Breaking News
GH Special Episode On Tap: A Look At What Would Sonny’s Life Would Have Been Like If He Wasn’t In The Mob
This fall, Maurice Benard has been celebrating his 25th year as mobster Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. He was recently on Soap Nation Live! teasing a special episode that was in the works. Now we know what it is when it was revealed by GH and ABC this week.
Coming up on Monday’s November 12th episode, Maurice will be featured in a special episode of a “What If?” nature. In it, the soap opera takes a look and what Sonny’s life would have been like if he had not fallen into a life of crime and joined the mob.
Featured in the altered look of Sonny’s life will be Benard’s real-life son, Joshua, who will play a young Sonny. Additionally, back for this one episode is Dominic Zamprogna as Sonny’s son, Dante Falconeri.
TV Line posted a sneak peek promo for Monday’s special GH here.
As GH viewers know, Hailing from Bensonhurst, Sonny had a damaging childhood where he was abandoned by his father, Mike, and then abused by his stepfather. Deke.
So, are you looking forward to seeing if you would have liked Sonny, if he was not a mob boss? Comment below.
Aren’t most episodes already Sonny-centric?
If he wasn’t in the mob, he’d be Nico Kelly from Pine Valley
I have been watching Maurice Benard since he was Nico Kelly on “All My Children.” I have been a long-time fan. I remember when he first started on “General Hospital.” I hated that he was causing trouble between Karen and Jagger. I LOVED when Sonny was paired with Brenda. Sonny and Brenda were my version of Luke and Laura. I rushed home every day from school to watch. I recorded the show on my VCR. I watched their scenes repeatedly on VHS tapes. Although, I dislike what TPTB have done to the character over the years, I am still a fan, and admire Maurice for his work. More importantly, he is an advocate for the mental health network. I’ll definitely be watching on Monday. I LOVED the AVA-Centric episode.
I have a few “what ifs” for you:
What if the role of Sonny Corinthos had never been created on GH? What if the GH producers/writers refused to focus for 2 and a half decades on such a despicable, dark, abusive character? What if TPTB had refused to hyperpromote a character with no redeeming features as its lead? What if TPTB refused to create a storyline stranglehold of mob glorification? What if TPTB instead focused primarily on the hospital staff and intrigue? What if TPTB instead had chosen to give proper respect to many veteran actors and beloved characters to dole out precious airtime? What if TPTB had taken the temerity to provide a moral center to the show?
Needless to say, I won’t be watching this travesty!
You are not alone there, James! Those are quite simply beautiful “what-ifs!!!” Much along the same line of my first thought when I saw this headline…as in how about an episode like “It’s A Wonderful Life” where GH examines what a Sonny-less existence could have meant to Port Charles??? Of course, even if the show runners deigned to undertake such a storyline, we would be treated to the sycophantic notion that it simply could not have been nearly as magical without the mighty “Corinthos” gracing its presence over these last three decades. Regardless, I’ll also take a pass on this one…as well as, second the motion deeming this latest piece of OTT Sonny worship a “travesty!”
Thanks a million for the backup, Shay! So glad we were thinking the same thing and that we’re sympatico on this point, as are a large percentage of GH viewers. It’s the lone (enduring) annoyance/disappointment for me on what was once my must-see favorite soap. I feel ill that the viewers have been force-fed this tripe for so long. But your analysis of the mindset of TPTB is sadly correct. Take care, Friend!
@Gentleman James…My pleasure! Yes, we are simpatico on this point, and probably many others, too, as long as we steer clear from certain particular areas where we quite obviously do not share (in your own spot-on and highly descriptive words….) an “important commonality!” Still, I’m delighted we can see past those few “issues” and continue to mutually enjoy those views regarding matters upon which we do indeed see eye to eye. I really wish I knew you in “real life,” because I do believe we could have some truly fascinating conversations encompassing all sorts of subjects beyond our shared disdain for the decades-long Sonny-centic nature of GH!!! ‘Twould be most enlightening…..and probably full of wonderful surprises, too! Take care, my friend!
Shay, so glad I popped in on this discussion. Given the subject matter, it was clearly an open invitation for those of us who don’t care for this character and accompanying, overwhelming storylines. But the warm reception I have received from you is terrific. Thank you for that, Friend! I am sure I would find you just as enjoyable in real life as well! 🙂
Thank you, James! Given your many interesting posts throughout the years, I’m sure we would find much to discuss, and I dare say, even those areas in which there is little agreement between us would probably provide much fodder for some very lively discussions! Incidentally, I’m not one to mind those who hold opposing opinions, provided they present their views without rancor or personal insults, and yours fill that bill! Oh, and by the way, I do believe I have found the perfect Christmas present for you…(Hint: Check the latest GH-based thread of November 12…what a nifty stocking stuffer—-NOT!—for all who share the same views regarding the subject of this article!!! I’ve already reserved two copies in order to gift both CeeCee and you! Lol…) Later, my friend!
Thank you, Shay! Likewise on your posts! And the stocking stuffers for CeeCee and me are hysterical!
it’s like mid term election… every 4 years… during that 2 year interim… we gotta dig in and it gets repeat.. sure.. as much as I hate it.. YOU are given chance to write.. we have no choice.. so bear witness.. that GH has stuck with DULLARDS Sonny and Carly w/ Michael.. Josslyn.. they are not interesting… they dice… they give us Laura.. yes its staggeringly priceless.. who the show features even more.. Sonny and Carly… as Carly who will never be redeemable.. as a woman… is having the bad dreams.. needs to be coalesced.. WITH the same SHIT ? oh god.. I ‘m glad Laura is HOME.. GLAD … dang it give it to Jon Lindsrom… you are stretching the canvas…
JUST STOP !!!!! writing for Sonny and Carly !!!! STOP IT
i’m going to love Spencer
i’m going to love Laura reunion with Kevin
I’m LOVING to bits.. BRITTA look how much she can share as a whole canvas salute she’s worth every penny
Brad lightening up with Britta… dag COME ON… it’s like a distraction from witnessing a true gay coupling.. w/Child.. i’d be crying covering… LOVING on my family… all the way …. bring Britta
there ARE distraction… a whole canvas to dry out and wallah… oh my god you have much to draw on
any way… Carly bad dreams and insistence with Jason.. MUST KNOW.. who her cell mate was
Mac and Felicia stand tall… who cares what I write now… Sonny is tearing in to Margo… wah blah blah… he shares what went down… asked and answered.. Margo will cower come forward… another story start
oh my god.. ^^^ this thread is further proof @GH TPTB – AND – writers attention is ; but they muck it up and the discord ; they don’t get it ; get out of New York and be in the thick of things… care about your work… WRITING IS
why would I want to see Sonny and Carly and Jason and Sam… IN A Kevin / Felicia / Mac / Laura / etc… this is NOT their story… WAH … Frank !?!? what gives
I fast forward on nothing… I watch your work.. 365 days…you suck
Felicia and Mac would have been fascinating with Bobbi, Scotty , Anna, Lucy, Laura just top line
Patrick, your commentary is always fascinating and enjoyable! I am in constant agreement with what you write. Thanks for telling it like it is, Friend! 🙂
Hey james; (see? we found each other again!)
I agree with your sentiments but you wouldn’t believe how your face would have been bitten off (LOL; you get my drift) if you’d posted that on FB or Twitter. The Sonny/Carly fans are rabid and basically repeat the same question: “Why do you watch GH if you don’t like Sonny and Carly? They ARE GH!” And then they pat each other on their virtual backs, high-fiving the next poster who puts you in your place.
Sigh. Calling Lila…can you hear us?????
Hi Rebecca! Yes, glad we are able to see each other’s feedback! I am aware that those GH characters do have their fans, and I’ve heard that they are vocal on those social media sites. Thankfully, I have chosen to steer clear of them, although I do see some benefit for others. Anyone here is free to disagree with me, too. All in all, I am happy to leave my face intact! Love the Lila reference! 🙂
Hahahaha; now THAT was funny! “leave my face intact!” I agree. I wouldn’t want them to mess with your adorable, errrrr, handsome…errrr, rugged….errr…virtual reality face!
i’m not going to tap that much in… as I’ve scaped the pattern… be with it says.. don’t let the donor know she’s in drive
TWITTER AND going to the direct scene .. of matter and hi
coalesce
I’m not going to tune in on their right
Shelly Chris and Frank are not in tune
James…as always, THANK YOU…THANK YOU for being the voice of reason!!!!! I have a feeling that TIIC at GH are using this so-called special episode as an excuse to FOOLISHLY prop Sonny up even further!!!!! I (for one) AM NOT FOOLED here…AT ALL!!!!! NO!!!!!
Have a good one, dude.
Thank YOU, jaybird369! You’re absolutely right. And they’ve been trying to prop up (aka force-feed) this awful character for far too long. Take care, Friend!
I like the actor but not the character…the Corinthos will never win me over except for Dante….bugs me how the writers can find endless things for newbies like Chase and Peter but nothing for Dante, Mac and Felicia who we wouldnt see if it wasnt for the Ryan story then they will disappear again just like Brad and Lucas will once the baby reveal comes…Laura/Ryan story is the only thing plus the return of Britt that keeps me watching!!!!
I’ve decided i’m taken with Willow.. she has dark shades; both: Chase and Michael… this is a ladies treat dig in; i’m going to love “Katelyn MacMullen”
both actors see the tease walk dance , coming
Chad Duell.. AND Josh Swickard.. i’m giving Duell SHOT.. because of the SUPPORTING PROP always GIVEN the Corinthos
otherwise.. because I know the end game… “no on messes with my family ” blah blah blech
sorry ass tale
as soon as Brad and Lucas lose the baby… end suck game… the corinthos’ oh well
It seems this is similar to the Y&R annual episodes where a character has a series of life-changing epiphanies via flashbacks or “what-ifs”. Billy Miller won his first Emmy for his Billy Abbott revelations back in 2010. But I just can’t get enthused about another “Corinthos-centric” story. I’m sure it will be well-acted, etc., but I’m not holding my breath. Sorry.
It’s not good nor bad..
It’s nothing special but still will be fun to watch, hopefully.
The writers are obviously struggling, they are void of intriguing stories and that is a tragedy.
When will GH clean house and bring in a staff that has new ideas and are not lazy?
Out with old in with the new !!
So- it will be interesting to see if I’m moved in any direction by it or if it’s just another Monday episode.
((GH has become way way way too mushy cuddly and has killed its true-self by destroying everything that made it unique and drama filled.
No villains, no suspense, no action, no intrigue, no shockers, no mysteries, no dark creepy devious people, no intense cliffhangers, no spellbinding moments, as once was-
It’s become sinners, and lovers- it’s all talk no action. ehhhh ..has anyone noticed the looooong boring conversations of no real substance=fodder filler that leads to nothing..
I think Sonny’s life, based on the background we are given here, and without his dad, growing up, would have made him just a two-bit hoodlum. Scully was a big influence on him, making him into the career criminal he is today. The one thing Scully can’t take credit for, is the kind hearted, loving man that Sonny turned into. So many people see Sonny in only colors of black and white, good or bad, but there is much more to him than that. With him, what you see is what you get. He doesn’t talk out of both sides of his mouth or influence anyone that his way, is the only way. I also feel, he keeps the show interesting, and think he’s been on GH long enough to be considered a veteran. Why do we have to have the boring old-timers, such as Bobbie and Lucy, Felicia, etc. I don’t know what it is with some viewers fascination with these three old women, snore!! I’ve said enough, sorry, this old pot is falling asleep.
I really liked this episode and thought that they finally gave Dominic Zamprogna an interesting story, which they never did when he was a contract player.
I liked the episode. I am a fan of Maurice Benard. I love Maura West. I liked how Kelly Monaco lost her monotone. I was happy that they did not include #insipidlulu. I would have liked Jason to have been portrayed as a Quartermaine, and for them to not have continued to decimate AJ’s memory. I’ve always liked Sean Kanan as AJ, and never liked what the writers did to his character.
My curiosity got the better of me (lol)…so I decided to watch that so-called special episode of GH (11/12). Man…what a joke?!?!? Sonny as a COP…BEYOND LAUGHABLE!!!!! And Carly as a Quartermaine…EVEN MORE LAUGHABLE!!!!! TRULY DUMB EPISODE ALL-AROUND!!!!!
Later.
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.
Breaking News
‘Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison on Series Daytime Emmy Nomination: “It’s a Huge Honour to be Nominated Alongside Such Iconic US Daytime Dramas”
When the 51st annual Daytime Emmy nominations were revealed last Friday, the iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, made the grade as one of the nominees for this year’s Outstanding Daytime Drama Series going up against U.S. titans such as General Hospital, The Young and the Restless et al.
That is because the revival of Neighbours, which is now seen in the United States streaming on Amazon Freevee, is now eligible under the rules from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Not only did Neighbours receive its first Daytime Emmy nomination for Drama Series, but also for one of its legendary stars, Guy Pearce, who returned for a stint in the revival as Mike Young. Pearce is nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series.
Photo: Freemantle
Throughout its run, Neighbours has received several nominations and wins in Australian and the UK, with this being its first nomination in the U.S.
Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison shared on this momentous moment for the series: ‘Neighbours has been on an incredible journey these past few years and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination is the icing on the cake! It’s a huge honour to be nominated alongside such iconic US daytime dramas. This news is an exciting moment for our hard working cast and crew and a wonderful recognition of the new chapter of the show on Amazon Freevee.”
Photo: Freemantle
For those who need a bit of a refresher on the revival of Neighbours. The series streams exclusively on Amazon Freevee in the UK and U.S. and on Prime Video in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. New episodes air daily Monday-Thursday on Amazon. The new series launched on 18 September, 2023, and picks up two years after the finale left off. In Australia, Network 10 retains first-run rights in Australia for the new chapter of the series.
Photo: Freemantle/AmazonFreevee
The series is known as the longest running local drama of all time in Australia and has launched the careers of so many celebrities including: Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, the aforementioned Guy Pearce, and Liam and Chris Hemsworth, to name but a few.
Long running series star Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodbridge shared their many thanks on Neighbours Daytime Emmy nominations in a video message below.
So, what do you think of ‘Neighbours’ being nominated for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards? Could they be the spoiler in the category? Weigh-in below.
Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne would like to share a special message regarding our incredible #Neighbours Daytime Emmy Award nominations 💛 @DaytimeEmmys pic.twitter.com/wWWo5PxmfD
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 23, 2024
Breaking News
Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts and Marlene King Land ‘Calabasas’, a Soap in the Vein of the ‘O.C’ and ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, at Netflix
There has been lot of soapy projects coming to life and in the works of late, and now comes word that Kim Kardashian is executive producing a new series in development for Netflix called Calabasas.
After a bidding war last week, it looks like Netflix cemented the development deal from Kim, and her producing partners American Horror Story co-star Emma Roberts (pictured below) and Pretty Little Liars creators Marlene King and Alexandra Milchan.
The concept of Calabasas is based on the book If You Lived Here You’d Be Famous By Now by Via Bleidner. King set to write the adaptation and will serve as the series showrunner.
Photo: JPI
According to Deadline, Calabasas is said to be in the vein of primetime young teen and young adult soaps the O.C. and Beverly Hills 90210. The story follows “Via, a 16-year-old sheltered Midwestern Catholic school girl whose world is turned upside down when her family moves and she’s forced to transfer to the fast world of Calabasas High where nothing is as it appears and where everyone is trying to be someone else. It’s a place where dreams come true … but not without complications and sometimes unforeseen consequences.”
Photo: Hulu
As fans of the Kardashians know, Kim and her family made the town of Calabasas a household and worldwide name. Kim being attached to this project helped make its sale. This marks her fourth project to sell since the writers and actors strikes concluded at the end of last summer.
So, would you be interested to see a teen soap called ‘Calabasas’ on Netflix from Kim and company? 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.”
REPORT: Nicholas Chavez Not Returning to General Hospital
The Young and the Restless and General Hospital Actress and Writer, Meg Bennett, Passes Away at 75
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
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Nina Confronts Ava for Sabotaging Her Relationship With Sonny and Signs the Divorce Papers
AEW Dynasty: Swerve Strickland Becomes AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Perry Returns, Will Ospreay Retires Move After Scary Finish
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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