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ABC Entertainment President Paul Lee: "I'm thrilled to see General Hospital rocking and rolling in the afternoon!"

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Courtesy/ABC

This morning at the TCA (Television Critics Association) Winter Press Tour, it was the first day of sessions from the Disney/ABC Entertainment Group to promote their shows and reveal some upcoming programming agendas, as well as talk about the hits and misses of the season, and where things stand with current series on the network.

To kick things off, Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group, addressed the press.  When discussing the success and future of the network’s primetime soaps, Lee gave kudos to daytime’s General Hospital!  According to a tweet from Sara Bibel of Deep Soap, Lee stated, “I’m thrilled to see #GeneralHospital rocking and rolling in the afternoon.”

In addition, according to HitFlix, Lee went on to say that primetime soaps are back citing:  “Soaps is one of the great genres.  I think we do soap operas particular well.”  Lee also made an observation that Latinas love soaps and bring that demo to ABC. 

When discussing the ratings for its freshmen primetime soap Nashville, Lee revealed the network needs to bring in the younger demo to help propel it forward in the ratings:  “Its a big show in 18-34. For 18-49, there may be a barrier to entry. Our strategy in going forward (with ‘Nashville’) is we have the young trendsetters using multiple platforms. That will help to bring an older audience in. We think we can do better.”

Revenge was also a topic of conversation, and according to TV Line, Lee touted the series ratings performance but conceded that the storytelling got a bit too “big” in Season 2. “I know (series creator) Mike Kelley is excited about focusing on our lead characters and their emotional journey,” related Lee.

So soapers, what do you think about Lee’s comment about GH?  Good vote of confidence? And what are your thoughts on when the executive stated that ABC does soap’s particularly well?  Are you watching Nashville and/or Revenge? Let us know your thoughts!
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abc sucks at soaps! I watch GH because of the OLTL crossovers and I do like Nashville. That’s what I’m watching. ABC is really good at canceling the BEST soap they had and destroying the storylines on GH.

great news…………

I feel more confident GH will last another five years as long as the president of the company likes the way it’s rocking and rolling in the afternoon. Good luck GH.

Bring back One Life To Live on ABC. OLTL already had latino characters on it, and of course, there is room for more. OLTL was the most diverse soap on the daytime lineup. Cancelling it was a colossal mistake. The demographic watching it was the group with the most spending money also. This is vital to selling advertising space. I will never watch any replacement shows, and I think that there is a huge portion of the daytime audience that feels this way.

you do know that they are bringing oltl back but online only~

Not online ONLY. They are looking at cable channels for re-airing after their original airing online.

This is for CTwildheart.. I didn’t know they were considering cable channels also. I just know about PP making a deal to put it on line. I am very interested to know where you read this about OLTL…..

yeah me too! i looked and looked and i didnt see anything about that CTwildheart.

Honestly GH, Nashville and Revenge are 3 of my favorite shows on TV!! Guess I am an ABC girl. Thrilled about the comment about my beloved #GH.

I also the ABC prime time soap; Sacndal

All of those plus Once Upon a Time…and in the non-soapy category, Castle and Modern Family.
The majority of the shows I watch are on ABC, so I could never be a part of the boycott ABC group. 🙂

Revenge is must see for me.. It is a spellbinding prime time soap., luv it! .
Nashville, I can take or leave ..
He was right on, GH is rocking it !!
I have no doubt that GH will be renewed..!!!

Talk about a 360 from last year. Last year ABC told its viewers they didnt have the time to watch soaps. That its viewers wanted and only had time for talk and cooking lifestyle shows!
Crow casserole anyone?

My question is does he mean it? Now somebody tell me it is driving me nuts since when did doctors walk in on other doctors uh seperate quarters I was extremely put off concerning the shower scene today between Patrick & Britt. I mean I feel sorry for the patients glad I am not one of them. I mean really this is the only storyline you can come up with for Patrick did we not do this at ad nauseum with the other physco Dr.

It is fictional soap opera .. not real life …
so yah, they will walk in on each other and give a lil sexy ..

Soaps should at least “resemble” real life.

I agree with you, k/kay. I thought the whole thing was disgusting, but then again, so is everything about Britt. I can’t wait until she gets a taste of her own medicine. 🙂

The set-up in the changing area/showers did not seem plausible, but then again, I have never worked at a hospital before. I can see them fooling around in a supply closet – that could happen at any job – but I would think the men and women would have separate showers and changing areas.

Maybe the Cassadines need to donate more money to the hospital to get this fixed.

It is always nice to hear positive feedback about GH, especially when it comes from someone in a position to decide the future of it, but I will be even happier when I hear that it has been renewed !!!!

It doesn’t need ‘renewing’ as ABC/D owns GH. It is on until they cancel it, no renewal necessary.

I wonder what his thoughts would be if the soap fans didn’t retaliate with the boycott. I still only watch GH on ABC!

I’m with you Linda! The last day I watched ABC was January 13th, 2012 . The day OLTL went off the air. I will watch GH as long as OLTL characters are on.

Let’s hope the on-line version of OLTL is a success!

Best-

Patrick

Ditto. I’m enjoying GH but I’m done with ABCD.

I’m sorry for you…you all are missing some wonderful, fun shows on primetime ABC.

Oh Lee can just kiss my butt.

He is a moron.

I learned everything I needed to know about this man last year with his lame comments and now that he has jumped ship we are all just supposed to bow down?! Please.

Brian Frons basically said the same thing about AMC. He said that All My Children was in good standing and wasn’t going to be cancelled.

Next thing we knew, it was cancelled.

I’ll never fall for that line again. I won’t trust any daytime president on ABC. Or CBS for that matter.

So now they like soaps? That’s the ultimate betrayal to OLTL & AMC. They’re really trying to get past the bad PR from canceling our shows. Or all the buzz has made them change their tune because they think soaps are hot now. Either way its too little too late.

If they really want us to forgive & forget they need to publicly say that they made a big mistake canceling our shows. They also need to do whatever they can to make sure that Prospect Park succeeds.

I am so upset with Mr Lee’s comments. Can he twist the knife just a little more?

Liz-I absolutely agree. ABC’s comments are schizophrenic at best. The saving graces here are that it appears to be a formality that GH will be renewed for 13-14, and that Mr Lee has no delusions about being a soap actor, unlike Frons

Totally agree with you. I want a public apology for canceling OLTL & AMC….it’s so strange how only a year later, ABC now suddenly loves soaps and is ready to stand behind GH. Funny, but they said the same thing after they moved AMC to Los Angeles….then the news of the cancellation came. I don’t trust, nor do I watch ABC daytime anymore. Used to start my day with GMA and go all the way through to GH….I haven’t watch ABC daytime since January 13th 2012….the day OLTL went off the air.

Just say it ABC….”We made a big mistake!”

So with you Liz! After saying basically the same thing before and then uprooting an entire show from one side of the country to the other side – only to cancel it months later…has left me wary of ANYTHING that ABC/D says. Even with an apology (which NEEDS to happen!) I will never forget.
Troy…since ABC/D owns General Hospital, they don’t need to ‘renew’ it. They either show it or cancel it.
I have only watched GH since they took AMC and OLTL off the air. That will not change until I hear/read this apology AND see both back on the air!

I think Disney is starting to realize they underestimated the power of the Soap Opera fans and the replacement shows like the Chew are not getting the ratings that they wanted.

After the last three years of ABC/D lying to its fans and employees – I give this no weight. It means nothing to me…except that (maybe) they have realized what a mistake they made. It started with them deciding no one wanted to watch daytime dramas anymore – and they actively worked at killing the shows with terrible writing and alienating actors. It has not ended yet, and my boycott (except for GH) stands.

I agree CT. I’m still boycotting ABC – idiots that they are.

ABC/D lied to no-one, they have no need to lie.
They simply do what they do with no explanations to anyone ..
ABC/D is total power and do not care of peoples emotions, they would not even bother to lie, they just do what they decide to do ..

I saw Nashville once. It’s terrible, These nighttime soaps are not as good or as fun to watch as a “real” soap like GH. I stick with a real soap. GH

Happy for GH !!!!!!!! Glad it is ROCKIN N’ ROLLIN!

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’

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Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.

Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.

Photo: Hallmark

Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”

In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.

It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.

Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.

You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.

So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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General Hospital

‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?

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On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.

As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.

Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?

Courtesy/ABC

Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.

BROTHERLY LOVE?

Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”

With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”

BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE

Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”

So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair

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After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!

In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.

Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.

MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP

Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!

At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.

Courtesy/ABC

BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY

Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”

LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER

In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?

So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.

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