General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Laura Ponders What's Up With Little Jake & Nudges Liz To Come Clean!
Courtesy/ABC
Leave it to Laura, (as played by GH icon, Genie Francis) to gently bring up important facts so people might listen and not take offense, while she is actually telling them that they are doing the wrong thing!
On Friday’s episode of ABC’s General Hospital, Laura visits with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst), where she tells her that Jake AKA Jason (Billy Miller) should know the truth of who he is prior to the two of them tying the knot. She tries to reason with Liz to come forward and tell him before he finds out some other way, and this whole plot to make Jason her husband, once and for all, combusts on the dedicated nurse.
Elizabeth takes in it, but just doesn’t want to go there. Even though Laura puts forth that Jason has a wife and two sons. One of which is living with them (Liz and Jason’s bio-son, little Jake). She also related to Liz that their marriage would be invalid, because Jason is already married to Sam (Kelly Monaco), and essentially gave her a laundry list of why this sham is a bad idea, including that Jake doesn’t even know he’s a Quartermaine!
Next, little Jake (James Nigbor) comes home. Laura, a seasoned mom and seasoned victim of the Cassadine clan, looks at Little Jake who has a cut to the head, and who tells Liz and Laura, he tripped. A concerned Laura asks him, how was life different on Cassadine Island? She ponders his reaction. Little Jake runs upstairs, but stops on the steps, and is listening in on his mom and Laura, but they are unaware of his presence. Laura asks Elizabeth if Little Jake has gotten any professional help since he has returned to life in Port Charles. Liz says he has not.
This week marked the first airshows under new GH co head-writers: Jean Passanante and Shelly Altman. Have the scribes decided to look more deeply into the little Jake story that was glossed over when the kid returned-from-the-dead in a reversal of storyline history? Could little Jake not be who we think he is … or, will little Jake end up with deep emotional troubles? Time will tell!
What dd you think of the scenes featuring Genie Francis? Is it nice to see her back as a moral center of GH? Do you wish she would march right over and spill the beans to Jake and Sam, or do you like that she is protecting the wrongdoings of her son, Nikolas (Tyler Christopher)? Do you think she pointed out to Liz some very important points on how her plans may go up in smoke? What do you think is happening with little Jake? Could Helena have programmed him? Share your thoughts and comments 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.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Evil Nikolas know exactly how to play his mother, using the guilt she feels over leaving him behind.
anything genie francis does is gold to me,,i adore this icon,,,i do wish genral hospital would write her a story worthy of her stellar performances,,,always thought a laura and sonny pairing would be electric,,,or have her go toe to toe with helena,,in any case seeing genie francis is allways like seeing an old friend
Agree with every word you wrote randy. Genie is one of the few timeless pleasures on the show. A really good story for Laura would go a long way toward bringing back viewers who gave up on the camp, the crazy (Franco and Nina) and the lame, pointless mob plots that the show has been immersed in of late.
Yes, love that tbe voice of reason is back, but Liz respond, about Jake’s past that she does not care…very cruel.
I think Jake is Helena’s little “Manchurian Candidate.” He’s been programmed, brainwashed. But to do exactly what and to whom? That’s the question.
Maybe he’ll be like Little Chucky and kill everyone in Port Charles for Halloween 🙂 That would be a fun storyline.
Gee, Ces. I was thinking something similar. But, seriously, what are the chances he will be aged (SORAS) and he will indeed become the next serial killer? Of course, Lizzie is too wrapped up in her rosy little looney-tune world of wedding bells, veils and gowns, to realize what the heck is going on with her son. My gosh if my child had come back from the dead, especially knowing with whom he’s been, I would pay so much attention to his every little nuance. There may be a mutant in the making in Jake.
lol CeeCee!! Guess I’m watching too many Halloween movies these days. She’s so happy to have *Little Jake* back but she’s hardly spent two minutes with the kid. She has no idea who this kid is and you’d think aside from a physical test, she would have had a psychiatrist look at him. Mutant Ninja Little Jake coming to get all the citizens of Port Charles starting with … Kiki!! That’s a story I’d like to see 😀
@RR61, yes to the Manchurian Candidate reference.
The cut in little Jake’s forehead could be where Helena’s front-loading microchip goes into him! She did send him home too easily, so obviously, there’s got to be a catch. Regarding Laura, I would like to see her succeed in injecting some moral fiber into Liz and Nikolas.
Lol. I like the microchip bit, Max.
Nikolas and Miss Lizzie are too far gone…they both have too much to lose.
I think Little Jake was brainwashed by Helena in the same manner that Jason was he was under her control earlier this year.
I wonder what Little Jakes trigger will be??
Or in the same manner Lucky was in Helena’s control 15 years ago.
What has happened to my girl Liz? Laura comes in and sees her preening with a wedding veil while she is about to burst out singing, “I feel pretty, oh so pretty, and so pretty and witty and Cray-CRAY!” Because it seems Lizzy really has gone all cray cray. Madame Ovary (Lizzy) has always been a very good mother but instead of realizing that he son has gone through a horrible ordeal and may be heading be turning into little Lucifer, Lizzy is too busy playing bride to her soon-to -be- husband-by-deception, Jason. So poor Laura, who is struggling not to be the intrusive ex mother-in-law and paternal grandmother, sees Lizzy living this horrible lie which is bound to blow up in everyone’s face causing mayhem and destruction while ignoring the fact that little Jake is in great need of psychotherapy!!
Damn, looks like I wrote myself into a corner there–my comment makes no sense.
Sorry! I must have gotten carried away.
heh!
now you know how that feels, Harry … aha!
some times, I can’t help but think… the writers, purposely “write” a character… so “flawd’ … in err…
that they “want” Kelly Monaco’ Sam… to thrive, bask, and seem that much more… with Billy Miller’ “Jason”
ie: was that just a publicity stunt… as was rumored that ; these two actors… are seeing each other… off the set ? Ie: even i saw pictures of these two at the beach… in to each other
why would this not “help” translate on screen? I would think the inhibitions would be released and free them to chemistry and relatable…
to this day… plus… I do not… will not be seeing Sam and Jason together… the magic spell has petered out
Rebecca Herbst’ Liz smolders… and just has that it factor that the camera loves… the writing has stalemated her character
I don’t think so…
Billy Miller has no other femme fatale… to combust with
i’ll give this one more air : Amelia Heinle aint so bad after all ! YES ! I love her act with Billy Miller… moreso than any other woman in Port Charles
@Harry….Little Jake is in extremely good company….the entire population of Port Charles needs therapy. Perhaps they could get a great group rate?
Oh, Harry….”what a tangled web we weave”!!!!
Lizzie is nuts….Laura’s good heart can’t decide what to do. Convincing Liz to fess up is an attempt in futility. As my father-in-law is wont to say….” As futile as trying to make a hole in water”……and, then there’s adventurous Sam; climbing colossal pillars, balconies, and scaling turrets, her feet seeking purchase, wearing those perennial stilettos. Really? Did TPTB expect her to get a foothold and make it look believable?
“Madame Ovary” = Liz 🙂
I am disappointed in the writers dragging Laura into the web of lies!
Her character has always been top notch but now she is with holding the lies and makes me lose respect for her…Very sad the writers are destroying her now
Actually, Peggy, if you’re familiar with the character’s history, Laura has a long-established pattern of withholding the truth from people if she thinks it will hurt them. For two examples, she withheld the truth about Luke raping her from her husband at the time, Scott, and she later withheld the truth from Luke about having given birth to Nikolas while she was the Cassadines’ captive. Though she may lie by omission, there’s no question that the character’s heart is always in the right place.
I’d only add that it’s because Laura has learned from her past mistakes that she’s urging Liz and Nikolas to tell the truth.
Love Genie a..She is spectacular in everything she has done on GH..I think as Laura she does not want to hurt Nicholas, but wants to make sure the wrong has been righted, and even if it brings down Nicholas she will step in to make it happen..Everything she said to Liz was right on..I think Laura wants the ones who have been lieing to make things right, and be honest with Jake… Jason. I do agree something is definitely not right with Little Jake..Helena gave him up as little Jake too easily so very possible he has been programmed
Genie Francis, is so beautiful, amazing and phenomenal!!
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Liz’s adored, back from the dead son, were the one to reveal all and blow up the wedding? It would serve Liz right.
and give new meaning to out of the mouths of kids!
I think little Jake was forced by Helene to watch “The Omen” repeatedly and will knock Liz over the stair railing while peddling his little red tricycle…lol
AND hopefully the little red tricycle lands on top of Sabrina!
lol…i wish
Better yet, can we make it “Big Jake’s” motorcycle?????
I HATE LIZ. Love Laura —- wish she’d open that damn envelope Luke left her already. Why, why, why must they call that kid “Little Jake?”
I don’t even think that BIG Jake likes her; they have zero chemistry.
yeah cause slutty sam is way better!
Finally, the REAL Laura is back. Please new head writers: this dark, largely immoral show needs a voice of sanity and reason. No one is better for this role than Laura Spencer. GH needs Laura and Genie Francis. Keep her, PLEASE!!!!!!!!
I can’t stand Elizabeth.
I am encouraged that Laura is a part of the Jake/Jason story. I love Genie and want her to stand on her own! Hats off to her for having a brain and suggesting Jake should seek counseling! That poor kid has been through god knows what and all Liz can think about is sinking her teeth into Jason! What a BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB! Oh, and let Laura fall in love again and NO Scotty! Love Kin but I want Laura to reboot!
I’ve been wanting the writers to bring back Joe Kelly. The handsome private investigator turned lawyer. Moved away 30+ years ago. A good love interest for Laura and he could be used in so many roles. A lawyer with morals who could go head to head with Paul, Scottie and Ric. An interest in Kelly’s Diner since his father founded it. He is age appropriate for Laura and his character was always morally sound. I think they would be a nice pairing.
Thats a real good idea!
i’m so glad Genie is back and hope she sticks around, its great that the new writers are addressing a few things most obvious one little jakes return, its about time, now if they could just address the Robin thing too. and before anyone writes about Kimberly not wanting to return, addressing her character whereabout doesn’t mean we have to see the character on air, things just have to be explained, last time Robin was seen on air she was threatened to stay away, so where is she? does little Emma Skype with her? is Robin a prisoner again? has Anna talk to her? does she know Duke died again, because lets say that we are all buying that she is somewhere in the world helping people with aids, ect like Doctors without borders, she would still not be that isolated that she couldn’t communicate with her love ones, simply put her story needs to be resolved in a convicing way. period..
I agree with everything you said. And certainly people could say they spoke to Robin on the phone or emailed or Skyped with her. And perhaps Kimberly might have time to “Skype” or talk on lend her voice to a phone conversation.Or do something where they could show her face (but not live) for a “Skype.” Why can’t they show where “Robin” Is, I agree. You are spot on, about Genie and Laura.
Helena should have no control over Robin now so for her not to be there for Anna when Duke died and not be a mother to little Emma is ludicrous!
I had a little glimmer of hope that laura was getting through to liz, hopefully it will play out that way, cause liz will need someone like laura behind her when jason crazy so called “family” will surely try to pounce on her for the secret she kept, i hope liz doesn’t buckle and tells them all off, except monica, she should not keep a son from his mom, but to the rest , she should send them to hell, and let them have it.
Do I need to check back in and start watching? Is this the start of a turn around and will they be smart enough to keep Genie around this time?
I think GF is phenomenal. I also like the way that Laura is trying to get those who are in the wrong to do the right thing. It seems like something a parent or a teacher might do. You can “tell” a kid to do something, but if you “reason” with them about why they should do the right thing, they learn. Maybe that’s what’s Laura’s trying to do?
As for Little Jake…I hope it’s not another “ship” in the head story. Yawn. This whole experience has to be overwhelming for the kid, so I hope the problem is organic and we get to see him act out and get some help.
I was happy to see Laura point out that little jake has been on Cassadine island for 4 years and 5h at that he should probably see someone. Not only did it ground the story in reality and move it away from a to device but it also plays into laura ‘ s history. She knows all too well what it’s like to be held prisoner on that island so… good job
Laura returned just in the nick of time. Laura and Anna are pretty much the only reason I’m hanging onto GH at this point.
Yep. Me too. And it is by the thinnest of threads.
I know I’ve been a little rough on GH lately, but its only toughlove. At least I still care. Fingers-crossed that the new writers will get it right.
Now if only they would bring Anna’s twin sister Alex onto the show. She’s a Neurologist, so they could bring her on as another doctor to help with Laura’s condition.
Love the character of Laura Spencer and everything Genie Francis does. She IS GH for me. I started watching for her and this is the one character I can still relate too in a sea of others I cannot understand and just don’t care about. Both Laura and Genie need their own story!! Fast!! I just don’t give a damn about Sonny’s paralysis. Seriously I wish the guy was at the bottom of the Port Charles Harbor in cement boots… so not feeling anything for his story.. and so many characters that were thrown at us that don’t really fit in the GH landscape. Wish they would all disappear and we could get back to the core families we truly care about. Wishing the reappearance of Laura would symbolize such a thing… but think GH is so far off course not even an icon, legend and amazing character as Laura Spencer and phenomenal actress as Genie Francis could get them back on course! If only they would commit to the long term, hard core fans… the ones that are ECSTATIC that Genie Francis is back where she belongs!
They have to keep Genie on this show! She grounds General Hospital.
I would like to see her spend more time with little Jake. They could bond over experiences on that darn island.
She also needs a love interest with someone who’s morally sound but has a little edge to him.
If GH lets Genie slip away again this time I’m gone for good.
Love Genie…I’m so happy she’s back hoping the writers this time have her stay for good.. Hoping they’ll give her a good storyline.. Go Laura !!!!
Genie Francis is the golden ticket to this show. She is the heart and soul & they need to use her to be the stabalizing force to anchor GH. I’m hoping they give her her own story with a hot love interest. GH needs to return to love in the afternoon; its rich history with core families; and more focus on the hospital. I watch for Genie. If she’s not there, neither am I.
Will Denise Alexander be returning as Laura’s Mom, Lesley? I’ve always loved the Laura/Lesley scenes.