General Hospital
Disney/ABC TV President Craig Erwich On ‘General Hospital’s’ Future: “It’s a Show We’re Proud Of … We Remain Deeply Committed”
Over the weekend, Disney Television Group President, Craig Erwich, the man in charge of content for ABC, Hulu Originals, Freeform and Disney Branded Television, spoke to members of the media at the ABC TCA (Television Critics Association) Winter Press Tour 2024.
After addressing questions on many shows on the current and incoming ABC/Disney line-up, he also spoke to members of the press after he was up on-stage.
Sharing his thoughts on the performance and future of ABC’s longest running series, General Hospital, which has been celebrating its 60th year on the air, Erwich told Soap Hub, that the soap opera is, “absolutely a tremendous pride for us.”
Photo: ABC
Speaking on its big six decades on the network, Erwich added, “The show’s been on for 60 years. That is a remarkable achievement. And the great thing about General Hospital is that it’s on daily. It’s an opportunity for us to delight, entertain, and surprise people on a daily basis.”
Since fans are always concerned for the future of the current three network soaps still on the air, GH, B&B and Y&R and former network soap Days of our Lives, which has moved to Peacock in recent years, the Disney TV President offered some very encouraging words that indicate that GH is going nowhere.
Photo: ABC
Erwich expressed: “We’re very committed to the show. You saw the way that we celebrated the 60th (with the special General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling). We do that because it’s a show we’re very proud of. We remain deeply committed to General Hospital.”
So, are you encouraged by Erwich’s words that GH remains a consistent series for them, and that they remain behind the series as it moves forward into its 61st season and beyond?
They’re proud of this show? SMH. Just rename it “The Laura Wright Hour” and be done with it.
You are right. Why is it this way?Hope new writers change this.
Encouraging to hear that General Hospital will remain on the network. There were rumors of All My Children having a prime time show, loyal fans are still hoping that it’s true.
That project is dead, sorry 🙁
Great news!
And let’s all hope that all people who post comments here are happy with this news.
Haha I’m dying laughing! You could make the most perfect soap and support it and soap fans would still bitch. It’s what they do best, the never happy viewers as we call them!
If Craig and Disney truly support the show they wouldn’t have outsourced marketing & promos, the show would actually get promoted and someone in a high power position needs to tell ABC News to stop interrupting daily/weekly. There’s a reason ratings are down so much and it’s because abc pretends the show doesn’t exist. Soaps in 2024 get snickers from most networks in today’s world. It’s very sad because if they supported it more, they’d be the winners, making more money, my guess is abc will cancel gh by 2026.
You’re on Jimmy. I will take you up on your bet! 2026..got a month or just anytime 2026?
Been watching since 1978… and for years, and years, people have said it wouldn’t be on next year.
Of course, this is excluding what happens to the US come this November, and any natural disasters hitting California and washing away the studio… but other than those 2 caveats.. your bet is on !
No. When they say words like committed it’s never good.
Nice to hear the Disney Entertainment President with praise for GH, and like I’ve thought for a long time, the show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Everyone thinks they know better, and has all the answers, until you hear from the people that actually make the decisions.
I’m sure this still won’t shut up the miserable people out there that are always commenting, almost gleefully hoping to see GH get canceled, with their always negative comments, looking to shovel dirt on the show. Even now, here and elsewhere, they’re trying to spin positive remarks from the ABC President as somehow a negative. The shtick is really tiresome at this point. But that’s social media in general these days, unfortunately. A giant cesspool of negativity.
Splendid!!..
Being a former loyal DOOL fan I was thoroughly disgusted when NBC moved it to Peacock.
(What a schmuck move.. however it’s NBC so what do ya expect.. lol)
Anyway.. when NBC played that card I had to bail.
(Just not down with NBC referring to their subscribers as “Peacockers”.. plus will never pay for the privilege of enjoying standard free network programming either.
NBC/Peacock can kick rocks.)
Switched to General Hospital and found out it is actually far better than DOOL in every respect!!..
Had I been aware of GH’s superiority I would’ve ditched DOOL years ago!!..
ABC should be proud of “General Hospital”.. it’s top notch programming.
As the old adage goes.. ” If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
As for General Hospital.. stay tuned America.. the best is yet to come.
Ironically, General Hospital has been in one of it’s worst toilet spirals from November 2021 until just recently. They’re starting to pull out of it, thank all that’s unholy!
As challenging as some of the recent period has been, do you honestly think it was worse than end of the Carlivati era? Fluke and Denise DeMuccio were quite painful. Worse than Garin Wolf’s lady in white and Robin’s declining HIV?
And there’s your answer… “Fluke” was so horrible, it got ReRon fired. Garin Wolf was a fill in to begin with, but his storylines were so awful, some of them were thrown overboard immediately. “the lady in white” got shanked by her own alleged mother, Helena, and ReRon decided he would blow Robin up in a lab, rather than kill her off slowly. Not saying i cared for how that was done – especially considering he threw “Starr Manning” in our faces at the same time (as if to say, “hey, sorrry about killing off your legacy kid! Hope you like mine better” ) But at least lab bombings can be undone…. eventually.
Ultimately the worst damage Garin Wolf did was to the Spencer family. Lucky was never allowed to recover from what Wolf did to him – turning him into a pill-popping crybaby who abandoned his family on Xmas eve. Yeah, sure he brought Jake home from Cassadine island, but where was Lucky when his father allegedly “died”, or when Aunt Bobbie actually died, and why hasn’t he visited his vegetable sister even once?
I had actually purged the “Denise DiMuccio” thing from my unholy mind, thanks for the reminder of that moronic story.
Your analysis in this case is spot on.
Hey, I liked Denise DeMuccio and if I remember right, so did Morgan, a lot!
Oh Violet – while you are one of my favorite nonagenarians, I do get a chuckle out of your likes and dislikes. Liking Denise DeMuccio and disliking Tracy Quartermaine is a clear example.
Ha ! Often I wonder if not an Centenarian
Steve, I knew from the very beginning that it was Ava posing as Denise. I don’t know why there was so many doubts and I found her absolutely delightful and funny. I’m starting to like Tracy a little more by the way she treats Gregory, has always liked Finn, loves “her little grandson” and tolerates Lois, a lot more than I ever could.
There are no toilets in hell.
How do you know?
Of course we have toilets. Sometimes they don’t work very well… but it IS Hell, after all. Try finding a decent plumber down here!
I didn’t watch Days, but to say it’s a “schmuck move” is just ignorant. TV is a business. It was leaving NBC. They chose to put it on Peacock. Next stop is cancelation. That’s the way it works…
I truly hope it’s staying around for many years to come but the emotional abuse of Nina is not “entertaining” nor is the fatal disease of the month thing they’ve had going on for a few years now. FFS; reverse the Gregory Chase story! Throwing away a great character played by a great actor for tears, melodrama, and to break viewers hearts in the name of “bringing awareness to viewers” is not soapy escapism and cray, cray, over-the-top,stories this genre is known for. People need to get their information from actual medical sources; not a soap. GH needs to lighten up!
Emotional abuse of Nina? Cry me a river
Granted she’s a fine actress, anyone who knew her as Annie Duttin will testify to that but this Nina is like a burr under a horses saddle. You just want to rip it off and get rid of the pain , and now with Valentins help, she’ll become even worse.
I’m holding out until the very end that they’ve made the wrong diagnosis and it will turn out to just be something that mimics this horrible ALS desease, and as much as it seems a lot of fans are down on Finn, if anyone can solve it, it will be him.
Very happy to hear this. I watched this with my grandmother took a break as an adult because I worked, but when I married and later took a part time job I was able to raise my kids and begin watching again. No retired at 75 it’s still my favorite bring memories of my childhood and then to hear my own kids ask me how certain characters are doing on the show. It’s all in our family.
Funny! One day my 26 yr. old great-granddaughter came in while I was watching Phyllis on Y&R and she glanced at the TV and commented, omg, is that bitch still on?
Good talk until they drastically lose money and then canceled.
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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