General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sam Dies! Kelly Monaco’s 21-Year Run Comes to an Almost Conclusion
In the final moments of today’s October 30th episode of General Hospital, Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) passed away after efforts for over a half hour to resuscitate her from the medical team including; her surgeon and half-brother, Dr. Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), failed to bring her back to life.
GH viewers have been clued in for sometime that Kelly Monaco was leaving the show after 21 years in what was initially reported as a “storyline-dictated” move. How Sam would actually meet her maker was up in the air, although rumors have been that she would die saving Lulu’s life after she donates her liver to her. Now, on today’s GH, and out of the blue, Sam took a deadly turn for the worse, after having a heartfelt and happy conversation with her mother, Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn).
Soap Opera Digest confirmed from a GH spokesperson that today’s episode did indeed mark the end of the line for Sam McCall, but that Kelly Monaco’s last episode will air later this week.
Courtesy/ABC
In story, Sam was radiant (according to Alexis) as she found out that Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) proposed to her daughter and Sam said “yes!” The two talked about how Sam has been able to have lasting relationships and build a solid family unit, which is something Alexis admits she hasn’t been able to do successfully in her own life.
Elsewhere, Dante tells Rocco (Finn Carr) that he proposed marriage to Sam and she accepted. Rocco questions Dante of what marrying Sam means for Lulu? Dante says that Sam has given them a second chance to all be a family and he loves her.
Courtesy/ABC
Cut to Alexis at the nurses station at General Hospital beside herself. Just then, Jason (Steve Burton) enters from the elevator and he can feel in his gut something is off and up with Sam, when he sees a frazzled Alexis and they lock eyes. Jason quickly sends Danny and Scout away to Bobbie’s so they aren’t around the hospital.
Inside Sam’s hospital room, Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) and Portia (Brook Kerr) and Lucas began their efforts to save Sam. Lucas orders a crash cart as he cannot understand what could be happening to Sam, when her vitals were normal, and her blood work was all normal. Portia suggests it might be an embolism. The crash cart arrives. Lucas grabs the paddles as Portia resumes compressions. They continue to try to bring Sam back, as Lucas says, “Don’t quit on me” to his sister.
Courtesy/ABC
Back outside of the room, Jason and Alexis keep each other company. Alexis says Sam had “gone completely white. Her face just went completely white and she couldn’t breathe.” Jason is in near tears, and Alexis admits to him that she’s scared.
In Sam’s room, Portia tells Lucas it’s time. Nothing is reviving Sam and they have tried compressions and the paddles and all of their tricks to save her. Portia tells Lucas that Sam had been in asystole and flatline for 30 minutes. “She’s gone,” she says. Lucas is beside himself and in tears, as he finally manages to officially call Sam’s time of death, “5:48 p.m.”
Now the “why?” of the story begins. Why did Sam die? Did someone kill her? Coming up look for the emotional fallout, plus the heartfelt and gut-wrenching goodbyes as Sam’s family and friends gather to try to cope with this devastating loss.
So, what did you think about how Sam died suddenly on today’s GH? Was that how you thought she would exit the canvas? Are you sad knowing that this is, for all intent and purposes, the near end to Kelly Monaco’s GH run? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
God, this socks! I hope they can explain why this storyline had to be. There were more stories to tell for.Sam and there are other characters who are dispensible, besides a 21 year vet who wanted to stay and take a pay cut.
I doubt that was th especially When Jason came back! Maybe a movie soon find out
I’m holding out for a twist because I really cant’ process all this right now, I’m still shock with the shows decision.
I think the GH writers and producers did Kelly Monaco wrong. The fact that they had already taken the substance out of such a strong and street smart character and turned Sam into a bland character was bad enough but now, to kill her off. Just can’t comprehend the thought process. After bringing back Steve Burton and reviving his character, was hoping for a reconnection of 2 badass characters from bygone days. Maybe GH needs new writers.
This makes me so sad. Sam and Dante are so beautiful together. Sam will be missed for sure
Bad move on producers part.Very SAD
So sad!!! I don’t believe they have treated Kelly right since Billy Miller got let go, I really hope Kelly talks and tells what really happened behind the scenes.. also I think this is the first time Alexis and Jason had a scene together since he was let go du to the covid mandates.
I watched this at 2pm EST today and am still crying. I know it’s a fictional drama but I felt Kelly was one of the linch pins that held the show together. My heart hurts for Kelly and I hurt not being able to see my friend Sam McCall anymore. God bless you Kelly❤️
Brooke Kerr, Rebecca Herbst and especially Van Hansis were amazing. I’m glad the final scene of living Sam were her being happy with her mom. This storyline is already highly emotional and is going to spin weeks, if not probably months of future story for so many characters. Congratulations to Kelly Monaco for a 21-year run and for being a pro during what must have been difficult final scenes to record. Anyone who works in showbiz will tell you 21 years of steady work is a miracle.
Brooke Kerr was horrible! Portia is horrible. Portia had such little compassion; was so void of empathy it was cringe-worthy. This is a woman who would die or kill for her own daughter, yet look as detached as possible from Alexis’s devastation. I wouldn’t call Brooke Kerr out for anything other than she can play a cold bich.
Steve Burton and Nancy Grahn were who broke viewers hearts. Both of them gave stellar performances; their characters grief palpable through the screen.
I too was shocked at her coldness towards Alexis. I have never been able to stand her. Alexis & Jason broke my heart-the scene where they met eyes & he sent the kids off to Bobbie’s. You just knew what was coming. Heartwrenching.
The way this story went down was absolutely heartless. After 21 years of continuous service, Kelly Monaco deserves much, much better than what she got. As always, the alphabet network and the mouse company have no respect for their actors, their characters, nor for their audience.
Wondering if ABC has instructed the GH writers to kill the show. I am unsure what the fans ever did to the writers, but they must hate us.
First, Sam was killed, then Cody and Sasha were smashed into millions of pieces. I am betting TPTB was surprised by the large number of fans upset by them trashing an almost two-year build-up to their romance. Or maybe they weren’t.
Couldn’t they have at least had Sam’s kids visit her one more time before she flatlined? – I mean that was pretty cruel. They were so close.
And how ridiculous was it that neither Molly or Kristina were at the hospital? Not in ONE scene from beginning to end. The excuse that was written into the dialogue was laughable.
Bad decision by the writers. He writers for GH haven’t been up to par for a long time. I guess next they will get rid of Sonny.
Maurice wants to exit GH. He has said repeatedly it’ll be sooner rather than later. I don’t think they’ll “get rid” of Sonny until Maurice wants them to.
Actually Maurice recently said in the YouTube chat of his State of Mind show that he recently signed a two year contract with GH. So he’s not leaving anytime soon. Two years was also the deal Steve signed when he came back, so I’m guessing that’s the “standard” contract length these days. We are talking about a show that’s been on the air for over 61 years, after all. So they probably wouldn’t do a 5 year deal with anybody right now.
He literally just said a few months ago and previous to that, that he will be “retiring sooner rather than later” as soon as he feels he’s making the money he wants from his State Of Mind show and his book. He put it like, “sorry to say, but it’ll be sooner rather than later.” He went on to say he was tired of doing the soap, it’s been a long time, and it stresses him out too much. So; dunno. Either you saw an old YouTube clip or he changed his mind again.
Throughout the years, Sam was frequently referred to as a “ride or die” girl. Yesterday, at 5:48pm, the last part apparently became true.
Most actors and actresses get a goodbye and a cake after their last episode or before not sure which, My question is did Kelly? If not why not? and did any of the other people on the show fight to keep her? I agree what they did to her character was horrible she was a bada$$ and then to turn her into what they did was all kinds of wrong.
You’re asking if others on the show fought to keep her? If someone else at your work loses their job, would you speak up to your boss or protest – of course not. I know we’re talking show business here, but those that remain are employees of ABC/Disney and want to retain their jobs regardless of how they feel about someone else’s dismissal.
Buh-bye Sam McCall! Now, bring on Lulu Spencer!
So wish they had kept the character of Sam and given the part to Lyndsay. She was amazing!
This is so beyond cruel to not only Kelly Monaco, but to longtime viewers. We’ve had enough of goodbyes…older vets retiring, others regardless of age who have passed. So much loss. We didn’t need to “lose” another legacy character because of behind-the-scenes drama.
Putting that aside (with difficulty) I have to give props to Steve Burton. When Jason is “heartbroken” or emotionally moved by something, he’s able to convey that completely without saying a word….His eyes tell the story.
So sad…when there are her kids to think about!!!! The management should’ve worked something out!!!! I wanted her & Jason to end up back together too!!!
I loved Sam so much she was the best actrist. Perfect at every thing . Not to mention how pretty . She must have her own family to get to. She deserves it. If possible have her come back as a deceased ghost line talking to loved ones
Im sorry that kelly was disrespected in the way they hurt her and her charactor she did not deserve what they did to her she should have been reunited with steve when he came back to general hospital they were a dynamic couple i will alway miss her and sam they better not recast someone else as sam because no one put up with it there will be a big back lash from her fans kelly forever
I have just been told my seven people that as a result of Sam’s death each of them will no longer watch General Hospital
I was never a fan of “Sam”, but I didn’t want her off the show. Kudos to Nancy—very moving scene—so much so, it brought me to tears.
On a happy note—Steve Burton is coming to the Smithtown Theatre ( Long Island, NY), in November- Lori Stancati-Sasbon ( of SWEET TEA ACOUSTIC DUO) co-ordinated the show!! Amazing.!!
Writing this character off the show is a big mistake. There was definitely more story to tell esp if Sam and Dante married. I’m not impressed on where this new writing team is taking the storylines.
There had better be a Cassadine twist. Everyone loves Samantha. I am grateful that Jason was the second person to say goodbye. Theirs was the best love story on GH. Love Dante and Patrick with Sam but Sam and Jason are endgame. You always wanted to cheer on Jason and Sam even today. Thanks for the beautiful montage at the end. We needed that to remind us they are a Soap Supercouple! Thank you Kelly Monaco!
Not “everyone” loved Samantha. Jason and Sam long passed their expiration date. Luke & Laura didn’t last – neither did Jason & Sam
Whyyyyyyy did they kill off Sam , I’m so disappointed in gh letting all the great ones go , this sucks
Yeah, I hope GH isn’t circling the drain. With the exit of a lot of characters, like Sam, Finn, Austin, etc., then bringing back Lucky and Lulu, it makes me wonder if this is sort of the “big power surge” before the end. I mean the soap has been on over six decades, and ya kind of wonder where it’s headed. Don’t mean to be a downer, but I can see it winding down.
I can only ask why.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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