General Hospital
GH Head Scribe Ron Carlivati On Franco's Popcorn Pantomime!

Courtesy/ABC
We have previously written here about the fabulous performance of Roger Howarth as Franco, as he proceeded to destroy his “Hallowedding” to Carly (Laura Wright) on last week’s episodes of General Hospital!
Throughout the scenes, Howarth was at his best, complete with sitting on the sidelines pantomiming eating popcorn as he got a front row seat after dropping his bombshells to the wedding party: Carly cheating on him with Sonny (Maurice Benard), and Michael (Chad Duell) finding out that Sonny shot and killed his father AJ Quartermaine, and that Carly went along with the cover-up!
Now Soap Opera Digest has posted an online interview with GH head writer Ron Carlivati for some behind the scenes insights as to what was written in the scripts, and what was ad-libbed including; that end of the episode devious wink Franco gave to Carly, and the popcorn pantomime. Here is an excerpt below:
Carlivati on if the Popcorn pantomime was scripted: “No, it was not. I mean, we indicated that the camera was on Franco at the reveal, to see his reaction. We did not say what that reaction was. Frank (Valentini, executive producer) told me, if I’m remembering this correctly, that (Roger Howarth) did it with the popcorn during rehearsal, and then he didn’t do it when they went to tape it, and Frank was like, ‘Wait, wait, wait, why didn’t you do that thing that you did before?”‘And he was like, ‘Oh, I don’t know, I was just trying it,’ and Frank said, ‘No, no, no, you gotta do it.’ So, it was something that he did when they were rehearsing and Frank loved it and said, ‘You have to do that when we tape it.”‘
Did you love the popcorn pantomime and Franco’s wink as much as we did? Comment below!
Loved it; in fact I loved his whole performance that episode!! Howarth has fleshed out the Franco character better than James Franco ever could!
Loved the popcorn and the wink at the end was perfect!
I love Roger’s portrayal of Franco but I wonder how long can Franco last in a town where the the only friend he has is some unemployed, barely out of her teens girl? Plus I am sick and tired of everyone being able to insult him without judgements. Franco made some horrible choices but people forget if it wasn’t for Franco, Michael might be dead and Morgan may be in jail for his murder, after the fight on the docks where Morgan knocked Michael into the river unconscious and he we about to drown. I think we see the writing on the wall , Franco and Nina are going to become G.H. answer to the Adam’s family as a couple.
Franco has replaced AJ as the town punching bag. I was frustrated for AJ and I’m now frustrated for Franco. Let’s not forget, in addition to what you mentioned, Franco also risked his life to save Carly from Heather…actually tried to kill Heather (remember when he buried her thinking she was dead?) to protect Carly. And she runs back to…and sleeps with Sonny…who didn’t lift a finger to rescue her and threatened to kill her when she shot Olivia. I love Roger and he finally has some material to play off of. Unfortunately he’s going to be the town pariah…unless he gets a few people in his corner other than Kiki. Popcorn scene was very Todd…Roger…now Franco. Subtle but effective.
LOVED IT! ROGER IS THE BEST!!!!
Did I love the popcorn pantomine and Franco’s wink? I think it is pretty sad that this is what passes for great acting choices and gets attention. That’s what I think.
Well, speaking for myself, I keep lowering the barometer for my expectations. I thought the popcorn bit was funny, however it was evocative of Todd from OLTL’s past as he simulated the same action when he pulls off similar antics when Todd was supposed to marry Blair.
I do understand why they call him Re Ron. The dialogue at this wedding was almost word for word the same dialogue utilized at Todd and Blair’s wedding. Also Nina’s theft of Ava’s baby is a repeat of Marci stealing a baby. Oh well, it’s been amusing and not painful to watch as of late.
This again showcases why Roger Howarth is one of the best in the business. That wink and the popcorn pantomime were fantastic. Honestly, the scene probably wouldn’t have been the same without it, and it fits so perfectly with the character. Roger finally has the material worthy of his talents, and he’s finally getting me to love Franco. Couple the “Hallowedding” with the other madness going on in Port Charles, and it was GH’s best week of shows in a long time.
Totally agree! He’s finally really playing Franco and is playing it to the hilt!
Great actor..
Franco often shocks me…mostly to the point of laughter! I enjoy Roger Howarth.
grrrrreat!!!!
The pop corn (relax watch the show) was Rogers inner genius when it comes to subtle humor..
I really like the ”’wink” that was so believable for the ”I gotcha” ..
Franco is a very unique character that only Roger could own..
Roger is a soap treasure …
Love love love the wink and Frankco eating pop corn well done acting.
I actually watched this twice (great episode) and had no idea what the heck Franco was doing with those movements. So now I know!
I agree. I didn’t know what he was doing, but it was funny to watch.
Roger Howarth can make reading the phone book entertaining.
He is a talented actor and “makes” the scene…. I would watch him in anything he chooses to do….
having watched Roger for so many years, I knew it was just ‘so Roger’ to do that. You can’t script his humor!
That’s why he’s the best there is.
It just goes to show how off GH’s priorities are that the reveal to Michael about what Sonny and Carly did, about justice being served for AJ, is all. About. Franco. The. SERIAL KILLER.
Roger is just simply the best actor in daytime! They are finally putting him to good use! I also love the “Pepperoni” comment. That was super funny. Roger is just such a peach!
That was hysterical! Roger is a great actor! Has chemistry with anyone that shares scenes with him!
Loved the episodes! Roger Howarth has been and continues to be brilliant !
It seems as though a lot of Roger’s expressions are unscripted-which I love! Roger is very talented, a great comedic actor with great timing. Just continue to flush out the fact that he was brought back as Franco-stop referring to how he was a psychotic serial murderer, etc.
I love Roger, and trying to like Franco. It’s hard when the best character ever was Todd. EVER. Todd had people who loved him because they went deep into understanding where he came from. I’m not there yet with Franco, but that being said, anything that RH does is okay by me. My issue is why the Franco blame? Why not let us sympathize with him. Sonny killed AJ, Carly covered it up. She cheated. Her arrogance is annoying. Let’s not pretend they did nothing wrong. So yeah for Franco for blowing up there world. And Michael, the kid had to know. Just wondering how Franco is going to come out of this by leaving with Cocopuff Nina. She’s an emmy waiting to happen. Oh the wink and popcorn ….classic.
Totally agree. Franco was completely justified; he risked his life to save her from Heather when she was kidnapped! She cheats on him, betrays him in every way…Sonny is a serial killer!!! LOL…it’s as if being a murderer in the mob is SO much more sane than just than Franco’s past actions. Sonny and Carly’s indignation and ridicule of Franco would be so much more palatable if we saw more people in Port Charles side with Franco, even in a private conversation. But they won’t. Just like the scapegoat that was AJ. And actually, Scott. They pick a few people in town who are the pariahs. (They’re usually the ones I side with.)
Breaking News
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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.
General Hospital
Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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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