General Hospital
General Hospital Celebrates 13,000 Episode Milestone! ABC7 Los Angeles Speaks With Frank Valentini and Maurice Benard!
Courtesy/ABC
This afternoon the cast and crew of General Hospital took a few minutes out of their work day to honor the series 13,0000 episode milestone of ABC soap opera!
Member of the press gathered as executive producer Frank Valentini presided over the cake cutting ceremony which also saw series star Maura West, Sean Blakemore, Maurice Benard, Kathleen Gati, Thaao Penghlis, William deVry, Finola Hughes, Rebecca Herbst, Sean Kanan, Ryan Paevey, and the executive in charge of General Hospital from ABC, Vicki Dummer.
After the cake-cutting, ABC 7’s entertainment guru, George Pennacchio nabbed the busy Valentini and long running series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) outside of the soundstages to talk about their 13,000 episode milestone and what to look forward to in the months ahead during the ABC 7 late afternoon newscast!
Find out what Frank said after the jump! And congratulations General Hospital another tremendous achievement!
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.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
-
Beyond the Gates2 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-
Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-
Breaking News1 day ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
-
Previews5 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-
General Hospital7 days agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
wow!! 13,0000 episode’s ..
Longevity at it’s finest ..
Maurice Benard (Sonny is a cornerstone of GH and has dedicated decades to Sonny.. why to go Maurice !!!!
Long Live GH!! till the 26,0000 episode !!!!!
I am happy to hear they are showing GH in the rec room in between Bingo and cracker time.
Good one, Harry!!! Sounds like someone was on a sugar high there. By the way, am I safe to assume that the snappy Sappy “cake crack” came from you, too???? Saw it in my inbox….(excellent observation….) but alas, it did not pass muster from “Mr./Ms. Moderator!” Hey….it happens to the best of us….more often than we would like to admit…. : )
Shay, wish I could claim credit for the ‘cake crack” comment, but alas, it was not me.
I am finding that any time I use the phrase “Sparkle Pony” my comments disappear. I swear this is worse than communism.
I’m kinda, a lil, bit, soured… on all the brouhaha…. doted on FV and RC
blech… on the writing of Scrubs…. this couple… my dream couple… coulda woulda shoulda been IN LOVE…. from the get go…. what’s the point now? I will back burner these two… and hope the writers give the fans respect and not pair….. Patrick and Sabrina….. it’s too much of an upheaval… writing is apparently all that… because… these two actors had chemistry in spades… untouchable…. what on earth happened…. shell shocked… till all the firestorm… ebbs… please give Dr. Patrick Drake a whole new direction
seriously… if GH wants to remain vital and score points with a chore audience… it is the Puerto rican… latin community that would enjoy Sabrina and Carlos… Carlos is good… he has that potential… and i’d dare say… Sabrina has had to vamp it up… amp up her acting chops… and it shows she’s not one dimensional.. and sugary sappy sweet honest to godliness…. enuf! comprende
where is AJ? I hope its not the destruction of AJ… he was doing so well at the Q manse with Traci and Monica… I wonder … if AJ and Ava coulda had a go round…. the bend… LOL…
Liz…. i’m stumped and have near given up… that this actor isn’t featured…. will the hiring of RIck Hearst be the catalyst at jump starting her resurgence?
I know it was big disappointment for Scrub fans, but I think they knew from the get go that Robin would not be on canvas for long, so they didn’t write the reunion the way it might have gone if they knew they had her long term. No sense investing in scenes of how great this couple is if they know they will be tearing them apart in few months.
As for Sabrina the way she told the story to Patrick about Carlos, one would think they would write some scenes where Sabrina’s old love for the guy would surface. If he had been her first big love, she should be torn– but she treats him more like an annoying older brother– so I too would like to see more of what made them a couple in the past, now in present tense– that would be nice.
As for Liz I really, really hope she ends up with Patrick. Personally I think there is potential for them. Don’t want him back with Sabrina, never bought he loved her, loved her— but I can see that kind of love forming out his friendship with Liz, especially when Robin leaves once again.
As for A.J. they should wrap that story– tell us who killed Connie and if they are truly writing the character off the canvas they should have go off to rehab and start a new life somewhere new– maybe to come back another time when they can really do the character justice.
I think that most of us are pretty nonplussed at this point, Patrick, and seeing Scorpio bidding adieu to Port Charles only compounds the disappointment and disgust! All the stops should have been pulled out to keep that marvelous man on the GH canvas…he’s a glittering gem of colossal charm, and would have been an awesome adversary to Thaao Penghlis’ returning Victor Cassadine. But hey, there are far more important efforts underway, i.e., the continued forcefeeding of “Sabzilla.” Just encountered a Frank quote on another soap website regarding the nurse’s preposterous pregnancy and he called it a “nice shot in the arm……..which keeps her viable and connected to Patrick.” (Delusional much there, Valentini?) So much for showing respect to “Scrubs” fans, not to mention that his very telling comment says it all….there has to be constant re-invention, poking and prodding to keep this character going since she has absolutely nothing to offer on her own. Talk about being tone deaf to the public’s very verbal responses. But that is just par for the course, isn’t it?….As for your suggestion to target Sobby and her Latin lover to their particular ethnic market, I’m just sick of the both of them and want to see them go, NOW! Good, gripping storylines, appealing, substantial characters and acting talent are universal….these elements matter so much more than trendy demographics when you are encountering a serial on a daily basis…and sadly these basics seem to have been sacrificed on the altar of “identity politics.” Let’s face it, there are many groups which are not currently being “represented” on GH, but it doesn’t mean that it deters those belonging to not tune in….that’s just life. In terms of AJ, it’s a true tragedy that SK’s considerable charisma and history with the show have been backburnered in favor of other really questionable plotlines….particularly letting his acquittal for murder going all but ignored whilst continuing his personal downward spiral. Really hope it is not an omen for his future with the show. Another huge disappointment is the ongoing lack of attention to Liz….would love to see her with Patrick, she was always my first choice for him, but in no uncertain terms do I wish for her to be reunited with that creep of an ex, Ric. His return is an unwelcome one for me…dude makes my skin crawl, and we already are having enough of those queasy moments with Scotty and Lucy’s nauseating lovefest….another hugely unnecessary plot machination, because, let’s face it, adultery is just so entertaining, particularly when a nice husband like “Doc” is involved! Oh well, it is what it is…just have to hold onto the few glimmering aspects like the uber-fab “Dr, O.,” Nik and Britt, the coming Cassadine tide and the legendary Shirley Jones and Donna Mills! February sweeps, here we come….
Congratulations to everyone at GH!!! That’s a huge accomplishment with probably 1,000’s of people responsible over those 13,000 episodes! GH is the best!!! Let’s have 13,000 more!
Hope this view reflects the future at GH?….Liz, AJ, Dr. O., Victor, Anna, Nik and well, yes more of the mob, but hey, you can’t have it all now can you???? The best part of this photo-op????? (Besides that yummy-looking cake, of course?) No Sabrina! And THAT is truly the icing on said baked good!!!!! Making a wish that it’s an eventual omen, even if not an immediate one…..At any rate, congrats GH on marking such an impressive milestone!!!!
IA about no Sabrina being in the picture. Her character is horrid, and she should leave town like Ellie and Spinelli. Heck…where is Epiphany’s storyline-how come we don’t know anything more about her than her being the mother of Stan?
I kind of liked Ellie.
Excellent question, Sharonda! I love Epiphany….she always makes the most of her far too limited screentime, and is exceptionally talented. I have never understood why her character was not expanded to include relatives…so she lost a son, that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have any other family? I repeatedly suggested that Felix should have been her nephew….that would have immediately given him credibility and they could have had a wonderful relationship around which to build a more substantial backstory for both of them. But instead we got him as an annoying, petty little busybody who is nothing more than Sappy’s lapdog…which makes him as non-persona grata to a lot of the viewers as she is!!!! P.S. Speaking of family ties, I also thought that it was a nice touch to make Brad related to those from the “Asian Quarter” storyline…it gave him some distance from Felix which he sorely needed. Between that GH historical heritage and his fling with Lucas, his character may just be redeemable after all….the only thing I would have added would have been to make his adoptive parents “Jade and Yank.” They were such a cute and cool couple from that era, and it would have been neat to hear mention made of them….maybe even have Tia Carrere and Patrick Bishop do a cameo as “Ma and Pa Cooper!” (Hey, they could have been in witness protection all these years, hence the surname!)
13 is and has been an unlucky no. for me in anything… Hopefully, its just the opposite for the show…lol…just wish there werent any ‘Houdini’ disapearing acts with certain characters like A.J. for instance…he was shown starting to remember the night of Connies murder…then suddenly not shown…i know its a large cast and actors cant be shown everyday but A.J.s story about Connies murder should be more front and center, and should be solved during at least by Feb. sweeps…i know it looks like Ava done it but i like Mary SFs idea better that it was Alice since she is a character rarely seen and could easily written out for long period but i want Ava to stick around!!! Maybe if it was Alice she couldve done the killing for A.J. but also for the Jeromes…let Alice be a secret member of the Jerome mob crime family!!!
The nurses ball again…great…just wish they wouldve taken my suggestion from a year ago and made it a 2 hr. live real fundraiser kinda like the Jerry Lewis telethon! Cant believe its almost been another year!!! Time flies when your having fun!!!
Prospect studios? Any connection to Prospect Park? Just curious!!!
At the 2015 nurses ball…on stage Patrick is tenderly holding Sabrina in his arms…and as they gaze lovingly into each others eyes, Patrick sings to a happily sobbing Sabrina, with the love he has felt for no other, ”You’re Having My Baby”…lol
That would have been nice. Instead, they made it Disney on Ice starring Sparkle Pony.
It’s so sad to see Sean Kanan there when rumors are flying that they are going to let him go. I bet they didn’t even let AJ has some cake just like the guy from the movie Office Space.
If they are stupid enough to let Sean go, I hope he at least gets to keep his red stapler.
GH is on fire and always entertaining with some kick butt acting..In my opinion the best acted show in daytime..I am so happy it got “renew” by ABC..Here is to more 13,000 episodes!!! AJ and Carly have some serious chemistry and I hope the writers sense that and get a story going there and lets wrap up the Kate/Connie murder and hopefully it is not Ava, since this character is so deliciously entertaining!! Maura you rock!!
Go, GH! I still don’t get Sonny’s popularity. Women want to save “bad boy” Sonny?? Makes no sense to me.