General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of Lulu’s Reunion with Dante and Rocco?
On Monday’s, December 2nd episode of General Hospital, Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) emotional reunions with both her ex Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and their son, Rocco (Finn Carr) took centerstage. Throughout the scenes, Alexa Havins reminded everyone, who saw her work as All My Children’s Babe, that she is still a powerhouse of an actress, capable of bringing the tears and emotional range.
Switching gears with beloved characters (when a different actor or actress takes over the part) has happened many times before on daytime dramas for a multitude of reasons. In the case of the role of Lulu Spencer, GH decided to eventually recast the part after they had laid to rest the character in a coma for four long years.
Now back in action, Havins is showing Lulu’s spunk early on as well as her emotional heart. In yesterday’s first scene, after coming to the Quartermaines, Lulu sees her son,Rocco. The two are both in tear and hug. Lulu can’t believe how much Rocco has changed. She finally asks how long she has been gone and Rocco tells her that she’s been in a coma for four years. Shocked and confused, Lulu promises her son they will make up for lost time.
Photo: ABC
At that moment, Dante walks in the front door of the Q’s and is stunned to see Lulu! At first, he is measured and not that emotional wondering when she woke up and how did she get here. Lulu goes into the explanation of waking up and then hearing from her bed at Turning Woods, Cyrus Renault’s (Jeff Kober) voice. She recounts how Cyrus was telling the doctors that he is making decisions for Lulu’s care.
Dante informs Lulu that Cyrus is actually her uncle, and that Cyrus and Laura share the same father. Lulu says she went to their old house and was surprised to see Maxie’s lives there, and then learned that the little boy she saw was Maxie’s son, James.
Photo: ABC
In talking with Dante, Lulu explains what she remembers the night of the explosion four-years ago. She remembers Dustin proposing before he died. Dante says he is so sorry they didn’t realize she’d hit her head after the explosion which landed her in the coma.
Lulu says she is just thrilled to be back with her boys, as Danny Asher (Asher Antonyzyn) is in tears listening to the reunion behind the entre living room. Then, Lulu inquires about the scar she has on the side of her body. Rocco tells her that she had a liver transplant. She is confused as to why. Dante says there is a lot she’s missed and they will eventually discuss, as he becomes emotional knowing that at some point he will have to tell Lulu about Sam being her liver donor, Sam’s death and their relationship, and more.
Photo: ABC
Still to come: Lulu’s reunion with Laura (Genie Francis) and Lucky (Jonathan Jackson).
So, what did you think of the reunion scenes between Lulu and Rocco and Lulu and Dante? Were you reaching for the hankies? Did you wish something else would have happened? What have you thoughts of the performances of Alexa Havins as Lulu thus far? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Take away the instant mobility for a 4-year coma patient with a recent liver transplant, the writing has been very good. And, kudos to Valentini and Teschner for casting Havins who is perfect as Lulu.
Having Danny eavesdrop was an unexpected, yet moving, surprise.
Look forward to Lulu’s reunions with Laura, Tracy and Maxie.
Other names up for the role: Stephanie Gatschet (ex-Tammy, Guiding Light; ex-Madison, All My Children), Jen Landon (ex-Gwen, As the World Turns) & Marci Miller (ex-Abigail, Days of Our Lives). It’s very clear a “name” with award-pull was wanted for Lulu.
As amusing as it would be to have both versions of Abigail Deveraux walking around Port Charles at the same time, I’m just not picturing Marci Miller as Lulu.
Jen Landon is currently on Yellowstone, and it’s up in the air as to whether there will be a 6th season of that show or not (they’re probably basing that decision on whether that show’s ratings hold up in the long delayed season 5b, now that Kevin Costner has left the show) so she might not be interested in a daytime role.
Not familiar with Stephanie Gatschet’s work, but I did see that she had somewhat of a resemblance to Julie Berman, so I could see her being considered. But so far, I would say Alexa Havins is doing one HELL of a job, miracle recovery of her 4 year atrophied leg muscles all aside.
Oh see, I could have seen Marci Miller easily as Lulu. Not to mention, bringing her into the role would undo the continued SORASing the role received with the casting of Emme Rylan. And I do imagine she’d have palpable chemistry with Dominic Zamprogna, and seems to have a good rapport with the General Hospital cast. I’m fairly sure, however, her desires to not be in California are what kept her from the role, ultimately. The fact she was considered makes me excited at the [potential] return to daytime in the future.
Considering Jen Landon was up for the role suggests her contract with Yellowstone is/was up-in-the-air and was entertaining the job at some point. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Stephanie Gatschet did fine work at both Guiding Light and All My Children. But, I wouldn’t have seen her as Lulu.
Lulu’s return just keeps getting better and better every day.
It feels rush, but then again it took a while from the announcement that she was coming back to her debuting for this moment, underwhelming for me, the actress though is doing good job she resembles the original Lulu and Genie Francis, so that’s a plus. She’s gonna hear how much she miss from dad dying, sam donating her liver, then dying, Aunt bobbie gone to as is nephew Spencer, Then there’s that crazy uncle Cyrus. Still think GH 2024 worst year for the show.
It actually was never formally announced by Disney/ABC that Alexa Havins Bruening had been cast, and it also did not take that long from the “confirmation” of her arrival to debut. The fact the recasting process was announced is what caused it to feel longer.
August 5, 2024, is when the “Lauren” casting call was reported (via TV Insider), which resembled the description of Lulu; the following day, Emme Rylan (ex-Lulu) announced they were recasting the role and she wouldn’t be returning. Then, Daytime Confidential published their own report, claiming Havins Bruening had been cast in the role on September 10. And then, she made her episodic debut at the conclusion of the November 19 episode.
So, realistically, two-months and some days had passed from the September 10 report to the November 19 debut. It’s about the same amount of time from the announcement of Jonathan Jackson’s return as Lucky (June 11), to his return to set (August 5), to his episodic return (August 23).
Nope. As dysfunctional as the current writing is, the toilet spiral that existed from November 2021 up until March of 2024 was FAR worse.And before that… well pretty much 90% of what ReRon wrote from 2012-2015.
It’s not just because Jason was missing. It was because they tried to fill the void with Parasite Nina, and made her the most detestable character in Port Charles recent history in the process.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
On the Thursday, November 12 episode of General Hospital, as battles line are drawn by Carly’s (Laura Wright) ex-husband, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and her daughter, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy), she realizes things are about to get a whole lot worse, and she expressed her fears to Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart).
After Sonny came to see Carly to get her daughter to back off of him; especially when Josslyn lit into him in front of nuAvery (Ayla Bullington), Carly is terrified that Sonny could retaliate against Josslyn. Realizing, Josslyn is in danger, Carly won’t sit by and let anything happen to her. She tells Valentin, “I’ve already lost one kid because of that man. I won’t lose another.”
Viewers won’t soon forget the devastation Carly felt when Morgan (Bryan Craig) died in a car bomb explosion back in 2016 because of Sonny’s dealings in the mob in a complex story involving Julian (William deVry) and Olivia Jerome (Tonja Walker).
Courtesy/ABC
SONNY IS READY FOR WAR
Meanwhile in the aftermath of his visit with Carly, Sonny told his brother Ric what went down when Josslyn disrespected him in front of his own daughter and hurt Avery. Since Josslyn already make it known that she no longer considers herself part of Sonny’s family, he’s decided to treat her accordingly.
Sonnys first step in payback is to take away her support system at JJE by approaching Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel) again, but this time in a much less-friendly way.
Ric points out that this would go against every move Sonny made as a legitimate businessman in Port Charles and would mean he’s back in the mob? Sonny doubles down, saying Josslyn changed the game when she involved Avery. While he showed concern of how bad Carly would feel over all this year, he said he is ready to finish what Josslyn started.
At the Metro Court, Ava (Maura West) is listening to Avery explain what happened between Sonny and Josslyn and how much she hates Josslyn right now, which Ava seems to be OK with.
WILL JOSSLYN’S WORLD BLOW UP ON HER?
Speaking of Josslyn, she is on the pier still after her talk with Hudson and still crying over her confrontation with Sonny and Avery overhearing it, and what she told her sister. Lucas comes across her at the pier while out for his run.
Explaining how badly she feels for what she said about Sonny to Avery, Lucas says that eventually Avery will discover the truth about Sonny. He explains to Josslyn that even though Avery hates her now, she will come to realize that what she said about her father was the truth, and that Josslyn was not lying to her at all.
So, what do you think about Sonny ready to play dirty to take down Josslyn? How will Carly ensure her daughter does not wind up dead? Who do you think is in the right here? Is Josslyn’s vendetta against Sonny justified, at the cost of the relationships with her family? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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!
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: Carly Fears Escalating Tensions Between Sonny and Josslyn: ‘I’ve Already Lost One Kid Because of That Man. I Won’t Lose Another’
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘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
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’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘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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News3 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews4 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital3 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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General Hospital1 week agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
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Interviews1 day agoB&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
