General Hospital
50 & Fabulous General Hospital Makes Back Cover Of TV Guide's 60th Anniversary Issue!
Courtesy/ABC & TVGuide
How fab is this? General Hospital this week received the prestigious back cover slot of the 60th Anniversary issue of TV Guide on newsstands now! The front cover has one of six legendary shows from The Mary Tyler Moore Show to I Love Lucy! But every issue has GH on the back with shot of of Tony Geary (Luke) and Genie Francis (Laura) from the classic 1981 wedding of Luke and Laura!
Inside the back cover is a four-page story on General Hospital’s 50th anniversary milestone in a piece by TVG’s Michael Logan. The ups and downs of GH on life support and it’s myriad of resuscitations are discussed, and just how far the show has come in 2013! Here are a few excerpts below from dealing with the almost fall, and rise of GH in the past few years!
Anthony Geary (Luke Spencer): “From the moment ABC, canceled All My Children and One Life to Live in 2011, and replaced them with reality programs, there was an ax hanging over our heads. It was widely believed that GH was the next soap to go – that we might not even make it to our 50th anniversary- and no one at ABC was making us feel otherwise.”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis): “It was almost is the network was on a secret mission to kill us. First, they obliterated nearly every character over 45- just zapped them into oblivion. Then they tried to convince the fans that soaps were a thing of the past, that reality TV was all the public wanted. But then suddenly thank God, things changed.”
Vicki Dummer, (Executive Vice President Times Square Studios who overseas GH): “GH has an extremely bright future. The ratings have increased 45 percent in women 18-34 from one year ago, and that’s pretty astounding. But while ABC is certainly embracing GH and helping it move forward, it’s Frank (Valentini)and Ron (Carlivati) who are the true miracle workers.”
So soapers, what do you think about GH landing on the back-cover for TVG’s 60th Anniversary Issue? What do you think about how far GH has come when it was almost canceled over a year ago?
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.
General Hospital
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
If General Hospital’s Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) nuptials are on, you didn’t think Grandma Gloria Cerullo would miss out on the festivities, now did you?
Casting news from Soap Opera Digest reveals that Ellen Travolta is back taping scenes that will air the week of May 13th on the ABC daytime drama series. When viewers learned that Carmine Cerullo, was also on his way back to Port Charles, now in the face and body of actor George Russo, it only made sense that Grandma Gloria would join Grandpa Cerullo. Look for them both mid-May.
As most people know, Ellen is the older sister to John Travolta. She first make appearances as Gloria back on GH in the mid-90s. Most recently, she returned to the Quartermaine mansion to meet up with daughter, Lois (Rena Sofer) and granddaughter Brook Lynn for Thanksgiving in Port Charles in 2023. Michael Fairman TV interviewed Rena Sofer and Amanda Setton late last year where they shared what it had been liking working with Ellen, who remains very close to Sofer in real-life.
Photo: JPI
Amanda shared: “We fell in love immediately. What’s crazy is my maternal grandmother was Grandma Gloria. I had her till I was 30 and we were so close. She was really like a second mom to me. So, when I got this script and I’m reading “Grandma Gloria”, it was so bizarre. And then in meeting Ellen, she looks like my grandma – same haircut, same high cheekbones. It really did feel like I had a few days with my grandma. It was very, very special for me. Ellen is sweet, prepared, professional, talented and funny to boot. So, it was one of the best weeks I’ve had at work. I hope she comes back. My fingers are crossed.”
Photo: ABC
Now, we can’t imagine Brook Lynn and Chase’s wedding day to be smooth sailing, in fact, expect just the opposite, but could it be Grandma Gloria who is ultimately the hero or the calming voice of reason for any pre-wedding jitters? Stay tuned.
So, glad to know that Ellen Travolta will be back for Brook Lynn and Chase’s big day? Comment below.
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts and Marlene King Land ‘Calabasas’, a Soap in the Vein of the ‘O.C’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, at Netflix
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
The Young and the Restless Preview: Ashley’s New Alter Emerges
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(WATCH) 2024 Daytime Emmy Nominations Special Live!
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: CBS Soaps Score Most, Eric Braeden, Dick Van Dyke, Guy Pearce Receive Nods
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
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GH’s Finola Hughes Chats on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, New Directions for Characters in Port Charles, and Anna’s Love Life
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Days Of Our LivesApril 14, 2024Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
It’s so great to see the greatest soap opera of all time honored along TV guide and their anniversary it seems fitting.
are we out of the woods yet? that’s my concern.
I know… there’s a lot of Hoopla going around…
and… I’m smitten…. if you get my meaning… drawn in and pulled just the same…
saw Jax sauntering outa that shower… today… and reeled back in surprise… that he “wastes” his manhood… “pining” away… for ??? Carly and brenda… ooohh… the stars alone … dim the lights… presence felt here…
ie: mans point of view… for a change… you know… Carly and Brenda.. diss the good guy…
show him the love and it’s blissful… from the beginning…
it’s squandering that good man…. no after the fact… Jax reels, with those eyes… steely penetrating… lose yourself within.
Frank and Ron are definitely to be applauded for having a vision to return vets to their important roles on GH. Our society is not made up of only young people. Over 45ers have discretionary money to spend as well, and we want to see people our age engaged in storylines as well.
i think it is an awesome tribute to gh!
Awesome!!! Congratulations GH!!
IM keeping my gh issue of tv guide…i think abc got a little scared with the blacklash it recieved over cancelling AMC&OLTL and is holding on to GH to appease some soap fans but for how long? You hope they keep gh around 4ever…but if its around at least to see its 55th then i might believe they are committed. It is soooo good now, and i hope the vets making brief returns will also come back in the future for more visits. Im now wondering about the return of M.E.,R.H. and K.A. I keep thinking K.A. could return as Scotts daughter Serena or she’ll darken her hair and show up as Alexis’s daughter Kristina, and thats why the last actress to play Kristina was let go?
Also is that the real Robin showing up at the NB or will Dr.O have her daughter Britch show up as Robin to keep Patrick from Sabrina?
I don’t know– do you really think they would repeat a story line that would be so similar to one they just did (Faison as Duke)? I do think Britt and Mommy Dearest are up to no good—but another fake identity story– would have been a good idea if they hadn’t just done it. I was thinking more along the lines that real Robin would come back, but be brainwashed and under Dr. Britt’s control. But I guess we will have to just watch and see, which is the best part of soap watching– knowing something good is coming down the line that you can’t wait— it reminds me when all the soaps were like that.
I am happy for GH, but I am getting a little sick of the stories about the miraculous recovery when the only reason the shows were in trouble in the first place was that they had no champion in Brian Frons. BRIAN FRONS. I am not looking to demonize him needlessly, but all the shows needed was COMPETENT helmsmanship and support from the network and they NEVER GOT IT. None of this was necessary. AMC and OLTL could and should have remained on the air. People smelled death in the air and stopped watching when the shows became ghosts of their former selves. What AMC went through in the last few years of its existence is borderline criminal. It is wonderful to see a renewed GH come into year 50 with support and with pride, but it makes me angry that it is too little, too late for other shows just as deserving which came to a premature end because nobody listened to the viewers. What is making GH sing again? Vets and better writing. What have we been asking for for over a decade? Vets and better writing. It isn’t rocket science.
Nicely put…i agree with you 100%!
OLTL was at creative writing high in its last year on abc, and the ratings rising was enough proof to show critics that people still love and want daytime dramas in their afternoons. ABC had ample time to reverse their decision. But im grateful someone else picked it up. However, as much as i like seeing shows anytime, i still miss how millions of us watched all at the same time, and have that water cooler talk about our soaps the next day. It made a lot of us soap fans feel more bonded that way, and watching it more special, you know what im sayin? Maybe im a corny old fashion guy but i cant help feel that way!
Ditto jimh on comments on 4/5 at 12:41p.m.
Brian Frons cancelled OLTL and it was doing well in everyway! He never had a clue about us soap fans! Info/talk/cooking shows NO WAY ! Drama ,Stories ,& being entertained will not change for me!
A well deserved honor for GH, and yet another step forward for the entire genre of soap operas!!!! Frank and Ron are certainly responsible for the resurrection of GH, with help from the show’s cast and all of those behind the scenes, as well as the fans, who together collectively fought to keep this great show alive. Happy 50th GH, and here’s to many more to come!!!!
Awesome, more publicity!!! I hope the old GHers from the past come back and get their ratings WAAAAAY up!!! love this show!
I wonder if show killing witch Jill Farren Phelps and steroid boy Burton are keeping this issue of TV Guide in their collections?
It’s so hard think of what soap is my favorite on abc. They have all been my favorite at some point or another during the year’s I have watched them. I guess if I had to chose for a million dollars, my favorite abc soap, I would have to ride with GH, bc ofn Luke and Lauran and Sonny and Brenda. Happy Anniversary GH.
Congraduation to GH, you did it! you did it.. I’m glad that goofball former ABC daytime president Brian Frons need to go, he is the one who get rid of AMC and OLTL ,but almost lost GH edgy there. I’m glad ABC fired Brian already after he put 2 programs on The Chew and The Relvolution made me upset.. We want AMC and OLTL back on the air.
This is amazing! GH has not only raised in ratings and quality, but it is once again becoming mainstream. We are seeing them on TV Guide, People magazine had a 50th anniversary issue for it, we are seeing the stars on various talk shows- it’s just incredible! There really was an axe hanging above the head of General Hospital due, not only to less-than ratings, but to the ex-ABC executives who were determined to wipe out all of the soaps. They may have succeeded getting AMC and OLTL off their network, but GH survived and better than that- they are THRIVING. Frank and Ron have turned this show completely around and gave people reasons to LOVE it again. Veterans (And not just for the 50th anniversary!), romance, drama, action, history, humor, everything that makes a successful soap they inserted as soon as they hit the scene. I am beyond grateful to them, to the fabulous actors, and to the amazing crew. And yes, I am even thankful to ABC for making the decision to fire Frons, to replace the previous, piss-poor GH powers-that-be, and hiring two men who are fans and respect this show. I literally can’t wait to watch the next episode! Here’s to another 50 more!
When I realized that ABC was actually investing huge amounts of money into GH, I had no doubt that GH would be around for for more years to come..
It makes a great difference when the network/ABC/D is backing the soap..
And of course, the magic of FV and RC bring it back from the dead ..
And, the actors giving it their all and all the staff / team work to keep GH on our screens.
I’m happy for any recognition of GH because for far too long the soaps got nothing but bad press from the main stream. This is a nice change. It ought to be a common occurrence.
Yeh! I agree!
Ditto.
Congrats GH! 50 looks so good on you! Loving it!