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!
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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News5 days agoY&R’s Billy Flynn and Gina Comparetto Reveal Birth of Their Third Child and It’s a Girl!
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.