General Hospital
General Hospital Has No Immediate Plans to Recast the Role of Jason Morgan Following Steve Burton’s Departure
According to a report from Variety, ABC’s General Hospital is not planning on recasting the role of Jason Morgan at this time, following the exit of Steve Burton.
The two-time Daytime Emmy winning star was let-go from the soap after not adhering to their Covid-19 vaccine mandate.
The mandate went into effect on November 1st and in story, the series wrote Burton out, but still left wiggle room for the character to return.
Jason was buried under a rubble when a cave collapsed on top of him, while he was trying to apprehend arch-villain, Peter August (Wes Ramsey).
In his exit announcement on Instagram, Burton did express: “Maybe one day if these mandates are lifted, I can return and finish my career as Jason Morgan.” Steve had played the role of Jason since 1991, but with a four-year break at Y&R, before returning to the role in 2017.
Now whether down the line, GH does eventually recast Jason remains to be seen.
So, it looks like Jason will be off the canvas for awhile, and Port Charles will continue to grieve for him.
So, what are your thoughts? Should GH leave Jason off the canvas? Should they recast down the line? Comment below.
I am so tired of characters constantly being presumed dead. Find better ways to get people off the canvas. UGH!
Hi Rodd-
GH is full of undead zombies LOL..
Victor was dead– he returned
Peter was dead–he returned
Nikolas was dead– he returned
Sonny was dead– he returned
Curtis’dad was dead– he returned
Drew was dead– he returned
–Those ^^^ were this year !–
So- Are there others?
who did I miss ???
Holly is not dead maybe Morgan too and please bring back Stone as a twin or better still let’s pretend he doesn’t look like Stone the same way we are doing with Franco.
Amen!
Franco has 9 lives
Well, to be fair…. we knew Sonny was never dead. Drew & Nikolas were “presumed dead” without a body (as is the case with Jason now) and same with Victor… although he was both shot and burned up, so death seemed likely in his case.
The only one in your list who was definitely established as “dead” was Whiny Heiny, who was pushed down a flight of stairs, broke his neck in the fall (by all appearances)and was pronounced dead by both a doctor & a nurse, who would presumably know how to check for such things. And then was locked in a freezer in a “secret” basement which supposedly most of Port Charles somehow still doesn’t know about. And believe me, Heiny actually WAS in Hell, splitting dragon stable cleaning duties with Frodd. I’ll be eternally damned if I know how he escaped.
Curtis’s dad?? Well, obviously that’s a retconned backstory, so we have no way of knowing how the circumstances of his death appeared at the time.
And of course, there’s still the Morgan Corinthos wild card. Another presumed “death” with no body. He’s going to turn up sooner or later. Only question is, who comes back first, Morgan or Jason??
There’s only two scenarios I see Morgan returning. One, is cancellation is announced and he returns to complete the Corinthos clan. The other scenario has a different adult child of Sonny dying. If Dante or Michael go, then there’s space for Morgan on the canvas (and Michael is unkillable due to the Q connection). Kristina doesn’t count, because she barely takes up any screen time as it is.
They need to recast so Britt and Jason can get together now that Sonny’s back
Lame! Recast!
Leave the man alone he made his decision he is not crying about it so why is the media screaming about it? We still are in the land of the free go Steve can’t wait until you get a lawyer to sue their pants off unconstitutional yes it is ! The same people who are screaming at him are the same jerks that have no problem with killing a baby at nine months! Oh yes they care so much !! What a joke
Hope you don’t wear your seatbelt
People are still trotting out the seat belt thing?? LMAO. That ship has sailed! No one ever said wear your seat belt or lose your job. Seat belts don’t cause adverse medical reactions including heart attacks, seizures, and death. You need a new argument. Preferably one that makes sense.
At the time the seat belt laws happened there were people making the same idiotic “freedumb” arguments against them as they are the vaccines now. Same applies to motorcycle helmet laws, though all one really needs to explain that argument is Gary Busey, who opposed such laws. He smacked his skull on the pavement while not wearing one. His body survived, but did his brain? That’s up for debate. Not coincidentally Busey’s a big fan of a certain orange guy. Probably wouldn’t have been if he had worn a helmet that day.
No matter what you think Phil, stop this type of ignorance. It’s unnecessary and unwarranted. Shame on you sir. Shame.On.You.
You sound like a lunatic FYI just in case you thought otherwise
K- FACT here! Disney Corporation IS ALLOWED BY CALIFORNIA LAW to determine under which circumstances a person may work for them. Disney/ABC made it VERY CLEAR that it supports the vaccination mandate.
Everyone working on GH and other ABC shows was told, well in advance, that they each had until November 1st to be fully vaccinated. Failure to comply would mean loss of job. SB MADE the decision not to be vaccinated so he was let go. SB was not unfairly singled out.
anne, dont you know by now EVERYONE is entitled to NOT follow rules with NO consequences! I agree with you, if its a company policy, follow it or leave. I love Steve. He made his choice. I respect that.
I agree with you sue them and get rid of Alexis bring Jason back
Meh, recast the character if ‘Jason’ is still viable, but they can let him stay dead this time far as I’m concerned.
Refusing to be vaccinated is the true definition of selfishness. Obviously Steve doesn’t give a crap about his fellow cast-mates.
I was sorrier to see Ingo go, but same message to him…you are selfish!
And both of them are ignorant.
Totally agree.
I have a family member who was healthy, she got the vaccine and had a stroke and yes Dr said is was a blood clot caused by vaccine. I have several friends who got it and have been sick ever since they got it they wish they never did. So stop condemning someone who made the choice. Steve Burton is a true stand up person for standing his ground .Not a Sheep.
Of course they don’t plan on recasting, because we all know what’s going to happen: he’s going to grow a brain, get the shots, and be eligible to return around February or so (great for sweeps). What else is he going to do for work? My preference would be for him to stay in TN, but we all know that’s not going to happen.
Agreed that he’ll likely be back at some point. Burton moved his family back to CA when he returned to GH after his stay at Y&R. His contract at GH was not as flexible as the cushy one he got from JFP.
He does not need GH for work he has his own company and is very talented.
This is probably the right move because Steve Burton IS Jason, though it’s definitely surprising. Given how many stories Jason was a major part of, and the fact that Drew is finally back, I would have thought the show want to keep him around regardless of who’s playing the role. Hopefully this will lead to Steve’s return at some point down the road.
Hi Jimmy–
I will never see Steve/Jason as a strong he-man, again. Not after this folly.
He should roll up his sleeve-the shot won’t kill him-
it will save his life and the lives of the vulnerable.
A person is not right in the head to trash/give up a decades-long career and a ton of money over a vaccination.
He won’t find work..
All the soaps. TV and movie sets you need to be vaccinated.. Actors are very close to each other when filming.
In most all jobs you need to be vaccinated..
Well, he possibly could deliver pizzas..
He’s an actor and he can’t act without a vaccination.
Steve totally screwed himself..What a shame.
All the places that will hire an unvaccinated person will most likely pay minimum wage..
Bravo, Su000! Well said. Can you imagine Stone Cold being afraid of little prick?
Unless we could get Billy Miller back and find out he was the real Jason all along
(or anyone for that matter)and SB was really AJ back to get Sonny’s business then let’s see a body and leave Jason Morgan dead forever. The entire show went downhill with “Jason’s “ return in 2017 with too much focus on S, J, & C and not enough balance in storylines and cast members.
Someone pointed out on Twitter that already the show is focusing more on the Quartermaines and Cassidines, which is totally fine by me! Jason’s last return was largely unsatisfying, and I’m in no hurry to go through another one, especially anytime soon. “Back from the dead” is a staple, but not for the same character. Let Jason stay dead.
Any recast would ultimately fail, so it’s just as well that they don’t go there. But whether it’s a fake Jason or no Jason at all, the show is going to suffer greatly for his absence. Just as it did from 2012 – 2017.
While a Devil understands the thinking behind vaccine mandates, I would think that as long as actors are tested regularly and can prove they are not carrying the virus around, they should be allowed to work, provided they’re following all the other protocols on the set…. masking up when not on camera, observing the “social distancing” policies, etc. If I were mortal, I certainly would be vaccinated…. for my own unholy peace of mind, if not as a condition of employment. But for Hell’s sake…. this show is going to truly go to Hell in a handcart (and not in a good way) without Jason’s presence. It already is, and he hasn’t even been gone a week yet.
Amen. Get Jason Morgan back on there quickly.
IF… this means; Trevor St. John is spared
and is not; the recast of … i can leave this at last… and await the surprise , of just who.. will walk on set
Recast. We need Jason Morgan
Amen!! Yes we do need Jason Morgan.
The show deciding to not recast the role of Jason is a good move. Steve (and Ingo for that matter) are both selfish and ignorant to not get the jab to protect themselves and those around them. Good riddance that they’re both gone.
I cannot believe they let him go and I do not want to see a recast no matter if the wait a while there is only one person to play Jason Morgan and that is Steve Burton
I feel the same.
Well said
Agree. Better no Jason than a faux Jason. Been there, done that. Over it.
I agree (no recast) Steve Burton is the only one to play Jason. Waiting for his return.
I love Steve Burton as Jason but yes they should recast the role so they can finish the Britt and Jason story it’s almost to hard to watch.
I know a lot of viewers won’t agree with me but the way I feel is that although no one is indispensable, there are some characters that could never be replaced.
Can anyone else
accept another Victor Newman, Sonny Corinthos,Shelia Carter to name a few. I will always consider Billy Miller as Drew and I can’t recognise Cameron Mathison as Drew Cain when he is called by that name. To me he is impersonating Drew. Michael Easton stepped up as other Characters two or three times, and it wasn’t too hard getting used to this new character. Roger Howarth has been recycled what ,three times? I happened to like them all with the exception of the original Franco. I loved Franco, Liz and their family but that was all destroyed, and I still can’t understand why. Why is Austin a better character than Franco? This quirky guy that saw Leo’s problem right off the bat. Is it because he himself may be on the Spectrum? I can buy that scenario and think it would be very interesting. Does anyone else watch The Good Doctor? Great show!
.
I believe Trevor St. John could carry the role here is hoping they will recast with Trevor I’m looking forward to seeing the chemistry between them Carly Sonny Sam and Britt WOW!
Please bring Steve Burton back right now quickly as Jason Morgan. He was a very important person on the GH soap. Sonny and Carly Corinthos are very important also together. Jason Morgan is also a very important person on GH. And it looked like Jason finally met a good mate match in Britt Westbourne that would really love him and respect him and really support him in all of his life’s actions and would not try to judge him and would not try to change him.
Bring Steve Burton back he could be tested.He has a right to decide his own health choices.
Thank God, leave him in the tunnel buried until the vaccine mandate is lifted and if he is available, bring HIM back, not some horrible version like we see now with the Nicholas recast! And what is funny about that, Tyler is or was ill and unable to come back and they found a recast in Nick Stabile and he was not brought back?
Anyway, while Jason is gone, mark my words Drew will work for Sonny and most likely end up with Brit.
I can envision a scenario where everybody’s going to want Drew to work for them….
Obviously, he has his own company, Aurora Media. Hell only knows who has been running it lately, with Michael out of town temporarily & Jax out of town permanently (at least for the forseeable future).
ELQ is probably going to want him. They’re definitely going to want his vote to keep Val the Bastard from running the company again. And btw… with Jason (not really) dead again, who gets to vote HIS shares?? Pretty sure he had a good chunk of them, even though he had no active role in the company itself.
Sonny will need a “placeholder” until Jason returns. Who better for that role than his twin brother…. who still (as far as we know) retains all of Jason’s memories from the AJ crash up until 2012 and apparently has his own Navy Seal training back in his conscious mind. Now that’s a skill set any mob boss would love to have on the payroll. Whether Drew would actually take the job or not….. he actually might, IF he thought the risk of Whiny Heiny’s mind games still affecting him could present a problem for him and those around him in a “more conventional” workplace (i.e. Aurora & ELQ)
Another area where the combined military & mob enforcer skills could come in handy would be the PCPD. Who just recently suspended one of their two working detectives. Drew & Dante…. given both have similar experiences with things being done to their head, could they actually work together??
And there’s the “snowball’s chance in Hell” option where he could join the private investigator business with his ex wife, Sam.
I’m wondering if they’ll find another enforcer. The last time Jason was presumed dead, Shawn assumed the role. Now that didn’t quite work out. Drew (thinking he was Jason) swore off mob life to protect his family, so I doubt he’d get back in. They’ve made such a big deal about Sasha not wanting Brando to get in so that won’t happen. Looks like we’ll need to find someone else with brain damage.
Totally agree with you about Nikolas. I still haven’t warmed up to Marcus Coloma in the role and it’s been two years. I’m holding out hope that Tyler Christopher returns! Just like I’ll continue to hope for Steve’s eventual return.
Yes, Tyler Christopher will always be Nikolas. And the new adult Spencer actually looks like he could be his son.
Oh hell no don’t recast bring back the real Jason he should have never been cast out because he didn’t agree with the vaccine. This’s horrible and showing how quickly they’ll throw you out. Just because you disagree with them. I believe people need to boycott the soaps. You work for us the viewers. That’s why you’re still on the air. Bring the real Jason back.
Why are you putting in this new drew it’s new drew what happened to the old drew. He doesn’t even fit the roll who’s doing the casting they need to be fired
You can’t be serious. Mark Teschner has been in charge of casting GH since the 90s and is recognized as one of the best in the business. There might be a few duds, but Teschner has cast the entire teen set and found hidden treasures like Inga Cadrenal (Harmony), Kathleen Gati (Liesl) and Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) to name a few amazing performers that he’s responsible for bringing to the show.
Bring Steve Burton back!!!!! If I remember correctly, didn’t he have Covid so he has immunity?
Covid “immunity” (based on surviving an infection with the virus) is no more of a thing than “immunity” to the cold or the flu is. Yes, you’re probably not likely to get THAT particular strain of the virus again…. but this thing is mutating faster than an amoeba on crystal meth. So if Steve previously tested positive for the “Delta” strain of Covid (which seems likely, given the time of when he was reported as testing positive) then he would not be guaranteed immunity from the new “Omicron” variant, for example.
I’m a Devil, not a doctor, so I don’t know all the details on this, but this virus – in all of its forms – is still relatively new, so even the scientists are still trying to figure out this dragonshit, to some extent.
You can’t recast Jason he’s the one and I think he should get vaccinated protect the vulnerable that’s what it’s all about protect the vulnerable
Lost a long time viewer. No jason, no watchie. Recast. You did that with franco and altin holt!!! Wtf?? There are many story lines for jason. Get rid of peter he should have been killed of long ago. And send stupid nina away. No talent or lack of good story lines but shes a dud.
Yes I think he should return as Jason. I’m sad the his medical and religious reasons we not acceptable. There should had been other reasonable acceptances available, ex: college students being tested, etc.
I will miss Jason. Please do not try to replace him.
Thanks.
I love Jason that why I watch the show so until he come back I won’t be watching it thank you
We need Jason back. No one can play stone cold but him. The Corinthos organization is not strong without him unless Dtew steps in and that’s not likely.
Recast him…. Pleaseeeee I love Steve Burton(Jason Morgan)
Jason was a bore. The show doesn’t need to recast the staring robot.
I agree, Davy. Unless the character can be redefined (without Carly), why recast? Just hire a robot with pretty eyes.
I’m done with GH
I am glad they have no plans for an immediate recast. It will give the writers the opportunity to write something new instead of the same old Carly Jason retread. Also it doesn’t close the door on him returning in the future. Best of luck to the show and the actor.
Please bring Steve Burton back! Its not fair to fire a man for a vaccine mandate. Exspecially since they have STOPED THE MANDATES.
Why wouldn’t you get a vaccine that could potentially save your life and those around you? You could finish out your career in a job you love. You seem to like a very nice intelligent person. Hope you change your mind, for your friends, family, fans and most importantly, yourself. Respectfully,a fan. Lisa Kashnoski
Hopping Steve Burton returns to General hospital. No one else can be Jason. It would be great to have Jason show up with Morgan.
Yeah, but what would Morgan be doing on Cassadine Island?? At this point, it would be more likely for Jason to show up with Luke or Holly (or both)
I loved Jason if they.don’t bring him back I will quit watching General Hospital for good he was a great actor.Patty Shaw In.
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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.
General Hospital
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

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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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos

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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