[1] Though Passions was historically top-rated in key demographics, the series was plagued since its inception by low overall Nielsen ratings[1][4] and the final episode aired on August 7, 2008.
[10] In 1993, Reilly gained attention immediately after taking over as head writer on Days of our Lives for a storyline in which heroine Carly Manning (Crystal Chappell) is buried alive by villainess Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel) for weeks, and taunted through speakers.
[11] Reilly began what is arguably his most infamous storyline in 1995 when the show's central heroine, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), becomes possessed by Satan.
[12] The series featured veteran actress Juliet Mills as Tabitha Lenox, a 300-year-old witch (with a doll-come-to-life sidekick) using magic and manipulation to wreak havoc on the citizens of a New England town.
Days executive producers gave Reilly carte blanche to "fix" the show (while simultaneously remaining as head writer for Passions).
[citation needed] What followed was a controversial and attention-getting storyline in which multiple long-running characters on the series are brutally murdered by a serial killer dubbed the Salem Stalker.
"[13] Capitol Ryan's Hope General Hospital The Young and the Restless The Bold and the Beautiful Guiding Light Days of Our Lives Sunset Beach Passions Daytime Emmy Awards