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General Hospital Crew Members Sue ABC Over Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

Two crew members from General Hospital are suing ABC for what they deem “unconstitutional” and “religious discrimination” after being let go because they did not follow the company’s regulations for employment with its Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

In a report from Deadline the father/son team of Jim Wahl and Tim Wahl, who ran the GH construction and special effects department for 14 and 10 years respectively, have filed suit through the same lawyers, Ingo Rademacher (Ex-Jax), is using for his wrongful determination case against ABC.  You can view the entire complaint here.

The Wahls suit also claims ‘wrongful determination’ and cites that back on November 9, 2021, ABC officially denied them requests for religious exemptions to the Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

The filing states that ABC, “gave no reason for its decision, except to say that the company was ‘unable to conclude that you are prevented from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine due to a sincerely-held religious belief, practice, or observance.”

The suit is asking for unspecified damages, claiming, “ABC does not have the authority to force a medical treatment on its employees against their will. Even if it did, it must offer religious exemptions to anybody who requests one.”

While all of this will go through the Los Angeles Superior Court system, Ingo Rademacher’s trial is set to begin in February of 2023.

Share your thoughts on the latest efforts to sue ABC over their Covid-19 vaccine mandate in the comment section.

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You’ll notice whose name is NOT mentioned in this article. I’m choosing to interpret that as a positive sign that Steve has worked something out with Valentini Regime and Jason will be back to pull GH out of its toilet whirlpool death spiral VERY soon.

would such a secret agreement be legal?

Who knows?? I have a lot of lawyers down here, so I’ll ask around.

Or Steve could be waiting to see how this plays out in court.

Jason is NOT the savior you all think he is.

I’m the Devil, so I’m the last one who would be looking for a “savior”. But it’s not a coincidence that GH went into a toilet spiral the minute Jason was “lost” in that tunnel. Not that it wasn’t already headed that direction with the Tricky Dick Nixon Falls storyline… but that horrible mess appeared to be over and done with… and then they regressed right back into it, once Jason was presumed “dead” again.

Phil…I agree.

I respectfully disagree, I think GH has been on fire in the past few months. Cast and writing top notch.

Seriously? Which “cast” would that be? It’s been 70% Nina, 20% temp-hires, and 10% pointless newbies.

And it’s hard to say the writing is “top notch” when they’re literally trying to undo the last 29 years of this show’s history all at once.

I thought the temps might be due to Covid. I like this Michael.

Satan, Carly dominates every storyline and is on far more often than Nina. Moreover, Sonny is more interesting with Nina than he is with Carly. I don’t miss Jason one bit. I thought the romantic pairing with Carly was rather creepy and it also sparked of history revisionism. I do agree that the writing has been abysmal which is most likely why the ratings have gone done.

I know, Harry, and now we have yet ANOTHER Carly-centric story: her budding romance with Drew. How many stories does she get to infect? There’s her divorce, Willow’s maternity, her hypocritical vendetta against Brad, her new investment in ELQ…it goes on and on! And I don’t miss Jason either. My big gripe is how loooonnngggg they let stories drag on, like the Esme/sex tape tale. Enough already!

Satan, it’s nowhere near 70% Nina. The newbies aren’t pointless, they are fleshing out storylines for established characters. Cody is giving Sam and Dante something to do beyond making googoo eyes at each other, for example. Rory is a new wrinkle in the Trina-Spence-Esme-Joss plot.

As for the temp hires, what would have GH do? Tell people with COVID to come to work? Force Nancy Lee Grahn to pull Carly from a trunk and go running in the woods when she was in excruciating back pain and had to schedule surgery? True, it was their choice to let Johnny Wactor go make a movie, but that sounds like something caring employers would do, and did anyone really mind that much we had a fill-in Brando for a few days?

The show is far from perfect, so your frustration is understandable, but I don’t think those aren’t the issues that are hurting the show. It’s the pacing that’s the main problem, in my opinion. And bringing Jason back won’t fix that. I don’t think at this point I even want a retread of Jason, the killer robot who can solve any problem. The show seems lighter without him, and I like that.

Well, Nancy shouldn’t have had to worry about straining her back pulling Carly out of the trunk, because the entire way they made Harmony go instant psycho was all about the extremely stupid & illogical rewrite of making the Parasite Nina into Willow’s mother. So none of that should have happened at all. And if Nancy still needed the surgery, just write Alexis out for a couple of weeks.

The fill in Brando has worked fairly well, because he hasn’t had to do very much. As opposed to the fake Michael who couldn’t have been used at a worse time, with Michael’s presence obviously being needed in several storylines, from the ELQ battles, to the custody thing with Wiley, to the current friction with Sonny… and of course two of those three situations only exist because of the endless propping of Parasite Nina.

Cody seems like a useless character so far, but I suspect he’s going to turn out to be Cyrus the Virus’s son. Because of course Cyrus needs kids. And Rory would be pointless if he only existed to be the “too good to be true” cop, so I’m just waiting for the revelation that he’s actually Lorenzo Alcazar’s son. Remember that we never actually saw Jason kill Alcazar, and there were some pretty major hints dropped at the time (and again later) that Jason actually spared his life for the benefit of his “sister” Skye & her then infant child, and that Alcazar escaped to somewhere in South America. Given the SORASing of the kids that were born around that time, it’s completely possible that Alcazar would have had a son born after he relocated to South America, and that son would make his way to Port Charles. I’m OK with that…. as long as Nina isn’t his mother!

Well, getting Carly getting an endorsement from
Satan is rather like Reagan receiving an endorsement from Nixon.

You’ll be happy to know that both Reagan & Nixon have endorsed Nina. Dick likes the fact that her storyline took place in a town named after him. And Ronnie loves the fact that she follows his example by constantly forgetting why she’s to blame for anything.

Guess the Emmy awards proved you right.

I sure hope you’reright!

I appreciate an employer who try’s to keep their employees safe and healthy due to covid spread. If you need a vax exemption because of religious beliefs, etc., and can show proof of this, it still does not entitle you to put others at risk. I for one wouldn’t want to work in proximity with someone who hasn’t protected themselves or others by not taking precautions like vaccinations. And would hope ABC would have paid them full salary for their time off until things improve…soon I hope.

This!

Spot on, Rose. I don’t buy this religion defense.

Harry
Yes,look at all the millions of people that have been born over the years, using that as an excuse.

Yes I noticed that as well very interesting. Burton will be back once mandate lifted.

oooh good- hopefully Richard Burgi can return as Ashland–
He did the wait for the CDC’s 5 days but CBS wanted 10 days-
And fired him..
Richard Burgi is the best Ashland 100% and needs to reclaim the character..-
So– I do hope the lawsuit is won..
Too many of the best were fired over it-

so we are switching to Young & Restless?

thought we were discussing General Hospital

ooohK — I got the wrong soap–
I’m laughing at myself, join in if you like..
LOL 🙂 bUT-I do want Richard Burgi back, yes I do..
And–Jason can stay gone, he’s not worth the huge $$$ he is paid..
GH brought in new characters by being able to use his pay on others..
If Steve comes back his huge pay would mean others need to go to stay the budget..

SuOOO
I preferred R.Burgi in this part also, though I do like R. Newman BUT I don’t know if they would fire Robert to bring back Burgi, that would be kind of tacky and there may be contracts involved.

Hi Violet–
They fired Billy Miller to bring Jason back, am I right?
So do the same and bring Burgie back..

Miller wasn’t fired. He quit after they made him Drew and let Burton reclaim his role as Jason. And I disagree with you about Ashland. I love Thompson as Ashland. I didn’t care about Ashland when Burgi was playing him. But I do think Ashland is way too good for the dour Victoria, whom I cannot stand anymore.

Harry,
As far as Burton goes, out of sight, out of mind. I don’t miss him at all. I am very torn about Ashland. I know all the bad stuff he’s done to so many people, especially Victoria, but I sympathize with him at times. He’s trying so hard to make ammends but no one except Diane will give an inch, there seems to be no Silver Bullet for him. I kind of think Victoria has something special in store for him, and it ain’t good!

Violet, I dont think Victoria has chemistry with either of the Ashlands. I would kill off the character.

Timmm
Well, that’s exactly what I hear Victor plans to do.

Su000…On the other hand think of how many didn’t get sick because of the mandate. That’s what’s important.

Hi Rose, I do agree,,
But Richard Burgi did quarantine himself for the 5 days the CDC required.
And after the 5 days tested negative.
He didn’t know GH wanted 10 days..
I do miss him, he was perfect-

Hi Su000…like you I liked Richard way better as Ashland. But I’m really sensitive to following mandates, vaxs, and masking. Better safe than sorry. Plus I’m autoimmune. Even though I live in a place where the people and health departments have mostly handled covid responsibly since it’s initial hay-day, it’s still here. My son caught it a couple of months ago, and just had a relapse last week. Luckily it was more like a bad cold/flu. Enjoy your summer. Rose

Agree. Don’t get me wrong I loved Robert Newman as Josh Lewis but he is just not doing it at Ashland. Richard Burgi was Ashland.

Yes Michaela, Burgie was awesome and fit the part of Ashland to perfection..

Good for them!!! More people should be doing this! It is completely illegal and against Human Rights to force unwanted medical procedures onto people.

MY BODY, MY CHOICE. Can’t have it both ways! You either believe in bodily autonomy or you don’t!!

I bet you don’t apply “my body, my choice” to reproductive rights. You can’t have it both ways.

@harry 100% completely agree!

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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