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!
Breaking News
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
For those who were holding out hope that Daytime Emmy winner and fan favorite, Nicholas Chavez would be returning to General Hospital after filming his leading role in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters anthology, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
According to a report from TV Line, although unconfirmed from General Hospital or a representative for Chavez, the actor will not reprise his role as Spencer Cassadine on the long-running ABC soap opera and continue the love story of Sprina opposite Tabyana Ali (Trina, GH).
Chavez was cast as Lyle Menendez over the the summer of 2023 for the second season of Murphy’s limited Monsters series on Netflix. In the upcoming season, the series will focus on the the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the two well-to-do Beverly Hills brothers accused of murdering their parents in 1989.
Photo: ABC
After word from Chavez casting was revealed, GH fans were concerned over the fate of the Sprina story, a spokesperson for GH shared, “We support Nicholas’ endeavors and look forward to having him return to General Hospital once this project is wrapped.”
In story, the series “killed off” Spencer when he went overboard with Esme to the steely waters below after being injected with a drug, thanks to Esme and falling into the Seine River in France. However, his body was never recovered, and believed to have drowned or washed away. Thus, leaving an opening for Spencer to return in the form of Chavez or be recast down the line.
Photo: ABC
TV Line shared that ‘multiple sources’ are confirming that Chavez is not returning to the ABC soap opera, which is what many had suspected might be the case once he left for this major starring role in a Ryan Murphy project. Chavez has been relatively quiet on social media for months.
Photo: ABC
The Michael Fairman Channel spoke with Nicholas Chavez for a virtual interview when he first joined the show in 2021, and spoke to him right after when he won the Daytime Emmy in 2022 – you can see those below.
No word yet on when Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story will debut on Netflix, but it is assumed later this year.
So, what do you think about the news of Nicholas Chavez not returning to his role as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital? Comment below.
General Hospital
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
With the Melrose Place revival the talk of the town, now Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, GH, ex-Nick, B&B and ex-Peter Burns, MP) has weighed-in on it and if he would show up in the new series if it should find a home.
Currently, CBS Studios is developing a reboot starring Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Laura Leighton. But what is Dr. Peter Burns were to show up alive?
As those who saw the end of the original MP know, Peter and Amanda (Locklear) faked their deaths and then tied the knot with Peter on a beach, supposedly in a “happily ever after” scenario.
Photo: Fox
Speaking with PEOPLE, Wagner expressed, what we all know who watch the soaps, that no one is never, ever really gone for good. Jack expressed, “You never really die on a soap, right? How they unfold those two characters (Peter and Amanda), it’d be fantastic how they sort of tell that story.”
Wagner added, “That was a great finale to be included in, especially with Heather. If I’m asked to come back, I’d absolutely entertain that.”
Photo: Fox
The original Melrose Place aired for seven seasons from 1992 to 1999. The story featured the residents of an apartment complex, whose lives were intertwined. Eventually Wagner and Heather Locklear dated fro 2007-2011.
As previously reported, the new Melrose Place share that some of original neighbors and friends reunite after a death. The loglines add, “The pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets… throwing our characters into chaotic drama that’s reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.”
So, would you like to see Jack Wagner return as Dr. Peter Burns on Melrose Place, or Frisco Jones on GH, or both? Comment below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn and Chase Have Their Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
On General Hospital, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) both were treated to Bachelorette and Bachelor parties to shake off any of those pre-wedding jitters. At The Savoy, the ladies have a touching and fun time with Brook Lynn.
The bride-to-be gives a speech to thank everyone for coming, while Lois lets everyone know to try the signature cocktail the “Brooklynn Chaser”, which gets everybody eventually and mostly, drunk.
When Tracy (Jane Elliot) questions Lois (Rena Sofer) as to why there is no music for the party, Lois realizes she forgot, and somehow, who does she call to the rescue? Spinelli (Bradford Anderson)! Saving the day, he winds up playing some tunes and later gets on the dance floor to ‘shake it off’ with the gals.
Photo: ABC
Lois makes a speech as the mother of the bride, and shares how proud she is of the woman Brook Lynn has become. Wedding games begin, including one of “hot potato” with a wedding bouquet.
When it’s time for the “Silly Poses” section of the party, Spinelli has now morphed from DJ to staff photographer taking memorable photos of the ladies to remember the evening by.
Photo: ABC
The best part of the event, was when Brook Lynn tries to get her grandmother Tracy out on the dance floor, which, at first, she refuses. After several of the guests bust a move, a tipsy Tracy joins the dance party after Joss mentions that if her grandmother Bobbie was here, she would dance. Tracy says “she agrees” and begins to cut a rug on the floor, much to the delight of the other women.
Photo: ABC
In the final moments, a tipsy Joss and Kristina (Kate Mansi) have a confrontation about Sonny, and Joss lets Kristina in more on Sonny’s behavior, which looks to have clued in Kristina a bit more as to how something is way off about her dad.
Photo: ABC
Across town at the Hatchett Bar, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and the men with the exception of Anna (Finola Hughes) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper), all attend Chase’s Bachelor Party where throwing hatchets into a dart board for supremacy is the order of the day. Drew (Cameron Mathison) and Ned (Wally Kurth) get into some words over ELQ, while Dante makes a toast to his police partner, Chase.
Photo: ABC
Suddenly Dex (Evan Hofer) shows up. Chase thanks Dex for coming, but Dex gets some dirty looks from other cops on the force. Dante gives Chase his present, which is a signed baseball by the Boston Red Sox.
Ned (Wally Kurth) makes a speech that although no one is good enough for his daughter, Brook Lynn, Chase has come closer than anyone has, so welcome to the family. Running in at the end is Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez), who just left Brook Lynn’s party, and she toasts her singing partner, Chase, and to the great man that he is.
Photo: ABC
What did you think of Brook Lynn and Chase’s pre-wedding celebrations? What was your favorite moment? Comment below.
Y&R’s Allison Lanier Lands Her First Daytime Emmy Nomination and Shares “Being a Recast Can Be Daunting”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
DAYS and ‘Supernatural’ Alum Jensen Ackles Joins the Cast of Justin Hartley’s CBS Series ‘Tracker’
Jack Wagner Open to Making an Appearance in ‘Melrose Place’ Reboot and Shares, “You Never Really Die on a Soap”
Wally Kurth Talks on His DAYS Daytime Emmy Nomination, His Emotional Scenes, and Remembering John Aniston
‘Knots Landing’s’ Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark Reunite for Los Angeles Ballet Season 18 Gala
Ellen Travolta Makes Another Return to General Hospital
‘Tracker’s’ Justin Hartley on His ‘Passions’ Soap Start, “They’d Have Me With No Shirt Walking Around a Hospital for Three Weeks. It Was Ridiculous, but I Loved It.”
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
GH’s Finola Hughes Chats on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, New Directions for Characters in Port Charles, and Anna’s Love Life
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
Cameron Mathison Previews New Game Show ‘Beat The Bridge’ (Promo)
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Talks on Her Lead Actress Daytime Emmy Nomination, Allison Lanier, and ‘Pacific Palisades’ with Finola Hughes
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Days Of Our LivesApril 17, 2024DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
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Breaking NewsApril 17, 202451st Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Set to Be Announced
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!!!