General Hospital
General Hospital Casting Director Mark Teschner Wins Artios Award!
Courtesy/Twitter
Last night at ceremonies held simultaneous event Los Angeles and New York, the 30th annual Artios Awards were handed out by the Casting Society of America (CSA) to honors the casting directors whose originality, creativity, and contribution of casting was essential to the overall quality of the project in the fields of: Motion Picture, Television, and the Theatre.
The nominees and the winners are voted on by members in good standing of the CSA. In the Daytime Drama Series category, General Hospital’s Mark Teschner took home the award for the seventh time in his career for his exceptional accomplishments and casting decisions for the town of Port Charles! Teschner bested this year: Days of our Lives Marnie Saitta and Bob Lambert, and The Young and the Restless Judy Blye Wilson and Greg Salmon.
Teschner posted a picture of himself on his facebook page with the award last night and received numerous congrats from actors, industry pros, and friends on his honor. Mark said, “Having a great night at the 30th annual CSA Artios Awards!”
On-Air On-Soaps would like to offer our congratulations to Mark, the best there is in our genre.
So, what do you think of Mark taking home the award for his casting work on GH last year? Share your thoughts below!
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.
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They must have decided on Mark as the winner BEFORE he cast Ryan Peavey as Nathan!
lol
Artios means “perfectly fitted” in ancient Greek.
His 7th win here & add his 6 Emmys, this is one gifted man and gift to General Hospital. I usually like most of the new casting, even Ryan Paevy. He may not be the most experienced actor, but he’s instantly likable, has a commanding, believable voice, and after viewing some of his 1st shows from a year ago, has improved a lot. He always knows his lines as well. I actually believed this character couldn’t stand his nuMutter Liesl & was mad at his old mother. I also believe the way he looks at Maxie. So, that’s something, IMO.
I like some of Y&R recasts this year, but they still have 1 disaster of one hanging around, and I’m not even sure their casting director cast him, cough, cough, but I won’t drop his name. Honestly, I think he was a friend of the EP so I’m not sure he had to audition. ?? I’m not well-versed in soap casting but he drags down the other nice casting they’ve done this year. A LOT.
I still have to give props to Mr. Teschner. I hope he & the show stick around for years to come.
I agree..well deserved
Mark does a great job but I think Ryan is lost when he has scenes with all the other vets on the show. Thats understandable since Ryan doesnt have a lot of experience but they shouldnt have casted him in THAT role. He does nicely with Maxie. I respect your opinion but I dont see Ryan having a commanding, believable voice. He may know his lines and he is easy on the eyes but he seems lost and timid.
I agree with you Laurie regarding Ryan Paevy. I actually take it a step further in that I love his portrayal. He’s the epitome of likability. Sincere, earnest look to his eyes, adorable twinkle to them when he’s flirting or amused…he can play hurt…and I think he and Maxie are great together. I believe their bed scenes, their comfortable yet flirty familiarity with each other, and I also believe him as the jealous boyfriend. He’s gone from careful around her to “staking his claim” when it comes to Johnny. He’s also the perfect “little brother” .. . naive and trusting when it comes to Nina. Maybe it’s because he’s not overly dramatic that he comes off as more authentic to me.
No kidding, with stars like Donna Mills, Michelle Stafford and Billy Miller joining the cast in 2014, of course Mark would win the award. And now Grayson McCouch is joining GH in February, another great hire. The only casting choices I have not been in favour of are Ryan Paevey as Nathan (who still can’t act to save his life) and Vinessa Antoine as Jordan (who I hope is on her way out).
My niece read somewhere that Jordan might be killed off…i dont know if its true or not but TJ needs to learn she was one of the good guys…i was just ok with the character so it wouldnt matter to me if she stayed or is let go…or recast!!!
CONGRATS Mark Teschner !!
You have brought a powerhouse to GH..
Roger, Maura, Michelle, Billy, William deVry , Bryan, and the list goes on!
the new Sloane will rock, a great actor..
Mark truly IS the best in the biz, having been in charge of casting at “GH” since 1989!!!
Congreats.. great Cssting for this show.!!
IMO Teschner’s real finds were getting Maura West (Ava), William deVry (Julian), Kathleen Gati (Dr. O), Kelly Thiebaud (Britt), Nicholas Bechtel (Spencer), Ryan Carnes (Lucas), Vinessa Antoine (Jordan) & the actors who play Carlos, Emma, Brad, and Felix.
I don’t think hiring known stars like Donna Mills, Michelle Stafford or Billy Miller was his casting decision. From interviews, it sounded like Ron C. is a longtime friend of Stafford & has wanted to work with her; wanted to write for Mills & created the role for her; & Miller was just a good fit physically & stylistically. Also, bringing over OLTL stars didn’t necessitate any real casting decision.
Yes, KansasGuest, I wonder about Miller’s casting as well. He is a good fit physically & stylistically as you said, and it does not hurt that he was the hottest ticket in town just coming off his 3rd Emmy in 4 yrs including Best Lead Actor just a few months before signing w/GH! I love that he came in just a few days a week and wasn’t shoved down our throats. Very smart. I ramble. Regardless, Teschner is the bomb. I’m often more interested in the behind the scenes going-ons than the actors, ect. Each GH writers & director has a different style. I love how they rotate them. Of course, casting is everything! May MTeschner stay forever!
Just read the Kelly Monaco interview posted by Fairman. It seems she had a pretty big hand in Billy Miller’s hiring, too. You’re right that casting makes or breaks entire storylines. Heck, entire industries! The casting of Tony Geary back in the 70’s proves that.
Congrats to Mr. Teschner & GH! Well done.
Not to take anything away from the above, but I’m really enjoying the vast majority of the casting changes we’ve had on all the daytime dramas in the past couple of years. With a few exceptions, the changes have ultimately been positive IMO. Loving the soaps!
Can you put fresh faces on gh family like mark lawson Kelley missal James scott Natalie hall ricky paull goldin farah fath david Gregory lindsay Hartley Trevor St John jp lavoisier to join the show and on contracts can you put haley alexis pullos drew cheetwood Brooklyn rea silzer sonya eddy ryan carnes Kathleen geti marc anthony Samuel back on contract can you take off heather and Carlos and luke