General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Rebecca Herbst, William Lipton & Kin Shriner Break Our Hearts as Franco’s Loved Ones Learn of His Death
Wednesday’s episode of General Hospital lived up to what viewers were preparing themselves for – what would happen and what would be the reactions of Franco’s (Roger Howarth) family when they learned he was shot and killed.
In story, Peter (Wes Ramsey) has hit a new low, even for him, by covering his tracks, deleting the recording of his confession to his crimes on Franco’s phone, and leaving Franco to die after the two struggled for the gun, following Franco having kidnapped Peter.
Courtesy/ABC
Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) believes Jason (Steve Burton) killed her husband, because the hitman was at the crime scene, and because of the pact Franco made with Jason- that if evil Franco should come back (due to his brain tumor returning) that Jason would kill him so he would not do harm to anyone, or those he loved. Jason is taken down to the PCPD for questioning, while Elizabeth would not let Franco go, so the police could do their investigation and take his dead body. However, Jordan (Briana Nicole Henry) was able to get through to Liz and we watched a sheet being placed over Franco as he was being taken out by paramedics just as Cameron (William Lipton) leaves Franco a message on his cell telling him he misses him and there are some things he wants to tell him.
Laura (Genie Francis) gets a call about Franco’s shooting and death and heads down to the PCPD. Meanwhile, Mac (John J. York) calls Scott (Kin Shriner) and tells him to get to the police station immediately. As it turns out, it is Laura who tells Scott that his son is dead. An anguished and emotional Scott shares how three of his children are now gone. When Scott sees that Jason is being held for questioning in Franco’s death, he loses it and goes after Jason. When Kin Shriner plays a vulnerable story beat as Scott, he always touches the heartstrings and this was no exception.
Courtesy/ABC
Then, in the most heartbreaking moments of the episode, Elizabeth comes home to tell Cameron, who just woke up from a dream where Franco came to see him (in another touching scene between Roger Howarth and William Lipton), that Franco was shot and killed. Cameron is gut-punched and is beside himself as Elizabeth tries to console her son, while also trying to deal with the unimaginable herself. Liz decides she will tell Aiden and Jake in the morning about Franco since they are sleeping. However, Cameron says they will do it together. Elizabeth hugs her son. Kudos to Rebecca Herbst and William Lipton in these scenes.
Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile, Maxie (Kirsten Storms) has turned her back on Peter for now, when he shows up in her hospital room after Franco’s death. He says it’s not over between them, after she tells him the man she loved never existed.
So, what did you think of today’s emotional General Hospital and the performances by Rebecca Herbst, Kin Shriner, and William Lipton? Comment below.
Unbelievably touching. Elizabeth and Cameron crushed me. Such an amazing episode.
I hate that they killed Franco off RH had just off the charts chemistry with Becky and I know they enjoyed working together! Lipton is indeed one of the best finds teenagers kudos!
My opinion only but they have written Steve Burton into a corner he is capable of feelings etc why they want him to be a robot is beyond me
He did begin to show some emotions when he originally returned… but it seems like either he or TPTB want “Stone Cold” to come back, which is boring and predictable.
Steve Burton had a lot more depth with his role as Dylan on Y&R than he does as Jason on GH currently. If he stays on GH, then Britt is a good possibility for a romantic connection. But honestly, I would like to see him return to Y&R and allow Drew as Billy Miller return to GH. Victoria and Billy are over. Oh, and Avery could return to YR as well…
I feel for Scotty since they keep giving him these long lost kids and then killing them off. But I must inform Counselor Baldwin that Hell will NOT be with him if he attempts “revenge” on Jason, who had nothing to do with his alleged son’s death.
Just like Sonny had nothing to do with Karen’s death, but Scotty’s still throwing that accusation around, decades later. And I think he still blames Lulu for the fact that his other long lost son Logan literally walked right into a knife as he was attacking Lulu. Logan actually looked like Scotty’s son, so they probably should have kept him around.
Frodd should have never been tied to the Baldwin family in either case. It’s really too bad that they never brought back Serena, the kid Scotty actually raised. We saw her for about 5 minutes when Lee Baldwin died, but other than that, you would never know she existed.
All 3 were outstanding, but Lipton moved me the most. Gut-wrenching, raw emotion. He has a great future in acting. Someday, we’ll be telling our friends that we saw him first on General Hospital.
Poor Scotty has joined Monica in the triple deceased children club.
Great having Mac on every day for over a week. What a great connectivity from the wedding storyline to Franco’s demise.
Finally, don’t care how it happens, but Peter must be removed from our screens as soon as possible. Not since Courtney have I considered one character that well overstayed their reason for continuing on the show.
Thrilling soap throughout March, so far.
To say that kid hit it out of the park is not praise enough
I want Franco back. He’s finally got the love of his life and the children he loves. Not fair it was Franco that was killed and not Peter. Franco had turned from his evil ways and was becoming the man he wanted to be
William Lipton, like the rest of the teen cast, continues to turn out incredible work. Rebecca Herbst, on the other hand, did not bring any kind of emotion out of me. Sorry, but, her reaction has fallen flat for me. I also cannot help but think back to when Maura West (Ava) collapsed, crying over Kiki’s lifeless body on the Haunted Star. Now THAT is a reaction.
Scott, I had a similar reaction. At first I thought she was putting on a brave face. But I’ve seen more hysteria when a kitten dies. Do you think it’s because she knows Franco will probably be back before long? I read that RH is only off screen temporarily and is still on contract. What do you think?
Soaphound and Scott( fan)
Well, thought it was just me. I have never been a big Liz fan but kept waiting for her to really break down, but the next morning in the L.R with her friend talking, she just seemed upset or not feeling well, not grieving the love of her life’s death a few hours ago. So many fans out there thinking Franco is still alive, I think he looked really dead to me on display at the hosp.morgue for poor Cam to see. That young man really acted and I bet he was drained after those horrific scenes.
Oh, just had a thought of when Ava and Liesel find out
Franco is dead. Roger is coming back; we just don’t know if he’ll be a new character, Todd Manning, a flashback, dream, etc.
I thought Rebecca was amazing. I love West but, to some, the scene you described was more an example of over-acting rather than fine acting.
Bostonnc
You are right as we will see when Ava gets the bad news. That will be how grieving should look!
Completely agree. Cameron – William Lipton is painful to watch but not because he brings any emotion out of me, he just over acts everything. He’s terrible. I’m sorry I know he’s young but someone needs to tell him to underplay, that’s the only way he might get back to anything believable.
Yes I use to think he was such a great young actor but as of lately he way way over acts with his face especially. his coach needs to tell him to tone down the facial expressions a little bit.
I cried my eyes out watching the show.
Oh my goodness! O found myself struggling not to cry right along with them. Rebecca just broke my heart with her understated reaction and William just let it rip; he was sooo raw! And Kin, in typical Scotty fashion…when he acknowledged three of his children were dead…oh my lands! How horrible to imagine! But Kin left no doubt about how painful it must be.
Stellar writing and acting from all involved!
Call me jaded but after 55-plus years of soap viewing, it’s hard for me to get too emotional when a character “dies”. Even when my idol Billy Miller left, I was only sad that I wouldn’t see him every few days. I never really thought Drew was actually dead. Same with Franco. It makes more sense that he’ll survive and resurface. And that recent funeral for Sonny was even worse. Yes, the actors are a treat to watch, but we already know Sonny is still alive. Now, when Jeanne Cooper passed and I knew I’d never see new stories with Katherine Chancellor, that WAS a sad time for me.
if Franco not dead then its all pointless…
I can’t believe they killed Franco. They never let Elizabeth just be happy. They had the best chemistry on that show. I’ve watched since the 70’s and this was a disappointment for me. Roger Howarth and Rebecca Herbst are amazing and I’m sorry that the storyline ended that way.
William Lipton and Rebecca Herbst were absolutely fabulous. They both deserve an Emmy for their performance. The pain and anguish portrayed by William was so pure and real, I felt so deeply for him! I even had tears in my eyes. Well done on both their accounts.
Emmy please
William Lipton Outstanding Younger leading actor.
Becky Hurst Outstanding Supporting Actress.
General Hospital best show!
Best show on TV
This was emmy material.
Go GH!
Really the Emmy’s cannot pass this …Cameron his , and in more than one scene…really Amazing!!
write Cameron’s name on the Emmy today….
Brilliant writing, seasoned young and mature exceptional actors. You all NEVER seem to disappoint! Thank you!!
If William Lipton doesn’t win an Emmy for this performance next year, there should be an investigation. They struck gold when they cast him as Cameron. I’ve been a fan of his since day one. He had me in tears watching along at his reaction to Franco’s death. So raw and so real. Incredibly touching performance. He’s so good already at such a young age. The sky is the limit for this talented young man!
Kin Shriner’s performance really hit me, as well. You never see Scotty react like that to anything. He’s usually just playing the bumbling goof comic relief. And a very nice touch to have Laura be the one to break the news to him, given Kin and Genie’s long history together on the show.
That week of shows from the double wedding blow up, to Franco’s death, one reveal, one twist, after another after another, my god, my head is still spinning. But in a very good way, lol. Incredible performances across the board from the best cast in daytime, great writing, kudos to everyone involved. GH is on fire, and really it’s been that way since they returned from the COVID hiatus last year.
The scene with Cameron and Elizabeth made me cry. So well acted and emotional. I hate to see Franco go. He started out as a terrible person but I grew to like the character over the years.
Franco will be gone but- Roger isn’t going away.
It was made clear Roger would return as????
They needed to tell that so the fans wouldn’t tear up
Tweeter/internet for letting Roger go.lol
Good move–
Excellent acting by all! The shock on steve Burton’s face when she accused him of killing Franco until the scenes w Terri to Cam and Franco saying Goodbye it was superb
I didn’t like the fact Franco is kill off the show, Also when his wife came on the scene.When he
took his last breathe he told her I love you,
The writer should had Franco mention before he
passed away that PETER kill him.
Today was supposed to be a sad one for Liz and the boys. No surprise when it came to Liz, acting like it was just another day. She was all dressed up, hair and makeup done and so ready to accuse Jason just because of the pact he had with Franco. She makes me sick!
Could william liston overact just a little more?!!!
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
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