General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Executive Producer Frank Valentini on the Decision to Cast John Oliver as ‘Z’
If you’re still reeling from yesterday’s General Hospital, just wait until today’s Friday, July 3 episode and the second of a three-part appearance by Last Week Tonight host, John Oliver in his role as the head of the WSB named “Z.”
Oliver made a grand and delicious soapy entrance when after massive gunfire broke out between the WSB, Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), Josslyn (Eden McCoy) and Cassius (Ryan Paevey), he lands in a helicopter no less with two armed guards and surveys the situation, killing one man, walking over a dead Cullum ,and seemingly going to assist a wounded Josslyn, but is he?
The casting of Oliver as the much-talked about character of “Z” was all about perfect timing, once General Hospital’s Emmy Award-winning executive producer, Frank Valentini, heard of Oliver’s desire to appear on a soap after catching ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith in his recurring role as Brick.
Photo: ABC
Z HAS LANDED
It was back on the March 8 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver that the comic and host did a hilarious send-up of letting the soap world know he would be up for an appearance with a few demands, some of which included familiar soap tropes.
Valentini spoke with TV Insider on how this all came together once he heard about Oliver’s desire to be on a soap. “My reaction was, ‘Let’s go for it,’The funny thing is, I always watch his show but I was a little behind, so I didn’t see that episode (in March) and a lot of people from my staff sent me the link,” explained Frank. “When I watched it, I said, ‘Oh, we gotta go for this,’ and everybody was very excited. The timing worked out perfectly because we needed somebody to be Z, the head of the WSB.”
In fact, once they determined Oliver would play Z, he wanted a major introduction for the character. “Well, when the writers wrote Z’s entrance, they wrote it that he came in a big black town car. And I said, ‘No, no, no,’ and they said, ‘Why? What’s wrong with that?’ And I said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with that, but we’re going to take it up a notch because it’s John Oliver. We’re going to have Z enter in a helicopter.’ So, he made his entrance in a helicopter.”
According to Valentini, Oliver was all-in during his time on GH, “He was very curious about who was who and who did what. On day one, he only had one line. The next day, he had 20 pages, and he was amazing. He remembered every line, did a great job, and it was a lot of fun to have him on the set.”
Photo: ABC
JOSSLYN’S INTERACTION WITH Z
In a preview of what’s to come now that Z has touched down on Spoon Island, Valentini teased, “He tries to get information out of Josslyn, and we see how committed and tough she is and what a good WSB agent she is. She makes a deal with him to give him what he wants, and she gets something she wants, which is very personal.”
Then, Valentini revealed, “Z is keeping a huge secret that affects a lot of people in the town. And then he interacts with another character, who’s already in a couple, and openly flirts with her.” In addition, look for Z to get slapped, as the EP explained that was one of John’s short list of demands was to get a patented soap slap!
MORE GUEST STARS TO COME
In even more juicy news, Frank shared that there is yet another special guest star coming to GH, “We’re having another special guest who’s a big fan of the show at the end of the year.” Who could it be? Stay tuned.
Watch John Oliver’s General Hospital teaser video below, where he tells a tale of wanting to have soap twin and more.
Now let us know, was making John Oliver “Z” inspired casting? What bombshells await as “Z” hits the ground and looks to have run-ins with Josslyn, Carly and more? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
John Oliver’s had three wishes. To be given a goofy name, to shoot somebody and to be given the classic soap opera slap. He’s already been granted the first 2 wishes. I’m afraid the slap is going to come from Carly and most likely she will be the woman with whom he flirts because, well, Carly. She is the Song of the Sirens all rolled up into one obnoxious package. No mortal man can resist her- not even the formidable Z.
Knowing how Carly reacts to things, she’s probably going to slap him when she finds out that Joss got shot. Not that it was his fault, of course,. But an angry mom has gotta blame somebody, and Cullum is no longer available. (For which my dragons are very happy, of course)
Or there’s also the possible that Z tells Carly that Val is going to the Indonesian black site, where he can be Jason’s cellmater and she will never see either one of them again, which would definitely be worthy of a slap.
We know, of course that Jason is coming home in another week or so, but Z might not yet be aware of the facts regarding the incident on the docks when he talks to Carly, so he might still assume Jason is guilty, regardless of the fact that Cullum was a piece of dragonshit (now literally so)
Previews feature Carly asking Z in her usual angry voice,” Are you trying to hit on me?” So I ask Frank, “Are you trying to torture me?”
Frank does incredible things with a low budget, he has to be the best EP of all time.
I am in awe of what they pull off on General Hospital!!! Head and shoulders above every other daytime soap, and quite frankly, not sure why ABC can’t pop in an evening episode every once in a while. I know the show does great on Hulu. Frank Valentini truly impresses me, as do the people who work for him…the writers, directors, actors, etc. The show rarely disappoints. And the introduction of John Oliver onto the show….brilliant. Hopefully once this arc concludes, they can encourage Z to return from time to time. I really love GH.
I loved yesterday so much
Thank you for sending him off to never never land. I know it’s just a show but I cheered when the s.o.b.got shot.
Michael, John Oliver would make a great interview on your platform.
Or maybe Mr. Fairman could guest on John’s show.
I Thought Z was great ! Thought he looked real cool
Loved the landing in the helicopter !
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
It was back on September 26, 1996, that Nancy Lee Grahn took General Hospital by storm as legal eagle, Alexis Davis (born Natasha Cassadine). It’s hard to believe its been three decades since Alexis came to Port Charles, and along the way, Nancy took home two of her three Daytime Emmys for her enduring run on the ABC soap opera.
As the layers were pulled back on the life and times of Alexis, viewers learned she was the illegitimate daughter of Mikkos Cassadine. Helena Cassadine, Mikkos’ jealous wife, had slit the throat of Alexis’ mother, Swedish opera singer, Kristin Bergman, which as a young girl Alexis saw happen which caused her years of suppressed trauma.
GH fans have seen Alexis be very unlucky in love during her three decades, with several of her former suitors ending up dead! While others, she has a complicated relationship and past with including half-brothers, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard), whom she shares a daughter, Kristina (last played by Kate Mansi), and Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), with whom she shares another daughter with in Molly (Kristen Vaganos). Alexis lost her eldest daughter, Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) when the character tragically died, and who was a result of a fling with Julian Jerome (William deVry).
Photo: JPI
NANCY LEE GRAHN RECEIVEs HIGH PRAISE FROM GH COLLEAGUES
Over the weekend, many of Nancy’s longtime fans, and several of her General Hospital co-stars and friends, saluted her with touching and witty video messages that were included in a special video released by Nancy Lee Grahn Events team.The video also harkened back to Grahn’s first scene as Alexis and a montage of her performances through the years.
Now below, here is what her GH co-stars, then and now, had to say about Nancy:
Dominic Zamprogna (Dante): “Nancy, I can’t believe you’ve been doing this since you were like five years old because you’ve been on the show for 30 years, and you can’t be more than 36-years old. I love you. I think you’re amazing. Since day one, you’ve been one of the best actors on this show. I am honored to call you friend, and have me over for dinner again soon. Happy anniversary. Chow for now.”
Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina): “Hi, mom. Happy anniversary. I love you so much. You are an icon of icons. Look, I’m just your little student walking to rehearsal with my backpack and my lunchbox. But I miss you so much. No one’s like you. No one does it like you. No one acts like you. No one puts in new lines like you. No one. You’re just one of one, ma. I adore you. Congratulations on your anniversary. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, but I’m sending you so, so much love.”
Kristen Vaganos (Molly): “Nancy! Mama, I could not have asked for a better TV family. I have said this a million times. I am so grateful to be born a Davis girl. I adore you. I think you are the most amazing, most hilarious diva that has ever lived. I am sending you a huge, huge congratulations. I love you. I promise to ridicule your shoe choices, remind you how hot you are, and remind you of you’re blocking for the rest of time. Love you.”
Photo: JPI
THE MEN OF ALEXIS DAVIS
Wally Kurth (Ned): “Nancy, I am wishing you a happy 30-year anniversary on General Hospital. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years, but yet, I can. I have felt every year with you. I’m thrilled for you. In fact, I remember quite vividly when you came on the show. I think it was a Christmas episode and we were firing rubber bands at Christmas ornaments on a tree in some bar.”
He continued, “I just remember at the time, three of my favorite people and the creative force behind Ned had left the show. Claire Labine (former GH head writer) left. Francesca James (former director/producer), she had left, and Rena Sofer (ex-Lois) had left. I was really quite lost on the set. I didn’t know what I was doing there. And then you showed up, and you were fired up, and you wanted to make the best of this role. You wanted to make the best of your time, and honey, you did. You have made the best of it. You have made a mark and the audience I know adores you, and I adore you, and I’m thrilled for you. I wish you another 30 years. Actually, I don’t. We will be so old, no one will want to see us in another 30 years. (laughs). Anyway, Happy 30th anniversary.”
Rick Hearst (Ric): “I’m coming to you live from my hotel room where I stay when I come into town. Occasionally, but sometimes, I stay with you and we have dinner. So everybody thinks that we’re really married. God knows, we could be. The whole purpose for this, obviously, is to be one of the many, I’m sure, that’s celebrating your incredible 30 years on General Hospital alone, and you’ve also had such a long and illustrious career.”
He continued, “You are one of the most, and I say this with kindness, unique, loving, passionate, loyal, fierce people I know. I am so, so happy for you. You brought life to everything that you’ve done. Whether it be in your family, whether it be in your work, whether it’s in your writing, or whether it’s in your advocacy. You are so many things to so many people. But to me, you will always be my dear friend, my second wife, and one of the most cherished relationships that I have in my life. I thank God for you, and I salute you. See you on set. Bring your script! ”
Photo: JPI
Maurice Benard (Sonny): “Hello Nancy. First, I wanna say I don’t know how you do it. I know you’re talented, you’re funny, you’re cool, all that kind of stuff, and we did have the best sex scene in the history of General Hospital. Nobody can dispute that, even if I did have a cane. 30 years, it’s a long time. You’re one of the best. I always tell you that!”
William deVry (ex-Julian) took to Instagram and shared: “Nancy, congratulations on 30 years. I know how difficult that is for multiple reasons. Starting with more than 12 head writers, multiple executive producers, many leading men, many husbands. My God. The juggling one must do. The politics. Congratulations to you. 30 years, what an amazing accomplishment, what a career you’ve had. I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care.”
Now below, watch the ‘Cheers to 30 Years’ video in honor of Nancy Lee Grahn’s latest milestone with General Hospital.
Then, share your congrats for Nancy via the comment section and let us know your favorite Alexis Davis moments through the years too!
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Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ for the #3 Spot in Total Viewers
The ratings are out for the week of September 7-11, 2026 and while all of the long-running daytime dramas were down in total viewers week-over-week, it was the newest soap opera on the block, Beyond the Gates, that showed gains and much promise. Let’s take a look.
According to Soap Opera Network, not only did Beyond the Gates add +12,000 tuning-in for the week, it is narrowing the gap between itself and current #3 soap, General Hospital in total viewers, and tied with the venerable ABC series for actual household ratings share.
Beyond the Gates averaged 1,689,000 for its audience for the week while General Hospital had 1,769,000, that’s just an 80,000 difference that separates the two shows. While Beyond the Gates had a year-over-year increase for the ratings week, GH showed the biggest loss of all the soaps year-over-year with -231,000 and the biggest loss in viewers week-over-week with -142,000.
Photo: CBS
BEYOND THE GATES
In addition, Beyond the Gates once again bested GH in the key 18-49 women’s rating share and also for the week, the women’s 25-54 ratings share, now putting them firmly in the third place. It should be noted that both Beyond the Gates and General Hospital aired an encore presentation on Labor Day, September 7.
Here’s what had viewers tuning-in on Beyond the Gates: Hayley (Marquita Goings) faced mounting pressure as Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) grew suspicious of her lies and a major secret came to light. Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) went through a paranoid spiral noticed by Dani (Karla Mosley), while Heather Armstrong’s (Ashley Jones) behavior became increasingly unhinged, Deanna (Angela Fairley) reached a breaking point under mounting pressure and decided to return to school and Smitty (Mike Manning) was digging deeper into the death of Lia Whitmore.
Courtesy/ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
On General Hospital, the week in story was highlighted by: Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) admitting she was the other driver in Jordan Ashford’s (Tanisha Harper) accident, leaving Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) furious and demanding answers and ultimately Chase (Josh Swickard) walking out on Brook Lynn!
In addition, viewers witnessed, Anna (Finola Hughes) nearly killing Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), but instead firing a shot at a hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) as Jason (Steve Burton) tried to talk Anna down. Meanwhile, Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ava (Maura West) dealt with the fallout and complications surrounding the disappearance of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).
Courtesy/CBS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Over at B&B, the soap remained in second place behind sister soap, The Young and the Restless for the top spot in total viewers; although it should be noted they continued to close the gap for the race to #1. For the ratings period, The Bold and the Beautiful average 2,695,000 tuning-in, but was down week-over-week -83,000, but with the biggest soap gains year-over-year at this time with +228,000.
In other good news for the show, it came in at #1 for the key women’s 18-49 rating share defeating Y&R, and came in #2 for the women’s 25-54 rating share behind Y&R.
In story for the ratings week: Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) goes into panic-mode after a positive pregnancy and breaks the news to Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor). Katie (Heather Tom) tries to meddle in Will’s (Crew Morrow) love life with Dylan (Sydney Bullock), thus having Katie visit Electra (Laneya Grace) and telling the young woman to try to win Will back. Finn (Tanner Novlan) tries to give surrogacy advice to Carter and Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) unaware of his wife Steffy’s drunken night with Carter, and the true cause-effect of that moment.
Photo: JPI
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Once again, Y&R remained as the number one most-viewed broadcast television daytime drama of then all, clocking in with 3,059,000 tuning-in, but down -130,000 week-over-week, but still up + 159,000 year-over-year. Y&R also remained in the top spot for household ratings share and atop the key women’s 25-54 rating share.
In story for the week: Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) escaped custody and tracked down Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Meanwhile, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) continue their affair and are almost caught by Phyllis (Michelle Stafford). Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Marie (Jade Harlow) shared a heartfelt goodbye before she leaves town to continue her recovery. Jack (Peter Bergman) sets a trap for Patty as he collapses at Society.
Of note: Nielsen ratings are based on the Live+Same Day Big Data+Panel model.
So, what do you think about the latest ratings picture and how Beyond the Gates is gaining on General Hospital in total viewers while already besting them in both key demos? Which soap opera is piquing your interest the most? Which is not doing it for you? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell and Curtis Attacked in Prison Fight With Ominous Message, “Sonny Corinthos Owes You This”; Charlotte to Boarding School?
The Friday, September 25, episode of General Hospital brought with it major developments! Sonny (Maurice Benard) told Justine (Nazneen Contractor) he is all-in on her romance, but major trouble awaits the couple. Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) may be sent packing because of her stunt to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison), Monet (Blythe Howard) had terse words for her sister, Jordan (Tanisha Harper), while Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Sidwell (Carlo Rota) were targeted in a brutal prison attack.
Here’s more on what went down: Charlotte is upset with Rocco (Finn Carr) for ratting her out. He tries to explain, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) wanted his help so she didn’t make the biggest mistake of her life trying to frame Drew (Cameron Mathison) by making it look like he was inappropriate with a teenager.
It all came full circle for Charlotte’s parents, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) and Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins). Next thing you know, Valentin informed Lulu that he thinks it’s best that Charlotte goes back to boarding school to steer clear of Drew and Danny. Once Charlotte comes back to Lulu’s, her parents tell her their plans for her. Charlotte’s jaw drops.
Courtesy/ABC
PUT YOUR MONET WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
After being blindsided that her estranged sister Monet had settled down in Port Charles, and at the Miller & Davis law firm, no less, Jordan finds it hard to believe in all of the places in the country for Monet to choose she came to Jordan’s city. The two have a very icy conversation from there, where Monet gets a few more jabs at Jordan, leaving her upset, which did not go unnoticed by Michael (Rory Gibson).
Sonny and Justine get cozy and discussed their relationship, and how the two are going to handle their burgeoning feelings for one another now that Jordan was the first and probably not the last to see them publicly. He tells Justin that he feels more comfortable than ever just being around her.
PRISON BLUES
Cut to: Pentonville, and something bad is about to go down. First, Curtis gave Sidwell a heads-up that an attack was coming shortly. Curtis suggested that Sidwell go into protective custody with the warden, but Sidwell just flatly refused.
Later, alone in his cell, three men (including the one who warned Curtis) enter and begin a beatdown of Sidwell. Curtis returned to the cell, as one of the men was about to knife Sidwell. Now with Sidwell a bloody mess on the floor, Curtis takes a beating. As the three men leave, the leader uttered to Sidwell, “Sonny Corinthos owes you this and more.”
Now below, watch the confrontational scenes between Monet and Jordan.
Then weigh-in: Do you think Sonny had anything to do with the beatdown of Curtis and Sidwell? Or is he being set-up? How would you feel about a Jordan and Michael romance? Will Charlotte be sent to boarding school triggering the exit of Bluesy Burke? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
Y&R Alum Thad Luckinbill Cast in New Thriller ‘Copperhead’
‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ for the #3 Spot in Total Viewers
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie Wants Dylan to Sway Zende, Carter Puts Unrelenting Pressure on Steffy
‘Days of our Lives’ Leo Howard Joins Cast for ‘Yellowjackets’ Fourth and Final Season
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week
Chris McKenna Speaks Out On His Final Day as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jack Brennan with Words of Wisdom to ‘Finish Strong’
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
‘Days of our Lives’ Preview: Will Dominic Marino Turn Out to Be Marlena’s Son With Stefano DiMera?
‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
‘General Hospital’s’ Nancy Lee Grahn Marks 30-Year Milestone as Alexis Davis; Co-Stars Share Heartfelt Video Tributes
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Katie Wants Dylan to Sway Zende, Carter Puts Unrelenting Pressure on Steffy
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sidwell and Curtis Attacked in Prison Fight With Ominous Message, “Sonny Corinthos Owes You This”; Charlotte to Boarding School?
Matthew Atkinson Reveals New Project ‘Into the Wilderness’
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