncertain.

According to TVLine, which first reported the news, the entire cast was released from their contracts and the show is expected to go on an indefinite hiatus at the end of November. However, Days of Our Lives, which streams in New Zealand on Lightbox, has not been officially cancelled.

Fortunately for fans, TVLine notes that the popular soap opera shoots eight months in advance. As a result, even if the series' production went dark at the end of the month, there's still enough episodes in the can to last through the summer of 2020. However, it's possible that won't be the case.

The outlet notes that NBC and Sony Pictures Television are currently locked in negotiations to renew the series.

Representatives for Sony Pictures Television had no comment when contacted by Fox News in Australia. NBC did not immediately respond.

The cast of Days of Our Lives face an uncertain future, according to reports. Photo / Getty Images

A source told Fox News it's possible the cast will be offered new contracts upon a renewal, but at a lower rate. This is not an uncommon practice in the soap world as a way for the network and owners to make more of a profit by paying the cast less.

Despite low ratings and the soap opera genre being in decline, the outlet says all indications point to NBC wanting to keep the show around. If this happened, production would likely resume in March 2020.

The possibility of losing a majority of the show's cast comes at an auspicious time, as the narrative took a one-year time jump.

"This is a great way to reset things in Salem," executive producer Ken Corday told TVInsider of the time change. "It will be a catalyst for many more (changes) to follow."