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Happy 49th Anniversary today to General Hospital!

By Michael Fairman

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Of all the soaps on the air, it has been General Hospital who unfortunately had April Fool’s Day as their birthdate!  That’s right.  GH premiered on April 1, 1963, and after so many years of heartache, romance, intrigue, hospital staffers and loveable or evil mobsters, the show celebrates today it’s 49th anniversary!

Originally created by Frank and Doris Hursley, the show premiered as a half hour and aired in the 1PM EST time slot.   The original cast featured John Beradino, Emily McLaughlin, and  Roy Thinnes, to name just a few.  And after many pivotal executive producer changes, key among them: Gloria Monty, Wendy Riche, Jill Farren Phelps, and now Frank Valentini, the show has aired as of last week around 12, 531 episodes!

Through its glory days to its not-so-glorious days, General Hospital has been a scrappy fighter who several times was on the brink of cancellation, but fought back to become the number one sudser, or remain in the daytime line-up.  Now, as we all wait with bated breath to find out if GH can live to see it’s 50th, when ABC made its decisions in the coming weeks if GH or The Revolution will continue on past September 2012, today is a cause for celebration.   49 years is nothing to sneeze at!

Check out this cast photo and our blast from the past, and let us know if you can name all of the actors or their character names in our comment section!  Also, please share your thoughts on GH turning 49!

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Ah the memories..who can forget Jessie Brewer and her “7th floor nurses station” every time she answered the phone..lol..always been a watchable show even when not that good and I hope it continues for many years to come.We need daytime drama no matter what network execs think!

Amen! Please DON’T cancel General Hospital!! It’s so so good!!! Love it and love the new look and feel of it, the writing, addition of OL characters, twists and storylines. It’s definitely must see TV again!!!

LONG LIVE GENERAL HOSPIAL!!!

My sentiments exactly! Ditto on the new look and feel, writing, etc. It’s been a while since I’ve been so excited and can’t wait to see what the next episode brings. Long live GH!

Horray, GH has and always has been a great show!!! I hope that ABC does the right thing and makes it live to it’s 50th!! Happy Anniversary!

Congrats on 49 years GH! Curious as to why it premiered in April and not in September? Just seems like an odd month for a show to actually premiere. Anyway, I can name most by not all of the characters. I see Jessie Brewer, Tommy Baldwin (Hardy), Audrey Hardy, Jeff Webber, Steve Hardy, Peter Taylor, Rick Webber, Laura Webber, Louise March (?), Scott Baldwin, Heather Webber, Diana Taylor, Lee Baldwin, Gail Baldwin, Monica Quartermaine, Alan Quartermaine

I remember that “7th floor nurses station.” I don’t even know what floor their on now. I like it right now, not loving it, but am hoping. I hope it stays on for many years and that there are less mob involvement.

Most everything in the hospital nowadays takes place on the 10th floor. Hard to tell since that horrible reconstruction of the hospital a few years ago. During the 80’s they would alternate floors by changing the big circled floor number on the elevator doors including Lobby.

That is so true and observant!

Jessie brewer answers the phone saying 7th floor nurses station ,never got sick of those words.that was when general hospital was general hospital all the stories surrounded the 7th floor.those were the good old days and I hope that our characters of port charles continue for another 49 years.Happy anniversary.abc/disney you should be proud of this show like you should have been proud of all my children and One life to live classic programming you cant replace.

didn’t you just love it when they wanted to talk and went into the “medicine room” and shut the door…those were the days

Yes those were the days and I miss them ,they made general hospital what it is today, hey Keith dont forget all the trips to dr hardys office, where they talked about medicine and every ones problems .

U just had to take a jab at ABC, huh? Even though this is about General Hospital. I was reading your post, and I was like, ” Wait, what happened? Who is she now talking to? lol
I just finished eating the leftover lobster ect…. so I’m yarning, deliriously sleepy, going for nap now.

General Hospital has been on constant for me, like family! Most of my life from 3-4pm has been devoted to GH! thank you for the many wonderful compelling stories and the entire team for their hard work entertaining me since I began watching around 1980.

Happy Bday GH, I’m still loving you no matter what, I’ll be faithfull till the end.

Happy Birthday General Hospital may you have many more birthdays to come.
I also hope one day your families will return home
Quartermaines
Alan
Emily
Aj
Justus
Ned
Dillion
Tracy
Edward
Monica
Michael
Jason
Spencers
Lucky
Luke
Ethan
Laura
Carly
Bobbie
Morgan
Michael

Ummm, you forgot Lulu and Nicholas.

Steve/audrey tom hardy Jessie brewer Gail lee Scott Baldwin , Leslie Jeff Steven Laura weber , Alan Monica quartermain and I wanna say Lars and Rooney but not sure. Sad that previous writers wiped out do many core characters to pretty ruin the different families and legacy. Either way I’ve enjoyed my 30+ yrs watching and hope the longest running soap continues.

Happy Birthday GH. This show deserves to stay on for another 40 years, replacing it with other new and unpopular shows is so unfair to the fans. Exectives need to listen to Soap viewers and respect their opinions.
Thank you to all the actors who are the reason we watch and love General Hospital.

I have spent over 35 years enjoying the characters and storylines of General Hospital, and while it has had many wonderful highs and some deep lows, it is a strong soap, with many riviting storylines, and fascinating twists and turns, that I will continue to watch and enjoy. I am a strong supporter of the recent addition of Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivarti, and am enjoying the direction the show is going in. Here is to not only making it to it’s 50th Anniversary, but many more years of enchanting storylines after that!!! As for the photo, what a nice trip down memory lane. Jessie’s smile is and always was infectious (but who could forget how Phil Brewer broke her heart), and Steve Hardy, the patriarch of GH (who could forget his many years of playing Santa Claus at GH), and his always supportive and loving wife Audrey. I loved Rick and Jeff, the battling Webber brothers, especially Jeff, as played by Richard Dean Anderson. A young Monica and Alan Quartermaine, not to mention a very young Laura Webber/Vining, who was probably being courted by Scotty Baldwin during the time this photo was taken. Of course, Scotty’s Dad Lee Baldwin, and his wife, Gail. I cannot make out who the curly, red-haired fellow in the center is. At first I thought it was Ryan Phillipe, but definitely not. Can anyone tell me who that is? Happy 49th Anniversary GH, and I hope we can all enjoy many more years to come!

Thank you so much for your wonderful tribute to GH!! Happy 49th Anniversary to this beloved and iconic show!! Here’s to many,many more years of unforgettable memories!!

Come on everybody lets get them to the 50th and hopefully 50 more years!!! Congratulations GH!!!

I’m not concerned about whether ABC will choose The Revolution over General Hospital. Even the Deadline article that you posted last week on this website stated that the ABC execs were not willing to kill their 49 years old soap for a talk show such as The Revolution that will unlikely ever be successful.

The threat for General Hospital is not The Revolution, but rather those other shows that ABCD is having in development. If one of these programs is ready by the time ABC has to make its decision, then it’s bye bye General Hospital. In all cases, The Revolution is a goner in September. ABC has lost faith in that show and I don’t even see their promos anymore during the commercials on General Hospital.

I think I see Gary Lansing in there. Who are the two women to the right of Laura Webber? Who is the curly haired guy to the right of Rick Webber? And don’t know the top 3 on the left. Lamont Corbin? Gina something? Please help.

Let’s rebuild the Webbers. Laura, Lesley, Rick, Jeff, Amy Vining, Mikey. Lesley Webber was one of the best characters the show has ever had. DA is a great actress and made Lesley so multidimensional. Bringing her back as a Dr would be great and Monica would have some interaction with someone her own age and with shared history.

Thats right where is lesley?amy vining cant come back she had kidney failure,the actress did. I agree with what you said about lesley being a doctor It would be nice to see her and monica be friends again.And laura she should have never left port charles.

” Bringing her back as a Dr would be great and Monica would have some interaction with someone her own age and with shared history. ”

* That would be a Great idea, and you’re right, Monica needs more interaction with people of her age, particularly at the hospital. At home, she has Tracy, and Luke, of age and shared history. Of course Edward is older. Love Monica.

I love General Hospital. I love ABC soaps. ABC was always the BEST network for daytime and primetime, and boy…..did they screw themselves up!

We want General Hospital to make the stretch, and so we much continue to fight, BUT not just TALK as we do on this site. WORDS and ACTIONS…… equally results!

1loveabcsoaps for General Hospital. Happy Anniversary!

I’ve been watching gh since the 2nd grade I remember I would run home from school just to watch GH now am a senior and I have to say BEST DAYTIME SOAP ever!!! Happy 49th General Hospital, and I hope the show doent get cancelled because I have no idea what im going to watch in college, and I have to say I LOVE JASON AND SAM <—- BEST COUPLE EVER …

JaSam, the most BORING couple ever! Bring on John McBain and Sam, yay!!

John and sam do look good together ,I loved them in that vampire stuff.

Lot’s of luck Gh and I hope you be here and celebrating many more years, I’ve been watching for 49 years and hope to for many more. Congratulations to all the wonderful actors and all the people affiliated with the show.

Congrats GH! Good luck !

Happy 49th Anniversary,GH(old and new friends)
One more year to becomes 50th Anniversary!!!

What year is that old GH cast picture from, Michael?

From Doctors to Nurses
To Mobsters, Molls and police
From Love in the Afternoon
To the Cassadine’s and their penchant for causing grief

From the underground caves of Port Charles
To the Quartermaine’s castle keep
From Casey the space Alien
To Caleb Morley with those sharp Vampire teeth

From Love to loss through the triumphs and tears
General Hospital’s Port Charles has seen it all through the years

So we lift up our cup in thanks to our great show
Happy 49th General Hospital and here’s to 51 years more years to go.

Paula Kate Prince-Meserole

Happy 49th Anniversary General Hospital!! Thank you GH and ABC for all the wonderful memories and years of entertainment.

It has to make it to 50 years because my friends and I are already planning the 50th Annniversary Party. We are going to come as GH characters and I’ve decided I’m going to be Lucy Coe. Can’t wait!

Not only did GH premiere on April 1, 1963 on ABC, but on NBC, so did ‘The Doctors,’ (April 1, 1963-Dec. 31, 1982).

Breaking News

53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

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Josh and Kristen

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.

The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.

Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC

WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?

Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.

So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?

Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.

Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.

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General Hospital

Kin Shriner Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ TV Daughter Kelly Kruger

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Kin and kelly

It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.

Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.

In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.

Serena and Jason

Courtesy/ABC

WHERE IS SCOTT?

On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.

In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”

The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.”  Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.

So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? 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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