General Hospital
GH Head Writer Ron Carlivati Signs New Contract With The ABC Soap!
Photo Credit: Sue Coflin/Max Photos
Hot on the heels of the renewal of General Hospital getting another year renewal pick-up from ABC, the series head writer, Ron Carlivati announced via his Twitter account that he is also staying put and has signed a new contract to remain in charge of the lives of the citizens of Port Charles!
Carlivati tweeted: “Great news for #GH! And I just signed a new contract! So happy to be staying with @ABCNetwork & @GeneralHospital!
After a very successful 2013, and the 50th anniversary season looking to be on pace to be the most-watched in over seven years, it naturally would follow that Carlivati would continue on in his role.
So, what do you think about Ron signing a new contract with GH? Let us know!
General Hospital
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General Hospital
Dominic Zamprogna Speaks Out On His Decision To Leave GH, His Final Scenes With Emme Rylan & How Dante Exited The Canvas
A few weeks ago, General Hospital fans watched as one of the series beloved stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) exited the show in scenes opposite his longtime on-screen love interest, Emme Rylan (Lulu). For nine years, Zamprogna brought authenticity, emotion, and heart to the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Olivia Falconeri (Lisa LoCicero) to life. While Dante’s journey started out with a bang, literally (thanks, Sonny!), over the years it appeared he was taking a backseat in meatier storylines. All the while, Dante and Lulu remained one of the more popular duos with the viewers.
After much reflection, Zamprogna decided it was time for him to walk away from a place that became his second home. His desire now shifted to play different characters in different projects, but it was not without taking many things into account with his life-changing decision.
Michael Fairman TV talked with Dominic to glean more insight into: if there was anything GH could have done to make him sign on the dotted line again, what went down to make those final scenes seem so rushed, how it was to say goodbye to his co-workers in front of the camera and behind the scenes, if he would consider a return at some point, and how would he feel if GH now planned on recasting Dante, and much more.
For us; we recall meeting Dominic for the first times just six months into his time at General Hospital for our first interview together. We were instantly struck by his sincerity, humor, and his eagerness to learn from some of the best in the business. Now exiting as a “soap vet“, per se, it is a full-circle moment that we had the time to conclude his GH journey with this conversation. Here’s what Dom had to say about it all.
What were the factors that contributed to your decision to exit GH? Was there a pivotal moment where you were feeling, and recognizing, that you were underutilized that you felt you needed to make a change?
DOMINIC: When you named me the “Most Underutilized Actor of 2017!” (Laughs) Well, my plan was never to stay forever. But half-way through my second contract, Emme Rylan (Lulu) and I were approached by our producer on set, who said words to the effect of: you guys have been on the sideline, time to get you into the game. That led to the Dante cheating storyline, which gave us story for about a year … which was great! But as that ended, so did any subsequent storylines, it seemed. In the year that followed, I started entertaining thoughts of leaving. By the next year, I started talking about it with my wife, Linda, who had started to notice that maybe I wasn’t happy anymore, and I wasn’t. That’s not a good feeling, especially if you’re bringing that energy home with you. Then, I made the mistake of going on social media, which is a terrible place to go sometimes. But fans were saying the same sort of things I was feeling. Was it all due to story or lack-thereof? No. I was starting to crave playing other roles, and that’s hard to do when you’re under contract.
Were discussions even had with Frank Valentini (executive producer, GH) and the powers-that-be about your feelings of dissatisfaction over not being utilized more in storylines?
DOMINIC: The discussions happened late. Not until the negotiation process, actually. I’m no squeaky wheel I guess, but I also don’t feel it’s in my job description to be one. I did put out a few ideas here and there, but they didn’t happen. I know other actors have tried the same and it didn’t lead to anything for them, either. I was a creation of Bob Guza (former head writer, GH), and maybe I was spoiled by the amount of great writing I received while he was there.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
There had to be some sadness in walking away from GH.
DOMINIC: Oh yeah… it was sad. I built that character, and now here I was walking away from it, and essentially my second family. That’s been the hardest part. Lifelong friendships were made, and memories. However, it’s been over a month and a half since I’ve been at GH and I feel happy. I’ve been up in Canada shooting Tin Star, which has been a great experience. I’ve stayed in touch with everybody and I miss everybody, in fact, I just spoke to Mo (Maurice Benard) yesterday, and I’m in class with Emme (she won’t leave me alone). But, I feel like I made the right choice for me at this moment.
To clarify; were you actually trying to work out a deal to stay put, but both sides just could not hammer things out to a satisfactory conclusion?
DOMINIC: We did try to work out a deal. After more talks and conversations, I felt maybe we were going to get things done. I was being told things would change and maybe shift things in the direction we wanted to go. But at the end of the day, it’s gotta be in writing. I feel like I’d been told similar things in the past which hadn’t come to fruition. I was also reminded that it was me who needed to sign my name on that dotted line and live with that decision, and I chose not to do so.
If someone would have said to you: “We have an “A” story for you, and you are going to be driving it,” would you have been more apt to stay?
DOMINIC: There was talk about us sitting down and talking about storylines, but that didn’t end up happening, not sure why. And even if it did, I don’t know that it would’ve changed my mind about leaving, anyway. But just to be clear: I have no anger towards anybody. It’s all a business at the end of the day. Both sides did what they felt was right. For me, I just felt this chapter had come to an end.
Photo: ABC
When, and how did you tell on-screen scene partner, Emme Rylan that you were leaving? Was she happy for you and your decision?
DOMINIC: Emme knew really early on. Once January rolled around I was like: “I have been thinking for the last six to nine months that I am going to go.” I wanted her to know, because we have been a couple for five years on the show. Emme was very happy for me. I went, “Wait a minute! Don’t be this happy. I’m leaving.” (Laughing)
What happened when you told your on-screen mom, Lisa LoCicero ?
DOMINIC: She was sad, but she is also said, “You’re in your prime, go see what’s out there!” I wouldn’t have done this move if I did not get support at home. My wife is the rock and the one that makes this household go. Some things outside the show were starting to happen; I had a nice screen-test for a pilot, and then I booked these four episodes of Tin Star. When you have choices in life; you have power and control over your future. I think Emme and Lisa as actors realized that. That’s what made them happy for me … for the future. The last nine years were exciting. However, when you can have a little bit more say in what you are doing on a day to day basis, that is empowering. So, in saying, “no” to something, and saying, “Thank you, but that’s not what I am looking for right now,” that can feel good.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
It was a shame that through all the regimes that they rarely wrote any scenes between Dante and his father, Sonny. What was Maurice Benard’s reaction when you told him you were leaving?
DOMINIC: It has been pretty publicized that he and I were dissatisfied at the lack of storyline, or scenes together. Maurice asked the powers-that-be, “Why aren’t we working together more?” We never had a clear answer as to why. He didn’t know from one day to the next what was happening with my contract talks. Mo saw me smiling one day and asked, “So does that smile mean you’re staying?” And I said, “No, that smile is because I’m leaving.” (Laughs) I said that more to mess with him, and make him sad. He said, “As long as you are good financially, then I am all for anybody getting out of here and seeing what else is out there.” Really, Mo talks people into leaving so he can get more screen-time. (Laughs)
Let’s talk about the final airshow, and the story that came out of left field to facilitate your exit. Was that written quickly to accommodate a shooting schedule or contract completion? It felt rushed to the viewing audience.
DOMINIC: Left field is right! I still had a week and a half left of work when they found out I wasn’t going to re-sign, and within twelve hours I had six exit scenes written. So, it wasn’t done to facilitate anything but a set (Lante’s house), I think. My final tape date was May 18th, and Emme and I had scenes on the Wednesday or Thursday before that. I guess they wanted my last scenes that aired to be with Emme, and that might have been the only scheduling day that worked for the set and the actors, and maybe that’s also why it felt so rushed. All I could assume is that they didn’t think I was really going to leave so they didn’t plan for it, or they chose to protect themselves in this way, by not making a big deal about it. I had another week of scenes in the PCPD with Chase (Josh Swickard) and Michael (Chad Duell) that was shot afterward. But they had nothing to do with Dante’s “secret mission!”
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
I thought, “Wait! Is that it? Is this Dominic’s final show? Dante doesn’t say goodbye to his mother… his father … or his son, Rocco?
DOMINIC: Yeah, that was tough for me. After 9 years you think you’re going to get a little bit better of a send off. You also, hope they’re going to honor the character. Dante wouldn’t leave to go to the 7-eleven without saying goodbye to his mother and kids. Maurice and I talked about that. He said, “I guess, they don’t want people to feel really sad. You and me doing some goodbye scenes, people are going to be devastated.” I agree with that. However, I also think it’s a soap and that’s what fans want … good, ole drama. I would have loved to have had scenes with Sonny, Olivia, and Dante’s kids, but when you make a decision like this, how you leave on-air is not up to you. Both parties are going to handle it how it’s best for them. I was very grateful they gave Emme and I something to seek our teeth into.
They were very sad scenes. You are one of those actors that can take the material and connect with it while delivering it in a very subtle and heartfelt way. How was Emme after your final scenes?
DOMINIC: She was kind of crying the whole time, going “Damn you! Damn you.” I was having fun with it, because I love making Emme cry. It’s not a very difficult thing to do. (Laughs). We were both pretty teary-eyed, actually. Then, when we finished the scenes and I looked over and I saw how upset the crew was, that’s what really got me. Barbara, one of the camera operators actually jokingly apologized; suggesting that if my last shot was blurry it was my fault! As an actor, when you make the crew feel something it kind of gives you some extra good feels. That was always the best feeling, talking to Craig (our stage manager), or Donna (head of makeup department) after a scene to get the honest truth on how you did. I’ll miss them.
Courtesy/ABC
Viewers, watching Dante have this flashback about the guy who was responsible for Lulu going overboard the Haunted Star a few years ago, probably needed a moment to connect the dots. Some viewers were going, “What? Dante is going after the guy that tried to drown Lulu from two years ago?”
DOMINIC: When I read that in the script even I went, “What?” Who’s that?” I had no idea, either. (Laughs)
Then there was this: Dante was so hard on Lulu for her pursuing her dream as a journalist and how it inadvertently got Nathan killed. Then all of a sudden in your final scenes, Dante has a line to Lulu in which he says something to the effect of: I understand now – you got to do, what you got to do. In story, prior to these scenes it was leaning more towards Dante and Lulu were going to break-up over what had recently transpired.
DOMINIC: Which, who knows? If Dante had stayed in Port Charles it could have been the direction they were going in. It certainly looked like they were building toward conflict, conflict, conflict, but with me leaving it was much sweeter to leave on the note that we left on, instead of Dante leaving, because he can’t deal with being around Lulu. This all leads me to believe that they didn’t want to do anything too permanent to give them time to make the proper decisions.
Courtesy/ABC
What was the last day of shooting like for you? Was it hard to get through?
DOMINIC: It felt like a regular day, and my final scenes were up towards the end of the tape day. They had a cake afterwards. Frank briefly spoke and introduced Maurice; who said a bunch of sweet words. That meant a lot to me. I said “goodbye” to everybody and took some photos, and that was it. I already had my room packed up. Once you’re ready to go, you’re ready to go. Afterwards, I went out with Ryan Paevey (Ex-Nathan) and Jeffrey Vincent Parise (Ex-Carlos) for some beers and wings at the bar down the street. It wasn’t until everybody came back after a two-week break that it felt real, because then I was receiving text messages from people saying, “We’re back. Why the hell aren’t you here?”
The door has been left open for Dante to return. Would you ever come back?
DOMINIC: Of course, at some point. But it might not be my choice, they might recast. They told me they won’t, but who knows what’ll be done. Do I think you can just recast a role? No, I think it’s always a tough sell, but they’ve done it with bigger names/characters than mine. I would be a little surprised, only because there hasn’t been much story for Dante in the last three years. For me, as of now, I’ve moved on, and I’m very happy with my decision and my life. It’s sad in other respects, don’t get me wrong. I’ve read things that people have said on Twitter, and I want everyone to know I’ve seen it all and it means a lot to me. People have been beautiful to me. I’m truly overwhelmed by the love. I thought there would be more of, “Who cares?” when fans found out I left. I must have done something right during the years I was at GH.
Did you think when you made the decision to leave they would kill-off Dante?
DOMINIC: No, not at all. I don’t think killing off Dante would be a good idea, especially after they killed Nathan, and also because of the climate we live in with police involved shootings and violence, in general. In a perfect world as an actor, you crave the opportunity to have one last moment with the other characters that have been important to your character over the years. That’s all I would have wanted for myself, and Dante. I’ll take what I got though. It was extremely meaningful because of what Emme and I had and built. I feel we got to the heart and soul of those two characters in a pretty short amount of time in our scenes.
Courtesy/ABC
Speaking of Nathan, I think thus far those funeral scenes, which you were wonderful in, and the story arc revolving around his death, are GH’s best bet for an Emmy in the Drama Series category next year.
DOMINIC: I agree. It was so well-done. We’d all would like to go out like that! Tragic, but it made for great TV and great soap. It was phenomenally well-acted across the board. Lots of Emmy reel stuff for Michelle Stafford (Nina) and Kirsten Storms (Maxie), and Kathleen Gati (Liesl), and hopefully for our directors and crew, also. They did an amazing job bringing that to life.
This now leaves Josh Swickard as the lone cop now by default on GH. he PCPD is notorious for being the worst cop shop in the history of soaps! (Laughs) They can’t ever solve a crime.
DOMINIC: (Laughs) I know! What is Josh is going to do? Maybe between Chase and Jordan (Vienssa Antoine) they will solve crimes. Maybe, they’ll bring on a new cop. Josh is a great guy and I enjoyed working with him. At the beginning, we had that contentious relationship between the two guys. That would’ve been fun if it lasted longer, where they had this continual real dislike for one another. Who knows? With Dante gone, maybe they will start solving some crimes! (Laughs) Maybe now the PCPD will be the greatest police unit in the USA.
Courtesy/ABC
Over your nine years at GH, would you still consider that your best storyline was coming on to the show and then having Sonny shoot Dante, only for it to turn out that he just shot his own son?
DOMINIC: Yes, I think you have to. That was my intro. They had this story planned eight months before they even cast the role. To get to that moment, was a classic soap cliffhanger. I grew up watching soap operas with my grandparents, and if they had been alive for that scene they would have lost it, because it was something that ‘old school’ soap fans would really dig. For me, doing that story felt so special. ABC also pumped it with the promotion, and the promos, and the TV spots, and amped it up. I didn’t feel it disappointed. It was actually the audition scene that I had to perform to get the part! Then six months later you get to say these lines that got you the part, and you hope you don’t whiff on the softball.
While putting together and producing the GH 55th anniversary tribute package for this year’s Daytime Emmys, I included that moment between Sonny and Dante. I remember watching the complete scene before editing it and the dialog was so good. It still holds up to this day.
DOMINIC: My manager was at the Emmys that night, and said what a great moment that was. I meant to thank you for that, because I really appreciated it being in there.
Courtesy/ABC
Are there any other scenes that come to mind that you are most proud of?
DOMINIC: I also really loved the scenes with Max Gail (Mike). He is a special guy. There was so much in our scenes; where Dante finds him with Avery in the stables. Those moments are going to stick with me for a long time.
On June 28th, the airdate of your last episode, you posted a tweet to the fans that read: “The love you guys have given me over the years and continue to give is overwhelming. It is I that must thank YOU!” I thought that was extremely touching and very appreciated by the fans.
DOMINIC: I was thinking, “Man, I have to thank you, because I would not legitimately be here if you hadn’t liked this guy, Dante.” It was bringing tears to my eyes reading what people were saying, and seeing how much love I was receiving.
Tell me about your role in the British-Canadian production of Tin Star?
DOMINIC: It’s a recurring role, I’ve been working on it since March. It’s something very different from what I’ve been doing the last 9 years. Can’t give much away, but I play a hired gun type of guy. There are some great scenes and moments, and I was lucky enough to work with Christina Hendricks, John Lynch, and the legend, Tim Roth.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Do you feel now that you have had some time away now from GH, and have been playing another role, that the thought of playing Dante for you at this point is like: “Been there. Done that?”
DOMINIC: I would never say Dante is done forever. Right now for me, he is. They left it open, hopefully they left it open for me, but every actor hopes that. We want our cake and to eat it too! I want to leave right now, but I want you to want me to come back some day. No one wants their role to be recast. But it’s an important character, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Who knows what the future holds. I left on good terms. Just so everyone knows; I didn’t spring something on GH on the last day of my contract. It’s important that I let people know that I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “See ya”. This also wasn’t about money. Sure, we want to be paid what we believe we’re worth. But this in no way was about me asking for the moon, or I was going to leave. It was a very, very difficult decision.
So, what do you think about how GH wrapped up Dante’s story for Dominic’s exit? Would you like him to return to GH sooner than later? Do you think the role of Dante was problematic to write for? What were your favorite scenes of Dom’s during his time at GH? Let us know via the comment section below.
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Great. Another year of him destroying GH character and interjecting the Livers and Newbies. I give up.
Hey, you should be happy he saved GH after near canceling the show last year !
If ,.JFP had stayed there would be no GH or any other soap on ABC.
For all you who are complaining about GH. Why don’t you just stop watching it. I have watched it since the beginning. There are certainly going to be storylines that not everyone is going to like but that doesn’t mean you bash the show. It is very high in the ratings now. I’m sure if you were a writer there would also be people who didn’t like certain storylines. It’s only natural. I love GH and wouldn’t miss it for anything and sure there have been storylines that I dislike but that doesn’t mean I hate the show or have problems with the writers.
I did too. And from what I understand I am glad I did. You can’t fight city hall. As long as this clown is around to destroy everything that made the show the iconic legacy it has been over the last 50 years, I am happy to avoid it.
Terry, while I don’t go by the love-it-or-leave-it dogma, I did, in fact stop watching GH about thirty days ago. I just got tired of hitting my head against the wall time and time again. It felt so good when I stopped. And last I heard the second amendment is still a factor so I think disgruntled fans GET to complain if they want to.
I have replaced my guilty habit of soap watching by coming in here and arguing with big sillies like you.
Agreed.
I don’t get it. This man and Frank have been god-sends for this show and you want to bitch about it? The ratings are up, the show’s been saved from cancellation and the buzz is fantastic regarding GH for the first time in years! We’re obviously not watching the same show. Sorry.
Rodd–ratings were up with the Scorpio reunion and with the madness which is being served up on a silver platter, not to mention the departure of Robin and Robert, the ratings will plummet again.
You betcha…because there was no doubt a clause in that contract that required the ongoing force-feeding of a certain much-decried character that the network demands remains front and center. I have read on other sites that ABC is really the reason that the insufferable Sabzilla is still being foisted upon the public…that it is their doing. Whether or not they are solely to blame or if it really is “Cartini’s” inexplicable obsession with this subpar simpleton, it is truly maddening. I have never seen anything like this in the history of soap viewing, where despite nearly universal panning, a role/storyline continues to be propped and prodded on the public after a yearlong failed attempt to ingratiate the fanbase. To say it is seriously strange is an understatement!
Do you think ABC or Cartini writes the soaps or features certain characters based on feedback on the internet. Sorry to inform you but I doubt it They base it on the ratings. If ratings are good nothing will change. I think they are doing a great job and there is a great balance. I can point out to days Sabrina was not on and there have been plenty of them. Yes she is on a lot but so are a lot of other characters
Shay is right–David, Ron and Frank were not connecting the dots as far as storyline and ratings were concerned. Ratings went up with the brilliant dynamics which existed between Anna and Robert and later with their heart breaking reunion with their daughter. Many of us also tuned into see Robin interrupt Patrick’s wedding with Sappy. Many of us were terribly disappointed with the anti climatic reunion of Patrick and Robin because it became The Sappy Show just as Robin’s Nurse’s Ball became Sappy’s Disney on Ice. To paraphrase Neil Young, “Long may Sparkle Pony Run” and I hope she gallops into sparkle rainbows and infinite pastures filled with sparkle unicorns and butterflies and never comes back.
Happy news. I enjoy GH overall. I’ll save my complaints for another day. Today is a day to celebrate GH and all that is right with the world. Congrats.
AMEN! As much as I love Ron Carlivati, however, I am still having a hard time getting the Bob Guza sour out of my mouth. I know it’s been over two years since he penned this show …. but I’m still haunted.
No fan of Guza’s but under his tenure I at least took a peek once a week or so and he had some decent writers working under him (not literally). Right now I can’t even look. I am not one to look at highway accidents either.
If he can keep the ratings up…great! Im enjoying the show but it could be better than it is. I dont mind some fun and a little camp in my soap but he still needs to bring it down to earth a bit. Emma, Spence and Cam’s kiddie triangle had its cuteness but it didn’t work and was silly…i could see Cam and Spence talking about who is the better friend but not boyfriend! How did a seriously stabbed Heather get out of that grave and take care of that wound without medicail help? Cant Heather ever not be so looney? I like Dr.O and happy she’s on more but she shouldn’t be head of the hospital…my feelings are mixed herel…she does kinda brings back memories of Audrey’s sister Lucille who went around blasting student nurses who she thought weren’t doing their jobs except Lucille still had a heart of gold! Gh needs storylines that concern sensitive medical issues: maybe Tracy has breast cancer and a compassionate Monica, who experienced it herself, and Tracy have some warm moments as they bond while Monica helps her deal with it! Also, the show needs to take out some time for romance…let Silas take Sam dancing, have Mac and Felicia enjoy a candlelight dinner…bring back Sean Donnelly and have him romance Monica…or some normal moments like Elizabeth and Nik taking their children to the zoo with Nik showing signs he has feelings for Liz…and Britt!!!
Frankly, i dont give a damn what any soap writer does to draw in fans and bring up the ratings…shouldnt we just be gratful there are still 4 on the air? Soap writers pull out all kinds of stunts during sweeps to bring up ratings so why not the rest of the year as well? People must like what they see or they wouldnt stick around and those who dont and tune out…you cant please everyone!!! Sure GH has its flaws and could be better but the show is still entertaining me and obviously good enough for millions of others! So, if its not your cup of tea, then drink something else!!!
Excellent news, he’s the best writer in the business.
That’s an interesting comment. If he is the best writer in the business then the business of soaps has really changed. The writing has none of the depth, heart, soul or emotion that GH and many other soaps used to have. The writing lacks attention to detail, lacks continuity and forces relationships(if you can call them that) instead of letting them grow organically.
The stories are very haphazard and seem to be made up along the way. Things change mid story with no explanation and with no basis on what came before it.
Regardless of whether the OLTL 3 and the newbies have taken over at the expense of veteran characters and GH history, which I think they have, the actual writing and stories of late are just not very good.
ABC will point to ratings going up, but they know that there are many reasons that contribute to this. In the last year, GH attracted many new viewers with the promotion of the 50th Anniversary and the return of Veteran characters. Frank and Ron were very skillful in selling that. I would say that was primary. The show also benefited from the cancellation of other soaps and some fans migrating.
But right now, a year removed from the 50th, the show has become very campy with no depth and is dominated by newbies. Will the combination of this writing style and front burner characters be a formula for continued growth? It isn’t what got them to this point.
ABC can point to the ratings going up but as for the increase in total viewers versus last year GH is fourth out of four soaps. Y&R had an increase of 9%, B&B had an increase of 14%, Days had an increase of 10%, and GH had an increase of 8%. So the people who think that “Ron and Frank saved GH” are full of bull-oney.
Very well stated! I think the return of so many Gh vets can not be discounted as a huge Impact to ratings! I myself returned to Gh once I heard my faves-Anna, Duke, Felicia, Frisco, etc- were coming back. Now the latest campy stories and see a character one day and not again for weeks- not for me.
Very well stated–you said it all and very eloquently!
Also people think Cartini saved GH. GH was Frons fave soap so he didn’t cancel it period. So yes Cartini wrote well enough to renew it for another year. But they also saw how their replacement shows failed miserably. There are lots of reasons why GH is still on and I doubt even half is about the writng. And if the writing doesn’t get better there will inevitably be a ratings drop. The sad return of Robin was the nail in the coffin for me. It was so pointless. Just another uncreative unthought out quick plot point. I’m out!
You have to see that as writers , they have to keep things new and interesting for the viewers. Let’s hope they can keep the ratings up for the next few years. I am having trouble with YR, and the firing of M.M. . I have an issue with losing one of the best actors they have.. I am thinking that daytime drama is struggling to survive.
People are entitled to their opinion on whether they like what Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati have done with GH, but the fact is that they saved the show. The show was on the verge of cancellation when they took over the mess of a show that Jill Farren Phelps and Bob Guza left behind. Now it’s on track to have its best ratings year in 7 YEARS!!! Read the Deadline.com article.
So if the show is as terrible and has been ruined as much as some of you on here whining and complaining would like everyone to believe, why is the show doing its best numbers since 2007? You’re entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts. The numbers speak for themselves.
I’ve been a huge GH fan for nearly 20 years, and I’ll be the first to say that I’m not thrilled with every storyline Frank and Ron have done, or new character they’ve introduced. No show is going to be perfect in that regard. But overall, I’m enjoying GH now more than I have in many, many years. There was a time not that long ago when it felt like a chore to watch the show. Not anymore. It’s can’t miss TV for me every week. If you don’t like it, that’s your prerogative. There’s a simple answer to that. Don’t watch.
Meanwhile, I’m thrilled that Ron C. will be around to continue writing, and that the show got renewed through the 2015 season. It wasn’t that long ago that we didn’t know if our beloved GH would live to see another year, and now it’s poised to hopefully continue for many years to come. Thank you Frank, thank you Ron, thank you to the entire GH staff, and most importantly, thank you to the talented, second to none, best cast in daytime period for keeping my favorite show going!!
I think it’s Great that Ron Carlivati has signed a new contract with GH! His writing has helped to keep GH on th e air and has made for some very good storylines. Not to mention the returns of many ex GH characters. Keep up the good work Ron!
Freaking disgusting! He ruined GH . People need to understand the only reason GH is slightly better is because it collected 2 abc daytime fan bases and were left to watch the 1 remaining show (GH)
Oh well another year of not knowing what’s going on in port Charles.
FV and RC have done an outstanding job!!
They saved GH and near doubled the viewer numbers..
That speaks volumes !!
Millions are enjoying GH, then there are the (nothing is right in my world including GH) negative people that should tune out and read a book.. 😉
RC and VF saved GH and I love them for that, and I am grateful for all their efforts to bring GH to me 5 days a week 🙂
And I love the variety of all the stories a great mix ..
I agree with you…GH does have some flaws(soaps usually do)
but regardless im still entertained!!!
No, Mauro, Jill Farren Phelps and the mob-obsessed Bob Guza spent 2001 to 2011 ruining “General Hospital.”
Ron and Frank have made the show watchable. Actually they have made it downright thrilling!
I have to agree with su0000 RC has done an outstanding job and has brought viewers back. The show is doing better numbers than it has been doing in over 7 years. There is a mix of new characters and vets. Some vets aren’t as much because they want a bigger salary that they just are not going to get because of the budgets the networks force the shows producers to work with. So they do the best they can to keep the vets around. Sadly some want bigger money that the show will not get. Despite that GH has been fantastic, enjoying every minute of it
don’t shove your thoughts down the throats of people who don’t agree with you, Mauro can say what ever he wants
I really wonder how many of those GH viewers will be around once the 50th I over, the casting gimmicks with both the vets and the stars like Shirley Jones are done with and the only thing left is Heather on another lame kidnapping plot and Carly fawning over the man who had her son raped. SpongeBob Squarepants has more sophisticated storytelling…
GH was doing poorly even after those soaps were cancelled…people wouldnt tune in just to watch GH just because their soap was cancelled…people starting tuning to GH because favorites return and plots were interesting…if the stories arent good they’d still tune out no matter what …i watched soaps because of the stories…not because my other shows are gone!!!
People might tune into another soap after their soap was cancelled, if a bunch of stars from said cancelled soap were on and dominating story lines on the new soap. And there are a few people I’m sure, who had been used to watching serial dramas during the day for years, had their show cancelled and decided to maybe give a new show a try because they like the genre and would prefer a scripted series over a talk show or game show. It doesn’t account for all the increases, but to deny that’s a component isn’t very logical.
The other remaining soaps, DOOL,B&B and Y&R all have shown increases over the same period of time as GH and they don’t have the great and irreplaceable Ron and Frank.
Great News!
Good for him!! Now – he can continue to bring more characters from OLTL to GH and create more useless characters like Felix, Sabrina, Britt, Kiki and so on while the legacy characters that have built the foundation of GH and made it so beloved get the shaft (Robin, Robert, Felicia, Luke, Duke, Carly, Liz, Bobbie, Laura, Brenda, and the Quartermaines).
Maybe he should spend a month reviewing the past history of all of these characters — the history the fans know so well — the history that he continues to degrade. Then maybe the characters can have real conversations rather than moving from plot point to plot point.
you do realize before RC/FV were broughto the show, the former writers/producers didn’t want Bobbie, Monica, or Felicia on the canvas. RC has done more to have them on then any producer has in years on a limited budget. If the other people were left in charge you wouldn’t be seeing any of the vets. Carly, Liz, Anna, Duke are on quite frequently and I have seen more of Bobbie and Monica in the last few months than they were on in years under the previous regime. But way to twist the facts.
Most people did not like the previous regime and many tuned out. But that regime was honest and it was what it was. Ron and Frank knew that people tuned out because the vets were cast aside, so they made a deliberate effort to market the 50th anniversary around the the history, vets and Nurses Ball. They knew that was how to draw interest and bring back viewers.
But over time, viewers realized that it was mostly a shell game and a bait and switch and the pattern and trajectory of the ratings over the past year mirror that. Ratings went up for the Nurses Ball and 50th and then declined after the NB was mostly about Sabrina. Then the OLTL 3 came back and the ratings trended down again. Then they brought back Robin and vets for the fall and ratings climbed back up. The week of Robin’s reunion hit a high, the following week lost 250,000 viewers because of how dreadful they handled it, making it again about Sabrina with utterly inconsistent writing of Patrick’s character.
Ratings then climbed again when Patrick finally returned home to Robin. The ratings did hit a high on Jan 7th again, the coldest Jan 7th on record and lost 450,000 the next day.
They know how to insert the vets just enough to keep interest and prop their ratings at times, weather related days not included. But there’s a real dishonesty to it and viewers at some point figure out that they’re being manipulated. Over the course of a year, you can see a pattern.
To suggest that having snippets of vets is better than none is good enough, may be your position, but many of us don’t like it. The OLTL3 and the newbies are dominating the stories and screen time. That is just a fact. The vets are used as bait, knowing that a good number of people tune in for them. They think they have the formula down, one that keeps their friends and creations on contract and the vets in the bullpen, trotted out to prop said friends and the ratings. We’ll see if it continues to work.
Ad with all the recent hoopla about record ratings during the polar vortex, the highest day was on Tuesday for Patrick and Robin. Wednesday the show went back to the Franco/Carly/Heather crap and the viewership was down by almost half a million in one fell swoop.
The previous regime ruined GH. They killed off all the vets or wrote them out of the show. They were far from honest about their actions but that is the past and this is GH now.
Ratings have been up for awhile now including days that Robin has not been on. The show has been doing its best ratings in 7 years.
You mention the drop from they day after the polar vortex, yes they dropped as did every other soap the day after that. GH is on a daily basis drawing 3 million or more viewers which hasnt been done again in many years.
The vets are on quite frequently. You mention Robin, she was on almost every day for months. Anna is on numerous times per week. Duke is featured prominently in the Sonny/Jerome family war and is on quite a bit Even Mac and Felicia have been on quite often. I wonder if you even watch the show in your comments that they are on in snippets.
Even Monica has been on quite a bit as well.
Are new characters on as well. Absolutely. The writers/producers have to work under the budget ABC has given them Sadly some of these vets want big money that ABC just wll not give to the show so they make do with what they can
Bottom line it is simple if you don’t like the show stop watching it. It sounds like you will be happier if you stop watching something you dislike I also suggest coming here commenting on positive things about the show to turn them into a negative, unless that is your thing then by all means.
The numbers for GH are the best in 7 years. ABC is behind the show for the first time in a long time. If those numbers drop ABC will make changes by either removing said writer/producer, not give Cartini as much free reign as they currently do, or by cancelling the show But since the numbers have been so good they are not going to get rid of the people who are the success of the show.
Now back to your regularly scheduled complaining!
Who said I’m watching the show right now? Quit a few weeks ago.
I’m on the fence since he like rob guza for some reason won’t give Rebecca Herbts a storyline . What do her fans gotta do to make this simple request happen???
I believe Liz will be in a love triangle involving Nik and Britt…i agree she needs a story but her character is still better used than original star the late Emily Mclauglin(spelling) who, as Jessie Brewer, was rarely away from behind the nurses station except for a blink and you’ll miss it romance with Dan Rooney while newbies like the Quartimaines, Luke and Laura, and the Webbers took over! But im with you here Aria i like R.H. as Liz and i believe she will get that storyline we all want for her!
Ron is so cute!!
I must admit, ron and frank have brought gh, back to life. the ratings are finally showing.
Excellent!
Amen!!!!!!!! Congrats Ron!!!!!!!!!!!’
I am not happy at all , I want what is best for GH but I don’t see GH anymore , the characters that I have watched on GH through the years aren’t getting much to do on this new version of GH , expect play supporting to the newbies & their storylines. I wish I was wrong but the proof is in the puddin
This is so true. I don’t get why suddenly, TPTB decided that those GH characters/actors already present on GH were just NOT good enough to carry lead stories? Why are Maurice B, Laura W, Jane E, Kelly Monaco etc, all now playing second fiddle to the new character/actors that were brought on by Ron? Why was this necessary? These are the characters that GH fans have invested in for years and yet the focus is no longer on them, but on Silas and Ava and Julian and Kiki. Doesn’t anyone at GH understand how strange this makes GH look? How the whole tone of GH has changed? How something that had been in place and watched by GH fans for years is now being scrapped for no reason other than the whim of a new writer? It’s totally crazy and GH’s past history has been trashed. It’s a real loss for any real GH fan.
Do you have any idea how many diehard fans of GH complained and tuned out of GH BEFORE Ron and Frank came onboard? Do you remember how they felt it had become the Sonny and Jason show…how it was ALL about the mob…Sonny/Jason/Carly/Sam…and then a scattering of those who entered their orb?
Complain as people may…and remain misguided…the “newbies” and/or the OLTL 3 brought new viewers, higher ratings and much success. There were also those resistant and resentful that some ot the OLTL characters came over? Come on……… a lot of shows do that…including primetime. There have always been characters that have either been guests on other shows…or spinoffs from other shows.
Just as in real life…people move in…and move out. OLTL, contrary to what many believe…was not a failed show. Its ratings were HIGHER than GH…and I have no stake in this claim…I watched and was a fan of both.
But always on soaps…new people are brought in…old ones fade away…actors leave to pursue other things, etc.
We cannot go back in time. Not in reality…and not on TV. Old stories, characters are gone…either literally dead…or older…etc. New characters are gradually introduced in to the tapestry and old characters are sometimes mentioned in conversation, history, etc. But it’s not Dr. Hardy and Audrey…it’s not Sonny and Brenda…maybe it’s not Patrick and Robin. You can’t go back…ever hear of that expression?
Watch it for what it is…or don’t. There have always been characters/stories certain people don’t like…myself included. Who approved of Luke raping and then marrying Laura? That was very controversial. Who thought Casey the space alien of Robin’s childhool was plausible? But..we watched and loved it anyway.
Soaps are a lot of camp. They’re beyond stretching the imagination or the farthest from reality. They “touch” real life just enough to draw us in and make us care… then it cross over into the absurd.
Why make sense of something that never will…sit back and enjoy…or…don’t. To quote a great expression of our times (eyes up in head)…”it is what it is…”
Really what show are you wathcing Trisha? Maurice Bernard is involved in a major story line in the Sonny-Jerome family war. Laura Wright who plays Carly invovled with Franco and the kidnapping of Heather. I think you are just picking and choosing what you want as it sure doesnt seem you are watching the same shows I have been. I’d be happy to point to your episode recaps to refresh your memory so you don’t post lies about the show to further your agenda!
Not happy at all. I feel that this writer has completely disrespected GH and it’s history by changing the whole tone of GH into something other than it had been for up to 50 yrs. It’s one thing to get a new writer, but quite another to let him change a show so much that it becomes unrecognizable. It’s obvious he is not writing for GH fans, but for the audience he wanted to bring to GH and he’s abandoned those GH characters that have carried GH for years in order to replace them with those of his own choosing. He has let down GH fans and his stories do no justice to GH.
How about more Quartermaines, Ron?!?
The Quatermaines are on the endangered species list and word has it AJ will soon be gone. Terrible mistake because after Robert and Robin leave, AJ was the one character who I kind of cared about. I was always rooting for him to finally prove himself.
And you are not alone in that, Harry. AJ’s return was such a pivotal event and the momentum his presence brought with it has since been frittered away….big mistake. SK’s leading-man qualities, not to mention his character’s Quartermaine family link, should have entitled him to being treated and utilized far more efficaciously, but as usual, the major, marquis-name legacy actors/actresses on the show have been used, abused and then tossed aside in short order (witness Frisco, Noah, and particularly, Scorpio and Laura….) Hope Thaao Penghlis fares better….
AJ is the classic screw up, the underdog and the black sheep of the family. Who among us can’t relate to him on some level? I don’t care of it’s Billy or Sean playing him, I care what happens to AJ. I have cared about him since Carly got him drunk and dumped him in a dumpster and later when Sonny left him on a meat hook. His parents favored Jason, and his air head of a wife Courtney favored Jason. Hell, even Emily favored Jason and Jason was hit man for the mob. Just once I would like to see AJ win one. It looks like that won’t happen, hence the last possible reason for my tuning into GH for a peek or two. Thank you for your thoughtful reply Shay.
This is mostly disturbing because the show has been reduced to complete camp and lunacy. The stories are told with gaping holes and even the small details are never present ie Robin and Patrick having a heart-to-heart about what she has been through. Couples landing in bed and no romance to put them there (Sonny and Olivia, Shawn and Alexis, Kiki and Michael and so on) Everything that makes a story poignant is missing as well and everything is so unrealistic that it really is no longer interesting. All characters are not themselves anymore so therefore, not recognizable and too unpredictable.
Soap Gods please please please hire this man a co Head Writer with equal responsibility that can add more creative “realism” back to the show. The ratings are only up due to the cancellation of the other 2 ABC soaps particularly OLTL because of the crossover actors. Because it sure isn’t any miracle writing by this writer, completely the opposite!
If the writing doesn’t improve I will be 1 unhappy ex-viewer along with thousands of others. RC please get your act together or ask for some help!
One Very Unhappy GH viewer
It seems you hate GH and there is nothing good about it for you..
why on earth would any balanced person watch a show that disgusts them..
there is something very wrong with doing that, self punishment is a strange thing..
That is a good question indeed. I personally wish every single viewer who hates the show now but is watching out of loyalty to just quit. Its the only way to send a message to the arrogant production team. Then lets see how high the ratings are.
SuOOO–the person has a right to their opinion without you calling them unbalanced. She is still watching because she has watched for many many years–it’s a hard habit to break with loyal viewers. She is giving it one last chance to improve. I don’t understand why some of you who are positively giddy with excitement about GH want to shut the disgruntled up.
Shows change especially after 50 years. The old soap formula was not working. To say that the shows ratings are up because of OLTL actors/actressess is such an old excuse You might be 1 happy viewers however the number shows that there are far more people happy with the show. The show is reaching the key 18-49 demo and numbers are up so don’t try to say there are thousands of others who will stop watching. A few whiners on the internet do not count as thousands
watched this show off and on for thirty years. I know it changes. If good writing is a constant then changes are typically fine with viewers.
David, regarding your comment about those whining on the internet, you seem to do a lot of whining on the internet yourself. Why would you do this if the universe you are speaking to is so small and not representative of GH viewers as you say?
I love when people dismiss those who rant on the internet as unimportant and do so by ranting on the internet about it.
Tracy, it does seem like Ron lives in a comic book world and with the hiring of Dr O as The Chief of Staff, it seems like he’s doing an adaptation of the TV version of Batman rather than the movie version.
I continue to be amazed by the people who hate on Ron Carlivati’s writing — have they all forgotten the Guza era when this show was “The Sonny Corinthos and His Super Awesome Pal Jason Morgan Hour” and was facing cancellation?
Frank and Ron’s ONE LIFE TO LIVE was brilliant and they’ve turned GH around and made it watchable for the first time in a decade.
I know…they, Frank and Ron, saved the fans their show and they still get criticsized…the show may have some flaws but its a good show and the ratings prove these two are doing a good job keeping it on the air!!!
GUZA may have written a little too much for the mob but that is something easily changeable. Guza also wrote compelling love stories ie Sonny & Brenda, Liason, JaSam, Scrubs to name a few and was basically an all around good storyteller. He didn’t leave any gaping holes and gave satifaction to us fans and time to exhale after a deep story. Guza had skills and creativity for more realistic stories rather than the crap we are watching suspending disbelief around every freakin corner. Now we are watching the same crap over and over with different characters. Heather is a cartoon doing the same things over and over with different hostages. The same (misplaced) baby story for first Sam then Maxie and then Britt and now Sabrina! RC is a joke that has hijacked GH and turned it into a dismal version of The Twilight Zone. He should be ashamed of his writing and not so proud! He should just ask for help and Guza would be a great option because he knows the history and knows how to write!
I would take Guza back over this guy ANY DAY and simply tell him write a little less for the mob. Simple!
“…Guza would be a great option because he knows the show’s history and knows how to write.”
During Guza’s tenure we were witness to the decimation of the Quartermaine family, the ruination of Laura, the total ret-conned destruction of Rick Webber, Jake’s death courtesy of his own grandfather, and the never ending celebration of all things Sonny and Jason.
I think there’s a difference between knowing a show’s history and respecting a show’s history as a basis to build on what’s come before.
Yes, yes and yes. I am no fan of Guza’s but he also didn’t write a cliff hanger which did not continue until the next month.
Ugh.
Too many mobsters and guns on GH for me but Ron sure knows how to use history and that’s what it’s all about on soaps. And you gotta’ love him for creating a role for Donna Mills! Good for GH. Good for Ron. Good luck in 2014!
I HATE THE FACT That People Are Criticizing Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini, They DID NOTHING WRONG: NOTHING
It’s JILL FARREN PHELPS, BOB GUZA & BRIAN FRONS WHO SCREWED GENERAL HOSPITAL IN RECENT YEARS. THOSE THREE ARE NOTHING MORE THAN UNRELIABLE — —–.
NOT Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini. I’ve Heard That They Changes That They Made Since Coming Onto GH Were By Far EXCELLENT. Even Tony Geary Had A Huge Interview About How GH Was “Suffering” Because Of Frons, Phelps & Guza.
I 100% Like What I’m Seeing Although It’s Not The Hospital Or The Mob That I Am Hooked, It’s The Other Changes That Have Gone Un-Noticed I Am Seeing.
Like:
1. They Brought Back Ryan’s Hope examples: Ryan’s Bar & Ilene Kristen (Delia)
2. Given Ilene Kristen (Delia) More Appearances On General Hospital
3. Hiring Prime Time Star Donna Mills
4. Now I Heard This Is A Rumor (But In The Future) Maybe Getting Michael Muhney or Billy Miller (or Both) Onto GH.
And Hear This Loud And Clear: General Hospital Is Doing More Better Than That HAS BEEN CBS’s So Called NUMBER ONE MOST WATCHED SOAP:
The Young And The Restless.
And I Stopped Watching It On A Regular Basis When They Brought The SOAP KILLER Jill Farren Phelps On That Show, But I Would Watch It On A Reccuring Basis Until The Ship Went Down And JFP Got Rid Of Several People But Billy Miller & Michael Muhney, When She Got Rid Of Them – That Broke The Straw In My Back To Stop Watching The Young And The Restless AND BOYCOTT CBS Altogether.
Who cares that he brought Delia on for a day. Bringing a known character on for a one day stint–big deal! I just saw it as another stab at OLTL by stealing yet another actor from that show had they survived. They surely would have brought back Roxy eventually.
Also GH is still the lowest viewed of the 4 remaining soaps and with the horrible writing will dip more as time goes by. It trumped Y&R like for 1 week and people are making a big deal out of that. And personally I don’t want to see anymore transplants from other soaps if it is gonna take away from GH originals. I don’t know why anyone would want to keep getting newbies that take away from the real GH cast for some new lame story. All of RC’s stories are unrealistic, lame and anticlimactic which clearly shows lack of creativity. Or he drops them midway and returns to it when no one cares anymore like with who killed Connie. So if I were you I would not count on seeing Ilene Kirsten again. He keeps it moving from lame to lamer with more and more newbies. So I am so thrilled we are stuck with him for another year. Hurray.
Actutally you are incorrect Tracie. In the key demo fo 18-49 and 25-54 which is what advertisers base their ratings on GH is number 1. In total viewers GH is number 3 with Days number 4 so again get your facts straight before posting your lies to further your agenda
And this just in David, for the week of Jan 13-17, GH lost 353,000 total viewers from the previous week, falling to 2,936,00, up 136,000 for the previous year, not all that impressive, and GH fell to #3 in w 18-49.
Right, GH50 and it will get lower after Robert and Robin leave. Robert Scorpio fans were coming back to GH in droves to see the return of the beloved superspy. His fan base crossed all generations. He and Anna as a superspy tag team were cooler than the other side of the pillow. But Ron didn’t offer him a consistent storyline and Frank didn’t offer him a contract so Y&R snapped up this gem of an actor. As Julia Robert’s character told the snooty sales ladies at the Beverly Hills boutique, “Big mistake. HUGE!”
I Also Want To Applaud And Praise And Thank
Ron Carlivati & Frank Valentini For Giving New Life To General Hospital
Like I Mentioned Earlier All The Top Notch Changes or Additions To GH Like With:
Ryans Hope, Ava / Delia, Primetime Star Donna Mills, Etc. Too Much To Mention.
And ABC Thanks For Making GH Come Alive Again, It’s Better Than It EVER Was.
I am Looking Forward And A Large Number Of People I Know Are Looking Forward To See Ryan’s Hope’s & General Hospital’s Ilene Kristen (Delia) Back On And Former Primetime Star Donna Mills And w.e Character She Plays…..
BRAVO ABC!!!! And R.C. & F.V.
General Hospital Is BIGGER & BETTER Than It Ever Was And CBS’s The Young And The Restless.
And Thanks To All Of These Positive Evens That Are Taking Place Behind The Scenes And Have Yet To Take Place On Future Episodes Of GH What I Said Way Back:
Ryan’s Hope’s Delia And The Whole Long Lost Never Mentioned Daughter Ava Reid Jerome.
Prime Time Star Goes To Port Charles (Donna Mills)
I AM NOW A FAN OF Soap Opera That I Never Watched And Never Cared For.
General Hospital, You Rock!!!!! Although I Do Have A Wish List Of Things I Hope Will Happen Possibly That Can Happen In The Long Road Uncertain Future…..
I Meant Positive Events, Wrote The Word “Evens” By Mistake.
This is fantastic news for GH!!! FV and RC are a super-team and I love what they bring to the table. I’ve watched soaps for over forty years and once the soap media exploded it was very difficult to be surprised by anything on my shows. I was always able to read spoilers (still am). But somehow, Ron and his team continue to surprise me and keep me coming back every day to see what’s going to happen.
Congratulations, Ron and thanks for sticking around!!!
However you feel about the characters or story lines, remember this, without Ron and Frank, GH would be an afterthought!
Who did he sleep with to get this! I know it is not the writing.
David
The key demographic has also been targeted at women not all of you “men” that are sitting around RC’s feet like little lap dogs. We need a female co head writer because this dude does not write things that women want to see. And there are more than a few internet whiners and others that feel this way that don’t go to the internet. Mark my words if the writing doesn’t improve the ratings will drop because it is NOT the writing that has them up!
Ah, there was a female involved, Jill Farren Phillips, she almost single handedly took the show down herself! [See Y&R!]
Yes With The Help Of Her Two Close Friends:
Head Writer Bob Guza Jr.
And
Former President Of ABC-DISNEY DAYTIME:
Brian Frons
Those Three IDIOTS!!!!!!!
Phelps, Guza & Frons!!!!!!!!
Great news!!! Love GH… happy it’s a go for next year!!! Happy to have Ron stay on!!!