General Hospital
GH's EP Frank Valentini Chats On: Status of OLTL Crossovers With Prospect Park, Nurses' Ball, and Laura's Return!
Photo Credit: ABC
With so many things happening fast and furious over the first two weeks of the New Year in soapland, TV Guide’s William Keck caught up with General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini to get some more inside scoop on some very “hot” topics for soap fans as GH preps for its 50th Anniversary this April!
From the Nurses’ Ball resurrection, what is planned for the return of Genie Francis, and most importantly what is the status of Michael Easton, Kristen Alderson and Roger Howarth with the series, who came aboard as crossovers from One Life to Live, a lot of ground is covered. With Prospect Park readying the One Life reboot online, the legality of continuing the characters of John McBain, Todd Manning, and Starr Manning could be in question. Here now are some excerpts from the interview, and Valentini’s responses and updates on the various situations.
Photo Credit: ABC/Getty Images
Valentini on if fans should be worried that GH may lose John, Todd and Starr now that they have been integrated into the GH canvas: “Right now we’re trying to work it out. I can’t really say because the lawyers are doing their thing. Our hope is that we’ll be able to continue what we’re be doing.”
Valentini on what is the extent of Genie Francis’ upcoming return, what kind of story will it be, and if any of the Spencer boys will follow suit and make appearances too: It’s open-ended (with Genie) and will be something really exciting that will affect the whole Spencer family. We will explore where she’s been, what she’s been doing, why she’s been away and she’ll come back with a big secret. We’re working on bringing back some of the Spencer boys as well. Nashville is part of the ABC family so it’s just a scheduling situation for Jonathan, who is just a lovely guy. And maybe Ethan. And I’ve met with Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) who is a strong possibility. I can’t say definite because we have to make deals.”
Valentini on what viewers can expect when the Nurses Ball happens: “There will be some big story reveals over a few days. We’re now doing the sketches for the set and costume designs, which are going to be really exciting. We’ll have the characters sing and dance. We’ll of course have Kelly Monaco ( Sam) dance. We might even bring (her DWTS partner) Val Chermkovskiy back. The time has also come to reveal Sabrina’s beauty. Maybe around the Nurses Ball.”
Find out what other returns Valentini is trying to lock in for the shows rocking 50th Anniversary and the Nurses’ Ball including Jack Wagner, Jackie Zeman and Rachel Ames, when you read the full interview.
So soapers, what do you think of the chances that GH will be able to keep McBain and Todd and Starr Manning on the canvas? Laura’s return to Port Charles? And the Nurses’ Ball? Let us know!
Beyond the Gates
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the full list of nominees for the upcoming 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, and it was CBS daytime’s The Young and the Restless and broadcast television newest soap opera, Beyond the Gates that racked up the most nominations with 18 and 16, respectively.
The full reveal on Tuesday follows the announcement of several major categories including Lead Actor and Actress on Monday via Extra and Entertainment Tonight and The View today revealing Daytime Drama Series and more.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmys ceremony is set to take place on Friday, October 30 at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California.
Photo: CBS
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS expressed, “We’re proud to honor the extraordinary talent and creative teams whose work continues to define and elevate daytime television, As the Daytime landscape evolves and new forms of storytelling emerge, we remain committed to recognizing the innovation happening across the industry.”
“Each year, the Daytime Emmy Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive this vibrant community of storytellers,” said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Daytime Emmy Awards. “Congratulations to this year’s nominees, whose work continues to entertain, inspire and connect with audiences every day. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Hollywood this October.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Gold & Silver Circle Inductees, and ceremony host will be announced at a later date.
Now below, check out the nominees in the daytime drama, talk show, entertainment news series and creative arts categories and congratulations to all!
Photo: JPI
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Stacy Haiduk (as Kristen DiMera), Days of Our Lives
Karla Mosley (as Dani Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Michelle Stafford (as Phyllis Summers), The Young and the Restless
Heather Tom (as Katie Logan), The Bold and the Beautiful
Tamara Tunie (as Anita Williams Dupree), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Eric Braeden (as Victor Newman), The Young and the Restless
Steve Burton (as Jason Morgan), General Hospital
Scott Clifton (as Liam Spencer), The Bold and the Beautiful
Thorsten Kaye (as Ridge Forrester), The Bold and the Beautiful
Christian Jules Le Blanc (as Michael Baldwin), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Linsey Godfrey (as Sarah Horton), Days of Our Lives
Camryn Grimes (as Mariah Copeland), The Young and the Restless
Beth Maitland (as Traci Abbott), The Young and the Restless
Trisha Mann-Grant (as Leslie Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Amanda Setton (as Brook Lynn Quartermaine), General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Sean Dominic (as Nate Hastings), The Young and the Restless
Timon Kyle Durrett (as Bill Hamilton), Beyond the Gates
Michael Graziadei (as Daniel Romalotti), The Young and the Restless
Roger Howarth (as Matt Clark), The Young and the Restless
Mike Manning (as Bradley “Smitty” Smith), Beyond the Gates
Lawrence Saint-Victor (as Carter Walton), The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series
Braedyn Bruner (as Emma Scorpio-Drake), General Hospital
Al Calderon (as Javier Hernandez), Days of Our Lives
Alice Halsey (as Rachel Black), Days of Our Lives
Giovanni Mazza (as Gio Palmieri), General Hospital
Ambyr Michelle (as Eva Thomas), Beyond the Gates
Arielle Prepetit (as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne), Beyond the Gates
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series
Jasmine Burke (as June Hughes), Beyond the Gates
Jeff Kober (as Cyrus Renault), General Hospital
Eva LaRue (as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez), General Hospital
Christopher Sean (as Paul Narita), Days of Our Lives
Ray Wise (as Ian Ward), The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Beyond the Gates
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
Outstanding Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Casting for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates
General Hospital
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series
3rd Hour of TODAY
The Drew Barrymore Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Live With Kelly and Mark
TODAY With Jenna & Friends
The View
Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host
Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin & Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Access Hollywood
Entertainment Tonight
Extra
Outstanding Daytime Personality (Daily)
Mona Kosar Abdi, Derek Hough & Terri Seymour, Extra
Cassie DiLaura, Denny Directo, Kevin Frazier, Rachel Smith & Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight
Scott Evans, Zuri Hall, Kit Hoover & Mario Lopez, Access Hollywood
Star Jones & Corey Jovan, Divorce Court
Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program
Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood — An Entertainment Tonight Special
Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter
Variety & CNN Actors on Actors
Variety Studio: Actors on Actors
Working In the Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Daytime
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
Have Guitar Will Travel World
The Kelly Clarkson Show Episode 5033
Let Frankie Cook,” Getting the Band Back Together
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Outstanding Technical Direction and Video for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 104
The Bold and the Beautiful,” Episode 9511
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade”
The Jennifer Hudson Show, ” Episode 4041
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup for a Daytime Program
Beyond the Gates, Episode 103
General Hospital, Episode 15719
The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Episode 5033
The Young and the Restless,” Episode 13273
So, what do you think of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy nominations? Who are you happy to see receive a nomination and who do you think was snubbed? Weigh-in via the comment section.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Award nominations kicked-off on Monday with the announcements of four major categories including, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Daytime Drama Series — Actor, and among the nominees is General Hospital’s Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Burton is already a two-time Daytime Emmy winner in the Supporting Actor category for his roles as GH’s Jason and his turn as Dylan McAvoy on Y&R. However, Steve is yet to win in the Lead Actor category and he has received 11 nominations along the way in his daytime career.
Following the reveal that he is a 2026 Daytime Emmy nominee, he and his GH co-star, podcast co-host and comedy show partner, Bradford Anderson (Spinelli) taped a special edition of their That’s Awesome podcast just featuring Burton’s reaction to the news.
Photo: JPI
FOR LESLIE CHARLESON
Steve expressed, “I know it’s such a cliche to say, ‘I’m just so honored to be nominated.’ But truly, I’m so grateful to be nominated, so grateful to just be on the show off and on for 30 plus years and to be nominated with the guys in my category. Just to get the opportunity. Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH) texted me right away. I was just like, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to get to do what I do.'”
Taking in the moment, Burton thanked those who helped him select the material for his nominated reel. “Unless you win, you don’t get to say things. So. I’m going just say a few things: Elizabeth Korte (co-head writer, GH) helped me a lot with the material, (as did) Michelle Henry, who’s a producer on the show, Laura Wright (Carly, GH), and then my wife Michelle (Lundstrom). I believe it was Jill Phelps who told me that when A Martinez felt like he had a great show or great scenes, he would mark it down. So, when Emmy time comes, you have all the show numbers written down, and you don’t have to think about it, because that’s half the battle (finding the material).
Burton explained how meaningful this nomination is for him, because of playing the scenes of Jason losing Monica, and his closeness with the late, great Leslie Charleson.
“The nomination’s an amazing thing, and it’s beautiful, but really it’s to honor Leslie Charleson. A lot of my material was because of her, and how I started on the show as a Quartermaine, it just means a ton,” shared Burton. “Maurice Benard (Sonny, GH) has obviously has been instrumental, and I’ve said it from day one and I’ll shout it from the rooftops. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here, and to be working with the people that we work with is incredible.”
Photo: JPI
SHOULD JOHN OLIVER BE NAMED HOST OF THE DAYTIME EMMYS?
During the end of his conversation with Anderson, Steve suggested that the host of the Daytime Emmy should be Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who recently guest starred as the head of the WSB named Z on General Hospital, and is soon to show up on Days of Our Lives in a mystery role in August.
Thus far, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has not revealed their host for the upcoming ceremony to be held on October 30 in a venue to be named in Hollywood, California.
You can watch Steve sharing his reaction to receiving his 2026 Lead Actor Daytime Emmy nomination below on a special segment on the That’s Awesome podcast.
Now let us know, are you glad that Steve chose scenes surrounding Jason mourning the loss of the woman that raised him, Monica Quartermaine for his Emmy reel? What do you think of John Oliver as a suggestion to host the Daytime Emmys? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
General Hospital’s 16,000th episode was packed with little reminders through points in today’s script that the ABC daytime drama series has set another milestone and it paved the way for the return of fan favorite and newly nominated Daytime Emmy Lead Actor nominee Steve Burton (Jason Morgan). The 16,000th episode also introduced viewers to the new surgeon in Port Charles Dr. Tristan Roberts played by Dean Geyer.
Here are the key takeaways and what went down on the July 13 episode: Tristan and Jason are seated next to each other on a plane heading to Port Charles. Throughout the flight, a beaten up Jason has flashbacks to being thrown into, and being held captive in a cell and tortured. It appears Jason is suffering from some form of PTSD from what he was put through after being dragged out of Port Charles by the WSB months ago.
As the plane prepares to land, Tristan tells Jason there would be a car waiting for him once they land and to enjoy the rest of his life. Later, Tristan arrives at the nurses and doctors hub at GH and approaches Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst). He tells her his name and that he is the new surgeon on staff.
Photo: ABC
A REUNION PLUS A HEAD NURSE DEFENDS SONNY
Meanwhile, at the end of the episode, Jason is outside the Quartermaine boathouse looking bewildered when he runs into Danny (Asher Antonyzyn), who is so thrilled to see his father, and the two hugs each other as tears are shed.
Elsewhere, Elizabeth tells Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he thinks its a great idea for him to get the 16th seat on the hospital board, but when it comes times to convince Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) of that, things go awry when Tracy, Laura and Sonny try to work things out. After Tracy launches into Sonny about killing Alan and Monica’s son AJ, Sonny walks away dejected.
Next, Sonny runs into Elizabeth, where he informs her what happened with Tracy. So what’s a head nurse to do? Elizabeth marches into the conference room and reminds Tracy of all the different donations and ways Sonny has contributed to the hospital from the Stone Cates AIDS wing, to the Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries as well as his constant support each year for the GH Nurses’ Ball.
Courtesy/ABC
WSB WAR SCARS
Then, in one of the best parts for longtime fans of the series, Elizabeth talks about her legendary grandparents, Audrey and Steve Hardy and she tells Tracy they would have wanted Sonny to have a seat on the board for all the good that he has done for the hospital. After Elizabeth states Sonny’s case, things took a turn and Tracy and Sonny wound up shaking hands as Sonny is board member #16.
In the how great was it to see Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) together scenes department, the pick-up of last Friday’s cliffhanger is played out as the two former lovers fill each other in on what has gone down in their lives in the last several months including Valentin admitting he had been living in Carly’s attic, and Anna realizing she was kidnapped by Cullum, Sidwell and Cassius Faison. During their conversation, Anna sees the hallucination of Peter August (Wes Ramsey) right while Valentin is standing there.
Courtesy/ABC
Later Anna was on her way to saying goodbye to Valentin, when the two share an emotional hug. After Valentin made his exit, Peter reappeared and warned Anna to not let Valentin distract her because she has important work to do. Anna answers, “I know.”
So, what did you think of General Hospital’s 16,000 episode? What do you think is wrong with Jason? What is the important “work” that Anna has to do? Were you glad to see Sonny get a seat on the hospital board, or not so much. Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out the scenes on Jason and Tristan’s long flight to Port Charles.
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Tops With 18, ‘Beyond the Gates’ With 16
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress Drama Series
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actor Drama Series
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
‘The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards’ Nominations Announcement Date Revealed: Who Will Be Going For Gold?
Randolph Mantooth, ‘Emergency!’ and ‘Loving’ Actor, Dies at 80
Steve Burton Returns to ‘General Hospital’ on Its 16,000th Episode: How Will Jason Be a Changed Man?
‘Daytime Emmy Nominations Special 2026’ Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Shares Reaction to His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy Nomination, ‘It Was to Honor Leslie Charleson’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Reconnects with Danny; Tristan Roberts Arrives in Port Charles, Lots of Nods to #16
GENERAL HOSPITAL Spoilers Promo: Jason’s Back, Drew Begins to Make His Move, Portia Goes Into a Labor
Scott Bryce, ‘As the World Turns’ Craig Montgomery, Passes Away at 68
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Daphne’s Devastated, Steffy Finds Herself at a Crossroads with Finn
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It’s a hard situation. We love Starr, John and Todd on GH. If they return to OLTL, it will be a huge loss for GH. Are they obligated to go back to OLTL?
from what i hear the characters are obligated to go back if PP wants them back but not the actors.
If I remember correctly,both Howarth and Alderson turned down PP’s original offer to join the on line OLTL. Easton was going to be a part of it,but when it fell through he joined GH.
The characters belong to OLTL, but the actors playing them are not abligated to play the roles on the reboot shows. This explaing why there weren’t more oltl characters brought on full time, i’m sure FV and RC would of added Natalie, Blair on full time too, but i’m sure this PP deal was still looming in the background. I hope the characters get to stick around, but we’ll have to wait and see.
I would think that when PP made the announcement last year that they weren’t bringing the show online and then abc/GH signed the 3 actors they covered their asses. I think that abc’s legal dept. thought of the possibilty of PP coming back so they provided for that in the contracts.
Even though i have been watching ALL abc soaps for years i Loved OLTL the most. I WAS GLAD when these characters went to GH but soon became dismayed because i do not like how they are being written. Todd is not acting like Todd, Starr and michael are a BORE and Mcbain and sam are moving soooo slow its painful and boring already. I DONT LIKE that Kassie DePaiva as Blair is only on once in a while and todds other son jack is missing in action. After the snooze fest of TARLY these past few weeks i am HOPING ALL three characters go home to llanview where they interact with family and loved ones. I miss todd and blair and i miss natalie and john i especially miss todds talks with his sister vicki. PLEASE PP make it happen get us back Todd, John and Starr FREE THE OLTL THREE!!!
You might get your wish, but i doubt if you’ll get the same actors playing the role.
I agree Patricia, when we lost One Life I was glad to see some of them come to GH, made me watch more. But Stars part the last few months till Tods reveal came out the other day, has been NOTHING but a support character for Michael. STUPID. McBain has been gone since they went to Switzerland. So Tod has been the only one with a main story..to me. I’d really like to see ALL my characters back on OLTL and let GH go back to fending for itself. Sorry, its gotten better [i used to nap through it] but still love OLTL much much more!
I’m only watching GH some times for John & Star. My favorite soap couple is John & Natalie. Wherever John & Natalie go, I will watch-however, if PP takes the characters and recast, it won’t be the same and if John and Natalie aren’t together, it won’t be the same. So right now it’s a lose, lose situation.The way GH has destroyed the characters hasn’t been good, so i’ve lost interest. I do think tho’ RC/FV know how to write for John McBain/Natalie Buchanan the best. It’s a wait and see game!
Also that needs to be mentioned is the fact that so many of the actors/actresses have moved from the East Coast to the West Coast. The new OLTL is going to be filmed in Connecticut. I believe that is why Blair is on part-time because she would not relocate.
I agree RC knew how to write John & Natalie. I can’t wait for them to reunite.
I would love to see Todd keep his business in Port Charles and let someone run it for him. Then have Vickie come get Todd and tell him that he never kill his brother Victor… Then he could go home and let him built his relationship with Jack. Natalie finds out that her father has been keeping John away. She comes to Port Charles to get him back.
McBain can go back! Starr & Todd I will MISS! I hope OLTL will be available in my country.
Love all the plans, but don’t want to lose Todd and John! Please give Laura a huge story line so she will stay, and give Liz one too! I’m tired of just seeing her chatting up the nurses!
There are realities to be considered. I’m guessing that the pay levels for an online series would be less than that for a broadcast series. As much as we might like to see Todd, Starr and John back on OLTL, is it fair to ask Roger, Kristen, and Michael to take severe pay cuts to make it happen?
..
I believe the 3 will be crossing-over, going back and forth between the 2 soaps..
but again; they have binding contracts with ABC/GH and may well remain with GH until their contracts end….
Good point…I don’t know what to expect with this PP deal..Will they be the same characters we soap lovers are grown to love and watched all these years. Will they
re-cast some characters with different actors? I really like seeing the three crossovers from OLTL on GH. Because I missed OLTL so much. I was happy when
they joined GH. I would hate to lose them but on the other hand to replace their
characters with different actors on the OLTL reboot Hmmmmm! I am not sure about
this whole situation..We will just have to wait and see what happens.
No, TMJ, its not fair to the actors. I have felt that all along that they have the right to be gainfully employed on TELEVISION.
Nothing against the online series, but it seems like small potatoes compared to a web series. As long as GH continues, and “continue” being the operative word, then the actors have more exposure and rightfully so.
I doubt the 3 will be going back to OLTL..
they are under contract with ABC to do GH ..
ABC/D still has their thumb in PP ..
OLTL and PP will have make do without the 3 at least until their contracts end with GH..
KA is entering year 2 of a 3 yr contract. RH has a long term (unspecified) contract. ME did have a contract with PP but it has expired. ME has been more recurring on GH then contract player (because ME was still under contract with PP) . John McB was not a core character of the original OLTL. He may go to finish the story with Nat. His character is better and likeable on GH. So I think he would stay long term.
I already think that Sabrina is gorgeous!
Me too Michael!
I don’t see why the PP version of OLTL couldn’t have Todd, Starr, and John played by other actors (or, even better, have those 3 stay in PC and work it into their storylines with, perhaps, visits to Llanview). It would be very unfair to the actors now on GH to force them to go online or be out of a job. OLTL was my favorite soap, by far, but I hope the two shows can amicably co-exist.
Hi Michael 🙂
This is a lot to take in. I am thrilled about the new home for AMC and OLTL! I will be there on day one! That being said, I like how the characters of Starr, Todd and John have fit into some existing story lines. They are the best of the best, and they have brought new life to GH. It is wonderful to have Todd’s brand of dysfunctional, Starr’s compassion and John’s not so perfect brooding cop! Dante needed a partner, and John is a great fit! I would hate to seem them have to leave GH.
On the other hand, I wish only the best for all of them. They have been jerked around as much, but probably more, than the fans. I wonder if it would be possible, if all the powers that be, could maybe play nice and let some crossovers continue only now between ABC and The Online Network? After all, we, the fans, are going to be watching both, so why not just try for a solution that doesn’t put anyone in the position of having to choose between the two.
Either way, I wish Roger, Kristen, and Michael all the very best! I will be tuning in wherever they are!
🙂
I also want to see Todd, Starr, John McBain back at OLTL But if it was me and there would be a paycut; I think I’d stay where the money was. But you need to look at it like this; how secure is the future of General Hospital??? Also how secure is the rejuvination of OLTL and AMC plus, they have a contract with GH. Alot of things to consider. I have truly mixed feelings,
on GH these actors are only a shadow of their former selves. Todd was more of action packed fella always in trouble one way or the other , John was so involved with his department and solving crimes and the love of his life and now finding he was a Daddy, how can he just leave little Liam and Natalie by the wayside??? Starr, poor Starr to have gone thr all that and her Mother only making few and far between visits; thats just too sad! Starr very much needed her Mother instead she’s left bearing all the terriable heartache of loosing her boyfriend and little girl.
Valentini needs to preserve the soaps, and have characters stay true to their character, with obvious growth and reaction to adversity. Cross over is fun and will help all soaps if it is not permanent. New actors can play these characters, and it will be an adjustment, but we viewers will quickly come to love them. It was a shame too many important players were left behind, as they could have helped Starr and McBain find storylines that are intriguing, particularly Blair and Jack, and Natalie would bring huge conflict to McBain. Right now, on GH, too many characters with the thrill wearing off of the major players from the 1980’s.
Ok, why cant the trio do cross over bits between the shows? They used to do it all the time.. Look at Sky Chandler… shes been on all three soaps as the same character. It would be great to lock the three together… keeping viewers glued to their seats for all three soaps…. continuing drama….all three with high ratings… Just my opinion…..
It wouldn’t be easy to do with GH, since they film on the West Coast, while the other two will be filming on the East Coast. But I think it’s a great idea!
Yeah, if only someone would invent a machine that could carry people across the counrty in a matter of mere hours…
It’s called scheduling TRW, logistics. Exactly why Steve Burton went to Y&R instead of sticking with GH – even though they have airplanes.
I am more excited about hearing about Genie coming back with a great story and the hope that Jonathan, Tyler, and Nathan might be coming back too! Oh… and Jack Wagner, Rachel Ames, and Jackie Zeman too…woo hoo! Whatever happens with Todd, John and Starr will hopefully be best for OLTL and GH.
As w/ majority of primetime and daytime soap operas: racial diversity is never a pressing issue for the showrunners when they are interviewed. No one can read their minds but racial diversity was not mentioned from this interview and thus it doesn’t appear to be a priority for soaps. ABC daytime soaps and primetime soaps are horrid when it comes to racial diversity. It’s great that a black actress like Kerry is the lead on Scandal but of course she has to be paired w/ a white actor. Same w/ Sandra Oh’s char on grey’s anatomy as she’s paired w/ a white actor. Yeah she was paired w/ Isaiah Washington before he was fired for the slur. BTW: typical of hollywood that they kill his career for his gay slur but kramer on seinfeld can say a slur against black people and he can still bounce back and have a career. It’s worse w/ sarah silverman bec her career wasn’t even hurt by her slur against chinese people. Typical hollywood bias. The new doctors on grey’s are majority white. Couldn’t they have cast Asian americans? Have they reached their “quota” w/ 1 Asian american char? Typical horrid casting from hollywood for racial diveristy. Practically every storyline must be told w/ white characters.
I could care less about Todd,John & Starr because they don’t add to GH,they takew away from it.GH should be focused on GH ONLY characters so i hope they go.
That is a very small view.
I’m really excited with the show right now LOVE the Spencers hope they bring back all the boys. Also I really LOVE STARR & MICHAEL so I hope they stay at GH. GH ROCKS & I really love DANTE & LULU love story I hope its will always last with problems (since its a soap) BUT always love eachother.
Prospect Park is destined to fail. How can you structure a show based on the availability of certain actors instead of developing a story bible and casting out from that? I loved OLTL but I am afraid to see what it will become.
Ummm…why do you think they are structuring these shows around who can return? I’ve heard no such thing.
ITA, Mike. The characters are important then the actors. You can’t have AMC with Erica, Tad, and Adam or OLTL with Viki, Dorian and Bo. First you get the story and characters and then you see if the actors are available and if not recast or created new similar characters to take the place of the characters not on the canvas. Or then can skip a generation and have show about Miranda and Erica. With Bianca making visits. We want to go back to the simple small town of Pine Valley.
I will be happy no matter where they end up. My only concern is that if they go back to PP with the online version then we will have to pay to see them on the internet. That ?? still has yet to be answered. If I have to pay for cable, and get GH, they would I want to pay an additional fee for internet to see the same characters when they are already on a soap I get with TV.
Starr is my favorite and I love her with Michael but I would also love to see the interaction she has with Blair!
I guess time will tell.
I want them to go back to OLTL I can’t stand them on GH I suffer through GH just to see them and this forced Sam stuff with John not fun to watch it has changes his character so much. I was so naive when they came to GH I was excited to keep something from OLTL but not at the expense of the Happy ending to OLTL and the changing of their characters. If there is soap gods out there please let them go home where they belong. OLTL won’t be the same without them
ITA Sam & McBain were too forced. I’m glad he is going back.
Jackie Zeman and Rachel Ames? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! They wait for an anniversary to bring them back?
Fair enough.
As a fan of the entire genre…I will wait and see what happens with the OLTL actors/characters. I will watch them on either show and be happy about it.
Looking forward to the Nurse’s Ball!
Really loving General Hospital these days. 🙂
WOW! What a refreshing perspective you have, CTwildheart. Finally someone that is not complaining. What a novel concept. 🙂
I agree with you 100%.
I need McBain and do not want him going anywhere along with the other OLTL characters. I will be watching OLTL (fav), AMC online. GH has become the best show I have ever seen and I know it is because of Ron and Frank, my 2 favorite people. I love the stories and everything else about GH right now. Please save these people on GH.
GH needs to keep Michael Easton & Roger H I love their characters even more on GH than I did on OLTL. Just need to give Michael E more screen time which I’m sure is coming with McBam. Hope they bring Nathan P back as Ethan.
I miss Ethan too! He is on Bunheads, which is owned by ABCFamily (I think) so they should be able to work in at least one visit…
Everyday I feel like my life gets a little bit brighter with every story I read about GH! I am so loving it!!!!!
It’s hard to believe it has been a year already since Valentini took the reigns. I think that part about how they have turned the show around really needs to be emphasized.
I don’t agree with everything they are doing – killing Trey on one hand seems pointless and unfair to the poor guy, but on the other hand, it gives some story to Connie to show that she is human after all and giving Connie a reason to stick around if she can find a way to love Sonny. Speaking of Sonny, they are doing an awesome job of integrating him into the show and supporting the cast instead of being on every day and in everyone’s story.
A lot of the things the TV Guide interviewer said is right in line with what most fans think. I can see Maxie being pregnant with Spinelli’s child only to find out that Lulu’s test results got mixed up and she CAN carry a baby to term.
Unlike some, the new characters are fitting in and actually showing they can be long-term. I really like the turn they have taken with Ellie and Sabrina. Dr. Britt can exit stage left at any moment, as far as I am concerned, but I like the rest.
I only wish poor Elizabeth would get a real story and some real airtime. I feel bad that the character seems to only be part of the hospital background. I guess if they pair her with AJ then she will have a story so I am patiently waiting.
As for the OLTL characters possibly leaving. I don’t see it as a big deal. If the actors want to stay, and they have every right to, then they could just come up with new names and backstory for them one day. Stranger things have happened on TV. They would just have to be extremely careful to make sure that none of the backstory resembled Agnes Nixon’s characters or they could get sued.
How come he didn’t answer the question about Tristan Rogers’ status? 🙂 I am still hoping Tristan can go back to Y&R as well as work on GH, but there are legalities and he is a busy man with other projects.
I am glad I gave up reading the spoilers and inside stuff so that I can watch it unfold before my eyes each week. I am also very happy that I decided to start watching again after GH was on life support because the current regime has definitely made it worth my while.
My only hope is that ABC finally gets its act together and recognizes that there are still some of us who want our soap operas (and NOT reality soaps filmed at a real hospital) to continue on our TELEVISION screens. Please, ABC, renew GH … and do it soon to set our minds at ease.
I will admit I was originally thrilled by the idea of some OLTL characters coming to PC. But I have been left absolutely devastated, especially by the absolute destruction of everything that has defined the character of Todd Manning. He and Starr need to get back to Llanview ASAP so they can become recognizable again.
I love the newer Todd and John!!
They are GH now and I hope they stay that way 🙂
I identify with you!
I hope both GH & OLTL will be successful. My very favorite is OLTL but I watched GH longer since I was 4 and OLTL from 17 until it was taken away. I want hem both to be on for a very long time. GH is so much better with the new writers etc. much better than it used to be, almost like the good old days.
As for oltl, why cant they use the other Tod (Victor) who is also great. As for John McBain we need him on Gh now. Starr can go back and forth because her storyline is boring.
Even though I didn’t watch OLTL when it was on, hearing about the crossovers back in February is what got me watching GH again. It’s been a breath of fresh air to have characters on the show that are not only new but they already have their own background and history. I hope that Starr, Todd, and John can stay. The actors all have contracts with ABC/GH and RH and KA never signed with Prospect Park the first go around. I would hate to see any of these actors forced out of a job. And if none of them are interested in working for Prospect Park, they’ll end up recast. That doesn’t seem fair at all.
Many of the actors from OLTL had already siad they would not do the online show. So how many original characters does that leave us with? Not many… Some of the ones who are willing to go onlne are not the most interesting of the group. I have also been watching ABC soaps for about 30 years and over the years AMC/GH were lacking and OLTL stayed my favorite. Todd being one of my favorite people. Although I was disheartened to see him leave years ago…Vitor was a decent replacement. I also agree iwth other posters…the real Todd is not acting ike himself on GH. I question how well the show will go if they ave to recast a bunch of new people to play the parts of many characters online. If Natalie is not there…Jon really has no reason to return to Lanview.
as much as i’ve wanted OLTL to come back, I don’t want to lose Roger/Todd and Kristen/Star on GH. I’m able to watch GH and it’s been so good since last Jan/Feb and the OLTL people have been added in. I don’t want it to go back to the drool it was before – the sonny mobster show. There’s much more to the story now.
It’s going to cost me to watch the online soap and not sure if it will be a pay for watching show, on top of having to get hi speed internet! arg! I can get GH – even with rabbit ears! and it doesn’t cost me. There’s a lot to be said for free broadcast tv!
GH doesn’t need out characters. You have so many of your own. OL PP is going to need all the help it can get and John and Todd our are 2 main characters. You get to keep our EP ,writers and time slot we should really get our characters back. You can keep Star though…..
There really isn’t anything we can do except wait and see how it plays out &it hope for the best for the actors’ sakes and the sakes of the SOAPS.
WE ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR BELOVED ACTORS, CHARACTERS, & OUR SOAPS; THE ONE WE STILL HAVE (GH) & THE ONES WE ARE GETTING BACK (AMC &I OLTL).
You know there used to be a lot of crossing over of characters on OLTL and AMC, perhaps to build momentum they should think about combining the two for a better show. This way since I do not expect near the return of the old cast that people might wish for; we can maybe get that as a compromise. This is just a thought and I am sure it might even have been tossed around. It’s been almost two years now, I don’t think that the fans care as long as there is some sort of return for the faith we never lost. Anyone else think this idea could fly or is it a flop. I can take it. Am excited no matter how it goes, just hate to settle for one or two original cast members and already hear the rumbling from GH about Howarth, but then no shock there, the man can easily hold his own against anyone including the great Tony Geary. Would love feedback. What do you think?
To Frank Valentini who I’m sure will never see this comment;
Thank you so much for coming to GH & making such a huge positive difference. You haven’t stopped since your feet hit the floor. You’ve made some brilliant business decisions such as combining the established fanbases of OLTL characters with GH’s characters. You’ve boosted morale. Maurice Benard is happy! The show is more balanced & has your trademark humor that I truly appreciate (and need) You’ve brought favorites back, Anna, FAISON, Lucy, Laura, Scotty &I more. You’ve named dropped, you’ve blended storylines from OLTL &GH PORT CHARLES, you’re a creative genius, & GH hasn’t been this good in a very long time! ….Every single word is sincere. BELIEVE me. People will tell you. So I kind of feel a teeny bit nervous about asking you for just a little tiny favor 🙂 I know you have a really good sense of humor, thank goodness….I was just wondering if maybe you might give some serious thought to bringing back TAMARA BRAUN as CARLY? She had alot of redeeming qualities & had a softness that went with her tough & savvy side, & she was true to her fellow actors. I really don’t expect you to even read this, that’s the probably why I could even ask. But in any case, I don’t mean any disrespect. I just wrote it on an impulse ….I can only imagine the replies this comment might get. 🙂
Before coming to GH Frank Valentini worked for Prospect Park briefly until they put their online network on hold while they worked out the funding. They let him go to GH in an amicable agreement but he proceeded to badmouth the owners of PP even after PP had agreed to loan certain characters to GH for a short time. Valentini went ahead and changed story lines and killed off characters which was all in bad faith according to the agreement between PP and ABC. PP had the best interest of the actors in mind by negotiating a deal where they could work and get paid in the interim of getting the funding for the relaunch of OLTL and AMC. Some say, Valentini proceeded to tell lies about PP and manipulate actors into signing long term deals preventing them from going back to OLTL to play their original characters. This is a complete disservice to the OLTL fans to have watched for years. Good luck Valentini, can’t wait to see this one play out in court.