General Hospital
EP Frank Valentini, ABC Exec Vicki Dummer & Tony Geary On The Revitilzation Of GH!
Courtesy/Variety
The celebration is just beginning this week for ABC’s General Hospital who turned 50 years old on Monday, and now the party train has left the station! Coming up. we have the highly-anticipated Nurses’ Ball and some exciting special episode of Katie and 20/20 to look forward to as well!
Variety has a great piece on the revitalization of General Hospital which ABC reports, “that ‘General’ is pacing for its best season in five years in total viewers, averaging more than 3 million. ‘General’ is the No. 1 broadcast daytime program among women 18-34 and also up 18% in total viewers season to season.”
Series executive producer, Frank Valentini, spoke about putting together the Nurses’ Ball episodes, and all the returns he and head writer, Ron Carlivati brought home to Port Charles for the GH 50 celebration noting, “I felt that if we aimed really high and came close, then we’d be really happy and the fans would be, too. We’re really thrilled with what we have. It’s exceeded our expectations.” He went on to say, “I like celebrations. It’s really important to reflect back, take stock and look towards the future.”
Vicki Dummer, ABC Executive VP of Time Square Studios, Primetime Current Series and Specials, who now oversees General Hospital, related how happy she is with the attention the lone ABC is garnering: “I ’m thrilled to be celebrating (the show’s) 50 exceptional years on television. … As someone who grew up watching General Hospital, it has a special place in my heart.”
Long running series star, Anthony Geary (Luke), also thought 50 years was nothing to sneeze at revealing: “Our 50th year could have come and gone with a (simple) ‘Wow’. But Frank and Ron have been determined to make it something special for the audience. The ratings are showing that they’ve already decided to achieve that.”
So GH fans, are you happy with the celebration thus far? Do you think ABC is now 100% behind GH? Let us know your thoughts!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
As previously reported, Cameron Mathison (Drew, General Hospital) will be seen doing double duty this summer when he premieres in June as the host of Game Show Network’s Beat The Bridge.
Now, while Cameron will be the host with the most, that doesn’t mean he will stop playing GH’s Drew. In fact, Mathison taped the game show in 2023, so it will now air for the first time in 2024.
Taking to his Instagram this week, Cameron shared his enthusiasm and some new hosting snaps, sharing, “Our newest game show host reporting for duty😎 Head over to the Game Show Network YouTube channel for your first look at the show and don’t miss Beat The Bridge premiering this June! I can’t wait for you guys to see this!”
Photo: GSN
In Beat The Bridge, an enormous interactive bridge dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. As they play, each steps forward and puts money in their team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. Here’s the catch: the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one of its players back across before time expires.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, on GH, Drew and Nina (Cynthia Watros) recently had hate-sex. Do you think its a one-time deal? Where will Drew’s story take him next under new head writers, Patrick Mulcahey and Elizabeth Korte? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the first promo for Beat The Bridge from the Game Show Network with you host, Cameron Mathison. Then, let us know, will you be checking out the game this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Looks like Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Ava (Maura West) are back to be each other’s sworn enemy number one. By the end of the Monday, April 22nd episode of General Hospital, the women know where they stand with each other after Nina goes in on Ava accusing her of wanting Sonny (Maurice Benard) all to herself, while her marriage has been on the rocks.
In story, at Nina’s office, Ava shows up to see Nina and says she is sorry about what happened with Sonny and that he reacted the way he did, acknowledging that is was over the top, even for Sonny. Ava says she’ll smooth things over, but Nina says she now understands how manipulative and transparent Ava really is.
Given their horrible history, Nina goes in on Ava and how she should never have trusted her. Nina wants to know how long has Ava had this agenda dating all the way back to telling Nina to turn Carly (Laura Wright) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) into the SEC. Ava says she never told her do to that, but Nina wants to know how long Ava has been playing her for a fool.
Courtesy/ABC
Ava says she moved in with Sonny to keep Avery safe and she wants to be on good terms with Avery’s father, Sonny. Nina thinks she likes being in Sonny’s inner circle. Ava tells Nina if she goes to him about her advising Nina to call the SEC on Carly and Drew, it won’t work. Sonny still considers Nina a traitor and he will think she’s lying because she’s so desperate to win him back. Ava says if Nina would stop blaming everyone else that maybe Sonny would respect her. Nina says “like he does you?” Ava says Sonny not only respects her, but he also counts on her.
From there, Ava launches into why she and Sonny understand each other, after all, Sonny is a powerful, turbulent, and sometimes violent man. She goes so far to say if Nina wanted someone to just sit by the fire with and play with their grandchildren, she’s got the wrong guy. Ava then talks about Mike from Nixon Falls (Sonny with amnesia) and how Sonny hid the darkest parts of himself from Nina back then, whereas with Ava they are the same similar creatures, so he doesn’t have to hide anything.
Courtesy/ABC
Nina wants to know just what Ava wants with Sonny? What is her end game? Ava responds that they understand each other, in ways she can’t with Sonny. Nina tells Ava she can go ahead and have it all and signs Sonny’s divorce papers. Ava walks out with the documents, while Nina in tears at her desk, takes off her wedding rings and has her assistant come in so she can messenger the rings back to Sonny’s address.
The episode and these scenes featured great performances by Cynthia Watros and Maura West. You can check some of the scenes below.
Now, let us know, what is Ava’s next move? Is she going to become Mrs. Sonny Corinthos? Do you like Ava and Nina as enemies? Comment below.
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with great work from FV/RC team, I hope ABC is 100% supporting GH.
As Edna Krabappel would say, “Ha!!”
What a difference a year makes, ABC was anti soaps and today so warm and fuzzy to it’s last one.
General Hospital is the Grand Dame of soaps and deserves praise but at the stupid sacrifice of One Life.
Agree what you said & especially on their stupid saxrifice of One Life which was doing well in the ratings at the time it was cancelled last year.
Happy with the celebration – only reason I’m watching at this time! After it’s over, I’m done. I’m an avid ABC boycotter since they took off OLTL, can’t wait for it’s return!!
Boycotting GH will only make it get cancelled too. Please reconsider your boycott!
Have to agree with BeckyZ. If you enjoy the show, then watch it. Those involved with the demises of AMC and OLTL are gone. That’s the best cumuppance that could happen.
Boycotting ABC will do nothing but get other great shows cancelled.
I have been watching for 30 years and General Hospital is as good as it has ever been!! I look forward to watching every afternoon!
GH’s 50th Anniversary episode was fabulous! I wish it had lasted longer. Kudos to FV, RC and the entire cast and crew!
As for ABC, I don’t trust anything that comes out of it’s mouth!! I only hope they have learned the lesson – DON’T SCREW WITH THE SOAP FANS!!!!
the 50th anniversary was fabulous. I loved it. GH is better than ever these days. I hope it continues. I still do not trust ABC. I hope ABC learned their lessons
don’t mess with GH and Soap Fans. the episode reminded me of the last 2 shows of OLTL. Very hearfelt.
I am thrilled with the 50th Anniversary celebration of GH. Seeing all the soap vets return really is like seeing old friends. However, I do not and will not trust ABC again. It is in extremely poor taste for Katie (I want GH’s time slot) Kouric to host a special on the 50th anniversary of GH. That is something I will not watch. It should be Barbara Walters hosting it.
Im 100% happy with the celebration of GHs 50th, only a little worried for what comes after the NB but i have faith FV and RC can keep the magic alive and as for ABC (im still upset that they cancelled Dark Shadows back in 1971 as it is)but i feel they are only 100% behind GH because of the good ratings and for the publicity the 50th has given the network. When the show hits 51 and the show is renewed past 2014 then ill agree they are 100% committed!
P.S. i wish NBCs The Doctors (the soap opera) wouldve survived and then we’d have two medical soaps celebating their 50th. It couldve been awesome. The Doctors premiered the same day as GH but originally was an antholgy b4 revamped as a continuing drama! Had that one survived, it would have been fun compairing both celebrations! Im still wondering what the song singer turned nurse Lauri James(Marie Thomas) used to play and sing on that show, and if ever avaiable for purchase!
Im always going to wonder ‘what if’ ABC never cancelled OLTL? Would GH still make it to its 50th under a different regime, and would PP still have picked up just AMC if only that one had been cancelled…maybe in some way it was good that ABC cancelled both AMC and OLTL otherwise how would PP start without them…maybe create their own soap? Probably will never know. Just a thought…
I take anything that comes from the ABC Studios with a grain of salt. I don’t trust it one bit. That said, I hope ABC finally realizes that it made a huge mistake by cancelling AMC and OLTL, and that it will leave GH alone.
I appreciate and am enjoying all of the celebrations for GH’s 50th anniversary. Frank and Ron have done a fabulous job, and have made GH must watch TV again! As for ABC/D, I will never trust anything they say again. As happy as I am that AMC and OLTL will be returning online, I can’t help but feel bitter about those two wonderful shows not getting the network support that they should have had all along!
After ABC canned OLTL, I stopped watching everything on ABC-even GH. I just don’t trust ABC to do right thing and keep it on the air. After I heard how good it was again, I was going to watch, but the fools at ABC moved it up an hour. It airs against Days, which I turned to after OLTL went off the air. I WILL watch the new OLTL online though! I can’t wait to see my favorite actors again, but the boycott of ABC continues!!!!!!!!!!!
fv/rc is doing an extraordinary job with gh period!
as far as abc goes i still don’t trust them………….
ABC/D did exactly what they said they would do, cancel the 2 soaps., and they did, no lies from ABC/D lol .
all that other junk was simply an Idiot Frons messing with the soaps..
ABC canceled OLTL, only because it was the Lone soap in NY (They also needed to make room for Katie’s studio) and AMC was destroyed after moved to LA. With Agnes still living, ABC wanted more control creativity.
With GH, They owned the show from the beginning and the creators have been gone for years. So They (Brian Frons/ABC) could do what they want. They probably canned OLTL and and prevented the PP delay so they could snag FV and RC and bring them to thier crown jewel. The plan worked and GH is better than ever.
I agree with you suOOOO!
Also will Robin show up at the nurses ball and will it really be her or Brittany in a Robin disguise?(Id rather Britt pull a ‘Carrie’ on Sabrina myself) If Britt does show up as Robin im sure itll upset fans because Anna would look dumb if she believed it was her daughter after what happened with Faison/Duke! However if K.M. was returning and staying it would be fun to watch two Robins…real and fake…showing up at the nurses ball at the same time!!!
I am not an expert on GH, but it is refreshing watching a soap written by writers that seem to care about what the viewer would like to see, instead of trying to manipulate us into believing we want what they are throwing at us. When a writer writes like they are a viewer there are writing for their audience- when a writer writes for ratings they are writing for the network.
Networks that interfere instead of support the creative process cut their nose off to spite their face, because by trying to control ratings by controlling the story line usually causes the ratings to go down. Write with the viewer in mind then ratings will go up. GH proves this to be so- so let us hope ABC did learn their lesson and will continue to support a team that knows what they are doing.
GH is the absolute most entertaining show on TV. I cannot believe how fantastic it is now. I knew it would be with the addition of frank and ron, who I admire completely. I don’t believe a word Vicki Drummer says. She should discuss what has happened to their network. Worst thing I have ever seen. Power to the people!!!
Am I happy with the GH 50th Anniversary celebration so far? Yes, very. I love the way FV/RC manage to TEASE and not SPOIL the viewers. It really makes me salivate for what may be coming in the next episode. It amazes me how they were able to get ABC/D to cough up the cash to bring in so many, many of the former GH actors ~ even if only for a day. It’s just like real life, where you may not see someone for months and then they’re in town for a brief visit; so nice to just get a glimpse even and find out what they’ve been up to or that they’re okay.
I don’t trust abc either…They say one thing and do another(talking from the two sides of their mouth)! They better leave the last remaining soap alone! Or there will be an even bigger up roar than before………… Enjoy watching GH a lot! Love the storylines and bringing back characters from the past.. What a BLAST!
I am thrilled about GH bringing back the Nurses Ball & many of the old characters
It was long overdue, I hope they get another 50 years. I have watched soaps since I was around 10yrs. Old. One of my aunts watched AMC, I got hooked on GH around 1982, then got into OLTL.
I still wish ABC had not cancelled the other 2 soaps but I will watch them on HULU in April.
I don’t trust ABC yet, they let the fans down & have a lot to make up for. If GH continues for at least 2more years +, then I may reconsider…
Note to ABC…. We need more family shows that bring back the moral finer of this country!!
Our kids watch more TV & play on computers more than ever.
Parents spend less time with their kids& are worried about paying bills in this economy….. We meed more family shows desperately!!!!
I am LOVING GH ever since Frank and Ron took over. Its been the best it’s been in a long time and I’m actually EXCITED to watch every day! They’ve went beyond the call of duty for the 50th, but even prior to that, bringing people like Finola and Ian back, keeping Kimberly M. around, putting the Quartermaines on the front burner, adding humor and romance back into the show, everything has just been incredible! I love that we FINALLY have a daytime exec who knows what daytime SHOULD revolve around and thats soap operas. And I love that Anthony Geary, someone who has been under so many leaderships, respects Frank and Ron and notices that viewers have as well.
As for people on here who are saying they boycott ABC because they don’t “trust them.” That is absurd. I was devastated when OLTL was cancelled, but boycotting GH doesn’t do anything but take away one less viewer. Be apart of revitalizing love of soaps and tune in! If you really hate ABC so much, the best revenge is the sweet, sweet success of their remaining soap so watch! 🙂