General Hospital
Chad Duell’s Final ‘General Hospital’ Episode Airs as Michael Makes His Choice
The Tuesday, January 21st episode was a sad day for General Hospital fans as it marked the final appearance of Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell in the role of Michael Corinthos. Previously, Duell had made the decision to exit the ABC daytime drama after his nearly 15-year-run with the show.
In story, Michael has been suffering from extreme pain and third degree burns after being caught in an explosion and set on fire, by being in the wrong place at the wrong time (i.e. Sonny’s penthouse).
The pick-up from the Friday, January 18th episode has Carly (Laura Wright) in Michael’s hospital room asking him where he would like to receive treatment, Johns Hopkins or the experimental clinic in Germany? On today’s episode, Michael was able to give Carly his answer, and it was “Germany.” Before he leaves the country, he uttered for Carly to get “Sasha.”
Courtesy/ABC
When Carly comes out of Michael’s room to tell Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Sonny (Maurice Benard) of his decision, Willow seems to accept it, but wants to see him. Carly says he asked for Sasha (Sofia Mattsson). Jason (Steve Burton) comes by and says he will get in touch with her. Carly assures Sonny and Portia (Brook Kerr) she has everything figured out a plane and a nursing staff on-board for the transfer and that she will go with him. Michael will not be alone.
Willow goes to see Michael and apologizes for the state of their marriage. She tells him she still loves him and that she will bring Amelia and Wiley to visit him and that they love him, too. Suddenly, Michael’s monitors go off, so Willow leaves the room. Portia tells the just arrived Sasha and Jason, along with Carly, that Michael had to be sedated again. Carly lays into Willow for taking up what should have been Michael’s last request to see Sasha.
Courtesy/ABC
Now at the airport, an emotional Carly thanks Jack Brennan (Charles Mesure) for arranging everything for Michael before she leaves. Just as Carly is set to leave Port Charles with Michael, Ava (Maura West) has a showdown with Sonny. She is worried for their daughter Avery’s safety. She wants full custody of Avery. Ava tells Sonny, she cannot lose another child, and wants Sonny to do what’s right and best for their daughter.
Courtesy/ABC
All of this from Ava is on the heels of how Michael was in the line of fire (literally) when the target of that explosion was Sonny. Next, Ava announces she will not let him use Avery as a human shield. As she is going in on Sonny, he begins to have pains in his face and in his chest. After Ava storms out, Sonny goes down for the count writhing on the floor.
Courtesy/ABC
Jason tries to talk some sense into Tracy (Jane Elliot) who is being held at the PCPD for not divulging where Amelia and Wiley are. After talking to Jason, he realizes Tracy’s issue is not with Willow, it’s with Drew (Cameron Mathison). Later at the GH chapel, Willow is talking with Drew and Jason comes upon them, looking to somehow get Drew out of the picture, or so it would seem.
Will you miss seeing Chad Duell on General Hospital? Are you glad Michael chose Germany to recover from his burns and wounds? Will Sonny get up off the floor? Comment below.
LOVING all this Tracy material !
I will miss Chad Duell, terribly. He is such a great actor. I can’t imagine anybody playing Michael but him. However, everybody deserves a break. I really wish things work out for him.
There’s No Other Michael!.
Actually there is. He’s at least the third actor to play Michael. Chad is perfectly fine as Michael but he’s not great or so perfectly unique to the role that he can’t be replaced. He can and should be recasted.
I don’t know if M.Benard plans on leaving GH, but I betcha he’ll be the one to nail Cyrus, when he starts giving him his dose of Digitalis.
If Sonny leaves there’s no more GH.
Sureeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Yeah, no. GH will be fine without Sonny.
Hi. Violet—I was thinking the same thing. Also, is Stedwell( spelling) a permanent cast member? Makes me think Sonny is being replaced—afterall, PC needs a a baddie.
im sorry for the way that willow and drew tryed to destroy michaels life and i cant wait for willow to get what coming to her when she find out what a snake drew is she will pay.
I agree. Drew is a snake and Willow is a tramp
Willow’s character does not depict that of a tramp. Why should anyone call another person by a demeaning name? When men have sex with several people you don’t call him names. I see that you stupid females are still letting men define you or make rules for you; just as they did in the 1600 hundreds and later years and still today.
It’s a stupid soap opera! Not reality! Seriously!
WillHO is a good ole fashioned slut!!! Better??
It depends on your definition of “tramp”, compared to others’ definition. Some of us consider her “loose”—perhaps, it’s a mental disorder? Insecurity? It happens in real life.
As a former snake myself, I really have to object to that characterization of Drew. It’s a real insult to snakes!
Indeed, Satan. And calling Willow a “tramp” is an insult to me!
Drew needs to go back to Hallmark ASAP!
He doesn’t do Hallmark anymore; he’s at the Jesus network (a.k.a. Great American Family).
Will definitely miss Chad Duell A LOT! So much going on with Michael’s character, it’s a tough time to see him leave. With that said, I watched him on Maurice’s State of Mind and I can understand Chad’s decision. He has lost his Dad and there’s been no grieving process… no closure. Losing a parent is a painful experience and we all have to respect his need to process it all. The Michael/Sasha dynamic is going to get interesting. Michael will be exposed… yet, I’m angrier at Drew and Willow. Mainly Drew. I miss Billy Miller’s Drew (may he Rest in Peace). THAT Drew was the TRUE character. No disrespect to Cameron Mathison, but he’s not THAT Drew. The writers decided to destroy the character with all this nonsense…. like killing off Sam. Tracy? Jane Elliot? THIS is her at HER best. I’m watching just for her. THAT’S our Tracy! I dread when they have to deal with Leslie’s (Monica) true death. It will be an excruciatingly painful moment. GH writers – we’ve endured enough actual deaths the last two years. Please stop! We’ve lost Sonya Eddy, Jackie Zeman, Nilly Miller, Tyler Christopher, the tragic murder of Johnny Wactor, and now Leslie. Please stop killing off our characters, like Sam. Enough is enough.
Why do they keep killing off the best characters? Why don’t they give Sasha a break?!!
Completely agree with all u said!!!!
Will certainly miss Chad! I surely do hope they do not kill off Maurice! I know he’s probably tired of playing this part for sooo long, but he is irreplaceable!!! I sure wish they could somehow bring back Dex and Sam from the dead, but I guess not!! Looking forward to something nice to happen on this show. Even Christmas was a bust on it! Sad
Omg! Again! Seriously people! It’s a SOAP OPERA! Come back to reality!
Man Tracey is a riot,I would love to hang out with her,I know she’s playing a part but she makes me laugh so much especially with the paper planes.You go Tracey!!!!!!
Yes, she’s a riot and I love how she plays all her meanness with a sense of humor and a smile.
I totally agree! Tracey is definitely her own woman! Tough, but has a very compassionate side.
They’re characters, not real people! Wow!
Dgtak, your point? Everyone knows it’s fiction and the very nature of the soap opera genre dictates that viewers engage in animated conversations about the storyline and the characters we love and hate. This has been going on for over 60 years and predates the arrival of social media. Our great grandmothers listened to their stories on the radio while shelling green beans or baking bread. It gives us a respite from reality. Simply put, it’s fun. So please stop with the redundant and obnoxious refrain that,” It’s just a soap. We know.
Amen!
Yes. Tracy brings life and entertainment to this soap.
I hate that all of these long time characters Sam, scotty, Michael and Sonny and so on are all leaving or gone. GH is losing its mojo! I honestly don’t care for alot of the new characters except John from the WSB. I COULD LOOK AT him all day. But the rest I’m over with. I’ve stopped watching every day. I can’t stand Cameron Mathison in or out of character. The scruffy face look has to stop and he with MICHAELS WIFE IS GROSS!!
I agree. I read somewhere they are going to CBS. Is it me or does cbs soaps and abc soaps ping pong their actors.
All soaps do.
You are soooooo right!.
Hallmark, GH, or American Family: Cameron Mathison still grossly overacts, jolting viewers & breaking “the fourth wall”
(the imaginary “wall” that allows viewers to lose themselves in the story)
Such a ham!
Sonny will get up as soon as they say “cut”
I suppose when or if Michael comes back,he’ll look like a different person,lol
Yes I love Michael I was so happy when he married Willow and had a family until Drew came along I hate that storyline
I agree.
Hated to see Michael leave
Chad is an excellent actor & I will miss him dearly. GH will not be the same without him! However, it is not about me, or any other fan, it is about Chad doing what he needs to do for his own happiness & I respect that & wish him nothing but the best for HIS future!
I think there will be another Michale. Too much of a story line to just drop the character.
Recast Michael.
It is all fake and is a soap opera so it doesnt really matter. Get a life!!!
Ahem, why are you here, exactly?
She’s temporarily living in fairyland with you apparently! I agree with her. It’s a soap opera! Instead of investing time in that fake nonsense, you should invest it in something real!
Perhaps you need to invest your time in better things than to come in here to remind folks what they already know( it’s a soap). You’ve posted that same message about a dozen times now using different aliases.
Gee Kat, thanks for sharing. You come bursting into a soap opera community forum to remind us what we already know,and then you tell us to “ Get a life”? That was a lot of energy and hostility that you expended just to insult folks you don’t know and who never did you any harm. So who, exactly, should get a life?
Chad Duell PLEASE COME BACK!!!
I’m going to miss Michael. Hope he comes back at some point. However. I still believe the writer’s need some new storylines. And I do not agree with the addition of Sidwell bad bad choice, writer’s.
Yes! I love Chad’s work. I hope he returns one day.
My first experience watching General Hospital was 22 years ago. The scene had Sonny in his classic mob boss character. I WAS HOOKED! So seeing him on the floor shook me. I would not want to see him go.
For once can we have a happy ending. Gio can be the child Brooklyn gave up but not Dante as the father; let his father be someone who sent in sperm. Leave Brooklyn and Dante alone….they both have had enough drama and loss. I like Gio and think he will end up with Emma. I like him and hope he stays in…. But this Drew and Willow mess is enough. Let her take care of her children and visit Michael til he returns and as far as Sasha is invoicing don’t like that she is pregnant with Michael’s baby; much rather see it’s Cody’s baby and they aren’t cousins. She deserves a happy ending too
Yes will miss Michael as watched him grow up. Sad seeing him go but wishing him mu ccj success in his n2xt chapter. Also question I know Out in February’s episode but please tell me the new Brennan is just on for a couple episodes as he does not take over Jack Brennan original Jack Brandon is the best and is a great match for car waiting but not this second pregnant someone respond
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.
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