Galen Gering’s Days aren’t numbered… Instead, they’ve been extended.

Following successful negotiations with Sony Pictures Television, NBC has renewed is long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, starring the 46-year-old half-Spanish (Basque) actor, for a record 52nd season.

“We feel so privileged to be able to continue the remarkable legacy of Days of our Lives,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “We thank Ken Corday and his team for their incredible accomplishments and look forward to all the stories from Salem that will continue to unfold.”

Days of Our Lives is set in the fictional Midwestern town of Salem. The core families are the Bradys, Hortons and DiMeras, and the multi-layered storylines involve elements of romance, adventure, mystery, comedy and drama.

Gering, who joined the cast in 2008, plays the role of Rafe Hernandez.

“It’s a great day in Salem!,” said Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday, whose parents, husband-and-wife team Ted Corday and Betty Corday, created the series. “We’re pleased to announce that after more than 51 years in the hearts and homes of our amazing fans, Days of our Lives will continue to be part of the NBC family. We are grateful to our incredible network and longstanding partner Sony for their continued support, and we look forward to what the future will bring under the new creative direction of the show. I’m especially proud to be able to shepherd Days into the new season, continuing my parents dream and the show’s legacy.”

In January, Emmy-winner Ron Carlivati was named new head writer with Sheri Anderson Thomas and Ryan Quan on board as creative consultants. Days of Our Lives, which first premiered as a half-hour drama in 1965 and expanded to an hour 10 years later, aired its 13,000th episode in January.

Days of Our Lives is produced by Corday Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ken Corday is the executive producer with co-executive producers Greg Meng and Albert Alarr.