General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chris McKenna Debuts as Jack Brennan; What Were Your First Impressions?
On the Tuesday, February 4th episode of General Hospital, viewers got their first glimpses of Chris McKenna (ex-OLTL, Y&R and B&B) in the role of Jack Brennan. The shift was a bit jarring for many fans of the series since they were used to Charles Mesure in the part since December 1, 2023.
As previously reported, Mesure opted to not stay with the ABC daytime drama series, which prompted this sudden recast. Mesure’s last airdate was on January 30th, while McKenna took over on yesterday’s airshow.
In story, Brennan, now played by McKenna, is flying back from Germany along with Carly (Laura Wright), and the two have a conversation filled with sexual innuendos; indicating the next time they are alone, Jack hopes things go further between them.

Courtesy/ABC
Suddenly, he gets a call before they land from Colette (Mercedes Lopez Renard), who informs Jack there is a problem on the ground. He tells her he will meet her as soon as he can. Later, we see the two meet up near a cabin in the woods. While Colette wants to go inside, Jack fears if this is Cyrus Renault’s (Jeff Kober) place, he could come back at any minute.
Jack has alternate plans. He wants Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) to be the one to find Renault’s hideout and to see what she does with the information. As we know, Josslyn already had a terse conversation with Anna (Finola Hughes), about staying out of the PCPD’s investigation of Renault. However, clearly Josslyn is not getting the message, as she seems to be going rogue to get justice for the death of her beloved boyfriend, Dex Heller, who was murdered by Renault.

Courtesy/ABC
Chris McKenna’s entrance on to GH reunites him with executive producer, Frank Valentini, who for 26 years was at One Life to Live working his way up through the production ranks and eventually as that show’s EP. McKenna debuted on One Life at only 12-years old as Viki Buchanan’s (Erika Slezak) son, Joey Buchanan, and stayed in the role from 1990-1993. He was replaced in 1994 by none other than Nathan Fillion.
So, what were your first impressions of Chris McKenna as GH’s new Jack Brennan? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
My first impression is who cares gh is making this a bigger story than it is who carez
I care. I liked the other Jack. This one doesn’t even have an accent if I remember correctly. Wish Charles Mesure would have stayed.
Me too he could have at least faked the accent!
Oh please – the only fake accent viewers seem willing to accept is Lois’. Michael Knight was criticized for his “colonel sanders” accent for Martin, which thankfully he discontinued when returning to the show this past fall.
Even John York (who tried an Aussie accent back in the 90s) eventually dropped it.
Heh, Colonel Sanders! The goatee vanished with the Kentucky Fried accent and all the better for it.
I don’t feel that Lois’s accent is foisted on us, I feel that SHE is! Can’t stand that buttinsky, butting in everyone’s lives, now hiring a lawyer for her daughter, she’s totally outrageous!
Totally agree.. There was no chemistry what so ever between him & Laura (Carly).. And this Jack is not Carly’s type at all.. ♀️
I am sure he is has experience he just does not fit the part
Me too! The two of them had more chemistry than is legally allowed! If Charles decided to go they should’ve let James ((Val) off him.
Not impressed at all. He is not convincing in the role.
I was so disappointed when the role was recast. That kiss he planted in Carly was honestly the hottest event in months on GH. I did like McKenna on YR and was sad to see him go. I will def give him a chance and his hair is quite stunning. But I still prefer Mesure. Will we ever find out why he chose to leave
You said it, and we never got to see any scenes after they closed the door, what a let down!
I like the new Jack I used to watch him as Joey Buchanan when he was 12 years old Welcome to General Hospital
I agree with comments.
No chemistry between Carly and the new Jack.
Prefer the old Jack.
Not impressed!
That was a whole different role
Gorgeous hairy sexy gorgeous man Chris
Measure had much better chemistry with Laura Wright. Now I find the pair a snooze to watch.
I will give him time, but Charles Mesure was very good in the role. Hope to watch him in whatever project he is involved with next. The spark between Charles and Laura Wright certainly felt real.
Loved Charles Mesure as Jack there was indeed a spark there for Laura Wright that isn’t seen from the new guy.
Agreed!!! The twinkle was REAL!
I’ll give it a little time, but first impression was meh.
Mesure made his presence known in every scene. We’ll see if McKenna can handle the meaty stuff. Glad he didn’t attempt a fake accent.
I like him OK and he looks very familiar.I never watched him on young and the restless or one life to live, but I’ve seen him in something.Now he has an American accent.I’m going to miss the British accent
He only looks familiar to you, yet you miss his British accent, you sound ridiculous!
It was great to see Chris McKenna. I enjoyed him so much as a young teen on One Life to Live. Seeing him all grown up brought a tear to my eye. During their brief scene, I thought he and Laura Wright worked well off each other. I think there could be some fire between them.
I agree.
Doesn’t look like an agent, no chemistry between him as and Laura.
Agree 100%
What does an agent look like?
He’s handsome enough, but I don’t feel the chemistry between him and Carly like I did with Jack.
NOT A GOOD RECAST AT ALL.
BRENNAN WAS AUSSIE. CASTING A PERSON WITH NI ACCENT JUST DOESN’T FIT.
AND SORRY, NOT SORRY BUT HIS HAIR DON’T LOOKS LIKE A 2ND GRADE BOYS HAIRCUT.
The chemistry between Laura Wright and Charles Mesure was off the charts. McKenna is a dud !! Sorry, I see what is NOT there..CHEMISTRY !! He has more of a brotherly vibe .
YES! BROTHERLY VIBE!
Carly and Mesure were hot hot hot! I rather you get rid of the character than have this guy. There is No chemistry he cannot fill the shoes!!! With mesure and Carly You didn’t wanna look away and you smiled the whole entire time. Looking forward to their scenes. They had great chemistry. It made the show. I don’t look forward to watching it now.
Absolutely!!
Agreed. They had chemistry and no disrespect to Laura Wright but I get the feeling that Charles Measure is so crackling with charisma that he’d have chemistry with a Chia Pet. He even had chemistry with Valentin.
Harry, agree 100%, yum!
Charles Mesure much more handsome ! I hated the recast!
He definitely was more handsome!!
Honestly? Not half-bad. It is different? Yes. But it isn’t half-bad. Look forward to seeing what he may be able to do in the role moving forward.
Yuck! Nothing great. Doesn’t compare to the chemistry that was between Carly and the Charles Mesure, Brennan. Very disappointed.
He does not fit the position as Charles did. Maybe Chris could be placed elsewhere! I may find another way to spend my free time.
Don’t like the recast. Very disappointed.
Chris McKenna is a great actor. I remember him as Joey on OLTL. But no chemistry with Lsura Wright. Charles MESURE was perfect for Jack Brennan. Mysterious and sexy! Mesure was SO MUCH BETTER AS JACK BRENNAN! I wish Charles MESURE a speedy recovery and the best of health!
Who said anything about C.M being ill, he just quit?
Talk about toxic fandom. The guy has 4 scenes as a replacement for a very popular actor and people are ready to write him and the show off because of his first day. There’s no point in comparing him with Charles Mesure. He’s not hired to imitate Charles Mesure, and he can’t be Charles Mesure. But if given a chance, he could make the role his own. He did just fine for a first-day recast. His eyes twinkled and the little smiles with Carly on the plane. Then getting down to business with his henchwoman.
You are right on!
Well said! Give it some time. I enjoyed his scenes with Joss today, so I think he continue to get better in the role.
I’m not happy with this I’m 80 years old and looked forward to watching Charles and Laura interact.
I’m not impressed I want Charles back, did he get let go I would like to here from him
I do not like the change. The original actor has hot and had great chemistry with Carly. I do not like these two together at all. Sorry GH you ruined a great couple.
Charles quit
Ok. The guy quit yall. This dude is a hottest to me. And I don’t mind that he doesn’t have an accent. I’m fine with him.
Just another bad recast. Does the casting director ever have the potential actor/actress read with whom they will be paired with? I’m tired of these no chemistry couples
Charles said he had a good read with Laura Wright, so it sounds promising.
He did chem-test with Laura Wright.
There is a YouTube soap video, whether it is true or not.. but it claims Charles felt ” there was too much memorizing of long scripts” that he didn’t feel up too. Not certain if there is any truth to it… as with most things in today’s world…
I am will to give Chris a go, but do miss Charles.
The other Jack had an edge to him which suited him so well for the role that he was playing. Cunning, charming with an air of mystery. It was just so strange him leaving when they were getting to the intimate playful part of the relationship. Then you have this new character popping up with no chemistry as of yet speaking of very intimate conversations. Not feeling it
Bring back the other Jack.
Oh my goodness. I’m a few episodes behind and I had no idea about this. Jack Brennan/Charles Mesure was winning me over the last few months. This is unfortunate. Wow. I hope he’s happy though and I wish him well. I will miss seeing him on the show.
I liked Charles Measure as Jack. He was sexy & had really good sexual chemistry with Laura. Wright (Carly). If the other Jack can’t come back, put Carly with Jason or Sonny.
Don’t like him he doesn’t have class like jack
Thanks but No thanks! You definitely could have done a better job at picking the new Jack Brennan
While I don’t have anything against him he does not have the carisma and accent that makes Carly and Brennan have that spark
I said what hell who is this guy
I like the Australian much better, but that’s just my opinion. We’ll have to wait and see if this guy comes up with the same charisma as he had right now no.
I like him and I hope GH keeps him!!
No I definitely liked the other Jack this guy just don’t fit the part not as handsome is the other Jack I was all excited when Jack and Carly got together not much anymore plus no accent!!!
Bring back the original
This one is not believable as jack brennan
McKenna did a very good job as Jack.
Do not like he has no chemistry with Carly. And has no accent. Should have cast someone closer in looks and accent. Which the other Jack would reconsider and come back other wise this does not work.
I don’t like this one I really like the old Jack. And as a 50 year loyal fan, was really only watching it for the old Jack. Everything else is starting to fall apart.
While there are certainly problems with some storylines, as someone whose watched almost as long as you, I find it hard to believe you were pinning all your hopes on a non-core character introduced only a year ago.
New “Jack” has great hair. Old “Jack” had a quiet, forceful presence, allure, mystery, someone I couldn’t wait to peel the layers, unpack the box within a box.
I prefer Charles Mesure. !!!! Wish he would return asap. I see no chemistry therefore I don’t care to watch the new actor.
Nothing against this actor except he doesn’t look mysterious and doesn’t speak forebodingly either. Measure and Carly had a better connection, but I’ll give this guy some time.
My first impression was geez. What has GH done now. I like the old Jack much better. Loved his accent and voice. I hope Mesure Decides to return.
Why are people so upset about this? It’s not like the new actor had anything to do with Charles Mesure leaving. And Jack Brennan isn’t even a major character on the show. I like Chris McKenna. I thought he was good in the four scenes he’s been in. I’ve seen Chris McKenna in other roles, and he’s a good actor. I know a lot of fans won’t give him a chance because they love Charles Measure (who I think is great), but I’m looking forward to seeing what Chris will bring to the role. Charles Mesure was a joy to watch, but I don’t mind the change. Chris is very brave to take on a role that I didn’t realize was so popular. I’m rooting for him.
Just one little remark, he was BETTER than some of the major characters, fresh and exciting, not all dull and boring like some of the ” old timers”.
I really really really want Charles M. back. He and Carly were perfect with each other. This new Jack Brennan has all the sex appeal of a wet sponge.
No I prefer Charles Mesure.
Please bring Charles Measure back!!! He’s an Aussie and very handsome. Love his personality. Charles and Carly make a great couple. Give Charles more money so he will stay!! We want Charles Measure back on GH!!!!!!
Then I suggest you speak with Charles Mesure, because it was his choice to leave the show. I haven’t heard or read anything to indicate that money was the issue. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that he was offered more money and still decided to leave.
What does surprise me is that the only signed him to a one-year contract in the first place. Maybe that’s the new norm, but three years used to be standard
Hi Michael.
Charles only just completed 13 weeks (first cycle) of his contract. Prior to that, he was on recurring.
Don’t care for this new guy we want Charles back!!!!
Sucks no personality at all like a wet noodle.
Please get someone else
Bring old jack back. No offense to new guy but he’ll never be jack brennan.
TOTALLY TRUE. This one is awful. He is so knuckle-dragging, meat and potatoes. NOT at all slick enough for Carly. BAD recast. Not convincing… I’d rather see Jim DePaiva or Dave Cubitt
I like dePaiva too, but I think he’s about 70 now, isn’t he? So probably a little old for this role. I’m not familiar with Mr. Cubitt.
McKenna will do just fine in the role.
DePaiva was already on GH about 7 years ago as a doctor that harassed Kiki.
Not a good recast. He doesn’t have that same air of mystery/intrigue. Thumbs down!!!!!!!
so true
Nope
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
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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