General Hospital
General Hospital Brings In a Six-Year High Of 3.3 Million Viewers! On Track For Its Best Season in Seven Years!
General Hospital has done it again! The show that has made an astounding turnaround over the last year and half has generated even more heat for itself posting six year high numbers in total viewers for the ratings week of November 25th-29th! The soap aired brand new episodes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the ratings week before the Thanksgiving holiday and those episodes captivated viewers quite substantially!
According to an official press release from ABC: “With mystery surrounding whether Robin is alive, the continuing manhunt for Faison and the drama around Sabrina and Patrick’s wedding, General Hospital generated a near 6-year high in Total Viewers (3.30 million) – since week of 1/21/08 – tracking for its best season in 7 years – since the 2006/07 season.
In addition, GH is soaring in key demos! The soap recorded an “over 2-and-a-half-year high in Women 25-54 (1.04 million/1.7 rating) and an over 2-year high in Women 18-49 (774,000/1.2 rating) – since weeks of 3/21/11 and 8/15/11, respectively – ranking a strong #2 for the week in the core women measures. General Hospital posted the largest year-to-year increases of any broadcast daytime drama in Total Viewers (+20% – 3.30 million vs. 2.75 million), Women 18-49 (+21% – 774,000 vs. 641,000) and Women 25-54 (+25% – 1.04 million vs. 833,000).”
Congratulations to executive producer Frank Valentini, head writer, Ron Carlivati, the directing and editing teams, and the stellar cast for making GH must-see television! Now GH fans, let’s make sure they have a recorded breaking season by the end of 2013!
What do you think of GH’s numbers? Last week’s episodes were certainly major cliffhangers! What would you want to say to the people who make the town of Port Charles rock every day? Comment below!
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I hated Thanksgiving weekend…not because i got sick of eating turkey for four days or my fathers constant farting in the kitchen…that four day weekend was horrible without my soaps and gave me a scary look to what it would be like without my soapy afternoon…glad General HOTpital is doing great…no matter what stories or characters we like or dislike we got to be grateful to Frank and Ron(even with some writing flaws) for their help in keeping our favorite genre alive!!! And a BIG thanks to Micheal Fairman too…this site is the best support system we have for our… Read more »
Ditto.
Ditto too.
If i was writing GH…i wouldnt make the female characters so weak…Robin would confront Sabrina and say’Look, Patrick is still my husband and Emma will always be my daughter…you have no right to either one of them…Sorry if it hurts you but they are my family so do the honorable thing and step away.’
And i doubt Heather is dead!
great news……..it is #1 to me and always will be:>)
I am ‘soap alive’ once again!!
I can hardly wait for next day and weekends are now longer waiting for Monday!!
GH has become near prime time..
It has a ton of variety, its faster paced, the stories are outstanding in drama, surprises, suspense, thrills, love and heart ache, comic relief, tears and laughter, holding tight onto history..
FV, RC, Actors and all the staff are top notch; they rule the soap world!
Brava and so well deserved ! Frank,Ron and the cast and crew of GH delivered must see tv !!
What wonderful news!!!! Congratulations to Frank, Ron, the entire superb GH cast and hardworking people behind the scenes. It is soooooo refreshing to see this fantastic turnaround!!!! Long live General Hospital !!! I am thrilled to see their extensive time and effort payoff.
GH is so entertaining and up to par with some of the primetime and cable shows with the entertainment factor that I like..That said, its bitter sweet for me to see the way GH’s regime under Frank and Ron, has revived this show while OLTL under the same regime was doing awesome, yet cancel by the biggest bozo in the history of daytime, Mr Frons!!! I been tuning in to GH, since ABC cancellation of AMC and OLTL and that is ONE of the reasons the ratings have gone way up..”Homeless soap viewers looking for a good and entertaining home”..But… Read more »
This is such great news! GH has really turned around with Frank and Ron at the helm. I can hardly wait for the next episode each day! Congrats to all of the cast and crew of GH, and thanks for all the hard work to entertain us!
Well credit goes to Robin’s story because that week was ALL the Scorpio family and Robin seeing Anna, Robert, Duke, Emma and Patrick? Faison getting his and Robin on her way home. Everyone I know was watching to see Robin again. TIIC Better be smarter than they were with TR and keep Kimberly and work with her schedule since many turned in to see her return to her husband, daughter, parents and family. Ratings proved that. Amazing ratings. Too bad they let TR go since the Scorpio family is so popular. We should have been seeing Robert all this time… Read more »
Agree!!! I have not really been watching GH the past year, but with Robin coming back I can’t wait to see it everyday. Sorry Sabrina fans I am not a fan and could not watch her. I would fast forward her all the time. Out of Sabrina and Britt ,I liked Britt better . I think that the vets being back has made the difference. I am a Scorpio fan. Great job!!!!
Yes, yes, and yes–Cathy and Liz are both spot on. It was Robert and Robin’s return which brought up the ratings. And I do have to give credit to the GH writers for finally getting Robert back on track after allowing Dr. O, a lady of a certain age, get the best of him. And Anna and Robert are perfection–those 2 keep getting better. But when Robert leaves, Robin’s story subsides, I will probably go back to not watching. I can’t watch Sparkle Pony trot about flipping her pony tail any more than I can watch Knarly get it on… Read more »
Just wish they would acknowledge how much the 55+ viewers add to totals and percentage increases, even if we’re not a key demo. Looking at the numbers, we should be or they wouldn’t have reached these increases.
Good point, Rose and I have to add to your point. It wasn’t just the over fifty set who were excited about watching Robert and Anna brilliantly tag team with each other while igniting chemistry, teens and twenty somethings thought those two were pretty cool too,
This Robin/Scorpios story with Robert/Anna has been on point. I know people who started watching again and they haven’t watch GH not since the late 90s..They were all calling me wow, Robert and Anna are back.lol
Yep—and we will go back to not watching after Robert leaves.
Preach it! The only reason I’ve been watching on and off for the last year and a half was because of Robert friggin Scorpio. And he was finally written right. From the time they escaped Jerry’s clutches to the reunion was the first time since he returned back in 2006 that I was glued to the screen. I must have rewatched those scenes dozens of times. Reminded me of watching GH back in the good ole days in my VCR.
way to go GH, hope ratings keep going up and up.
Congrats, But thats when ABC will cancel it
It is so well deserved! I’ve been watching for 30years(most of my life), and I’m loving it more than I ever have!! Jason Thompson along with GH as a whole deserve Emmys!!
The two scenes that I will always remember about this storyline will be the moment Emma saw her mommy; what she said, her running to her, and the look on her face, as if she was crying uncontrollably. This quality of acting out of a child. WOW. The other was when Patrick was talking to Robin, and the tears were just flowing. Outstanding.
Emma scene gave me chills!! Kuddo’s
Congrats & well-deserved.
I hate to be Debbie downer ,but what were they thinking when they allowed Tristan to go to the competition? These ratings went up not, because of RC ‘s writing but because they brought back the vets. The Scorpios , Anna and Robert in the lab what fun. Anna getting the best of Faison, Robins return . Now I am Debbie downer. Robin should have been with Patrick telling him exactly what she went through to get back to her family. The tears were a nice touch, but Brooklyn was adorable. RC copied that from the history of the show… Read more »
You say the ratings went up not because of RCs writing but then praise Anna and Robert in the lab what fun…Anna getting the best of Faison, Robins return…which was because of RCs writing so good storytelling(even with a few flaws here and there) also helps…sure people tuned in to see the vets but many viewers stayed and more have tuned in because the stories are very entertaining, suspensful and fun…so its a combination of both! I do agree they shouldve kept Robert but he’s been gone before and returned so maybe a year from now he could come back…maybe… Read more »
Holly’s and Luke’s son was in trouble so she went to help him!!
What kinda trouble was Ethan in? Holly hasnt been around for a long time to see Robert and Luke doesnt seem concerned about it?
Of course I agree with you. It’s the ole bait and switch trick.
WOW!!! Congrats to all the actors, crew, directors, writers.. You have entertain us and it is must see tv. I made sure im free from 1p-2p. All cellphones off, don’t and answer home phone. GH has been amazing so fresh. My mother DVR’s GH and watches, right after work, she to is so intrigue GH. I believe my whole family watches GH.. GO GH, YOUR AWESOME. Cannot wait for Mondays episode.
Cograts to the Writers Producer,Director and of course the Actors &Actresess
Now Ron &Frank……..
Work your magic for Sammatha,Silas Danny,Alexis, Julian
That’s the story I really want to see!!!!
I would like a baby story line for Sam……I know everybody hates it
But you can have a certain character come back (ha ha ha) They should less the blow a bit…
Congrats to GH
Keep it Going!!!!
That character isn’t coming back. Let it go.
Im not aSBU fan!!!!! What are talking about!!!!
Congrats and well deserved. Keep up the drama, romance, and fun.
Very, very happy for the show. They deserve all the accolades. This is what can happen when you write good stories and showcase the tremendous talent of the best actors in daytime… The Scorpio family. The biggest mistake is that they let Tristan Rogers go and did not have him front and center all year.
No truer words had been spoken. Tristan should have been front and center for the last 10 years if you ask me.
GH ROCKS BABY
well deserved congrats to all
First of all, congrats to “Cartini” for helping a bright ship. Second, credit goes not only to the head writer and head producer, but the entire cast and crew. Kudos to them all! Third, if I had to single out a person, I’d mention Kimberly McCullough. The Robin return storyline is possibly the most captivating one in years, headed by the uber-talent Kimberly. Fourth, what I like about Cartini is the (1) increased balance they brought to the show from the “Unholy Trinity” days of Guza and (2) the bringing back of veteran actors/characters. For these 2 things, I’m forever… Read more »
I have been enjoying this show since the new command. Ron and Frank have gotten rid of the focus on a few which did nothing to improve GH status for some years. Now we get to see vets come and go but instill some of the history. I do miss some of the younger actors and of course I still believe the biggest error was killing Jake. They had such storyline potential and blew it away to push another s/l. Please give Liz a new love, hot and rich but but in a quiet way. Becky deserves a bigger screen… Read more »
That is wonderful news and more proof that ABC needs to rethink their position that SOAPS ARE DEAD! COMBINE AMC & OLTL – Call it MY CHILDREN’S LIVES since both shows occur in PA, it is a win win. We would have Lucci, Slazak, The Cain Women, the Kramer girls and such colorful and wonderful story lines.
Yay for the show , yay for the fans …GH is the best soap ever
Excellent numbers. AWESOME job, RC, FV, crew and cast! Proof that some tender loving care and actual respect can cure a soap from its deathbed. Actually, not totally, because OLTL was on fire and got cancelled, but you know what I mean. ONE LIFE had the ratings and the acclaim, but GH had the stronger brand. Here’s hoping that those in power take notice, defy their histories of corporate idiocy and bring back OLTL and even AMC, perhaps in 30-minute slots each.
Don’t forget that there are men out there who like G.H. like me for the past 36years!!! Thru the good and bad!!
I’m a big fan of Kelly Monaco. So where is “Lead Actress” Monaco? FV/RC like to use her to promote the show (The Chew, etc.) and then give her crap on GH. In fact Kelly had more airtime on The Chew than she does on GH. Last week RC used her to bring up the name of “Lucas” to Julian…..that’s it. Kelly needs a young, sexy, handsome, BUFF actor as her new love interest. Still waiting for him to show up. I’m very disappointed in her lack of airtime with no story.
GH is my favorite show on TV. When the weekend comes and it’s not on TV it really bothers me. I’ve been watching GH since 1981 and it really just keeps getting better and better. The writers are wonderful and the actors are the best. I think the actors that portray Patrick and Sabrina should gets awards this year. Also I would add in your article that men are also watching GH, its not a show just for women.
Here’s the problem with their celebrating…. they have very little competition!!!! It’s the only soap left on ABC!!!! They should have a huge increase. It doesn’t mean the show is worth watching in my opinion…
Michael Fairman, Wouldn’t life be so much easier for the characters on GH if you wrote stories where they all got along. you could have all the bad guys realize the errors of their ways and repent and become productive members of your created fake society and perhaps role models for the fake youngsters on GH? No more strife or angst ! A perfect world where good is the rule of the day and everyone’s goal is to get along. I would be a ratings blockbuster. No need to thank me…. Just consider it and keep up the good work
I am not that thrilled with the writing. They have very little competition!! Therefore, it appears that they are on top of their game, but I don’t see a celebration. The show needs to bring real happiness back into the lives of the characters. It appears to me that the characters are never in a happy, loving, lasting, and caring relationship(s). In real life people are happy, married (long term), have children by their husbands, and not sleeping with a whole town. I am newly retired, married 28 years, and I know the stories are for our enjoyment, but they… Read more »
General Hospital
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General Hospital
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General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: “I’m Alexis Davis, and I’m a Fighter, and an Idealist, and an Advocate”; Nancy Lee Grahn Gives Masterful Performance In Special Episode
When you combine superb direction, writing, production, and acting in a special episode of a daytime drama, viewers can see and understand the thought and care that went into it.
This was more than on display during Thursday’s highly-anticipated ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode honoring the 25th anniversary of Alexis’ portrayer, two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Nancy Lee Grahn, on General Hospital.
Courtesy/ABC
In the story, symbolism was apparent and used for dramatic impact and it worked beautifully throughout, and best of all, Nancy received a script worthy of her immeasurable talents, and showed us once again why she remains one of the gold standards of our genre. If you have not seen the episode DO NOT read any further as it contains spoilers.
It begins with an emotional Alexis looking at her mother’s watch which was still frozen from the time of her death. While playing one of her mother’s records very loudly, she recalls Mikkos Cassadine kissing and dancing with her mom as a young Alexis (Natasha) looked on from the staircase. When Sam asks her about it, Alexis shares that she sees the watch as sort of a representation for her own life being frozen over the last three years; which has included Alexis’ battle with booze taking over her life and her being disbarred, when being a lawyer was the way she identified herself and what gave her purpose.
Overwhelmed and anxiety-ridden, Alexis hightails it to Kevin’s office for a therapy session knowing she is going to Pentonville in the morning to serve her sentence. She says she does not know who she is anymore. Then, Kevin asks her how she spent her day thus far. She flashes back to lunch with the good men in her life, Finn, Valentin, Jax and Ned. Valentin tells Alexis she is proud of her for honing up to her mistakes.
Back at the therapy session, Alexis she was an attorney who stood for something and her life has derailed, and that she was a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate. She knows she has to find a purpose in prison to make it through the three-year term and asks Kevin to help her find one.
Kevin wants to go back to when she was a little girl and her memories that are flooding back to her of Mikkos and her mother. Just then, the younger version of Alexis is huddled in the corner of Kevin’s office, an image of her from the past. Alexis tries to come to terms with her father and the choice of dangerous men and relationships that have marred her own happiness … recalling Julian holding a knife to her throat like Mikkos did to her mother. She says he was one of the toxic men in her life, but Kevin reminds her all of the men in her life were not toxic.
Alexis starts with Ned as one who was good for her saying he was always stable, but she ruined that by recently sleeping with him and putting a wedge in his marriage to her long-time friend, Olivia.
We then flashback to earlier in the day, where Alexis ends up in an almost confrontation with Olivia. However, Olivia tells her she misses the Alexis Davis she used to be and to get her back.
Now back with Kevin, a guilt-ridden Alexis relays she feels responsible for Neil’s death. Kevin interjects she is not, nor what happened with Julian. When Kevin attempts to bring up Mikkos again, Alexis rejects it and is angry that he is making her problem about daddy issues; like so many other women. She vehemently shouts that the men in her life do not define who she is.
Then, Alexis flashes back to hurtful memories she has buried of a young Natasha witnessing Mikkos calling her mother a “greedy little bitch”. She recalls it was on Christmas Eve and that Mikkos stopped by to give them gifts. That is when he presented her mother with the watch. However, things took an ugly turn when he tried to leave, and she threatened to tell Helena all about her and Natasha. Next, Mikkos slapped her and that is when the watch shattered. As all this was going down, a young Natasha watched from the stairs and was horrified that she couldn’t stop her father from beating her mother and remembers how helpless she felt.
However, Alexis reveals to Kevin she thought this would be the last of Mikkos coming by, but he returned on New Year’s Eve and her mother took him back into their lives. Alexis is beside herself that she could not protect her mother, but Kevin reassures her to remember she was just a child.
Courtesy/ABC
It is then we come to the crux of the story. Alexis looks over in the corner and sees her younger self crying. She goes to her younger self and tells her nothing that happened was her fault, and that their father was damaged and cruel. She tells the young Natasha this shouldn’t have been her burden to carry alone, and that she deserves to be happy. Then in the moment of strength and coming full circle, Alexis introduces herself to the young Natasha, “I’m Alexis Davis, a fighter, an advocate, and an idealist … and I will take care of everything from her on out.” In that moment, Alexis embraced herself, and forgave herself, so she could move on with her life.
Alexis then flashes back to earlier that night, as the Davis girls gather for a faux graduation ceremony so Alexis could see Molly in her cap and gown and they hug. Back in her session, Kevin remarks that Alexis has repeatedly defined herself as a fighter, an idealist, and an advocate, and reminds her she has three daughters who have those qualities, and that all she needs to be is Alexis Davis.
Then, we get a heart-warming montage of Alexis though the years in honor of Nancy’s 25th anniversary with GH.
Courtesy/ABC
As the episode concludes, it is the next morning, and Alexis enters Pentonville and enters her jail cell. There she meets her fellow inmate, who is studying law books to prep for her upcoming parole hearing. Alexis introduces herself as “Alexis Davis” and as someone who can help her. We then go back to her mother’s watch which now begins ticking at Alexis’ home. The show fades to black.
Kudos to Daytime Emmy winner, Phideaux Xavier for his outstanding direction, head writers: Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and script writer, Scott Sickles for the thoughtful episode, EP Frank Valentini and his production crew for putting it all together, and the one and only Nancy Lee Grahn for a performance that will be remembered as a classic.
Share your thoughts on today’s on Nancy’s ‘Alexis-Centric’ episode via the comment section below.
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