General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Lucas Jones Returns as Van Hansis Makes His Debut
On Friday’s, October 4th episode of General Hospital, former As the World Turns favorite, Van Hansis (ex-Luke Snyder) made his highly-anticipated arrival as the recast Lucas Jones. Hansis is taking over the role of Dr. Jones which was last played by Ryan Carnes.
In his first episode, Lucas comes home to Port Charles from Boston as he has accepted a new position at GH. He first stops to see his sister, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright). During their “welcome home’ moments, Carly talks about how he feels about being back in town with Wylie now being raised by Michael (Chad Duell) and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). He says after all the pain he went through in giving up his “son”, he’s ready now to be Wylie’s uncle and wants what’s best for him.
Next, the conversation switches to what is going on between Carly and her ex Sonny (Maurice Benard)? She asks him how he knows about it. Lucas says Josslyn (Eden McCoy) filled him in. Carly avoids answering him fully. Lucas says eventually they will need to talk about it, but heads out to do some paper work at the hospital.
Photo: JPI
Once at GH, Lucas meets with co-chief-of-staff, Terry Randolph (Cassandra James). He says he is ready for a new start in his hometown, but Terry cautions him about someone else he knows also being rehired at the hospital, one, Bradley Cooper (Parry Shen), Lucas’ ex. Not wasting any time, Lucas goes to talk to Brad and makes it clear where they stand now and forever.
Photo: JPI
At the hospital lab, Lucas surprises Brad, who is taken off guard and by the news that he is back working as a doctor at GH. Lucas draws the line in the sand and revisits what Brad did with baby Wylie, and getting caught up in the duplicity of his baby switch and how much he hurt him. Lucas says they’ll only talk when it’s regarding work and that he wants nothing else to do with Brad, ever.
Photo: JPI
In his first episode, Hansis showed that from all accounts, Lucas is his more than capable hands. The actor can bring emotion, depth and more to what we hope becomes a frontburner role on the ABC soap opera.
What were your first impressions of Van Hansis as GH’s Lucas Jones? Comment below.
It’s a no for me. Let’s just say he portraying Lucas in a manner that Lucas never was.
Lucas never had a defined personality. He was just a prop in plot maneuvers. He was never so much a character in his own right. They decided one day “Let’s make him gay”. He came out while being played by an unknown recast, then was quickly off the show. He remained off the show for the better part of a decade. He was brought back sporadically. Then when the show wanted to tell an epic baby switch story, it was like Lucas and Brad were shoehorned into the story, but rarely ever seen during the telling of it. Then with little to no fallout, he was off the show again. There has been no longer term investment in this character.
I think it would be a killer twist if they were to revisit history and it turned out Lucas actually was Robert Scorpio’s son! Long time viewers like myself will recall that Lucas’ bio mom, Cheryl (Tiffany’s sister) was involved with both Julian Jerome and Robert at the same time.
Now that Julian is long gone, and Robert is still active in story, that would be cool.
The boat to give Robert another son (either Lucas or Ethan has sailed).
Now, good acting can bump up a character in prominence. Kristen Vaganos as Molly is a prime example. Despite growing up on the show, Pulos’ Molly was a tertiary character. Vagabond powerful performances have earned her a contract and we are finally seeing Molly’s POV. Perhaps, Lucas will get the same treatment.
I agree. Sounds good to me.
He definitely had a defined personality and a vibe. He was on the show for about eight years at one point, and he had several stories with Brad and Felix, then “Wiley,” etc, not to mention his relationship with Julian. It was enough time to get a sense of Lucas. A gay man portrayed with an almost “macho,” persona. This recast and his portrayal of Lucas is not that. It was the same dramatic difference when the show decided “Valerie” was bi…and was played by the very feminine, beautiful, Brytni Sarpi. Her (very brief) recast was a much tougher, harder, less feminine portrayal.
In time maybe this actor will grow on me. Right now the contrast is too stark.
You mean as gay? What is wrong with that? Really in 2024? He is too gay to play gay? Please. He was perfect
Well.. he had more of an aggressive tone..
Ryan’s Lucus had a soften even when he was upset..
I think in gay terms.. wonder how Brad feels.. maybe he wants him back even more.
Yes van is great
Rebecca, please elaborate on “portraying Lucas in a manner that Lucas never was.”
I did; it’s awaiting approval. I’m sure you’ll be offended though I would hope not.
You must have me confused with someone else. I’m not one of the people that gets offended at everything just for the sake of being offended. I don’t always agree with your opinions, but I do always appreciate reading your insights on GH. I was just looking for more details on your thoughts about the new Lucas.
I read what you had to say. Van Hansis is definitely portraying Lucas differently than previous actors that played the role, that’s for sure. I just think it’s one of those things where every actor that takes over an existing character makes the role their own. Like what Alley Mills did with Heather for one of the many examples. Hopefully Van as Lucas will grow on you in time, as you said.
Not impressed. There are so many characters that need air time so I don’t think they needed Brad or Lucas back.
Thank you! And if they’re reintroducing Legacy characters. I’d rather see Steven Lars. He fits right into the Heather redemption arc story. All of Heather’s problems began when she sold him and went bonkers trying to get him back.
I’d also like to see Kin Shriner get a contract and his daughter Serena recast to return. Also instead of making Dr. Gannon someone new I wouldve rather he be Tom and Simone Hardy’s child Tommy Hardy the third.
Ryan Carnes was my favorite Lucas. Either way, I’m bored with GH always entangling Lucas with Brad. Brad is a complex character with layers.
And stories can go places with Brad. Lucas has always just seemed to be on the canvas to fill a spot. Carly’s brother. Julian’s son. Bobbie’s son. Brad’s partner. Brad’s ex. I’ve never seen them give the Lucas character anything with much drive. Did Ryan Carnes leave on his own? If so, I don’t blame him.
Carrie, yes, Ryan Carnes left four years ago. Everyone seems to forget Lucas was actually recast with another actor for a while, because Ryan came back as a guest for Bobbie’s funeral to honor Jackie Zeman.
And thank God he did! His recast did not work!
Please no more characters. The continuity of the show is suffering because of so many characters. we went almost two weeks without Ava, who needs more air time. I was ready for a break from Molly and Kristina’s arguing, but now a week with nothing. Cody and Sasha are being turned into a side story when the writers think we need something cute or sweet. Please listen to the audience. We want more Tracy and Ava. Please less Drew and Portia.
More Ava? Are you serious? That witch should be long gone by now, all she doies is mess with people, getting into their business and causing trouble. She doesn’t know what the words truth or honest mean. If she were a real person, I don’t know how she’d sleep at night.
Yes more Ava Jerome!!!!
It’s not about what the audience wants. The writers have to write for the actors who are on contract! That’s the law lol. Theyre guaranteed so many appearances and they get paid PER APPERANCE.
Personally I love Cameron Matheson despite the fact his character is just a convoluted mess meant to explain Steve Burton’s return to the role of Jason.
For my part Cody and Sasha can run off and never be seen again lol. Jane Elliot needs a storyline. She’s getting enough air time lately but she has no storyline. I watched her from day one and in the Gloria Monty days she had the best storylines. Today she is just a supporting player.
She should be wheeling and dealing at ELQ and becoming the true Matriarch of the Q family. The days of strong , long arc stories seem to be over.
I agree with you about Tracy. She should have come back strong and ready to take on Michael and Drew and stand with Ned when they went up against him. She no longer has many of her scene partners; no AJ to go up against and attack, no Monica to exchange snarky comments with, no Alice…and Ned is barely on. There’s so much potential if the writers would write for the Quartermaines and bring back actors who want to return. I think (though I’m not sure) that Robert Palmer Watkins would come back as Dillon. I’d love to see Sean Kanan return as AJ even though AJ was killed off AGAIN…and I know Sean’s on (B&B???) AND there was bad blood between him and Carlivati. But if it’s possible, I wish they’d approach him about another return. Ned needs to be written for and seen way more than he is, and he and Tracy need to team up. It seems these current writers are intent on turning Tracy into some lonely, old, lady, who needs a softer edge. They made a big mistake by killing off Gregory; those two were gold together and it would have been fun to see him as part of the Q family along with his son, Chase. Lois, too, has been wasted. A legacy character who has been in not one good story since her return. They need to give her a relationship and maybe even start a music management company with Brook Lynn.
He really suits the role.Remember him on ATWT. Hope he stands by his guns and stays away from that POS Brad. He’s nothing but trouble. Wonder why they ever brought him back anyway, probably just to cause more trouble.
A hot mess is coming for Brad. Oh what tangled webs Ava and Portia weave for Trina. If Trina knew what they’ve done she’d be mortified. What a mess. Funny how Selina Wu has disappeared. She was lording over Brad, Cody and Marcus for the longest time. Maybe she’s with Scottie and the pharmacist.
Portia’s brother Zeke must be with too
Bad enough what Portia did as a physician but Ava has to stick her big nose in ,telling her what to do and also Rick Lansing, advising him with his case for Heather. Wish someone would strangle her, her hair has gotten long enough, might work!
Yeah, speaking of Ric. Guess he doesn’t care about attorney client privilege. Him telling Ava Heather’s business knowing she was one of Ava’s victims. Also, isn’t it a conflict of interest for him to represent them both?
Given the timing of Lucas returning along with the latest Aiden recast, I’m thinking Lucas will be serving as some sort of “mentor” role in helping Aiden get through life as a gay teenager. Since that’s one thing neither Liz or Lucky have any first hand experience with. We already know from the previous recast that Aiden was dealing with some sort of bullying issues at school, getting painted pink or whatever.
That might be a hard storyline.. a gay mentor for a gay teenage.. ( stay off dating apps and boys who want to introduce you to “party favors” ? )
I liked Van when he was on ATWT, he’s a more than capable actor. Every actor that takes on an existing character puts their own spin and flavor into the role, so I’m interested to see where he takes Lucas. And I’m curious to see what stories they have planned. They generally don’t recast a role with a well known actor like this for the character to become background scenery, so I would imagine they have some stuff in the works.
Bringing a well connected character to the history of the show, Tony and Bobbie’s son, Carly’s brother, Lucky’s cousin, and so forth, and a doctor back on the canvas is a positive.
Funny, I’ve not heard or seen this “well known actor” since ATWT.
Van Hansis starred in the online series Eastsiders and has done a several movies. He’s also taught acting.
I will start watching GH to see him play Lucas. He has instant chemistry with Brad. I hope he gets a new love interest like Reid on ATWT, but still have feelings for Brad. And I like him mentoring Aiden. So many possibilities for the character.
Thanks for the Info, as for the rest, to each his own.
Not feeling the new Lucas !! No chemistry with Brad.
They’re not supposed to have chemistry anymore.
This recast is a major misfire. A misfire of epic proportions. GH’s storied casting director rarely gets it wrong but with this one he definitely laid an egg. Yikes! Similar to the debacle in recasting Mollie, this is going to take at least one more try. Back to the drawing board.
Beyond the Gates
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
The Set Decorators Society of America has revealed its nominations for 2025-26 SDSA Awards for Television, which recognizes the work of the set decoration and production designers in primetime, streaming and daytime series.
This year, all five soap operas: Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless all received nominations in the Best Achievement in Decor/Design of a Daytime Series category.
In its official SDSA rule book, to qualify for the category of a Daytime Series, which includes daytime dramas, daytime talk shows, daytime game shows, and daytime children’s programming, all episodes must air before 6:00pm and must have a credited Set Decorator. For daytime dramas, the content must contain multiple plotlines that are carried over from episode to episode.
Photo: JPI
WHICH EPISODES CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION?
The eligibility year for episodes runs June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Founded in 1993, the SDSA is an international nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and preserving the legacy of the art of set decoration in motion pictures and television.
Several popular primetime and streaming titles that have wrapped their final seasons also received nods including Euphoria, Stranger Things, Hacks, Outlander, and The Boys. Popular titles such as Bridgerton.
Take a look below at the nominated scenic design teams from your favorite soaps:
Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Daytime Series
Beyond The Gates: Set Decoration by Cynthia Slagter with Production Design by Bruton Jones
The Bold and the Beautiful: Set Decoration by Prim Rosales, Beth Wooke, Prerna Chawla, Charlotte Garnell, Chelsea Mondelli, Michelle Hall, & Linda Louise Sheets with Production Design by Lou A. Trabbie III
Days of Our Lives: Set Decoration by Adele Caine & Sarah Holmes with Production Design by Tom Early & Dan Olexiewicz
General Hospital: Set Decoration by Jennifer Elliot with Production Design by Andrew Evashchen
The Young and the Restless: Set Decoration by Jennifer Haybach, Justine Mercado, Maria Dirolf, & Monica Lowe with Production Design by David Hoffmann
So, which soap opera from the calendar year of basically June of 2025 to a week ago in 2026, do you think has had the best looking sets? Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, or The Young and the Restless? Make you pick and drop it in the comment section below.
The Thursday June 4 episode of General Hospital paved way for the end of the line for Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) butler/fixer, Pascal (Marc Forget).
In the pick of the June 3 cliffhanger, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) was the hero and stopped the evil-doer from fleeing Port Charles for his part in aiding and abetting his boss with the cover-up of the murder of Professor Henry Dalton (Daniel Goddard) among other crimes.
Today’s episode did indeed mark the final appearance of Marc Forget who joined the ABC soap opera when he debuted back in July of 2025. Viewers met met Pascal when Kelly Thiebaud returned to the soap opera as Britt Westbourne and she was being blackmailed to work on Faison’s final project while at the Five Poppies in Dalmatia.
Courtesy/ABC
A General Hospital rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest, that the June 4 episode, “Will be the last viewers will see of Pascal for now, but notes that in the world of Port Charles, comebacks are always possible.” So, how did Pascal get written-off the canvas? Here’s what went down:
PASCAL GIVES LUCAS KEY INFORMATION BEFORE BEING DRAGGED AWAY
After Sonny intercepted Pascal on his desperate attempt to get out of town, Sonny informed him hat Sidwell would stop at nothing from trying to get retribution for whoever killed his son, Marco, and promptly turned around and said that he would help Pascal flee the country, only if he turned on Sidwell.
An absolutely terrified Pascal had evidence for Sonny that he could use against Sidwell. However, he feared he would get killed on sight if he tried to retrieve the incriminating photos of Sonny and Laura from the safe at Wyndemere. So instead, Pascal gave the combination to the safe to Lucas (Van Hansis), so he could get the blackmail photos himself. But, did Pascal just set up Lucas to be killed since he loathes him for being the man to win the heart of the late Marco?
In the end, Sonny had one of his henchmen drag Pascal away and whisked off to an airfield to fly away to parts unknown, and hopefully never to be heard from again. But what now? Is Lucas going to end up being pegged as Marco’s killer and taken down by Sidwell if he gets his hands on the incriminating photos for Sonny and Laura? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think of Marc Forget’s run as Pascal? Sad or happy to see the character go? Do you think he will be back down the line? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
In one of the more far-fetched soap opera moments in recent memory, while Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Willow Cain (Katelyn MacMullen) are chatting at the Quartermaine boathouse in swimming trunks for him and a bikini for her, the two exes have a heart to heart on Wednesday’s June 3 episode of General Hospital.
The moment was set-up by Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jacinda (Paige Herschell) who want to find a way to push the exes together in order to get incriminating evidence of the two, so Michael can gain leverage over Willow for full custody of their children. once and for all. Jacinda notes how Chase definitely has a savior and white knight syndrome going on.
During Willow and Chase’s chat at the boathouse, the subject turns to how Chase was demoted at the PCPD in his efforts to help get Willow acquitted of attempted murder charges at her trial for the shooting of Drew. He has since gone from detective to patrolman. However, Willow comes up with an idea! Why doesn’t he come to work for her as her chief of staff. Willow feels he would be perfect, because he is only one of the only people she can trust.
Courtesy/ABC
WILLOW LAYS OUT THE BENEFITS OF CHASE ACCEPTING HER JOB OFFER
A surprised Chase, says he isn’t qualified, but Willow thinks otherwise. She urges him to consider the position she is offering, because it would give him a more regular schedule that would be befitting for him being a new father to baby Phoebe.
Chase’s want to know why it was so important to Willow that he take the job, she continues to explain how she trusts him, but Tracy (Jane Elliot) spots the two in a close moment and hides behind the boathouse. Willow exits, but asks Chase to promise he will think over her offer.
Next, Tracy threatens Chase that this is the last time he will cheat on her granddaughter, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton). Knowing he didn’t “cheat” on his wife, Chase looks pissed off.
So, can you imagine, Chase as Willow’s Chief of Staff? Weigh-in if you think he will be stupid enough to take this job knowing the issues it would cause for Brook Lynn? Will the police officer ever get the clue that Willow is manipulating him like she does to everyone else? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 SDSA TV Award Nominations: All Five Daytime Dramas Score in Best Achievement in Set Decoration
Shemar Moore Makes Another Return to ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Malcolm Winters
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Marc Forget Exits ‘General Hospital’
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July
‘General Hospital’ Cast Maxwell Caulfield as Apollo, the Suspicious Gallery Owner in Guest Appearance
‘The Bold and the Unscripted’ New Reality Competition Series Gives Actors a Shot at Role on the CBS Soap
REPORT: Ryan Quan Back to ‘Days of Our Lives’ as Co-Head Writer
‘General Hospital’ Casts Dean Geyer in the Role of ‘Tristan Roberts’
‘General Hospital’ Alum William Lipton Featured in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,’ the Next Installment from Video Game Franchise
How ‘The Young and the Restless’ Mark Grossman Almost Became ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Thomas Forrester
Peabo Bryson, Grammy Award-Winning Singer of Memorable ‘One Life to Live’ Theme Song, Passes Away at 75
Daytime Drama Casting Directors Talk Four of the Most Challenging and Important Recasts of Their Careers
‘Beyond the Gates’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ Crossover Event Preview: A Tornado, Scandal and Dangerous Liaisons
Steve Burton and Finola Hughes Back Taping Episodes at ‘General Hospital’
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