General Hospital
Do You Have The "IT" Factor To Get A Role On GH? Casting Director Mark Teschner Fills Us In!
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
General Hospital Casting Director and Daytime Emmy winner, Mark Teschner gives soap fans inside look, and actors who aspire to get a role on the iconic soap, a rundown of what he looks for when casting a role in Port Charles in a portion of his segment which will be seen on tomorrow’s night’s ABC News 20/20 special edition – General Hospital – The Real Soap Dish (9PMEST) with host Katie Couric!
Teschner says you have to have the “It” factor to be cast on General Hospital, and it’s more than just being sexy, beautiful and talented!
The casting wizard’s advice to those who want to get into daytime acting is , “You have to be prepared to bring it, and you better be the best actor you can be, because hundred and hundreds of actors audition for every role. And it’s not enough just to have a great look, or somebody told you should be on soaps … I don’t even know what that means!”
Watch the segment with Mark after the jump, then let us know if you think the cast of GH has the “IT” factor? And if you were auditioning for a role on GH, could you bring it? Plus, was it interesting to listen to Teschner’s advice for that inside perspective? Weigh-in!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
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News2 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Days Of Our Lives6 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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So…us “ugly” ppl don’t have a chance.
Youd have to put an s&h in front of ‘it’ to describe my looks and no talent…if only Felix could do a makeover on me! Then he’d be forever known as a miracle worker! LMAO!!!
it’s more than “JUST” being…. “sexy” beautiful… Talented”…
COME HITHER…
read my lips… my oscar is within’ reach…..
i’m a show unto myself.
dare say… who deigns to exist with me.
east coast, central…. and Pacific…. shout out….
WRITERS… ????? WTF… ???
I hate to be snarky but I guess Mark was on vacation when they recast Kristina? A very rare casting misfire. You could tell they knew because the actress was hardly airing even when Trey was alive. The actors who play both Rafe & TJ are very good.
She was hardly airing because there was no story for her. They brought her back for the sake of bringing the character on. Waste of Lindsey’s talents.
The soap medium pisses me off with their looks. I’m tired of seeing these unrealistic men and women on my TV screen. Not everyone loves it. He seems so snide to me.
I wish they didn’t recast kids just because they were growing up a little awkward, loved Jake on Two and a Half Men, he was so relatable and funny.
Can someone please direct me… I saw the poster of gh 50th anniversary framed of the georgous “Sonny Corenthois” hope not misspelled. Anyway can not find again evev goggle. I want to purchase. And while I have u wonderful ppl. To talk to is there anyway someone can convience ” sonny to go on dancing with the stars as one of the new cast maybe next yr.!!!! Plz. I am one of his biggest fans can’t go one day without my sonny fix!!! Plx. Convience him! Tks. Wish jason was still there too…. 🙁
Please, how ignorant can one be? He’s hardly a wizard, just got lucky that’s all.
HOW DID KA GET HER JOB NO TALENT OR LOOKS AND THERE BRING HER BACK UGH. KA IS NO STARR
I am LMAO!! She irks me and agree no talent at all..
Casting directors really need to hire more actors of color for leading roles. There is still a serious lack of racial minority actors who portray lead chars. gh’s fictional town is ny based. There really should be more actors of color on gh. These chars of color should be lead roles. My opinion is that most of casting really has to do w/ an actor having the “right look”. Tons of hollywood actors used to model. An athletic scout can’t discover an athlete by going to a mall. While tons of actors are plucked from obscurity bec they have the right physical appearance. No acting experience and training is necessary for actors. Actress quevenzhane wallis portrayed a char from black poverty. Of course they cast a black child actress who is very dark skinned. Actress wallis has never had any acting experience. A child actress w/ no acting experience already has an academy award nod w/c is considered the “highest honor” for hollywood. There really is no acting experience necessary for hollywood. Anyone can act. Anyone can get cast if they have the right look for that role.
My opinion is that a lot of casting has to do w/ preserving the definitions of beauty bec anyone can act if they know their dialogue. The definitions of beauty are being limited by fashion and hollywood. Fashion magazines regularly lighten the skin of women of color. It’s the same w/ promotional pictures from hollywood tv shows. Actors of color are often made to look less like a racial minority when their skin is lightened. Its bec actors of color who are dark skinned and do not have anglo features are often considered ugly for tolerant hollywood’s “beauty standards”. A lot of racial minority actors that are cast tend to appear racially ambiguous and light skinned to conform to hollywood’s white standards of beauty.
hollywood has a horrid track record of awful casting for racial minority roles. Light skinned actress zoe saldana was hired to portray dark skinned nina simone. They didn’t hire a black actress who is dark skinned. They darkened zoe’s skin bec her skin tone can be manipulated. But her facial feautres conform to white standards of beauty compared to other black actresses.
It’s even worse for Asian american actors. The film “dragon ball” cast all the Asian american chars w/ white actors. The film “last airbender” whitewashed the lead roles and only cast dark skinned Asian american actors for villainous roles. The film “all you need is kill” cast tom cruise to portray a char who should be a Japanese soldier. The movie 21 is based on Asian american students from MIT. But majority of the cast was whitewashed. The lead char was portrayed by british actor jim sturgess. Tolerant hollywood would rather hire a dialect coach for sturgess than cast an Asian american actor to portray an Asian american char! It’s bec Asian american actors don’t confrom to hollywood’s definition of leading men. There are still no Asian american actors and actresses who are part of hollywood’s a list!
It really begins w/ the casting and writing for tv shows. There should be more racial minority writers to create racial minority chars. There really should be more racial minority casting directors who cast the right actors of color to portray chars of color.