Connect with us

General Hospital

23

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

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

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.

23 Comments

23 Comments
oldest
newest

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’s’ Sawandi Wilson Marks 2-Year Anniversary as Dr. Isaiah Gannon with Heartfelt ‘Thank You’ Video to ‘Best Fans in the Universe’

Published

on

By

Sawandi Wilson

This week, Sawandi Wilson is celebrating his second year as Dr. Isaiah Gannon on General Hospital. Wilson made his on-screen debut back on August 26 when he was introduced onto the canvas as a good friend to Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson). At the time, both men were being held captive by Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in a refugee camp in East Africa.

Fast-forward two years and Isaiah is still on the GH canvas, Lucky has left Port Charles for parts unknown, and in real-life, since joining the cast of the legacy ABC daytime drama series, Wilson’s life has changed for the better!

Taking to his Instagram, with a very cute video acknowledging his two years as Dr. Gannon, during Sawandi’s first attempt to complete the video he is interrupted from afar in the GH parking lot by castmate, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri).

Photo: ABC

THE ROAD TO PORT CHARLES

When Wilson does his second take for the video, here is what she shared: “Real quick. I want to say thank you to all the fans because I am celebrating two years on General Hospital.” He then added, “So, a couple things that have happened since I’ve been on the show is: I moved cross country from New York. I got married, and most recently we had a baby. I am so happy to share that personal journey with you guys.”

Sawandi concluded with, “But more than anything, this post is a ‘thank you’ to the fans, the fans who have been there supporting Isaiah from day one. I love you guys with all my heart. You guys are the best fans in the universe, and the most loyal, dedicated, best fans. I love you guys so much. We are a family out here and I’m happy to be part of the family. I love you guys.”

In the written post accompanying his video, Wilson also expressed, “GH family, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, I love you! 2 years ago, Dr. Isaiah Gannon landed in Port Charles for the first time. I had no idea how many people would be invested in every twist of every storyline along the way. But I’m grateful. Thank you for watching. Dominic Zamprogna, thank you for the cameo. #sawandiwilson #Gh #isaiahgannon #Blackscrubs #bts”

As viewers know, over the past few weeks, the GH star has been sharing updates on his newborn daughter Zelda’s battle from birth, when she was barely crying and landed in the NICU. Later, with good news to report, Sawandi praised the entire medical team at Cedars Sinai sharing, “You saved my baby’s life. You saved my wife’s life. And you saved my life. I love you guys.”

Photo: ABC

THE MYSTERY OF THE LLANVIEW GANNONS

One Life to Live fans are still hoping that the General Hospital writers connect the dots with Isaiah’s last name of “Gannon.” From 1992 on, the Gannon family was represented in Llanview.  First, by Hank Gannon (Nathan Purdee), then RJ Gannon (Timothy D. Stickney) and Hank’s ex-wife, Nora Hanen Gannon Buchanan (Hilary B. Smith), and her daughter Rachel Gannon (at one time played by Beyond the Gates star, Daphnee Duplaix).

Currently in story, Isaiah is involved with Dr. Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr), who recently gave birth to her ex’s baby. That ex is Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) who was sent away to prison for assaulting Isaiah and injuring his hand which now makes him unable to perform surgery.

Take a look at Sawandi Wilson’s very special ‘thank you’ message to the fans on his 2nd year anniversary with General Hospital below.

Now weigh-in; do you hope GH closes the loop on the “Gannon” connection? Do you hope more of Isaiah’s family shows up in Port Charles? Have you enjoyed Sawandi Wilson’s 2-year and counting run on the ABC soap opera thus far? Let us know via the comment section.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SawandiWilson (@sawandiwilson)

Continue Reading

General Hospital

How Much Longer Will ‘General Hospital’ Tease Viewers with a Chase and Willow Hookup?

Published

on

By

Chase and Willow

Enough already, General Hospital! How many times can Chase (Josh Swickard) wearing only swim trunks, run into Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) at the boathouse or somewhere else for that matter, and the two spout platitudes and praise one another while lifting each other’s spirits up, before they hit the sheets?

GH fans know Willow had no problem cheating on her former husband, since she did it to Michael (Rory Gibson) with then congressman Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison). Viewers also know that Chase’s wife, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) has vowed to keep Willow’s claws from getting deeper into her cop husband.

Previously, we even had Chase realizing he is paying to much attention to Willow’s woes instead of his marriage to BLQ and their newly adopted child, baby Phoebe, but that doesn’t seem to stop him from bending over backwards, and his absolutely doofus behavior believing in the troubled Willow.

As General Hospital finished the week on the Friday, August 28 airshow, a shirtless Chase ran right into Willow who admitted she has had a very bad few days. Chase invited his ex-wife to unload on him. From there, Willow lied about how allegations are being hurled at her about Drew’s shooting, even though she was acquitted of the crime. She goes on to say how difficult Michael is being, which seemingly angers Chase.

Chase asked Willow if Michael had forced her to move back to the Quartermaine property. All she would say is he got what he wanted, and she wanted to do what was best for her children. Then, Chase brings up all the “horrible” things Willow survived in her lifetime and survived.

Suddenly, the two are face to face with Willow having tears welling up in his eyes, and Chase looking like he clearly has feelings for her. Willow thanks Chase for always knowing how to make her feel better. The scene comes to its conclusion.

Now what? Does Willow entrap Chase in an affair? Does Chase literally trash his marriage for Willow? Is there any chance that this entire time Chase is actually setting up Willow to take the fall for all of her crimes and pretending to be the caring ex? Do you want the two to have sex already? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.

Continue Reading

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava Spikes Brennan’s Drink as Drew’s Masterplan Begins to Unfolds

Published

on

By

Ava

The Friday, August 28 episode of General Hospital confirmed viewers suspicious from the ABC weekly promo that dropped earlier in the week. Ava Jerome (Maura West) is definitely the woman who is spiking the drink of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

How did it all go down? Let’s recap. Ava met up with Drew (Cameron Mathison) at the Metro Court poolside, and he filled her in on his plan to use the thumb drive given to him by Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight) to interfere with the Metro Court Hotel’s security system by way of Carly’s (Laura Wright) office computer.

Next, Drew hands over an envelope with a sleeping pill in it with the demand the Ava somehow slyly slip into Brennan’s drink. Ava is not liking the idea of drugging the WSB Port Charles Bureau Chief.

Courtesy/ABC

KEEPING BRENNAN OCCUPIED

Drew wants insurance that he has enough time to get into Brennan’s room unnoticed, and get the evidence that proved he embezzled money from the McConkey Esplanade project to fund his Congressional campaign away from Jack. He feels the sleeping pill will buy him the time he needs.

Ava accuses Drew of setting her up to take the fall, and she is now having second thoughts about them working together especially after her friend, Nina (Cynthia Watros) warned her about Drew, yet again.

Drew has a comeback for Ava. That is that Sonny (Maurice Benard) has a powerful ally in Mayor Laura Collins (Genie Francis), and he thought that he and Ava were each other’s best shot to team-up and take Sonny down for both their mutual gains. After all, Drew is targeting Sonny as the lynchpin for all his revenge, and Ava is sick of how Sonny dictates when she will see and raise their daughter, Avery.

DRINK UP!

Reluctantly, Ava took the pill from Drew to use on Brennan, only if she absolutely finds it a necessity to do so. As she is on her way to meet Brennan, she flashes back to Sonny calling her a “cancer who should be cut out of Avery’s life.” So, what does Ava do? For insurance, she crushes up the sleeping pill!

Next, Ava sits at a table at the Metro Court poolside with Brennan, and he seems to be knocking back a few drinks upset over his run-in earlier with Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) and Carly. He suddenly gets a phone call that has to take in private and gets up from the table. That moments enables Ava to slip the crushed up sleeping pill into Brennan’s drink and stir it around. We fade to black.

Take a look at the scene where Drew slips Ava a drug to help tide over Brennan while he tries to retrieve the evidence Brennan is using to blackmail him below.

Now weigh-in: were you disappointed to see Ava back to her old devious ways? Do you think Drew will be successful getting back the evidence? Is this the beginning of the end of Jack Brennan since it as has been reported Chris McKenna is exiting the soap? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

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

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

23
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x