Salem Shadows is an energetic vertical micro-drama rooted in the world of Days of Our Lives. This high-stakes hospital thriller has been crafted for today’s younger, mobile-first audiences (TikTok, Instagram, Peacock Shorts), with each episode running 60–90 seconds and ending on a sharp cliffhanger. Its binge-engineered episodes flow seamlessly into arcs of 10–15 minutes, creating snackable but highly addictive drama that can both live on its own, and drive new viewers back to Days of Our Lives.

The story begins at the new satellite of Salem University Hospital, tied directly to the DiMera Foundation and their funding. The DiMeras have orchestrated a complex Organ Trafficking Ring while also engineering cutting-edge Bio-Chemical Weapons which leave little or even no trace. But when Dr. Elena Simone, Shane Donovan’s secret daughter, enters the picture, the DiMeras could potentially be exposed. Who is actually orchestrating these conspiracies inside the hospital? How far will these characters go to hide or expose their secrets? The answers lie deep within the… Salem Shadows.

EXPANDS IP FOOTPRINT

Salem Shadows keeps Days alive, pulling in a new digital audience. The microdramas drive back to the mothership with references to the elements within the existing show, organically funneling younger viewers into the universe of the flagship series.

LOW COST | HIGH ENGAGEMENT

Existing sets and an LED wall, coupled with a smaller crew providing efficient and intimate coverage, make the show cost-effective. Modern snackable verticals also ensure amazing trending potential.

FRANCHISE GROWTH

The series opens the door for future arcs — legal battles, media damage control, luxury developments — all tied back into the Days universe without taxing the existing production.

PLATFORM

Vertical-first for TikTok, Instagram Reels, Peacock Shorts — not to mention all of the other platforms that are taking shape at this moment.

EPISODES

60–90 seconds, dropping in 10-episode arcs (15 minutes total). Each series would present with a minimum of 50 episodes.

STYLE

Dark, thriller-soap energy; high emotion, tight cuts, with cliffhangers every episode.

AUDIENCE

Days fans seeking more content and fresh characters while only needing to commit to viewing minutes at a time. Gen Z and young millennial audiences who are already consuming microdramas on mobile as fast as they can be produced.

MADE FOR THE WAY GEN Z CONSUMES CONTENT

Young audiences live on their phones — most video consumption now happens vertically on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. In fact, teens are twice as likely to watch on phones vs. TV. Vertical dramas fit seamlessly into this mobile-first world. There’s no need to rotate the screen, pause, or switch apps — episodes are designed to be watched in the same casual way as other short-form videos.

THE NUMBERS

Only 50% of Gen Z viewers watch broadcast TV weekly — that’s down from 76% in 2018, and the number keeps dropping. 38% watch video on their phones, even at home. It’s estimated that 44% of teens prefer phones vs. 24% who prefer TV. Today, short-form steals nearly an hour a day from traditional shows. It’s no surprise — 81% of Gen Z spend over an hour a day on social media, and 78% are even scrolling while watching TV. If Hollywood doesn’t tell its stories where Gen Z lives, others will.

BITE-SIZED, BINGE-ABLE STORYTELLING

Attention spans have shortened, and audiences prefer quick, engaging content. Vertical dramas usually run 1–3 minutes per episode, making them easy to binge on the go. This snackable format lets viewers watch a complete storyline in a lunch break or between classes — fitting perfectly into fast-paced digital lifestyles.

IMMERSIVE AND INTIMATE STORYTELLING

The vertical frame isn’t just a technical choice — it changes how stories are told. It creates a more personal, first-person feel. Close-ups feel closer, emotional scenes feel more intense, and viewers feel like they’re part of the story rather than distant observers.

PLATFORM ALGORITHMS HELP THEM TREND

Today’s modern platforms prioritize vertical, native content. Vertical dramas are optimized for these algorithms — short, engaging, and easy to share — so they spread faster and reach more people. A well-crafted series can explode in popularity within days.

EASIER AND LESS EXPENSIVE TO PRODUCE

Because they’re short and shot vertically (often with minimal sets and crews), vertical dramas are far cheaper to produce than traditional TV or streaming series. This means more creators and smaller studios can experiment and innovate — and more diverse stories can be told.

THE RESULT: STORYTELLING MEETS SCROLLING

For young viewers, vertical dramas feel like an extension of how they engage with media — personal, quick, and social. They merge the storytelling of traditional series with the pace of social media, which is why they’re capturing the next generation’s attention so effectively.

THE NEW TRAILERS

These vertical stories also may serve as the trailers of today. Content has seconds to earn attention. Once the hook is set, they can drive to existing universes or franchises. They can so effectively expand audience touch points, helping to grow IP ecosystems across today’s platforms.