General Hospital
‘General Hospital 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling’: What Did You Think of The Primetime Special?
For any daytime soap opera to have a primetime special is a big deal. Rarely, do the networks offer them the real estate to try to entice new viewers to the show, or the lapsed viewers to return, and give the show you once loved another try.
As we know, growing audience numbers exponentially through recent years is extremely difficult for any network soap opera.
Thursday’s ABC special General Hospital 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling served up, sort of an overview of the soap through the years, and what is at its foundation as told by current cast, some former cast who went on to other kinds of famous, and special guests.
Photo: ABC
While John Stamos, Emma Samms, Chandra Wilson, Rick Spingfield, Amber Tamblyn, Stephen A. Smith, and Sheryl Underwood brought in some name recognition, the current and core cast made appearances led by Genie Francis (who was missing all the way till the very end. Thank God, she was there or there would have been outrage!), Maurice Benard, Laura Wright, Finola Hughes, Tristan Rogers, Lynn Herring, Kin Shriner,Jane Elliot, Brook Kerr, Donnell Turner, Rena Sofer, Josh Swickard, Dominic Zamprogna, Rebecca Herbst, Jon Lindstrom, Maura West, Cynthia Watros, Cameron Mathison, and more.
Photo: ABC
There was even a surprise and touching return by Max Gail, when Maurice Benard and Nancy Lee Grahn discussed the social topics GH has tackled through the years including the Alzheimers storyline. It was actually Max and Maurice’s clip package as Mike and Sonny that reminded us of the power of the show.
The special was not heavily clip driven. Those expecting to see iconic moments such as Robin and Stone’s death, or the BJ heart transplant storyline would be disappointed. However, they did include a moment from Luke and Laura’s iconic wedding vows in 1981, and Elizabeth Taylor’s famous “My curse on you Luke and Laura” moment as Helena Cassadine.
Photo: ABC
When Rick Springfield returned to the halls of GH, he was the person who remembered those who had passed, and spotlighted his beloved friend and former co-star, Jackie Zeman (ex-Bobbie). Rick expressed: “Jackie Zeman was not only an incredibly talented actress but she had a huge heart.”
Classic weddings were also touched upon when Kristina Wagner donned the wedding dress she wore for Frisco and Felicia’s wedding, Rebecca Herbst wore the dress she had on when Elizabeth married Lucky Spencer, and Lynn Herring came to the set in the red dress sans the giant red had, she wore in Lucy’s wedding to Alan.
Photo: ABC
One of the more touching clip packages featured Stuart Damon as Alan Quartermaine who meant so much to his former scene partner, Amber Tamblyn. At 10-years-old, Amber took on the role of Emily Bowen-Quartermaine. And in the retro clips, Alan and Monica were shown asking Emily if she would let them adopt her.
The special did include, and kudos to them, for placing the unforgettable scene where Tracy withholds her father Edward Quartermaine’s heart medication, while he is having a heart attack into the show. In story, Tracy wants her father to change his will in her favor, and if he does, she will give him his pills. Still an amazing scene from Jane Elliot and the late, great David Lewis.
Kelly Monaco reunited with her Dancing with the Stars pro dance partner (and former GH guest star) Val Chmerkovskiy for a quick interstitial dance bit.
Photo: ABC
Maura West and Cynthia Watros introduced the GH bloopers. It was if we were just getting started seeing some of the guffaws and mishaps that went down behind the scenes when the segment ended. Maybe one day, the show can release some more bloopers?
Photo: ABC
At the conclusion of the special, cast members, one by one, came out from different corners of the various GH sets, each weaving the tapestry of what makes the show so unique and loved by millions of viewers for over 6 decades. When they all converged at the Nurses Station, Genie Francis was revealed and led a toast to the show and to its fans, as balloons rained down in celebration. Suddenly, we are next transported to a different set.
Photo: ABC
There, we find three doors. The left one in which Laura Wright walked through, the right one in which Kelly Monaco walked through and the middle one where Steve Burton walked through and revealed he is returning to GH as Jason Morgan.
As the credits rolled, it should be noted that General Hospital executive producer, Frank Valentini was also the EP of the network special.
Photo: ABC
So, what did you think? Did you enjoy the GH primetime special? Did you find moments that touched you, or brought back fond or emotional memories? Instead, did you find yourself disappointed? And if so, what do you think you wanted to see more of? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Absolutely loved the special! Congratulations GH on 60 incredible years. So excited for Steve Burtons return
Enjoyed the show but can an older viewer inform me if Tracy actually let her father die or not. Was not watching it then.
Edward survived, and disowned Tracy due to her heartlessness. She was banned from the Quartermaine mansion, and I believe that was the first time she left Port Charles.
She withheld his medication and Edward collapsed but did not die.
Edward was faking the heart attack to test Tracy. He was always one step ahead of her (kind of like she is with Lucy these days).
As I recall, Mr Q was faking it to test his daughter.
I hoped for more clips as BJ’s death and Stones AIDS story. But a thrill to see Tracy deny her father his meds as her had that heart attack. Classic! I recall watching that first run. Also more connection to history… No Jessie Brewer? No Brenda? Watching, you’d think the show only started in 1995! Still, I appreciate the celebration. Why daytime has diminished is beyond me. Do we really want endless local news, excessive talk, and courtroom shenanigans? No!
The show did an admirable job with clips. We must note that residuals need to paid to any actor whose speaking role is replayed. That’s why there was a heavy focus on the 1990s through today.
Few clips exist from the pre- one hour episodes as the network reused the tapes as was the practice in daytime at that point. ABC has the entire first episode from 1963 but far less clips available until 1978.
With Bobbie’s memorial next week, I’d hope we’d get a flashback or two to BJs death (especially the Felicia “not Barbara Jean” moment when Bobbie consoles her).
Thank you, OG Steve. I didn’t think of those factors. Still, that we have GH is worth celebrating no matter what form the special took. I remain upset over losing my other faves, AMC and ATWT.
Sorry but that is not true. General Hospital actually has most of the episodes from the early years, preserved on kinescope.
I have also read that there was a period where soaps were video taped, then the tapes were re-used, which is why certain time periods are not available.
News, talk, and court shows are much cheaper to produce. Soaps are expensive. There’ll never be new ones, so enjoy the ones we have because sadly, one day, they’ll be no more. My guess is that Days isn’t long for this world unless it really drove subscribers to Peacock.
I loved the anniversary special. I did think that after we saw the clips of Lois and Ned’s romantic history, featuring the newly returned Rena Sofer (of whom I’m very fond), we might have instead seen Lisa LoCicero do a little more of the talking later, rather than have Rena be featured so prominently while Lisa was standing silently by. On the anniversary special I wanted to see a real mix of the actors I’ve come to love over the fifty+ years I’ve been watching.
That so called iconic Luke and Laura wedding should not have happened. Talk about completely negating what was done to Laura!
Congrats GH!
It was well done and clearly intended to thank the fans for their success. I personally would have preferred more clips of Anna, Robert, and Robin, but obviously they can’t fit in every fan’s favorite clips.
With regards to Steve coming back, I’m ok with it, despite believing he was justly fired. (The greater good was more important than his singular comfort.) But now that those conditions have been lifted, I don’t have an issue with his rehiring.
I wished they hadn’t killed off Britt as their relationship was intriguing. I don’t want Jason with Carly, it never worked for me.
Was it just me or was the background music so loud it made it difficult to hear what the actors were saying?
No Joel it wasn’t just you. I too found the background music to be louder than the speaking voices.
I agree. The background music was very distracting. It was so loud that it was hard to hear what the characters were saying.
I thought the same thing, so that was very disappointing about the show.
Same for me–exactly, and tweeted the same.
YES! This is the first mention of the background music. I wanted it to stop the music was so loud I had to turn on the Closed Caption text on my TV.
It happened throughout the show. They must have dubbed it incorrectly over the voices.
If the 3 door surprise ending with “Jason Rising” had not happened i think the music might be the only thing people talked about it was horrible.
Disappointment here – too much wasted time with unnecessary guest stars babbling about nothing.. Expected real comments not scripted comments from the cast trying to be “cute” and “funny”….
I’ve watched it, & I loved everything about it. I loved seeing the entire cast, the guest stars, the flashbacks, and etc. It was such a cool thing to see.
Nice numbers! Glad so many tuned in.
And it’s streaming now on Hulu and on the ABC website.
I really enjoyed it. Loved seeing Amber Tamblyn again, John Stamos, Max Gail, Emma Samms, and god bless Rick Springfield. 74 years old and he still looks great. The opening with Donna Mills and Morgan Fairchild was fun. Loved their little wink to soaps with the line about “You never know” when talking about how Donna’s character Madeline was killed off.
They had a good representation of the current cast, and got in as many of the beloved vets as they could. I was hoping Leslie Charleson would be there, but she obviously wasn’t back on set yet when they filmed this. I was wondering where Genie Francis was, but glad they saved her for the end. I loved seeing the bloopers. Kin Shriner is a hoot. Wish they would show bloopers more often in some forum. Put them on their Facebook page, YouTube, something.
I was impressed that they still have video from the very first episode in 1963. It was great to see John Beradino.
The ending with the actors walking on screen from various GH sets, leading to everyone standing around the nurses station, with Genie Francis front and center, was very touching and well done.
My one criticism is I wanted to see more clips. I get the whole “they have to pay residuals to the actors that appear in the clips” thing. So pay them, do what you have to do. That shouldn’t be a reason not to honor the rich history of the show. Nothing from Robin and Stone, nothing from the BJ’s death story, arguably the two best storylines in the history of the show. The lack of clips is the one area of the show that was severely lacking.
Overall, they did a good job with the time they had. And the fact that ABC gave GH a weeknight primetime slot should answer questions about the show’s future that everyone loves to speculate about, and the disgusting way some people seem to take glee in wishing for the show to be canceled. The way I look at it, you don’t give a weeknight primetime slot to a show you’re thinking of canceling.
Too much John Stamos and not enough clips, give it a B
Loved that the show ended with that 3 Door twist and the “Jason Rising” moment.
I felt like there were too many guest stars and not enough current cast members participating. Although I loved seeing Blackie/John Stamos, Rick Springfield, and Amber Tamblyn.
Wishing there were more clips. One I think GH could have done very quickly – Robert and Mac’s first meeting that made a total splash. Adding that despite a 32 Career on the show there were absolutely no clips or mention of Mac. The one at his Wedding to Felicia where he fell from the balcony due to Ryan showing up would have been another one.
Clips: At least one of BJ’s heart and the Aids story with Stone and Robin. Robin was barely mentioned.
It seemed to me like there was a lot of talk about how Iconic GH is/was and not enough showing us why. There was way too much emphasis on the Emmys. Hey, one scene with all of those is enough – although I liked the one with the cast members telling everyone how many they had – that was fun.
This special was fantastic! I loved the mix of legacy characters, storylines and newer characters. Especially loved the flashbacks to the very beginnings of GH with Dr. Steve Hardy. The cast, crew and Frank Valentini should all be proud. Well done.
I really enjoyed the Tony Geary tribute segment. 5 minutes was too short! As the iconic character who put GH on the map, it was so nice to see him so prominently featured in the show.
(SARCASM INTENDED!!!!)
I enjoyed Jane’s segments. And Kin’s bloopers made me laugh.
Well done !! Long time !! fan and I really enjoyed it . Classy not sappy The ending was a great surprise and a HAPPY ONE .
I give it a C- at best. It should have been very clip-heavy. The Emmy presentation to Stephen Smith made no sense. Maybe add a quick recap of what’s been going on to get fans who don’t usually watch the show an incentive to start watching. Too much John Stamos. Bring back other cast members who may have been popular on the show but never became huge stars lice Stamos.
As a long-time viewer of GH, I was disappointed with the special.
Why did Dr. Steve Hardy, a prominent doctor of GH, only appear mere seconds during the special, while Sonny, a Port Charles mobster, and his family appear for minutes.
Where was Jessie? Where was Lucille Weeks? Where was Lesley and Rick?
If it weren’t for those iconic characters, there would be no Sonny, Michael, Willow, Dex or Josslyn today.
BaxterM, you mentioned some good names. I was surprised there were no Jessie, Rick and Lesley scenes also. I was impressed they at least showed a picture of Lee and Gail Baldwin. All of them were heavily featured players when the show was making ratings history.
General Hospital
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Nikolas Cassadine will be back on your screens next week but now via Pentonville. That means, that actor Adam Huss is back for a visit for all-new episodes of General Hospital.
In story, Ava (Maura West) comes to visit her ex in the slammer. So, just what does Ava want now? She clearly has been working an agenda on Sonny (Maurice Benard). Is she working with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart)? What will she tell Nikiolas? stay tuned.
Meanwhile, once news of Huss’ return broke earlier on Friday via Soap Opera Digest, he also announced his return on his Instagram expressing, “For all those who’ve been asking, cat’s out of the bag;) Thank you to all my #Nikolas #GH fans for your unwavering support. I don’t take it for granted for a second! (Even when I can’t answer 😊) #generalhospital”
Photo: ABC
Huss took over the role of Nikolas back in January of 2023, after Marcus Coloma left the soap opera. Previous to that, Huss filed in for Coloma in September of 2021 and November of 2022. Fast-forward to January of 2024, Nikolas gave Ace to Laura and Kevin to raise, while he eventually turned himself into the police for kidnapping Esme and keeping her hostage while she was pregnant and Wyndemere.
Photo: ABC
The return of Huss comes on the heels of multiple reports that his on-screen son, Nicholas Chavez is not returning to the show as Spencer Cassadine, while in story Spencer is believed to have drowned int the Seine River after falling off a boat in France, when drugged by Esme.
So, looking forward to seeing Adam Huss back as Nikolas? Do you think GH will eventually have him more full-time? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
The love affair that once was mobster Sonny (Maurice Benard) and hit man Jason (Steve Burton), and having each others back, is now apparently over! On the Thursday April 25th episode of General Hospital, an increasingly paranoid Sonny is confronted by Jason.
Jason wants to talk to Sonny about a “family matter”, but Sonny says they aren’t family now because he’s working with the Feds. Sonny goes on to say how he cannot trust Carly (Laura Wright) or Jason and he knows about Jason buying back the Metro Court for Carly from Nina (Cynthia Watros).
When the conversation turns to Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Dex (Evan Hofer), Jason informs Sonny that Kristina (Kate Mansi) knows Sonny ordered a hit. Jason is worried about Dex’s safety. He tells Sonny that if he does something to Dex, Kristina will figure out that he is responsible.
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny goes on to say how much he loves his kids and how he will protect them. He then tears into Jason for abandoning his sons, Danny and Jake, for two years and how he has no right to stand there to tell him what to do.
Jason warns Sonny again to leave Dex alone or he’ll personally stop him. Sonny snaps at Jason, countering, “You’ll die trying!” And at that point, Jason walks out and Sonny slams the door behind him.
What do you think about this split in the longstanding relationship of Jason and Sonny? Do you like Jason and Sonny at odds? Will Kristina be the person to ultimately figure out what is happening to Sonny, or it might it be Nina, who knows Ava (Maura West) is up to no good? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch this clip from part of the Sonny/Jason scenes below.
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Arianne Zucker Reveals Her Last Days of our Lives Airdate
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Kristian Alfonso Returns to Days of our Lives for Tribute to The Late Bill Hayes
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
Adam Huss Makes Another Return to General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine
Marla Adams, The Young and the Restless’ Dina Mergeron, Dies at 85
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny and Jason Trade Threats on Each Other
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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