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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ To Address Coronavirus Pandemic In Upcoming Season; Should ‘General Hospital’ As Well?

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: ABC/JPI

The first television show to announce that the COVID-19 will be part of their upcoming stories is now ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.   The medical primetime TV drama which centers on the lives of the doctors, nurses, and patients who work and are taken care of at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is heading into its 17th season when it resumes production.

‘Grey”s EP Krista Vernoff revealed the plan during a “Quaranstrraming: Comfort TV That Keeps Us Going” panel hosted by the TV Academy, that will be able to be streamed in its full version today at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on Emmys.com.

According to EW.com, Vernoff shared: “We’re going to address this pandemic for sure.  There’s no way to be a long-running medical show and not do the medical story of our lifetimes.said that the show’s writers are meeting with real-life doctors, who have shared their stories about dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Now, so far we have heard that none of the daytime soaps, B&B, Y&R and DAYS (which has already taped episodes till October) have plans to incorporate the pandemic into their storylines, due to the nature of soaps and the escapism it provides its audience.  Viewers have been turning the TV channels and hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic 24 hours a day, in these unprecedented times

But it does beg the question, will ABC’s General Hospital, which at its core is a show centered around a hospital as its backdrop, write-in the COVID-19 pandemic into their storylines, or address it in some way without it overtaking its planned storylines? Perhaps, how it affects the citizens of Port Charles…  or the front line nurses or doctors?  Michael Easton’s character of Finn, is an infectious disease specialist, for instance, so they could utilize the character in this way.   Since all TV shows are now at the mercy …. and the importance of safety protocols which will make shooting and editing the series somewhat different, would writing COVID-19 somehow in to scripts help with the look and feel of scenes?  We know B&B is taking on a more seamless approach and work-arounds to still deliver to the audience “love in the afternoon’.

‘Grey’s ‘Vernoff also shared how their series writers get some of their inspiration for the stories they tell:  “Every year, we have doctors come and tell us their stories, and usually they’re telling their funniest or craziest stories. This year, it has felt more like therapy.  The doctors come in and we’re the first people they’re talking to about these types of experiences they’re having. They are literally shaking and trying not to cry, they’re pale, and they’re talking about it as war — a war that they were not trained for. And that’s been one of our big conversations about Owen, is that he’s actually trained for this in a way that most of the other doctors aren’t.  I feel like our show has an opportunity and a responsibility to tell some of those stories.”

So, what do you think? Would you like to see GH address COVID-19 especially for the hospital front line nurses like Elizabeth, Epiphany and doctors like Finn? Or do you want the subject matter far away from your soap viewing, since you are getting so much of it in your daily lives? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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I don’t think GH should incorporate COVID into the story line. It’s too much to experience this in real life and on GH every day. I’m all for timely and relevant stories but soaps also provide an escape from our every day lives. I hope they wait to come back when it’s safe and take us on some fantastic adventures, per usual.

I don’t think General Hosp should write the Covid into their story line we get enough of that everyday we need a break from It

GH hasn’t been about the hospital in a long time! This would be a perfect opportunity to bring it back to the forefront!

Ummm . . . it’s not as though General Hospital has a whole lot to do with the hospital anymore anyway. No, there’s no need to address Covid. (Now, if Covid is having particular effects on The Mob in the United States, yes, by all means, GH should definitely incorporate that into the storyline.)

Sure…. incorporate the pandemic. And use it to kill off Ava, Frodd, and Whiny Heiny!!

NO–GH should not do covid19
and-
I have had 24/7 of covid19, on news, online, in newspapers, everywhere there is media there is Covid19.. since March 24/7 ..And-watching Millionaires/Billionaires dealing with covid19, is beyond ridiculous..
———

They aren’t prying standing in the unemployment lines or waiting for a stimulus check or fighting to keep their business from failure being evicted because can’t pay rent they aren’t in food line to feed the family and they wouldn’t be protesting and in-kind._______

_____there are a 100 things Billionaires are not struggling with during this time..
It would be about financially secure Billionaires not the lives of every-day fans.. 
I would not even watch it because it would be grossly fake.
The soaps would be wise to leave stories of Covid19 alone.

No to COVID. GH doesn’t know how to do simple Soap 101: romance domestic drama, etc., how can we expect them to handle COVID? Maybe Helena Cassidine started it? Hell, no!

I do think they should address it. GH historically has addressed timely topics…it doesn’t have to be a huge storyline -ie Finn could be assisting teams around the world via zoom calls… nurses wearing masks…

I think they should incorpate Covid-19 into the storylines it might actually bring GH back to what it was before the mob took over!!!

GIVE !!! Chad Duell – an – EMMY … (2) for “his” DEATH scenes

I’ve gone back and forth on this and finally concluded that GH should totally should tell the story of Covid 19, and here’s why. Yes, Covid 19 and 2020 have been really bad for a lot of people around the world, its devastated our country and its still ongoing and uncertain, most of us are worried about the economy, loosing jobs, our lives and we are underseige, its been really really bad but it has also brought out the best in people, in so many ways and so I feel that GH can do this if they balance it out, in daytime they are the right show for this,they have major characters situated to bring this storyline to our screen and it would make sense. The doctors and nurses can finally be the show true hero in this tale. Major characters to showcase, like Elisabeth who is a nurse, and we seen how heroic nurses have been in this battle, and Dr. Finn is an infectious disease doctor, we can see the character quarantining at home, the teen home schooling. they have so many endless storyline that can come out of it and they could still do it without being to depressing. just imagine, just like we all have a story to tell so do the characters on the show. heres my list of examples:

1. the hospital can showcase major Finn, Elisabeth, Monica, epiphany at work being heroes and making sacrifices .
2. Laura is the major of Port Charles showcasing the great Genie Francis front and center as the major has endless story there.
3. Lulu is a reporter also a front line worker.
4. Carly and Olivia own the metro court, showcase the affect on businesses.
5. sonny can convert his coffee business to make mask.
6. paging Doctor Kevin Collins because a lot to people are gonna her stressing and need someone to help them with their mental health.
7. kelly is gonna have to do online orders to stay afloat.

8. the characters quarantining at home, i.e nell could stay with the quatermaines because of the custody battle being put-on hold.

9. Ava stuck with Nicolas in spoon island and Spencer forced to come back home.

the point is the storyline are endless so in my opinion it would be stupid if the writers don’t see all the potential they have.

Laura is he Mayor, lol, not the major. and also finally a storyline where Jason doesn’t get to save the town and be the “hero”. that alone is a major plus.

As stated by others, GH long ago drifted from their hospital focus to the mob — and never looked back. This, in my opinion, has been to the detriment of this once-great serial. So there is no need to do some half-ass storyline on Covid-19, as it would do the issue neither justice nor justification.

But here’s my larger point: while watching these shows, escapist fare though they might be, we always have the sense that everything will eventually work out: the heroine will be rescued from the well, the evil twin will be uncovered, the murderer will pay for his crimes (except for GH’s Sonny, of course), true love will prevail. In real life, however, with this awful scourge hanging over our heads and disrupting our lives for months on end, the problem is compounded by an inept, dishonest, disinterested U.S. president (and administration) and his minions of sycophantic, clueless governors. As of this writing, 142,000+ deaths, ~4 million known cases, 10s of millions unemployed. Currently, things are getting worse, with no end in sight. Other countries, such as Germany and Canada, have done a much better job of managing this pandemic.

Some suggest that the virus will always be with us. Our lives are already forever altered. A happy ending is not guaranteed. So, no, I don’t want art attempting to imitate life when life itself has been taken from so many of us and life is so uncertain for the rest of us.

^^^ “…So there is no need to do some half-ass storyline”

– IF – the “whole” WORLD , IS; In This

why aren’t we agreeing ?

disparity is THAT Bad?

I kid you , I kin you , I rare you, AGREE on something… “move on”

“Lord, World ON”

not leaking it; steady hold on ; where AND when does this take

my eyes are yours my friend , hold, hug

friend

5 months IN; does this

smiling, warmth

^^^ ” compounded by;…”

THE Truth !

I will drink my glass of wine.. have my spirit as I usually

I leak it here; talk to my favorite cousin in home town

Leave

^^^ “…when life itself has been taken”

Beautiful

Why do we stare at an open fire

because I can fight for my child, and

Patrick, thank you for your replies. Hugs to you. Stay safe, Friend.

I don’t think they should we hear enough of it in real life 24/7! Watching soaps is an escape from everything in the real world

I don’t’ think they should incorporate coviod into the storyline. We need a break from real life

I truely hope GH does NOT incorporate COVID-19 into their story lines. I am SOOOO sick and tired of hearing nothing but news about COVID-19. I watch TV as an escape. My mind needs something more than all this real life nightmare. I read to escape and to learn. That is also why I watch TV. But enough is enough.

Also, any story related to this will seem insulting. Once people start complaining about a direction the writers want to take the story, a million people (of TIIC) will start tinkering in it and it will all become an embarrassment.

Stay away from this on my soaps, please.

I don’t think that they should do covid, specifically, but perhaps a made up virus so that the show can address a little bit of what has happened in a contained four week storyline… … but a ‘soap virus’ where there is a miracle vaccine just in time. then actors can do a PSA about covid and/or the Nurses Ball can raise money for unemployed actors. But a covid specific story? no thank you.

No! I work retail! I have had enough! I don’t care if the show is around a hospital. It’s about characters lives that I love watching.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Alum Sydney Mikayla Recalls Playing Trina Robinson, ‘I See Her as a Reflection of Black Excellence’

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Sydney Mikayla is featured in the latest edition of Eclair Magazine. The former General Hospital star, where she played the first Trina Robinson became very popular during her run from 2019-2022.  In the spring of 2022, Mikayla decided to step away from the soap to focus on her education and attend UCLA full time.

The actress was replaced by Tabyana Ali, who has continued the life and times of Trina Robinson on-screen since March of 2022. Now in this new interview, Sydney reflects on her time on the ABC soap.

“Playing Trina Robinson on General Hospital has been incredibly gratifying and deeply meaningful to me. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the role actually began as a day player/co-star situation, so just being invited into that space felt like a huge opportunity. I was especially excited to be working alongside such talented actors like Eden McCoy (Josslyn) and William Lipton (ex-Cameron Webber)—people who were already doing such strong, Emmy-recognized work. Being on set with them pushed me and inspired me every single day.”

Photo: JPI

EMMY NOMINATONS AND GRATITUDE

It was back in 2021 and 2022, that Mikayla also landed Emmy nominations in the now defunct Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series.”To then be brought on as a contract player for two years, and to receive two Daytime Emmy nominations, was honestly surreal. It wasn’t something I expected, so I approached it all with a lot of gratitude and a sense of awe.”

However, Mikayla who had her own way of playing Trina, shared what was so important to her to represent to the audience. “On a personal level, Trina means a great deal to me. I see her as a reflection of Black excellence—she’s driven, intelligent, and constantly rising to the occasion. Whether she’s navigating complex family dynamics or stepping into leadership roles like helping run an art gallery, she does it with strength and integrity. She’s also an incredibly loyal and compassionate friend, and that balance is something I really admire.”

TRINA IS DRIVEN AND INTELLIGENT

Summing it all up, Mikayla added, “As an actress, playing Trina reinforced the importance of grounding a character in truth. No matter how heightened the circumstances, what resonates with people is honesty and humanity. Trina taught me to lean into that—to keep characters layered, relatable, and real.”

Now the world is Mikayla’s oyster as she enters a new phase of her life and acting career, she shared, “I am really excited about stepping into more physical comedy—I think that would be so much fun and a great way to bring together my background in movement and performance. I’d also love to explore stunt work and action-comedy, just pushing myself in new, more physical directions as an actress. On the storytelling side, I’m really drawn to creating and being part of projects that genuinely move people—especially in television.”

So, what did you think about Sydney’s comment on how she played the role of Trina Robinson on General Hospital? Let us know via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!

In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?

Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC

FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS

The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!

Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?

Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

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With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).

On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..

In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”

GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW

So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!

FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD

As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and  and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”

Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.

So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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Finn Carr & Dominic Zamprogna as Rocco & Dante

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