DAYS CASTING SHOCKER: Carson Boatman, Raven Bowens, Ashley Puzemis and Leo Howard Out at Days of Our Lives — A Salem Shake‑Up Fans Never Saw Coming

Salem has just shaken the daytime TV world. In a move that’s sending fans into full meltdown mode, four of Days of Our Lives’ most beloved young actors Carson Boatman (Johnny DiMera), Raven Bowens (Chanel Dupree DiMera), Ashley Puzemis (Holly Jonas), and Leo Howard (Tate Black) are reportedly being written out of the long-running soap. The news has sparked shockwaves across social media and daytime fan communities, leaving viewers wondering what the future holds for Salem’s next generation.

The exits hit particularly hard for the show’s younger fan-favorite couples, including Johnny and Chanel affectionately dubbed “Janel” and Tate and Holly. These storylines have been central to Days of Our Lives’ attempts to engage younger viewers and explore fresh, emotionally resonant narratives. Now, with these four actors departing, the landscape of Salem’s youth is about to change dramatically.

Behind the scenes, sources indicate that the decision stems from a larger creative shift in the show’s storytelling strategy. While the series continues to evolve, the loss of these actors is a cultural blow to the fan base.

For The TV Cave and the Soap Wire Podcast, this news is especially personal. Carson Boatman and Raven Bowens have been not just standout performers but friends to our site, generously sharing their time. Watching them leave is genuinely heartbreaking, as they brought warmth, charm and authenticity to their characters while connecting deeply with fans both on and off screen.

Carson’s Johnny carried the DiMera legacy with intensity and nuance, while Raven’s Chanel showcased emotional depth that kept viewers invested in every twist. Ashley Puzemis grew Holly into a character full of grit and heart and Leo Howard’s Tate became a relatable and compelling young presence on the canvas of Salem.

Although all four actors will remain on screen for several months due to the show’s filming schedule, their eventual departures mark the end of a bright chapter in Salem’s ongoing saga. Fans can savor their performances one last time while preparing for the next wave of storytelling that Days of Our Lives has in store.

The future of Salem’s younger generation is uncertain but one thing is clear: these four actors have left an indelible mark on the show and its audience, and they will be deeply missed by fans and by us at The TV Cave and Soap Wire.