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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chris McKenna Debuts as Jack Brennan; What Were Your First Impressions?

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

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.

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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: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair

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Sonny, Dante, Michael, Brook Lynn General Hospital

On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!

Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).

GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.

Sonny and Dante

Courtesy/ABC

A VISIT WITH DAD

Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.

Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!

Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.

Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!”  The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.

Michael and Brook Lynn

Courtesy/ABC

MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR

While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).

Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.

An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process.  As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”

CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER

At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.

Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.

So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section,  but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.

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GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof

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Tajh Bellow and Loren Lott

Two soap opera alums very familiar to fans of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless are paired together in a new short-form digital series from none other than Issa Rae’s production entity HOORAE Digital.

Look for Tajh Bellow (ex-TJ Ashford, GH)) and Loren Lott (ex-Ana Hamilton, Y&R) as part of the cast of  The Compatibility Experiment, premiering on October 14, 2026, exclusively on TikTok and its companion microdrama platform, PineDrama.

In the video teaser, it appears that Bellow and Lott play a couple, Kelvin and Camila, set in a Love Island reality show-esque environment trying to win the one million dollar cash prize, only what could go wrong?

The Compatibility Experiment

Photo: HOORAE

The Compatibility Experiment loglines share that it brings a fast-paced, relationship-focused reality check—much like Love Island with a twist. The show takes a participant’s current relationship, introduces them to a potentially more compatible partner, and forces them to navigate the differences with life-changing money on the line.

The new series is part of a groundbreaking content deal between HOORAE Digital and TikTok to develop premium short-form storytelling. The ensemble cast also features; Ayona, Reggie Luck, JaNa Craig, Tosin Morohunfola, Jessica Jacoby, Georgia Warner, and Nick Cassidy.

General Hospital fans know Tajh Bellow for his performances as TJ Ashford, and who earned two Daytime Emmy nominations along the way during his run. Bellow took over the role in 2018 and last appeared on the ABC daytime drama series in December of 2024.

Loren Lott first appeared as Devon’s (Bryton James) sister Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019; making a brief return in 2024. She has continued to perform on the stage and screen with recent credits including: Bel-Air, Cherish the Day, and All American: Homecoming.

Check out the trailer for The Compatibility Experiment below and let us know what you think of its concept and if you are glad to see Tajh and Loren again? Hoping they might return to daytime in their GH and Y&R roles at some point in the future? Weigh-in via the comment section.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown

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Drew and Ava

If you thought that the person responsible for the Pentonville brawl that saw Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) taken to General Hospital was Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or even Sidwell himself, you were dead wrong! On the Wednesday, September 30 episode of GH, it turned out that the culprits were actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison).

In story, Drew apparently bankrolled the attack on Sidwell and framing Sonny. He told Ava their planned worked (she came up with it!) but was horrified when Drew informed her that Curtis got caught in the crosshairs. Ava is visibly upset because of her longtime friendship with Curtis’ daughter, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Drew tried to make Ava see the bright side. Curtis was witness to it and his presence will cast doubt on Sonny’s claims to that he had gotten out of the mob and gone legit.

Later, Vito shows up at Drew’s. They informed him that his guy on the inside of the slammer made a big mistake by hurting their friend and ordered him to leave town.

Maura West

Courtesy/ABC

BOATHOUSE BRAWL

In other major developments, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and Rocco (Finn Carr) have a blow out fight as Danny blames his “brother” for the reason Charlotte was sent off to boarding school.

Rocco told off Danny for Charlotte’s (Bluesy Burke) reckless behavior and he explains he had to protect his sister. He went in on Danny saying that his mother Lulu (Alexa Havins) has been right to send Charlotte to boarding school and far away from Danny.

However, Rocco went a bit too far when he shouted, “And if your mom was alive, she would send you away too!” Next, Danny punched out Rocco, leading to a terrible brawl. An angered Danny yells at Rocco to, “Stay away from me and everyone in my family. And don’t you ever mention my mom again!” Danny storms off.

Rocco

Courtesy/ABC

Now alone outside the boathouse, Rocco flashes back to his first kiss with Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi), hoping that his fight with Danny will not escalate and ruin their budding romance. Meanwhile, a bloodied-mouth Danny heads over to Sonny’s and Jason (Steve Burton) is there at the same time. He then admits that he has a bad fight with Rocco and they are both beaten up.

WILL SCOUT WISE UP?

At the end of the episode, Scout, who had a fight with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over Drew, and who keeps telling everyone how good a man her dad truly is, comes upon a suspicious scene.

Scout hides behind the wall outside Drew’s. She sees her dad, Ava and Vito talking. Next, Scout seems to overhear Vito assuring Drew and Ava that their business dealings are done, and he’ll be leaving Port Charles for good.

So, what did you think of the reveal that Ava and Drew were behind framing Sonny for the prison beatdown of Sidwell (and Curtis)? Do you think Danny and Rocco’s relationship can be repaired, or do you think the teenagers will continue to be at each other’s throats? Finally, do you hope Scout gets a clue and stops thinking her dad walks on air? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out how Ava and Drew conspired below.

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