General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL 15000th Episode: Laura Faces Being Ousted as Mayor as Port Charles Bands Together in Support of Her
Finally, after many preemptions, General Hospital’s 15,000the episode aired on Wednesday. In it and front and center in the standalone episode was GH icon, Genie Francis (Laura).
In story, after a scathing op-ed is run in The Invader from a group of citizens called “The Friend of Port Charles”, they take aim at Mayor Laura Collins and want a recall to replace her. When trying to figure out who was behind the story, Laura’s friends and the citizens of the town, band together to keep her from being ousted and to figure out who would attack her in the press like this.
That sets up a few sentimental flashback clips featuring the three current longest-running members of the cast, Genie, Kin Shriner (Scott) and Jackie Zeman (Bobbie). Viewers get a glimpse of Scotty and Laura’s wedding, and then Bobbie’s contentious and duplicitous side when she fought for the love of Scotty against a teenaged Laura.
As Laura tries to determine who is behind the op-ed, Curtis (Donnell Turner) gets a lead from Ms. Wu (Lydia Look) that Laura’s half-brother, Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) is behind it. Laura then heads to Pentonville to confront Cyrus. She asks if he’s the brains behind “The Friends of Port Charles”.
Cyrus insists he is only an advisor. He goes on to say that this is a group of people who are disillusioned by the way she is running the town. Cyrus gets angry and vengeful, and emotional, when saying the police department is corrupt and how ELQ and Cassadine Industries gets tax breaks at the expense of less fortunate people, etc. Laura can’t figure out if these people in the ‘friends’ group have such high moral value why would they hire a criminal, like him, as an advisor?
Renault goes on to say that it’s up to God and preaches she needs to be less self-righteous. Laura throws back to Cyrus that where was God in that scathing op-ed, that he did filled with such hate? Laura then forgives him and walks out, which stuns Cyrus.
Photo: ABC
Later, Scotty in front of Laura, Bobbie, Anna (Finola Hughes), Felicia (Kristina Wagner) and Lucy (Lynn Herring), proposes to Liesl (Kathleen Gati), but she turns down his marriage proposal. Liesl feels they have a good thing going , so why mess it up with a marriage at this point. The two kiss.
In addition, Laura meets up with Maxie (Kirsten Storms), who are visiting an institutionalized Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). Maxie brings her some cosmetics from Deception because of the bad lighting in the facility.
The softball game was the throughline of the episode, and at the end, we saw the payoff, when all the characters converged on Charlie’s giving their support to Laura, who says she is ready to write her rebuttal.
Then in a voice-over from Laura, she speaks to the essence of Port Charles and its residents which included: that they have a strong community that she is proud to be a part of it and she speaks to her legacy over generations. Kevin (Jon Lindstrom) proposes a toast to Laura, as she notes that if she loses the recall then so be it, adding that if the person who replaces her is a Port Charles lifer, like she is, then the town will continue to prosper.
So, what did you think of the 15,000 episode milestone episode? Did you enjoy the performance of Genie Francis? Did you like the way much of the cast was utilized, or did you feel otherwise? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Genie is always great, but Kin Shriner was overacting like always.
Was it outstanding? No. Overall, it was pretty good. For the most part, it featured a good use of the cast (here’s hoping all is well with Leslie Charleson).
Would I have loved more flashbacks? Sure, but they are tough to come by. For instance, they’d have to find a scene from the early 80s that featured only Laura & Robert (no Luke, Tiffany or long deceased Cassadine). Or, something from the late 90’s with only Laura & Elizabeth). I’m grateful for two 70s flashbacks- what memories!
Maxie’s presence in the Shaddybrook scenes felt like a contrived way to work her into the episode. Finn and Violet should’ve been replaced by Dante and Rocco. At least Finn or Laura should’ve reminded the audience that Violet is Steve Hardy’s great granddaughter.
The nail salon scenes were great and glad to see Scotty & Liesl don’t need to be married to have a meaningful relationship (although it was fun to see him propose in front of 3 of his ex’s).
Jeff Kober (Cyrus) shined – as always – in the Pentonville scenes. Lydia Look (Selina) continues to steal every scene she’s in.
Kudos to the crew, too, as I can’t remember the last time so many sets were used in one episode. We hopped from the hospital (exterior, hub and board room) to Kelly’s, MC pool, Q den, Sonny’s office, nail salon, Pentonville, Shaddybrook and finally Charlie’s.
While there was definitely room for improvement, I will say it was to see Frank & team think of Laura.
Great review, Steve! I certainly agree with you on all counts, and I like how you ended your post. I was impressed with the focus on Laura, the many sets (as you mentioned), and the large cast used in the episode. We were led to believe that virtually the whole cast would be included, but when the tease for the next day’s show aired, several of those characters were not featured in the 15,000th episode.
Thanks James.
With the exception of Valentin, Dante and Jordan – I could see logical reasons why most cast members not seen on the episode were not there. Most of those not seen have had little interaction with Laura. Based on current story, it might have been awkward to try to squeeze in Nina, Sasha, Marshall or Esme.
That said, it looks like they had 13 recurring characters mixed in with the contract performers. I don’t think the Nurses Ball even gets that many non-contract players in one individual episode:
Epiphany
Violet
Kevin
Scotty
Mac
Robert
Bobbie
Lucy
Liesl
Ned
Olivia
Selina
Cyrus
I liked this episode. Especially how she “neutralized” Cyrus. But I’m sure he is still going to be trouble. Also fun seeing the clip of Laura and Bobbie fighting over Scottie years before. Wow, the hairdos. Nice to see they made up. So now Re-Elect Laura For Mayor!
I really wanted to like this but it was a mess of poor plotting, misuse of good characters, jarring absence of other characters, just didn’t do it for me. But I loved the flashbacks!
I liked it for the most part but Maxie being with Laura was odd. She could have just been with Lucy or Brook Lynn. Also why was Violet tbe only kid in tbe show? Couldn’t Grandma Laura have brought Jake and Aiden?
So, where was Martin Grey? The one brother who’s come to really love and care about Laura. So many unnecessary others, Ava,Maxi who I felt that Liz had to interrupt her time off to just provide a scene for.I guess of all Laura’s grandkids, Spencer was the only important one and surprised he didn’t drag that phony Esme along. Sorry for all the grousing, just not what I expected
Yes. Martin Grey should have been there but instead we get Sam, Maxie and of course, Carly-The mouth who ate Port Charles. And every time I see Ava with Laura, I’m distracted by the fact that these two look to be the same age, but Laura is her mother-in- law.
The damned old January 6th precedings got recorded in place of GH… if they want to talk about the attack on the Capital.. WHY don’t they talk about the NEW ONE that took place on the 16th.. with STEPHEN COLBERT and the 7 Democrats..I keep waiting to hear something about it, but all I heard was they got arrested and turned loose a few hours later.. bet the people who are still in jail from the January 6th would have plenty to say on that subject…
No, you are incorrect. The hearings on the January 6 Attack on our Capitol and on Democracy did NOT pre- exempt the Laura episode. They postponed the Laura episode and aired it the next day when no hearings were taking place. However, I think you know that but were trying to insert your own political agenda into a discussion about soaps. Although your wrong on so much more, I’m not going to take the bait and engage with you. As Lucy would say,” Ta!”
That should be you’re, not your. I have trouble typing in these little boxes.
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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