General Hospital
After Two Days: Katie Strong, Steve Harvey Solid, Ricki Lake Perked Up, Probst Falling Fast!
The overnights for the first two days of the new line-up of daytime talks shows has come in. And now via TV Media Insights, while the first two days may not spell the actual path these shows will take and if they will succeed or fail, there are a few pieces of information and good data to glean from it!
So here we go: “Using the two key benchmarks – lead-in and year-ago time period average – Katie Couric from Disney-ABC remains the top-rated and Steve Harvey continues to impress. Ricki Lake from Twentieth Television perked up among women 25-54, but Jeff Probst from CBS Television Distribution nosedived from its already lackluster opening levels. Based on the weighted household averages from Nielsen (primary telecasts only), Katie averaged a 2.3 rating/7 share in the overnights on Tuesday (in 52 markets), which dipped by 18 percent from the 2.8/ 8 for its debut on Monday. The lead-in was a 2.4/ 8 and the year-ago time period average was identical at a 2.3/ 7 (and Katie outdelivered No. 2 Steve Harvey by 64 percent). But results among women 25-54 (1.0/ 6) did, however, dip by 23 percent from both benchmarks.
Steve Harvey remains right on par with its week one performance, with the 1.4/ 4 in households yesterday (based on 55 markets) up by 27 percent from the lead-in (1.1/ 4) and 40 percent from the year-ago time period average (1.0/ 3). Results among women 25-54 (0.9/ 3) also increased by double-digit percentages from the two benchmarks, and Harvey outdelivered Katie in women 25-54 in five of the top 10 markets (including a 1.1/ 7 in New York vs. a 0.8/ 5 for Katie). Get used to Steve Harvey — he is here to stay.
Ricki Lake (in 54 markets), which was still not available in about 40 percent of homes in the New York DMA because of a retrans dispute between Cablevision and Tribune, dropped from a 0.8/ 2 (and not a 0.6/ 2 as reported yesterday) to a 0.7/ 2 out of a 1.0/ 3. The year-ago time period was a 1.1/ 3. So there is erosion aplenty. But results among women 25-54 grew from a 0.4/ 2 to a 0.5/ 3, which was equal to both the lead-in and year-ago time period averages.
Last, and very least, was Jeff Probst which dropped 30 percent in households from a 1.0/ 3 on Monday to a 0.7/ 2 on Tuesday (in 51 markets). Comparably, that was off by 42 percent from the lead-in (1.2/ 4) and 36 percent from the Sept. 2011 time period (1.1/ 3), with erosion among women 25-54 at a significant 43 percent (0.7/ 4 to 0.4/ 2).”
We will bring you the two day totals for General Hospital later today, which moved in to its new timeslot with an impressive 2.5/8 in households on Monday. So have you checked out any of the daytime talkers and compared them? Let us know!
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
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Beyond the Gates2 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
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Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
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Recaps7 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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Days Of Our Lives4 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
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Previews5 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
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News1 week agoY&R’s Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
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No, have not checked them out, nor will I ever. It’s GH (and OLTL if it ever comes back) for me and nothing else.
And if we lose GH, then daytime tv will have lost another viewer.
I have watched Probst, and IMO, there is alot of potential. I like his style, he’s a good talk show host. But this show was not marketed well, it should have had bigger promos over the summer. And as for the show itself, again, it’s got potential, but they do WAY TOO MUCH in one episode. Three stories, and three little fun things. That’s too much, it really is. I hope they re-evaluate and re-tool it and that it has more of a chance, cuz I like Probst, but this show in its current format is not doing it for me.
It’s just beginner’s luck for Katie….Give her 2 to 3 wks. And her ratings will flop for sure….Viewers will get bored after a while….A short while……Gh is a survivor!!!! GH is ROCKIN & ROLLIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Viewers will lose interest in all that talking crap-polla…………………….GH ratings look very promising!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A positive outlook!!!!As I said GH is a survivor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katie’s show will flop & she will be going on her next venture…..And not on daytime programing ….. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing against her personally…I just don’t want another talk show on daytime anymore..In fact no talk shows on daytime…Katie should be on in the morning……………………..Where she has been ………………There is no room for Katie’s talk show on daytime………
nope just gh and have no interest in any of the talk shows. i would prefer all my abc soaps to return.
I LOVE THE RICKI LAKE SHOW. I THINK RICKI WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME, KATIE COURIC LOOKS LIKE A HIT. SHE SEEMS COMFORTABLE IN WHAT SHE IS DOING. AS LONG AS GENERAL HOSPITAL IS STILL ON THE AIR. THE RATINGS WILL HOPEFULLY GO HIGHER AND HIGHER. BRING ERKA SLEZAK AS VIKI FOR A VISIT.
Soap fans continue to bash Katie Couric as if she was the one to cancel AMC and OLTL. Get a grip folks because if it wasn’t her show it would be something else as ABC clearly want out of the soap business. I’m not a fan of Katie’s but I don’t have anything against her either. So people can root for her show to fail all they want because no matter what happens, they will NOT be bringing back those two soaps and GH will still most likely get the boot in a year.
I never liked Katie on Today but tuned in for CBS news, still didn’t like her
and giving one more chance, tuned in to latest, “Katie”. Nothing new there.
Same-old-same-old. BORING, have never watched a full episode.
This show will never make it. Okay for a mid-afternoon nap.