General Hospital
GH Nurses' Ball 2016 Part Three Comes To Its Emotional Conclusion As Lives Are Touched & Lives Hang In The Balance!
Courtesy/ABC
General Hospital pulled out all the stops as the 2016 Nurses’ Ball concluded in its third installment leaving many viewers weeping as the Emmy-award winning drama series pulled at the heartstrings, while being a launching pad for several mysteries and storylines ahead. If you have not seen today’s episode do not read any further.
In part 3, we pick up where we left off with Brad (Parry Shen) waiting on stage for his wedding ceremony to Lucas (Ryan Carnes) to begin. Lucas is a no-show, and just then Amy (Risa Dorken) realizes Lucas gave her a message to tell Brad, but she forgot! Next, the groom tries to reach Lucas by cell, but he is not answering, so Brad thinks Lucas may have wedding jitters and second thoughts. Lucy (Lynn Herring) pulls Dillon (Robert Palmer Watkins) and Kiki (Hayley Erin) to the stage to perform their number sooner than expected, while they kill time while everyone is trying to locate Lucas.
Courtesy/ABC
Next, Robert Palmer Watkins performs Shawn Mendes hit single, “Stitches” alongside of Hayley Erin’s Kiki. Watkins was terrific in the number showcasing his vocal talents, while Erin was the perfect sidekick. As the lyrics played out and touched the lives of those couples and non-couples attending the ball, it is clear that Dillon and Kiki’s attraction just went into full bloom. Morgan (Bryan Craig), who is on leave from the hospital for the night wants to see Kiki following her number, but is devastated when he walks in on a kiss between Dillon and Kiki. He then wants to leave, and so Carly (Laura Wright) and Sonny (Maurice Benard) accompany him.
Meanwhile back at GH, Bobbie (Jackie Zeman) finds Lucas out cold near her hospital bed and calls for help. Griffin (Matt Cohen) and Finn (Michael Easton) arrive on the scene and try to save him. Just then Lucas’ phone rings, and Bobbie answers and tells Brad to get to the hospital ASAP. Next, Lucy makes a speech about the awesome nurses at GH, and then in a cute number: Lulu (Emme Rylan), Epiphany (Sonya Eddy), Valerie (Brytni Sarpy), Maxie (Kirsten Storms), and Amy become “Epiphany and the Haunted Starlets” and perform the disco classic, “Doctor’s Orders”.
Courtesy/ABC
Nikolas (Tyler Christopher) has gone to Wyndemere after having it out with Hayden (Rebecca Budig). There is now a thunderstorm in the background as Nikolas texts a photo of diamonds to Hayden and tells her to come home. Jason (Billy Miller) is also furious at Nikolas and heads out of the ball, followed on his trail by Sam (Kelly Monaco). At GH, Brad arrives just as Lucas flatlines! But Lucas gets his heartbeat back and is put on a ventilator. Griffin then discovers a needle mark on Lucas’ neck. He asks Finn (Michael Easton), if he knows anything about this. Brad says there have been two other mysterious deaths in the hospital and wonders if what happened to Lucas could be related!
Then we come to the emotional conclusion of the Nurses’ Ball, which starts with Robin (Kimberly McCullough) taking to the stage and addressing the crowd about the latest strides in HIV/AIDS research. She relates there is a new medication to prevent HIV. However, Robin goes on to say that according to a study, infections are on the rise in certain groups, and most prominent among them in gay men from low means (poor or homeless). She then speaks of how her former boyfriend Stone was a young man from a low income, and it has been 21 years since his death. Robin says her full name and hopes that one day while she is will alive, they find a cure. Anna (Finola Hughes) watches her daughter speak filled with tears.
Courtesy/ABC
Next, Amy decides to take the stage to perform the signature Nurses’ Ball closing anthem, “You’re Not Alone”. But as she sings it, another voice begins to sing along, and it is none other than Sabrina (Teresa Castillo), who has shown up at the ball. Felix is shocked and thrilled to see his bff, and so is Epiphany. Sabrina brings Epiphany to the stage to join in the song. But while the women are singing the lyrics we cut to an emotional Brad at the hospitsl watching Lucas fight for his life as Bobbie reaches out to him, and they hold hands. Back onstage, after Lucy is given flowers via Felix, and does not lose her dress … the ball comes to its conclusion. In the entrance way, Jordan (Vinessa Antoine) arrests Sabrina for aiding and abetting the late Carlos.
Jason has now shown up at Wyndemere, the storm is in full force, and the lights are out. Sam arrives soon after and hears a crash and glass breaking. The viewers see a bloody and seemingly lifeless Nikolas on the rocks. We fade to black.
Courtesy/ABC
Kudos to GH for making the Nurses’ Ball a must-see event with plenty of heart and dramatic turns. What did you think of the final episode of this year’s Nurses’ Ball? Did you reach for the hankies? What was your favorite moment?
What will be the fates of Nikolas and Lucas? Share your thoughts in the comment section, but first watch two of today’s featured musical numbers below.
Can anyone tell me, is Risa Dorken (nurse amy), is this actress a stand in for Kristen Storms? Aside from obvious physical difference ( she’s taller
No,what makes you think that?
Weird, the entire message is not here. I was saying she looks like Kristen and sounds like her, but I know GH is produced faster than the old days so not sure they use stand in’s anymore. I read she is supposed to remind us of Amy Vining, but she is like Maxie 2.0 to me.
Lol Christy. I greed with you before you added the rest of your comment (see mine at 5:12) but I didn’t think you meant literally! Though they’re similar in fun/hyper-esque ways and have similar, pretty faces…the difference in weight would never fly as body-conscious, fashion- conscious Maxie. That’s not to imply people of all shapes and sizes can’t be as well, but that’s not the way Maxie is portrayed. All that aside, how can she be a stand-in if she’s standing right beside her!
Lol, Christy. They do have a similar face and Amy’s, shall we say, over-the-top personality is a bit like Maxie…though Maxie’s calmed down a bit. Funny how Maxie doesn’t see herself in Amy, but I see what you mean!
Her character is very similar to Lucy years ago…
Christy you deftly moved around the issue of weight differences but I caught your meaning. HA! I for one am happy GH is using women who are not size 0s Amy and Robin are the sizes of the average American woman and they are healthy and attractive. I think we can thank Lena Dunham for a growing national movement toward body acceptance.
However, I do have a bit of an issue with Epiphany’s weight for two reasons: 1. She is not just large, she is morbidly obese and is frequently out of breath 2. She is a head nurse and knows full well that morbid obesity is a huge health risk which can lead to cardiac arrest.
“Doctor’s Orders” was a joyfully nostalgic throwback to the disco era. Nifty choreography and Sonya is a vocal powerhouse. Kudos to all the ladies.
I wished Richard Simmons had shown up on that number! That would have been a hoot!
Gripping and heartening…not a dull moment! Kudos to all for such great performances. It sure looked suspicious that Finn stashed a rather large syringe in his pocket just as Dr Griffin walked into the scene…may be a misdirect. However it sure seems someone wants to make Finn look bad. LOVED Anna, Robin, & Emma. Lucas & Brad have to be OK. And, I suspect Nicolas’ fall will put Jason in a bad light…a set-up maybe? Anyway, I loved it all! Great cat fight with Carly and Ave, too!
the e-mail Nicholas sent hayden… “I bet you wished I were dead” not berbatim… but close enough
and having Jason show up at the right time… just a plot point
which all boils down to….
piss me off… how far Nicholas character is just not the same… from the start of J and S tenure… they have downgraded Tyler Christopher’ Nicholas…
it’s all about Jason
it’s all about this dumbed down story of the “War of the Roses” storyline… that doesn’t do anything.. but feature the Cassadine in a bad light
I pray that whatever is going on… be it contract negotiation… or a private matter… it simply , must be taken care of and resolved
Tyler Christipher is just too good.. and a must keep for GH to continue
I agree Patrick!
Great Thursday episode of GH. The last three days have been on fire. A little bit of everything you could ask for in one hour. I thought the body that would be discovered would be Lucas but in a good twist it turned out to be Nik. I also thought the person being arrested would be Julian or Alexis but in another good twist it turned out to be Sabrina. GH did a good job this week in throwing us off with the published spoilers cause it made for two moments that I didn’t see coming.
Kiki and Dillon were my favorite performance (RPW sounded great and HE held her own) and have been my favorite potential couple on GH for the last two months. I am even putting them ahead of Laura/Kevin and Anna/Andre in terms of potential couples that I am loving. First time in what feels like forever that a new young couple has hit all the right chords with me. I have loved their chemistry and cuteness since their first scenes at the hospital over two months ago. They bring such a likeable youthful energy to their scenes. This show has finally found the right chemistry match for Dillon cause he’s got tons of it with Kiki while he has none of it with Lulu or Val.
The opening number was a miss but at least the closing number was a hit and they stuck with recent tradition.
Nik was obviously trying to frame Hayden for attempted murder (his last text to her was I know you want him dead) and he really was pushing for her to come home with the picture he sent of the diamonds. Jason has now showed up to confront Nik about the lawsuit and given their past history of brawls all over PC you can bet Jason will be in jail in no time. I don’t know if anyone else noticed it but there was a shadow of a person standing to the left of Nik’s lifeless body when the thunder cracked. Nik has either hired someone to help him frame Hayden for attempted murder (but he would rather see Jason go down) or Nik really did poison Helena last Dec and she realized what he was doing and gave orders to someone to kill Nik. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stavros is back from the dead and threw Nik out the window to avenge his mother’s death. Stavros did put a hit out on Nik about three years ago so he’s capable of killing his son. Helena may have made a deal with Valentin when she realized Nik was posioning her and he showed up to take Nik out with hopes he can claim his birthright. The two brothers in Stavros and Valentin may even be in cahoots with Valentin throwing Nik out the window and Stavros down there to stand over Nik’s lifeless body. Jason will be the first to spot Nik down there on the rocks but the time he gets down there the body will be gone and Jason will assume Nik was washed away in a tide. Someone from the staff will have called the police. Jordan and Dante will arrive to the Castle and will arrest Jason cause he in on the scene and has a motive and the beatdowns he’s given Nik. Stavros and Valentin will escort Nik back to CI and have a doctor tend to his wounds and lock him up in one of those chambers. There is suppose to be a big summer adventure for Laura, Kevin, Dante, and Lulu and my guess is they will end up rescuing Nik from Stavros and Valentin cause CI could their next spot in Helena’s riddles that she left for Laura.
Great heartfelt drama with Lucas being put on a ventilator after Griffin was able to keep him from flatlining. JZ gave a wonderful performance when Bobbie tearfully desperately told Brad to get to the hospital right away. We also had a good mystery going on in those scenes with Griffin being suspicious of Finn. Brad mentioned the two mysterious deaths in the past months and that is when Finn first started working at GH but I think it’s that Dr. Mayes guy who is setting up Finn. Finn could possibly have a split personality and the drugs he takes is a way to reverse it. It is interesting suspenseful story.
I was thinking Jerry Jax is behind this but I love the Starvos theory. Also, Valentin has not been seen yet. I pray they cast him and its Michael Muhney!
Love your post, Jay. You covered everything thoeoughly. It does look as if Jason has done Nik in and, he will probably be blamed.
Nonetheless, could Raymond Berlin ( is he dead?), or Hayden’s mother have done the deed? They want their diamonds back? LOL.
Quite the comprehensive post, Jay! To be honest I hadn’t thought about any of your theories…had other things on my mind so I didn’t get to the whodunnit stage in my mind yet! Good theories!
Overall, the Nurse’s Ball was, sadly, again, lame. Poor Lynn Herring (Lucy) tried with the wooden dialogue given her. With the exception of Wally Kurth and Brooklyn–and, of course, Kimberly’s emotional speech, summarizing what the Nurse’s Ball has been about al lthese years. Why? And during sweeps, with all the talent available, couldn’t they have done better? Another big disappointment! (Sigh!)
Better than what Y&R offered. Their sweeps stories sucked!
Well, I will say it it was better than the past two years because for once I felt like they FINALLY went back to what the Nurses’ Ball was about HIV/AIDS awareness. [at least , I lost track on the amount of times they mentioned HIV/AIDS] the past two years I think I could count it on one hand. It was that sad.
I do think they need to rewatch previous # s again ..They were so professional ,, Quality acts!! Loved each one [ even the ones that seemed on the fly were – perfection.. The #NursesBallNeedsWendyRiche
The Opening # just did not get me that excited Perhaps it could be that the face that the # is just too cheesy and then you add that with the amount of [ or lack of amount of GH staff WE KNOW ( which has gotten to a pt we can also add on one hand)
GH has an extremely talented cast and it expands past acting which we ALL have seen. Most of them can either sing / dance – wish that whoever takes on the Nurses’ Ball actually takes the time and figures out what actors excel in and UTILIZE their skills. Here is an idea – Mandy Moore Choreographer with SYTYCD originally would at times work with DWTS [different network] Perhaps someone can loan out their expertise. Don’t know if it is the choreography or if it is the show not being rehearsed enough before they put it to tape. Also, As much as I loved that first year of Magic Milo and the magic wands -I am completely over it! This is a Nurses’ Ball to raise money for HIV/AIDS if you want to do a strip tease on the fly occasionally to get money and I am talking a few thousand for a tie .. go for it! But it is not nec when they were nothing great and the number was not better than the year before it!
I LOVED Wally & Brooklyn But who in the world were there back up dancers? {would have been great if it was Mac, Kevin, and Anna) – BTW they can dance & sing
Robin’s speech was great was missing and what the show seems to never have a problem showing EVERY day but seemed to have neglected and was NEEDED- Flashbacks…Where were the flashbacks!! I wanted the Robin and Stone Montages!!! That was the time for that!!! I was like Yes, Kimberly said it has been 21 yrs since Stone, …. Cue in the flashbacks… and .. Crickets… Where were they!!!!!
< Instead we get a song that they play for a wedding, funeral, and now the Nurses' Ball…. I want to stick metal objects in my eyes !!
Loved Robin and Emma and Ned. I also am really starting to like Kiki and Dillon. I never liked her character before even when Kristen Alderson was playing her. This is the first time I actually like her.
I agree. Not to piss off oltl fans but I was never impressed with Kristen! Haley is finding her groove and I like it!
I did enjoy the Nurses Ball as always but 2 things were highly absent this year that did give me a little bit of a pang in my belly. That would be Kathleen Gati not performing because she is so fun to watch when she tries to take over the ball and the other gripe I have is that Lucy didn’t end up in her underwear on stage. To me that was a staple every year the Ball was shown when she would somehow have her clothes off her. What’ll be next? The Quartermaines will get turkey on Thanksgiving instead of having to order out for pizza? That will really be the straw that breaks my back.
And no Richard Simmons! Boo!
Damn, we were almost safe but then Sparkle Pony comes trotting out to sing that insipid song.
So, we get Disney but no DR O? While I hated Dr O as the chief of staff, I enjoyed her plotting with her boyfriend Faison and her campy, over-the-top performances on stage, There is no justice.
I love Robin BUT her speech wasnt that good. She would state a fact and then laugh and then get serious with her message. It was strange!
Dillon and Kiki’s song was really good! Robert has content on Youtube. He can sing! Haley, well I am really warming up to her and her portrayal.
I hope Lucas lives. I smell Jerry Jax!
Cannot stand Sabrina BUT she was good with Ep and Amy. By the way, I see Amy as a Meghan Trainor type of singer. I would like to see her cover Meghan at next years NB. She is a talent. Nosey BUT a talent!
I think Nick will go missing and that black guy who crushes on Hayden will be involved and Jason will take the fall!
His name is Curtis
Can somebody please tell me where I can find the dress Maxi, Lulu, Valerie, and Amy wore in their Doctor’s Orders number?
Maxie’s dress ( by Jovani) was to die for, eh, Wifey? Looooved it! The embroidered floral illusion was Sexy as heck!!!!! That dress is definitely my pick. Everyone looked her best. I particularly liked Rebecca’s gown, as well. Big, bold flowers are all the rage.
Windams!
My suspicion is that we have not in reality seen Nicholas Cassadine in a very long time.
The nurses ball was one long Aveeno commercial.
Tim, more product placement if they spend more money on cast and sets!
Really good performances. Loving Kiki and Dillon as a couple! Glad Lucy got to keep her clothes on!
Kiki and Dillon make a perfect couple. They look beautiful together and have great chemistry, which means setback for Morgan.
Just RE-watched the entire #NursesBall week and went through SEVERAL hank-ies! Best NB to date.
The ENTIRE cast & crew brought their ‘A’ game to the NB performances and had FUN, right through to the finale (with my hankie close by
Oops…the rest of my post disappeared.
(cont.)
The ENTIRE cast & crew brought their ‘A’ game to the NB performances and had FUN, right through to the finale (with my hankie close by. ;)). KUDOS to Frank Valentini, Jean Passanante, Shelly Altman, GH Writers.
THANK YOU, Michael, for the FABulous rundown of the week! xox
awwww…I know what u mean. 😉
Liking Dillon&KIki alot….like the slow build up….never cared forherbefore..
Is it me or when looking at Dillon (RPWatkins)….I see a great resemblance of Johnny Z (Brandon Barash….especially in his eyes and smile.
He looks like a 20 years younger Frank Valentini. LOL. WHY does no one see this??
For the most part, impressed. I LOVED that Obrecht did NOT get to hijack the show. I find her numbers disturbing, dark, and creepy, and they do not fit in with the theme of the Ball in any way. I LOVE that Lucy did NOT end up in her underwear!! It’s been 22 years, that gag was fun, and maybe resurrect it in a year or two, but it was nice. The male stripping act has got to go. So does the song We Are One. It was touching the first time, repetitive the second time, cloying the third time, and absolutely pointless the fourth time.
There was a scratch my head, LOL moment, and that was Lulu and Valerie performing in the same number. Since her introduction in 2014, the powers that be have tried to insert and shoehorn this character of Valerie into the Nurses Ball, and into the fabric of Port Charles life. Memo: It’s NOT working!!!!!! Lulu and Dante are going through marriage counselling…are we expected to believe that Lulu and Valerie, the woman her husband slept with, would gladly meet up for rehearsals to rehearse a song and dance number together, and be smiling and laughing while doing it?? Nonsensical things like that take me right out of the action.
Sorry, I don’t get the character of Brad, as charming and talented as Parry Shen is. This is a person who was brought on as a skeevy lab tech, who tried to blackmail Michael Corinthos, a teenage prison rape victim, into non consensual anal sex…in essence, Brad gleefully wanted to rape Michael. Now, Michael’s pseudo uncle, Lucas, is engaged to this same Brad? Where is Momma Bear Carly with her fangs out trying to destroy Brad? Bad, BAD forgetful lazy writing. I hope every time GLAAD comes out in support of this same sex couple, that they also remember that Brad was a wanna be rapist, wishing to have sex with a straight young male adult rape victim against his will. Sorry…if some fans can still be mad over the Luke and Laura rape from 37 years ago, I can still be ticked about Brad’s attempted rape of Michael from 2.5 years ago.
I like this new Amy, but anchor her to someone! Make her Amy Vining’s daughter, or relative, or something. Give us a reason to care. Why does Epiphany get to perform in half the musical numbers when we see her maybe three times a year? It was hard to keep all the new hospital staff straight, as most of them were introduced with no connections to anyone currently on the canvas. It is SO sad that a show called General HGospital is so devoid of, well…hospital!! Recent attempts are encouraging…but do the names Hardy, Webber, Quartermaine, etc…ring any bells?? GThey apparently deserved a nod in the opening number…why not in continuing story??
The 2014 and 2015 Nurses Ball’s were virtual copies of each other, with nothing new to offer. The 2016 Ball, even under a different regime, had the same feel. I have said before, I would rather HAVE the Nurses Ball than NOT have it, but not if the powers that be are going to treat it as an after thought, and just dust off old scripts and musical numbers. Sorry, I don’t get it, and I never will, how male strippers and gay weddings have a place at this event!! In Robin’s speech, a 21 year HIV survivor, she reported current statistics, that HIV is on the rise between young gay men of low means. That is a sad sobering fact of REAL life!! So then why present males stripping down to their underwear and shaking their asses with Nurses Ball printed on them? Why feature a gay wedding between a doctor and a wanna-be rapist? It is inappropriate, perverse, and disgusting!! END IT for next year!
It’s always good soapy fun. I really admire how soap headwriters are able to have major story points culminate, germinate, or kick off at the ball. It is a lot of work from all involved, and we do appreciate it. I just really feel that the show needs to get back to what the ball was, why it exists at all, and the purpose for it. Otherwise it comes off as a cheap, tawdry variety show and that’s never what it was.
I don’t know. Am I too hard on this subject? Am I expecting too much from the show?
100 percent agree!
No, Dylan, not too hard at all. I thought your observations and commentary were insightful and spot on.
I also scratched my head at the sight of Lulu and Valerie singing and dancing next to each other. I mean, if they have to be in the same number, could they at least not be positioned next to each other?
The NB was to short this year and they cut corners. No dress changes, less acts. Though Dr. Orders was one of my favs next to Emma and Ned. Did anyone notice Emme, she was so good at dancing, like a cheer leader! I don’t care for Amy she is nothing like Amy Vining.
Day three was really enjoyable for me. I really liked Dillon & Kiki’s number. RPW can really sing, which I already knew, and I was glad to hear HE can really hold her own with him. The ladies’ “Doctor’s Order” number was really great with the power-house SE leading the vocals. I wasn’t expecting Sabrina to show up, so that was a nice surprise. The three ladies sounded great together.
As someone already mentioned, there was the shadow of someone standing on the rocks near where Nicolas laid. At first, thought Nicolas was trying to rig the window so he could push Hayden out it, but then with his text (which made no sense to me at the time), and his disappearing body once someone (Jason) finally saw him, and that shadowy figure on the rocks, I’m beginning to think Nicolas set it up to make it look like Hayden killed him…Only this plot has gone wrong for Nicolas and Jason gets blamed…Oh, well, Nicolas is happy to bring down Jason, too….Just my initial theory.
And lastly, though the Ball was officially over, having Robin tell Anna she needed to say good-bye to Duke; then having Anna imagine that tango (or last dance) with him was beautiful. Can’t wait to see what is ahead for Anna!
With the exception of performance by Ned & Emma, Nurses Ball was terrible.
I hated the Rap idea, the show fell short to me, just didn’t think it was that great.
the new Jake was the only part I liked with Franco. Once again Liz got crapped on and Sam looked better in her street clothing then that dull dress.
I made myself watch all in a row, Nice to see Robin with her family. Don’t get me wrong ,I love Emma,and I think she is a natural, but she cannot sing. I FF all of Carly except when Ava told her where to put the tape..I don’t like Ava but when it comes to her or carly. Ava wins. This was the worse ball yet. I don’t like Dr.O. but she is the only one on the show that can sing. I STILL get the idea that TIIC are doing their damndest to get this mess cancelled.Back to not watching.
I can’t believe the show wasted an opportunity to let Kathleen Gati perform. She’s been the best part of the last few Nurses Balls.
I was quite disappointed that there was no number for Kathleen Gati. I hope she is presented with another opportunity to sing sometime throughout the year.
I did not like the song that Hayley Erin and Robert Palmer Watkins sang, but I did like their singing. Wally and Brooklyn were adorable. She has a nice, appropriate 10-year-olds voice. “Doctor’s Orders” turned into a memorable number and nice showcase for the ladies.
Sadly, there was a lack of excitement (remember Britt and Brad dishing the red carpet while they watched on TV), a lack of cohesion in the presentation and the hall felt empty. The emotional closing with “You Are Not Alone” and Anna and Duke’s dance wrapped it all up nicely.
Lucy in her skivvies is tradition!
Why was Dr. Monica Quartermaine, chief of staff, not at the Nurses Ball?
The nurses ball 2016 , was the worse one ever. I was extremely disappointed with it .
Day 1 was the red carpet , and the very weird opening number.
Day 2 and 3 were the nurses ball but a very watered down version.
There was no Kathleen Gati performance , no kelly monoco, no haunted starlets ,
And magic milo , was very weird , as this year, they added women to their act, as dancers. wtf ???? In all , there were only 5 performances . There were no ” WOW ” moments.though I love kiki with Dillon, their performance failed to wow me
Only good parts were robin, Emma , and Anna finally saying goodbye to Duke. ( which made me cry ) . I love the nurses ball , but if they do it next year they have got to show us fans a much better show
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
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