General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Head Writers Tease 2026 Storylines to Watch For
General Hospital’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning head writers, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte have major plans for the residents of Port Charles as 2026 begins. With so many intersecting characters and storylines, the scribes shared their overall vision for the year and presented some highlights to be on the lookout for as we turn the page on 2025.
In a new interview with TV Insider, Van Etten and Korte expressed, that they have big moves ahead and shifts, that they call, a ‘Perfect Storm’ – with multiple stories and relationships poised to collide.”
Here’s some of what they revealed below in key storylines and moments to watch for. First, the mystery of “Who Shot Drew?” is coming to an end! Chris and Elizabeth revealed, “Drew’s (Cameron Mathison) shooter is revealed as Willow’s (Katelyn MacMullen) trial climaxes. The verdict and its fallout will reverberate for years to come.”
Photo: ABC
DREW’S SHOOTING
On that note, Chris and Elizabeth mention the burgeoning relationship of Jacinda (Paige Herschell) and Michael (Rory Gibson) noting, “What began as a mutually advantageous financial arrangement is evolving into something sexy and sincere. But when Jacinda must testify at Willow’s trial, the thing that brought her and Michael together — a trumped-up alibi — may be their undoing.”
They also made mention that Trina (Tabyana Ali) and Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) have something to do with how the revelation of the true shooter comes to light, expressing, “Trina and Kai realize they are in possession of a piece of evidence that could blow Willow’s trial wide open. Their detective work results in identifying Drew’s shooter – but what they do with this information will stun viewers.”
In addition, the Quartermaines finally learn that Drew left Ned (Wally Kurth) to die outside Bobbie’s: “Tracy (Jane Elliot) is ready to take Drew down, but she’ll have to take a number. Olivia (Lisa LoCicero) is first in line, and she’s loaded for bear.”
LULU/NATHAN/MAXIE
In the story of Nathan (Ryan Paevey), or who ever he is, it looks like he and Lulu (Alexa Havins Bruening) will get even closer! The head scribes explained, when Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) ditches her mother, “Nathan assists Lulu in her search, but they find themselves in a surprising clinch long before they find Charlotte.”
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, they share an update on the comatose Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) that she will come out of her deep sleep in 2026 and find things very different than when she left them explaining, “Her slumber wasn’t nearly as long as Lulu’s, but she’ll find her world much changed when she finally wakes up.”
And what about Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason (Steve Burton)? Will they have a future together in 2026? Not so fast, or not so slow as it has been so far. “Britt and Jason can’t deny their attraction,” explain the head scribes. “But their romance faces an immediate obstacle in the form of Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) partner-in-crime. Britt makes moves to wall off Jason, but her resolve is tested when a blizzard strands them together.”
WHO’S GOT ANNA?
While Anna has been kidnapped, it apparently is not even the middle of her nightmare: “Anna’s situation goes from bad to worse when she’s called on by a voice from her past. She makes a bid for escape, but her captors are prepared with a contingency should she prove too difficult to control.” This will bring in concerns for the entire Scorpio family and with Emma (Braedyn Bruner) desperate to find her grandmother. Then, “Emma races to the rescue with Mac (John J. York) and Felicia (Kristina Wagner) when Anna is sighted. What happens next will prove traumatic for the Scorpios.”
ROCC-KED TO THE CORE
In one of the more ominous story points, Chris and Elizabeth share, Charlotte, “considers going full Cassadine” after a betrayal, prompting Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) to rally by her side. Meanwhile, “Rocco (Finn Carr) faces a stormy 2026, triggering a string of events that will result in the departure of one citizen of Port Charles, and dire consequences for others.”
So, which story point listed above and what was previewed by GH co-head writer, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte has you most intrigued or excited about? Share your thoughts and your hopes in story for the characters you love, or love to hate on General Hospital via the comment section below.
No more dead characters!! GH has to deal with enough death with the real life actors dying.
There’s only one “real life actor” passing that requires addressing – Tristan Rogers (Robert). The show took the time to find a good window in story to address Monica’s passing. For Robert, they need to coordinate getting Emma Samms, Kimberly McCullough (and most likely) Sofia Mattson back for visits.
Lesley will likely be addressed down the line, once Laura’s current story with Sidwell wraps.
Hoping for a big payoff in The Who Shot Drew scenario.
Love that they’re giving the teen set meaningful storylines. Charlotte has the makings of a trouble making schemer for decades to come. Danny will have problems staying above the law and Rocco seems to have the knack of being the recipient of bad luck. As for which resident departs, Chase or Kai may be expendable. Marco will depart sometime in 2026 – but not likely related to Rocco.
No preview for Elizabeth Webber. This is shameful.
100% Agreed! Love GH but my girl Elizabeth needs a story and at least one of her children around her.
I agree , I don’t know why her boys are not around , the writers needs to bring one of her boys back. Let them be on the drama with the rest of the teenagers
I agree! They need to let Elizabeth Webber find some love in her life! (Kids are great, but when was the last time that we’ve last seen Aiden?) And Elizabeth deserves some happiness! As a retired RN, after 32 years of working and raising two now adult offspring, I can attest to the physical rigors of the stress of the work and challenges of working different shifts, especially nights. It takes it’s toll on you and your relationships, especially marriages and your children!
Also, I have to say to the writers that the way they portray working in a hospital is more then charts and the nurses station!
And nurses on duty don’t keep their jobs after leaving during their shift and driving around etc.! Willow should not have a job in the scenario!
Another year and Elizabeth has no storyline coming up is shameful, GH continues to ignore such a popular character. I don’t get it.
Agreed. Strong actress. Legacy character. Make it work, please, writers.
Agreed! This is ridiculous. The writers can come up with storylines for the same characters along with bringing characters back from the dead and bringing on new ones but they can not seem to write a story for Elizabeth (a legacy character). This is beyond dumb and a slap in the face to the actress and her fanbase. We have waited long enough. Give her a story (how about an adventure with Jason). Britt and Jason are boring….no chemistry. They should have never brought her back. Let Jason and Elizabeth have their turn.
Such a good show! Happy to watching something entertaining now, rather than Y&R.
None of them tried of all dumb storylines bring back the dead people adding on more stupid storylines and dragging the ones that’s now running too long
I’m not surprised about Michael, and his “escort” with “pretty woman” vibes, his love life is it’s own dumpster fire.
I think Jacinda shot Drew
Me too!
I think it has to be Scout. (or Sam back from the “dead”)
Sam is still in her air conditioned condo, right here in Hell. But I’m willing to negotiate her parole, if an offer is made.
As far as Scout doing it, that would explain a few things. Such as the lousy aim of the shooter. Or the fact that Michael was somewhere near Drew’s house on the night of the shooting, most likely saw someone or something, that he clearly does not want to talk about. And that would certainly qualify. Nobody wants to admit to seeing a kid shoot somebody, let alone a family member.
That said, I hope they don’t go there, since it would pretty much come off as a ripoff of 9 year old Rachel Black shooting her uncle EJ on Days of Our Lives. And that poor kid is locked up in the looney bin now, after several months of mentally blocking out the event.
The only Drew storyline I want to see is “How to Feed a Starving Dragon”
Don’t want any of it except Macie rejoining the story. I want Sam back, like so many others. Bring her back before ALL others or bleed more viewers.
Looks boring, truly. Until changes are made at the tippity top, nothing on this soap will ever truly shift. It’s also disappointing to see characters missing from this preview at the expense of others.
Frank isn’t going anywhere and the ratings are stable.
I didn’t say a single word about ratings so no clue why you felt the need to bring it up. Nor did I mentnion Valentini, either.
If not Valentini, what did you infer by “tippity top”?
He’s just a drama queen that has to correct everyone even when they are right.
You must be such a blast to hang out.
I think that when Gio played his violin o holy night was one of the. Most special meaning ful shows on a soap opera ever keep it up I loved it he is a special great addition to this show
I agree he is amazing
KATHY, please learn proper punctuation and proof read!
All I ask is stop with the retcon. And stop linking characters unnecessarily. It’s like the show’s allergic to legacy incontinuity.
The writers should never ever mess with Nathan/Maxie’s marriage by throwing Lulu in his orbit it’s so wrong it’s not even a joke the writers are that dumb.They don’t believe in marriage vows at all or the meaning by it cause if they did they shouldn’t have dumb blond lulu acting like a little school crushing on her Bff’s husband & try to think it’s okay it’s not.It’s so damn wrong!
But I know why the writers are doing it, but it still doesn’t make it right. Can the GH writers please put lulu back either Dante or back into her coma.
I would like to finally find out who shot Drew. This storyline with Drew getting away with everything, and Willow not being the strong woman that she use to be when she was with Michael, is tired out, played out, and just plain boring now. The only part that I do like about it is the way she is standing by Scout and making Drew stop hurting that little girl for his own selfish needs. Plus, and I’ve said this before, I wish they would bring the real Drew back and let it be found out that Martin’s brother has been keeping him hidden all of this time since he was beaten while in prison. We all know that the real Drew would have never had an affair with his nephew’s wife, nor do half of the things that this Drew has done. Let he and Jason meet up while Jason is trying to save Josslyn from the ISB. And let the person who shot this Drew be Sid Stilwell or his son snd they knew the real Drew was being held hostage to keep this Drew on their side. I would even say let this Drew be the guy that headed up the cult that Willow belonged to and was trying hard to get her back under his control, which she allowed him to do. , finally, I would love to see Lulu and Nathan get together, that way, Spinneli and Maxi can stay together. Well, that’s all of my wishes, except somebody please put a stop to Drew, and please let Portia’s baby be Dr Graham’s and not Trina’s dad. He needs to be free so that he can save Jordan from Sidwell.
Well im new to this but here goes. The person that shot drew has short hair. And how the hair looked there white. I think its Martin gray or sidew handy man . He is tired of what drew has been doing. As far as willow and micheal. She will be found not guilty. She will leave drew after all his lies come out. Micheal will.let her see the kids. Alex’s will get custody of scout. Danny will get to spend time with her. Lulu wakes up and of course is confused and Nathan. I also hope Nathan is not in any way with sidew. That would suck oh yes valentine will save Anna jack will come clean about to Carly. And could someone please bring back Jasper jack.
Sidwell’s “handy man” (Pascal) was still in Croatia at the Five Poppies Resort when Drew was shot, so he’s definitely not the one.
The producer , the writers need to bring back ( Sam , so she could save her daughter from Drew , bring back Scott , we need more drama , bring back Sasha , so Michael and Sasha could get back together , Chase if he keeps defending Willow , Brook- Lynn is going to leave him and end up with Donate , and Chase could back with Willow ) now Jason , needs a good woman in his life and Britt is not the one , he needs a woman that is going to accept him for who he is and is willing to help him raise Danny , cause Danny needs a mother figure in his life . Since they are bringing back the dead , bring back sam , let it be Sam that shot Drew or let it be Sasha . What does anyone think about this theory .
I hate all of the connections that you have made with these different characters. I don’t want drew back on GH. I can’t stand him and don’t want him back in any form. I think chase deliberately hate Michael because Michael took willow from him and I think Brooklyn is beginning to suspect this. I have always wanted Michael and Sasha together. I think Britt and Jason would make an excellent couple. Maxie and Nathan belongs together. If Sam comes back, she and Dante should be together. Lulu find someone that could tolerate her.
So, you want to bring back Sam just to send her to prison for shooting Drew?
Sam is unlikely to ever be brought back.
Jacinda shot Drew. I used to think it was Danny, but Jacinda is a throw away character.
What happened to Carley’s daughter? We want more of her. To many fires going with no focus. I dont want GH to become stagnet.
Did Kristina shoot Drew, Michael witnessed it and now he is protecting her? Am thinking of her testimony about Dawn of Day and being trained to use firearms.
Love Michael and Jacinta !!!! They have great chemistry !! Hopefully, we can see more of their lovestory and the Willow/Drew forever nightmare will be done !!!
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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