General Hospital
ABC Rep on what Katie Couric Show could mean for GH! Half-hour version?
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
As we announced early this morning, the deal between ABC and Katie Couric has become official and that Couric will be launching her own syndicated talk show in September of 2012. It is widely known now that ABC is giving the 3PM slot which houses General Hospital in most markets back to it’s affiliates a year and half from now.
So with the ‘read- between-the-lines’ statement issued earlier today in the official Couric press release that “the network continues to support GH”, TV Guide’s Michael Logan took to the task of getting some comments from an ABC representative who wanted to remain anonymous to shed light on what is really going on here, and how it might impact the life of General Hospital. Here is a key excerpt below!
“Our release states that we’re giving back our 3pm time slot to the affiliates. This is widely known as the GH timeslot, but this does not mean the inevitable cancellation of GH. We are going to populate our daytime block with our strongest shows, the ones that resonate most with our audience. We hope it will encourage them to watch and support GH. We will consider all options, such as making The Chew and The Revolution a half hour each, or making The Revolution and GH a half hour. This all happens a year and half from now. We are going to do our best to keep everybody happy.”
How is everyone going to be happy? We are losing OLTL and AMC for the two new lower budget lifestyle/reality/makeover shows, and potentially cutting in more airtime of GH. This does beg the question, couldn’t ABC have made OLTL and AMC into half hour shows instead of dumping them?
Hang on to your seats, we have another year and half to sort what remains of the ABC Daytime soap line-up shuffle. Whatever the case, now is the time to keep watching GH!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie is Suspicious of Dylan and Warns Will, Steffy Takes Off to Monaco
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Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie is Disowned By The Logan Sisters
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General Hospital4 days agoGH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ Alum Colin Cassidy to Appear in Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Shards’
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General Hospital3 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
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News5 days ago‘The Young and the Restless’ Names New Co-Head Writers: Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor
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A half hour GH ???
I would rather see ABC put the show out of it’s misery than that –
next they will say GH will air at 1:00AM.
Hush your mouth. 🙂
GH started as a half hour soap. If cutting it back to a half hour is what it takes to keep it on the air in the afternoons, I will happily take it!
I think GH should stay right where it is.
GH should be on for an hour i wouldnt be happy wit 30 min of the show
it be stupid
y do idiots have to mess up all the daytime shows on ABC i say leave them all there.
I know I’m supposed to support the soaps, but I can’t bring myself to watch GH. It is so inferior to One Life to Live that I’m insulted OLTL was sacrificed while GH gets a reprieve. I cannot stand the Sonny/Jason/Carly/Sam show and its ridiculous mob stories that prop up disgusting mobsters as heroes. I apologize to other soap lovers who will watch GH until its last day, but I will no longer watch ABC after One Life to Live goes off the air.
Jared, i could not agree with you more! Further, the rating system clearly shows that OLTL is fairing better that GH. Like you, once OLTL is finished, no more ABC TV for me. Luckly thou, I am a Canadian, and my other longtime soap “Coronation Street” has nothing to worry about. The Brits approach TV in a completely different manner. It also has just started it’s 50th year on the air. It’s on later in the evening, and is aired three times a week, with one hour episodes twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) and a half hour show on Thursdays. This past week was a major storyline and it was on every night during the week at 9pm, and yield around 12 million viewers. If daytime American tv goes all talk show, and reality tv in the evening, I may be cancelling my tv feed. I don’t mean to offend anyone, it just seems that for the past couple of years, any ABC show I enjoyed is being cancelled even before it gets a change to grow (Detriot 1-8-7, Dirty Sexy Money, V) so when ABC makes OLTL go dark, there won’t be any shows that I want to watch from ABC.
I can NOT stand Curic , NO WAY! Hope she fails here as well.
THEY’RE NOT saving, their gonna pay HER arent they.
Michael, I agree with what you said, ABC could of have made OLTL and AMC into half hour shows instead of dumping them. Once OLTL goes off the air, I will have no interest in anything broadcast by ABC. Even their news programs. Since they don’t have any respect for daytime drama viewers, I have no respect for them.
Sonzabitches, ABC is full of them.
We did not have the chance to save One Life to Live and All My Children on ABC, BUT we now have the chance to do just that for General Hospital, so now is the time to watch the show, and tell everyone you know (who watches or used to watch) to also tune in. Hopefully, in this case, we WILL have a say in what is in ABC’s daytime line-up. Now is also the time for the writers to vamp up the storylines, and make the show the best it could be, not chip away at what makes it the icon it is (as was done with OLTL and AMC). This has to be an all around group effort to keep GH on the air, so let’s get started!!!! BTW, I am still not willing to give up on the fact that OLTL and AMC can still be saved by being picked up by another network or cable station, who is smart enough to see what these shows have to offer. Call me cynical, but I think that one, if not both of the replacement shows for our beloved soaps, will be ready to be pulled by the time Katie Couric’s Show starts airing in Sept. of 2012 (if not sooner), so that might make the addtion of Katie’s Show easily fit into the line-up. Don’t forget to continue to watch or begin to watch GH !!!
ITA. Call you local cable providers and tell them you want a soap channel!
If ABC doesn’t want AMC/OLTL we want a channel that does!!!
I don’t understand why this silly looking woman keeps getting tv work, she would do better on the radio, so tired of seeing that troll face.
I do not agree. If it is too late to save OLTL, then I can not watch anything on ABC….even the vastly inferior GH. I’m sick of hearing how GH is the well known, viable and strong brand. Well….it isn’t, any more than OLTL. ABC is over. They really do not need me as a viewer. I want soaps to survive, but I will get my scripted drama from cable….Nurse Jackie, United States of Tara, True Blood…..not GH’s lame version of rated PG Sopranos. All soaps are not the same. OLTL was smart….sometimes, funny most of the time (not like Bold and Beautiful’s unintentional comedy), and well acted always. Now I am just free to watch other things…not on ABC or anything Disney related.
Let us be honest the state of the econmy is what is behind this! Face it ! I grant you stupid storylines have not helped viewership but they have in the past been able to pull back and get back on track! And I can not stand Katie she is a foulmouthed twit. I know this to be true she was at at an event I will not say when and the men were embarrased she swears like a sailor, I might add they were military.
The economy is fine over at Disney/ABC:
Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert A. Iger commanded a 35% jump in salary and bonuses in 2010, rewarding what the board of directors’ compensation committee called his “exceptional performance” in the face of a slow-recovering U.S. economy.
Iger’s salary and bonus reached nearly $16.3 million, up from $12 million a year earlier. His total compensation, including equity awards, reached $28 million, according to the company’s proxy filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
I would like to add some other things remeber when Love in the Afternoon was ABC’s motto? Where is the love and why do we need soap operas when our politicians are doing their version every day!!!!
NO GH NO ABC for me!!!!!
Couric is going to be an EPIC FAIL. Everyone on the political right despises her, she is too old too attract the younger Demos, and soap fans will boycott her. Bad move for ABC.
Just remember, if you have ever been a soap fan BOYCOTT all of ABC’s replacement shows and tell everyone you know to do the same. Support all THREE ABC soaps to the bitter end!
GH is toast. After losing OLTL, which is superior, I don’t care about GH. But why is anyone surprised? You didn’t actually believe Franz was committed to GH did you?
I agree GH is toast my prediction is that it gets canceled in 2012.
Well I have been an GH fan all my life, thirty two years now deciated to this network.
If they take my soap off the air I will boycott. ABC. I( will be hard because I Watch all the NEws promgrams and primetime shows like 20/20 world news. BUt GH is my all time favortie stupid move if they cancel for that boring katie she will fail misery if that’s the case!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you have more great arilctes like this one?