Last Friday on the May 17th episode of ABC’s General Hospital, viewers took note of a new version of the opening title sequence of the daytime drama series.

Some thought perhaps it was tied to the GH Nurses’ Ball episodes since that is when it debuted, but in fact, it turns out it is the new updated title sequence moving forward.

With slower images of the cast, new theme music, and the end graphic plate bringing back the hospital image; thus far fans have seemed to like the new and improved version from what was previously airing.

A GH spokesperson told Michael Fairman TV on the change: “We ‘opened it up’ so that we could better feature our amazing cast.  And the back plate of the hospital is to honor our longtime GH fans.  The new music was composed by Paul Glass.”

So, what do you think of the new opening title sequence featuring the slides of the characters/cast in Port Charles, the pace of the new theme, and the retro use of the GH hospital image? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Mark your calendars for a very special segment on the soaps, when E! News delivers their Daytime Drama deep dive on Thursday, May 23 hosted by Giuliana Rancic and Jason Kennedy at 7pm-8pm ET/PT on cable’s E!

Look for set visits, interviews, retro clips, and more with some of the most famous and enduring characters in the genre.  Here’s just a sample of what to watch for:

When E! News visit the set of Y&R, Eric Braeden recounts the time Victor was feeding his wife Julia’s lover trapped in the basement dead rat; while Tracey Bregman (Lauren) reflects on why the viewers love the relationships and families in Genoa City.

In Salem and Days of our Lives, E! chats with series staples: Kristian Alfonso (Hope), then Deidre Hall (Marlena) and Drake Hogestyn (John).  Deidre reveals “possession will be on my tombstone” in terms of Marlena’s most infamous story of all-time when the good doc was possessed by Satan, while the beloved duo discuss why daytime is the best job to have.  Alfonso talks on the history of her character sharing: “I am going to hold near and dear to my heart the beginnings of Hope. And the adventure and the romance of Bo and Hope”.

Courtesy/E!

From the set of General Hospital new interviews are featured with: Laura Wright (Carly), Steve Burton (Jason) and Kristina Wagner (Felicia), plus Casting Director Mark Teschner remembers Meghan Markle’s acting debut on the ABC daytime drama series.

Teschner remembers: “Meghan Markle actually had her first speaking role in television on General Hospital.  She worked on the show in the background as a nurse, and we brought her up to read her to see if there was something there.”

Steve Burton chats on the craziest story he has ever played as Jason Morgan, revealing, “The one that always pops into my head is we had to go catch a monkey that had a virus, and I said to Laura (Wright) I think this is probably the end of my career today.”

The E! News special segment will show nostalgic clips from all the daytime dramas, including Luke and Laura’s wedding on GH, Marlena’s possession from DAYS, and some of Victor’s nefarious schemes from Y&R.

Check out the promo below.  Then, let us know if you will be checking out the ‘deep dive’ this Thursday via the comment section below.

Finally, Downton Abbey fans get a preview of the upcoming motion picture that is set for release in theatres on September 20th.

What we know is that the The film is set in 1927 and the plot revolves around the King and Queen of England coming to the estate for a visit and so … the Crawleys must prepare their arrival.  In fact, they have to bring back Mr. Carson to help!

Featured in the trailer are series stars, who are also back for the film: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter and Maggie Smith.

Series creator Julian Fellowes wrote the script and Michael Engler will serve as director. Engler directed the two-hours series finale.

As fans know, Downton Abbey ran on PBS Masterpiece for six seasons here in the U.S.

Check out the trailer, and then let us know if you are excited to see the movie? Comment below.