What Are November Sweeps? What To Expect On 'DOOL,' 'Y&R,' And 'B&B'

November Sweeps have officially started to arrive, and TV shows across all networks and channels will be putting out some major storylines, unleashing massive cliffhangers, tying up huge storylines, and making sure viewers are glued to their TVs. While Primetime TV will likely take a huge chunk of the focus, Daytime programming like Soap Operas will not be exempt from the fold.

Unlike Primetime programming, Daytime soaps like NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and CBS’s “Young and the Restless” and “Bold and the Beautiful,” will be working to keep viewers enthralled in the stories they share five days a week, instead of one, meaning they especially need to bring some of their best work of the year. While the shows are all known for their dramatic storylines, November Sweeps is one of the biggest times of the year for some of the most popular stories to take place.

TV Sweeps periods occur four times a year, in February, May, July and November, with the two most prevalent periods hitting in May and November for the Daytime shows. As a result, they often have their biggest unveilings and most dramatic storylines, and on occasion, the periods are used to bring back fan favorite characters who have been off the canvas otherwise. The periods measure viewership in households for Neilsen ratings, and networks often use the newer stories to try and spike those ratings as a result.

So what will the soaps bring to keep viewers hooked all month long? Take a look at what to expect for November Sweeps for “Days of Our Lives,” “Young and the Restless,” and “Bold and the Beautiful.”

“Days Of Our Lives”

Much Ado About Will: The storyline focusing on whether or not Will Horton (Chandler Massey) was indeed alive or dead began in the beginning of October, and will continue throughout the month of November. The story has already seen actress Alison Sweeney, who portrayed his mother Sami DiMera, return to the show’s canvas, and before the month is over, fans can also expect to see returns of other characters who may play a role in the story. These will include Eileen Davidson (Kristen DiMera/Susan Banks) and Louise Sorel (Vivian Alamain). Whether or not the month will close out with Will finally unveiling himself to his loved ones or not remains to be seen.

JJ In Trouble: According to Soaps.sheknows, JJ (Casey Moss) will land in some hot water before the month ends as well, after a tragic shooting reportedly occurs which will see the young cop living out his worst nightmare.

“Young And The Restless”

Newman Enterprises Is Rocked By Scandal: Newman enterprises has been dealing with less drama in terms of the business it conducts lately, with a huge focus on issues between Jabot and Brash & Sassy. That is set to change in November when the company becomes connected to a big scandal, and Victor (Eric Braden) is forced to fight back. The scandal will most likely be tied to the dating app that Abby (Melissa Ordway) worked on with Zack (Ryan Ashton), which he was actually using as a front for his sex ring. In addition, the tensions are set to boil over between Victor and Nick (Joshua Morrow), as their feud once again reignites.

“Bold And The Beautiful”

Bill And Liam’s Feud Escalates: Following Bill’s (Don Diamont) return as the head of Spencer Publications, he will waste no time once again targeting Spectra Fashions so he can build his skyscraper. This move will anger Liam (Scott Clifton) once again because he will realize how his father played him, and the two will once again be at odds. That conflict takes a dangerous turn however when Liam stages a sit-in at the Spectra building, which Bill demolishes—and he will become terrified soon after that Liam was still inside at the time and was killed.

Bill Loves Someone He Shouldn’t: Bill will also have a huge revelation in regards to his personal life in November. His actions with Spectra cost him his marriage to Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang), but it won’t be long before he realizes he has some affection for someone else. While he and Liam were initially at odds, Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) worked hard to reunite the father and son, and Bill began flashing back to the time when they were a couple. His feelings of love have likely returned for his now daughter-in-law.

Thorne Returns: Thorne (previously Windsor Harmon, now Ingo Rademacher), has been off the canvas for a long time on the show, and has rarely popped up over the years. However, he is now expected to return in a big way, now played by Rademacher. And this time, he won’t settle for an office in the basement, and may turn his attentions to the often battled over CEO chair.

You can catch all of the November Sweeps action on these soaps by tuning in to “Days of Our Lives,” weekdays on NBC; “The Young and the Restless,” weekdays at 12:30 p.m. EDT on CBS; and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” weekdays at 1:30 p.m. EDT on CBS.