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Happy 56th Anniversary To General Hospital

Photo: ABC

April 1st marks the 56th anniversary of ABC’s General Hospital.  The daytime drama series is currently the longest running soap opera still on the air.  It debuted back on April 1st, 1963.

The series plans to air a very special episode tomorrow on the Tuesday, April 2nd episode to pay homage to the milestone and the late Susan Brown and her character of Gail Baldwin.

On Monday, several GH cast members past and present commented on this retro video posted by Silver Age TV (see below) which harkens back to the very beginning of GH.

Chloe Lanier (Nelle Benson) shared: “Four years ago, I had the privilege of playing daughter on GH. (Pre Carly/Nelle of course)  And 56 years ago, premiered and is still going strong. Happy Anniversary GH!”

Laura Wright (Carly) shared: “The Best !!!! Soo grateful

Steve Burton (Jason) added: “Honored and blessed to be a part of it! Thank you to all of the GH and Daytime veterans for paving the way for all of us. Thank you. 56 more!

Maurice Benard (Sonny) added: “Happy anniversary General Hospital how many TV shows in history can say 56 years, I was a fan before I came on, and I will always be a fan.”

Kimberly McCullough (Robin) posted: “So proud to be a part of history. I love my TV family so much. So may years of innovation and hard work. Can’t wait to to watch!”

Now,  check out John Beradino (Dr, Steve Hardy) Roy Thinnes (Phil Brewer) and Emily McLaughlin (Nurse Jessie Brewer) in the clips below from Silver Age TV.

Then share your Happy 56 anniversary well-wishes to the cast and crew of GH via the comment section below.  And if GH is your favorite soap of all, tell us why it means so much to you and has kept you watching for years.

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I watched the debut episode and was instantly hooked. I have such fond memories of salt of the earth Jessie Brewer, kind and wise Dr. Steve Hardy, no good Phil Brewer and stern but lovable Lucille March. May Emily McLaughlin, John Beradino and Lucille Wall rest in peace. Roy Thinnes is very much alive. I hope he’s happy and healthy.

Though I stopped watching in 2005, sincere congratulations of the very hard working cast and crew on their 56th anniversary.

Oh how I love this picture. I feel like every time I come in here to post a comment, it’s a negative comment! So, I need to stress the fact that I adore this picture of the old beloved vets.

Harry, your feelings on the photo as well as your habit of posting “negative” comments on GH mirror those of mine. For me, this picture is terrific, not only because it showcases beloved veterans, but also because it excludes the actor and actress who play mob boss and his moll. Absolutely satisfying!

Can’t believe I’ve spent more than half of my life watching GH. Stopped for a few years,when I went back to work, until the old VCR’s arrival. How I loved Dr.Tom Hardy, Jessie, her husbands, Audrey, the Baldwins, Webbers, etc. It was truely about GH, not just a place they go to these days for G.S wounds, etc. The SL’s were about GH people, and not about gangsters and politicians running the city, as they do now. I know we have to evolve, go with the flow, as times change, but I do so miss the old GH days.

My God. If this show ended, my heart would shatter. I have been watching since 1982. I hate how the genre has fallen apart but grateful that GH still marches on.

I’ve been watching GH I was 16 so about 47 years. almost from the beginning. I have always loved the show. I started watching it when my children were small to keep my sanity. lol

GH is my fave soap of all times, when I was younger I watched other soaps but GH was always #1, I started watching during the summer when Luke and Laura exploded and went on the run, and I’ve been hooked ever since thanks to Frisco and Felicia, holly and Robert and Anna Devane, the cool spy who could kick ass, the quatormaines, cassadines, Tiffany, Sean, and crazy Lucy. thanks to todays technology I don’t worry about missing an episode and I’m so happy its still going strong at 56. love todays cast, miss a few who have left recently like Griffin, and Nate and I was hoping the news of Michele Stafford leaving was a bad April fools joke, so that one I’m not a happy camper about but otherwise still watch every day and will till I’m gone or GH is gone.

I really enjoyed the clip. Don’t think I’ve ever seen this one.

Happy Anniversary to GH! Here’s to 56 more!

I have watched soaps (DOOL) since I was in kindergarten, believe it or not. All but one of my shows have been taken off the air. After “Another World” was cancelled, I took up with “As the World Turns” and continued watching “Guiding Light”. When they were cancelled, I switched over to “One Live to Live” and “General Hospital”. Now, it’s just “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital”.

I am thrilled to still be able to get my soap fix. Long may those soaps that remain live!!!

What was the name of the song they played at the end of today’s 56th anniversary show?

Dr. Steve Hardy : Born Giovanni Berardino May 1, 1917

This Man, bar none left an indelible mark… just exemplary , on what any Man would ascribe

I did not know… he was a former MLB ( Major League Baseball ) player 1939 – 1952.. having WON… WON .. a world series championship with the Cleveland Indians AND went on to serve his country in the midst of his professional baseball career ( 1942-1945 ) astonishingly, after serving his country he goes back to MLB AND WINS a world series, 1948. WOW and Mr. WOAH ( I love love love watching this game ) knowing he was in the big league just added that extra heart beat

this startling information is courtesy of WIKI.. I am loving this –

it would be another 12 years till he debuted on General Hospital. so it is my understanding that from 1952 to 1964.. his “resume” reads sparse.. I take from this he had some savings from his MLB Career. from 1964, he debuted as Dr. Steve Hardy, garnering 3 lead acting emmy nominations, till his untimely death , due to pancreatic cancer took him in 1996.

out of the gate : ^^^ having watched the ORIGINAL credit… took my breath… just wanted to post what an exceptional looking Man

Salute

you can cry with the original concept AND heart grab how strong the veteran pull IS
hence…I feel this way about the pic above…HUGE: Big Mac, Kevin, Laura, Felicia, Monica

Hi Patrick,
I, and friends were in total-
”who?” ”what?” ”huh?”
We did not know of anyone they were talking about.
The entire episode was a big zero to us.
Not everyone has watched GH since day one and the episode was for the ol’ timers,only.

That woman in the black dress, walking around talking to people, hadn’t a clue as to she was not until much later on when Laura called her mother.

Amber mentioned; well, we don’t know those characters actors because we probably weren’t yet born or were toddlers or kids..
Nawww that couldn’t be right, could it? LOL
anyways, we were blank haa!

I see you had a great time watching that episode, as others, and that is a good happy thing for you.
glad it took you back 🙂

I’m easily, adding; Lucy and Scotty … easy PLAY

hurry

Patrick…So glad you added Lucy and Scotty. Down deep both have good hearts, so glad to see they are still adding their sometimes mischievous, disruptive, and even endearing personalities without killing anyone to an otherwise fairly boring Port Charles (at least for me). Love what Lucy has done for the Nurses Ball. Wish tptb would give her a bigger budget to bring in a couple of past stars…like Ricky Martin. And did like her apology to Monica the the day.

P.S…And Lucy could also invite Michael Fairman as an entertainer at the Nurses Ball. Or emcee on the “Red Carpet.”

Does anyone know the name of the song that played at the end of this episode 4/2/2019

THAT was the WORST anniversary show EVER!

So, I thought the episode itself was excellent, despite the presence of mob boss and moll…

There was otherwise so much to enjoy: Lesley; Monica; Lesley calling Monica a slut (some things never change); the always radiant Laura; the always mischievous Bobbie; Scotty unveiling the picture of Gail next to the picture of Lucille — although I would like to see that entire wall!

What I found very entertaining was that, in the span of 1 hour, Scotty pulled off a “hat trick” of wistfully reminiscing with 3 former love interests: Laura, Bobbie, and Lucy. Now if Heather and Dominique had made an appearance, we would have had enough players for a starting basketball lineup.

Hello again, James!!! I must concur with much of what you have said in regard to the 56th anniversary episode. (Particularly the latter portion of the first sentence! Lol..) Whilst I wouldn’t go quite so far as to term the end result as “excellent,” it did provide some pleasant emotional touchstones that are generally missing on a daily basis in the show’s current incarnation. Due to that fact, a greater variety of video flashbacks accompanying the dialogue would have been desirable, because seeing is always more satisfying than simply reminiscing about any given event…even if we were fortunate to have originally witnessed it. On a more picayune note, I have to ask, why is it considered permissible to repeatedly make slut-shaming remarks about Monica’s former carnal activities when there have been many a Port Charles minx far more prodigious in amassing lovers than she ever was known to be??? (Bobbie, Lucy and Alexis immediately come to mind…and there are plenty of others, too!) This seems to be a prevailing theme whenever Lesley rolls in to town, and I recall Fluke having quite a go at Monica with a similar remark, or two….sure, it always ellcits laughs, but if we’re going to “call a spade a spade,” then by all means, let’s be equitable here! As for Scott’s “lineup” of women, I have to say that I still consider the fair Laura to be his only true “love.” All the other femmes on his lengthy list of conquests only served as his consolation-prize bedwarmers during her long-lamented absence! Laura will always be his “one that got away”…TWICE over!

I’m so elated to read your response, Shay! I appreciate all upon which we agree!

As for those few perky areas of possible disagreement, let me try to present a meeting of the minds…

For me, the episode was “excellent” because of the overriding presence of the beloved veterans and the many touching moments therein. Sure, as others have suggested, it would have been nice to have some flashbacks of Gail, rather than just her photo.

It boggles my mind the way the writers/producers continue their never-ending quest to prop up Sonny. Having the saintly (in comparison) Laura tell Sonny, in a chapel of all places, that she has always known he is a good person was cringe-worthy to the nth degree and almost made me barf!

As for Scotty, I must agree with you that Laura was his true love. Yet as we know in the soap world, years upon years are spent creating new alliances, and characters with longevity go from one paramour to the next. Part of what makes the viewer tune in is to hopefully see their favorites reunite. (That was what kept me glued to the set for my faves Diana [Valerie Starrett] and Peter Taylor [Craig Huebing] in the 1970s.) But, yeah, for Scotty, Laura is one that got away…

And I appreciate your bringing up the “slut shaming.” Your diatribe is most convincing and well-founded. It’s clear that Monica and Lesley have made peace with each other, so in that sense, the remark seems unusual. My thought is that, with this “flashback” episode sans actual flashbacks, the writers are just reminding the audience of the storied history of Monica and Lesley in a wink wink, goofy kind of way, not meant as an insult to womankind. To me, it’s similar to the constant refrain of Monica’s that she owned the Quartermaine mansion and Alan’s constant reply that he gave it to her. It’s almost reflexive, at this point, for Lesley to call Monica a “slut.” (Have I made things worse, dear Shay?)

Anyway, Shay, I had to tune in for this episode when I read about what was planned. For 1 day, anyway, this once decades-long viewer, got to enjoy 1 episode of his once favorite show… Best to you, Friend!

@Gentleman James..Thank you! What a true delight your likewise response was! I do agree with you that relative to the present-day array of GH characters, the majority of those featured on the 56th anniversary episode constituted a most welcome and refreshing change of pace. I suppose it was my desire for more legacy players from the show’s glory days to be revisited—and the lack thereof—-which left me feeling somewhat letdown and dissatisfied. (For example, since Felicia was present, would it have killed the writers to have included a kind word for her ex-hubby Frisco when Bobbie and she discussed Tony? He was a huge part both of the ‘80’s GH soap experience and the Jones family, after all! The same could be said for the near-total avoidance of Luke….love him or loathe him, he was Port Chuck personified for nearly 40 years, and central to the Scotty and Laura marital breakup which turned Baldwin into the sad, sometimes still bitter, man he is today. And so on and so forth!) As for our mutual thoughts on Sonny—-and spouse—-the less said, the better. It seems that no matter how many objections are voiced from viewers who are profoundly offended by the ardent campaign for him to be declared for sainthood, that’s the story and the show is sticking with it! (More’s the pity…) Lastly, in terms of Monica and her “sordid reputation?” I have absolutely no objection to calling it as one sees it for any of the GH gals when it comes to their boudoir exploits…However, I’m more interested in factual than political correctness, James! What I’m aiming for is accuracy! I simply cannot fathom why Monica has been portrayed as practically having had an endless parade of men meeting her in the showers for quickies back in the day! As far as I can remember, she basically had two main love interests for eons, that being Rick and Alan. Yes, she was involved in an on-and-off adulterous affair with Dr. Webber—-much to Lesley’s chagrin—but it was based upon their history dating years before they came to Port Charles. As I understand it, at one point, Rick was supposedly dead, so Monica moved on with his brother Jeff and they were a married couple working at GH when Rick returned in the flesh. Although the two former lovers tried to fight their mutual attraction and rekindling of their romance for Jeff’s sake, that didn’t happen, and eventually, Monica and Jeff divorced after he discovered she had cheated with Rick. Alan came on the scene around the same time and complicated matters, leading to a near-deadly triangle for those characters. Lesley also became part of the messy equation along the way, and married Rick whilst Monica wed Alan, yet the Rick/Monica physical yen for each other remained strong and was repeatedly acted upon. That situation was the basis of numerous storylines for years on end, and its fallout lasted even longer….hence Lesley’s eternally tart-tongued reminders of such indiscretions. Subsequently, Monica did engage in some more casual extramarital flings—as did Alan—-hers most famously with Ned, the unbeknownst to her at the time nephew, then there were some other assignations in the ensuing decades. However, considering that not overly-impressive sexual scorecard, I don’t get why Fluke dubbed Monica “the go-to girl at GH!” Especially when “Barbara Jean” was the one who was always ready and willing during that same era!!! Quite frankly, when one compares and contrasts the notches on the bedposts of Bobbie, Lucy, Alexis, or even Carly and Ava, for that matter, Monica’s body count is relatively low!!! And that was the message I was attempting to convey! Why on earth is Monica always singled out for having enjoyed her spicy romps when there are so many others who made her relatively tame antics look like a fairly innocent day in the park??? My inquiring mind wants to know the answer to this lengthy query! (Sorry it took so long! LOL.) Having said that, I can still appreciate your sentiments, James. Nostalgia for the GH which no longer exists, even when served up in too small doses, is better than none at all! All in all, the anniversary episode was still a touching walk down memory lane! (By the way, there is a new GH “In Memoriam” video on You Tube which has been released to honor the show’s 56th anniversary…it’s nearly 15 minutes long, but very inclusive from the soap’s inception to the present….There are countless names and faces I didn’t recognize, but it’s a wonderful representation of those who made GH the phenomenon it was for so many years…I would highly recommend it not just to you, James, but for all fans who fondly recall peop past of Port Charles!) Later, my friend!

P.S. That should read “people past!”

Hello there, Shay! Thank you for your immersive, engaging reply! Quite enjoyable! All of what you’ve written makes perfect sense. My thoughts on some of your expert, analytical points follow:

I agree that certain characters should have been mentioned. At some point, Laura and/or Bobbie should have mentioned Luke. At some point, Felicia should have mentioned Frisco. At some point, Bobbie should have mentioned Tony. Considering that Luke was (for TPTB) the franchise for decades, to omit him seems unseemly. Granted, I am not such a fan of the actor, given what later emerged about his relationship with Genie vis-a-vis the GH brass, etc. But, geez, throw a bone to the man who, according to the writers, saved Port Charles from a deep freeze!!!

Second, I have to admire you for your impassioned, reasoned defense of Monica. I am a huge fan myself. And the fact that she is still featured (on occasion) is an incredible gift to the viewer: longtime and otherwise. I read somewhere, “Let he who is without sin….” Her tally of partners won’t get her in the Guinness Book of World Records, compared with others. As we know, Lesley just can’t help herself…

Lastly, thank you for alerting me to that GH In Memoriam video. I think I found it (close to 24 minutes, I think). It was mesmerizing but stupefying, as I also found countless actors et al I don’t ever remember seeing on screen. I think that the roles for some were very short-term. I did, of course, recognize others. And these are just the ones known to have passed. God bless them all…

Thanks again, Shay, and take care!

It was my pleasure, James! Whilst I’m not sure that the intention of my posts was necessarily to provide a rousing defense of GH’s Monica Q., as much as to suitably express how purely perplexed I was that she has been pegged as the eternal “hospital harlot” despite so many other truly deserving candidates for that dubious title! Lol…I thought that perhaps I had missed something along the way, considering that I was not present for the entire duration of Monica’s apparent “activities” which earned her so much damning “acclaim!” By the time I was a regular GH viewer, Leslie Charleson was cozily ensconced in that role and simultaneously romancing Rick and Alan, although I had read up on her character’s history in soap publications, and understood that there had been another actress prior to the one we’ve both known and loved as Monica for decades on end! Given that you are a self-professed longtime (albeit now former) GH viewer, I figured you might be able to shed some light on this matter, yet, you seem to indicate I have not gotten the wrong end of the stick where her tallysheet of tawdry tales are concerned. Hence I suppose my question of why Monica has been singled out for her bad girl behavior over others more worthy of such scorn shall remain a mystery! Like yourself, I’m just thrilled she’s still around to be treasured as the soap icon she is! (Oh, by the way, I meant to add my applause to your appreciation for that old chestnut of a refrain about Alan leaving Monica his house! In fact, I think it would have been perfectly applied when a contrite(?) and generous(?) Lucy offered up Alan’s monogrammed handkerchief to his widow the other day….I would have much preferred if Monica had told Ms. Coe to keep it as momento of her former husband since Alan had already provided her so much by which to remember him, including the Quartermaine Mansion! That would have been a magnificent comeuppance/retort and so typically Monica! Hah!) But enough now for Dr. Q. …I think we have comfortably exhausted that subject! As have our mutual thoughts on both the Luke and Frisco, et al, characters. Even though I was one of those who more than willingly slated Anthony Geary for his often surly attitudes regarding Genie/Laura, GH and its loyal fans, I still cannot deny that he helped make that soap the daytime institution it became, and therefore, should have garnered some mention on the occasion of its 56th anniversary. I suppose we can live in hope that next year’s show will address its much-missed past characters with greater parity! Lastly, I’m so glad you found a loving video salute to GH’s dearly departed, but yours sounded even more extensive than the one I watched….I know mine lasted almost fifteen minutes in duration, and that alone was quite inclusive of former cast members. I must look again to see if I can locate the lengthier one to which you were referring! At any rate, thank you for your very thoughtful reply, James! You always take such care with your responses, and believe me, that is duly noted and most appreciated! Take care, my friend! Later!

Thanks for your kind words, Shay! Just a quick note. Your memory is quite good, particularly with soap history! And you remembered my basic GH tenure, so to speak. I did see the original Monica, Patsy Rahn, when she first arrived on GH, along with Jeff Weber (Richard Dean Anderson) as part of the new husband/wife intern program. You didn’t miss anything from Monica’s early history that would forever brand her the way Lesley forever brands her! Your idea for how Monica should have treated Lucy when presented with Alan’s handkerchief is brilliant!

With regard to anniversary episodes in general, there have been countless times I have been disappointed, mainly for reasons we’ve been discussing: none or not enough clips, omissions of certain characters, inclusion of certain characters, etc. And fan response varies, as we see here. Best to you!

James, I hope this note finds you well and that you have duly waxed poetic and nostalgic on the 57th. Belated appreciation to both you and Shay for your contributions to this thread and for bringing my own fond remembrances to the fore—they were there somewhere, just in need of a little prompting!

Hello Reed! Your thoughtful note is most appreciated! Glad that Shay and I were able to spark some GH memories for you. Thankfully, I am doing well. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well, also. (Same goes for you, Shay, if you’re reading.) I haven’t posted in quite some time, but I had to reply to you, Friend. You have gone out of your way to send kind words to me here, not just today, but several times over the years, and it means more to me than I could express. So thank you again, and please take care.

James, glad to hear you are doing well—by no means a given in the midst of the pandemic. Speaking of “kind words,” I’d like to remind you of your own (https://michaelfairmantv.com/general-hospital-oscar-dies-leaving-his-family-and-his-girlfriend-grief-stricken/2019/05/02/), another beautiful exchange—one that I almost felt I was intruding on by reading.

I hope we haven’t lost you as a daily viewer—I believe I read you were more or less picking your spots on when to watch? It became a chore for me somewhere along the way too, hence why I’m six-plus months behind…or maybe that has more to do with my delay/avoid personality. Regardless, I still enjoy GH thoroughly, and so appreciate the decades of entertainment it has provided—and hopefully will provide into the future. Such a great medium and a real constant in the lives of many. Please keep up with your viewing and commentary—you too have an audience and following, and even the occasional pen pal. Stay well!

Hello Reed!

Thank you for the link to earlier exchanges. I have saved links to certain threads/exchanges that have uplifted me, and those with you are among those. Despite my best efforts, I will admit that, at times, I have been long-winded, off-topic, too personal, judgmental, and perhaps offensive to some (when I discuss a certain GH character I do not like). I’m not looking for anyone to disagree with me here, as I know my own faults…

As I’ve mentioned, my favorite GH days are in the rear-view mirror. Like Shay, I keep up with what’s going on, but I don’t really watch at all. I basically gave up in 2005, but then returned on occasion when something interesting was happening or when a fan favorite was returning — Laura anyone? So you are right about me “picking” my “spots.” I am honestly thrilled that you “still enjoy GH thoroughly,” and I concede that there is much to enjoy. I hope you continue to enjoy and receive pleasure from the show!

After 2005, I sampled Y&R, B&B, and DOOL, all for years. I’ve given up on all of them, except DOOL. But with the wrap-up of certain storylines and the firing of certain actors, my interest there is waning, too. I still look in on this site on occasion (although until you reached out to me, that hadn’t happened in a while). And, again, Reed, thank you for doing so because you nudged me into fondly remembering some of the wonderful people here, including yourself.

Please continue to stay safe and be well. Your humble and appreciative “pen pal!”

James, you are always a sought-after read, and the occasional rail never comes from a meanspirited place—passion and exasperation, yes, but never nasty or deliberately hurtful. No need for further self-examination, you long since earned Shay’s appellation of “Gentleman James,” or the lesser-known “Dean James” that I conferred, once upon a time.

Disappointed that for both you and Shay your daily viewing is a thing of the (distant) past. If there’s time enough in your day—or room on your DVR—we welcome you back anytime! I’m not altogether sure my own viewing habits aren’t borne of OCD, more so than anything else. The DVR registers my fandom daily, in the hope that its tally matters to the programming decisions of whether to keep this venerable show on the air. Delay/avoid then wins out over OCD and the unwatched recordings are purged in favor of the new. I eventually catch episodes for free on a website by a fan that, in my estimation, is performing a great public service (Copywrite infringement and all) –Comcast gets their $110+/Mo, I figure I’m entitled! Although in good conscience, I did pursue a Disney+ subscription, thinking I’d have access to the GH library, but alas, their inferior website told me nothing of what I might expect from a membership—except superheroes ad nauseam—and attempts at trial subscriptions were thwarted, but I’m sure that was the doing of the evil Comcast.

Regardless of viewing, just know that you have a venue and a following, so please don’t be a stranger…said the person reading April 2019 threads and watching November 2019 episodes!

Hey there, Reed!

Okay, time for some “passion and exasperation”: You’re paying $110+/Mo to Comcast?!?!?! I am paying more than twice that! I need to talk with a customer service rep ASAP…

I certainly do remember the “Dean” nickname. That was thoughtful of you. Again, I am not worthy…

I haven’t embraced any of the extra streaming services as yet. Just Netflix briefly to catch the reboot (Season 1) of Lost in Space, my favorite TV show as a kid. I know there is a Season 2 available, but I am dragging my feet, awaiting DVD release (which happened with Season 1 on Netflix). I am definitely old-school (and, well, relatively, “old”), as I prefer something I can hold (DVDs and CDs). I continue to purchase and play CDs and make my CD compilations. It’s what I play whilst driving. So I haven’t signed up for Disney, Hulu, Apple, etc., and I’m not sure that will change. But since I’m overpaying for Comcast (still smarts!), I can’t afford springing for other streaming services I may use only sparingly.

I am sorry to disappoint you with my GH viewing update. But I admire you for being such a cheerleader for the show. They are lucky to have you! Not only as a viewer but also as a promoter!

I also admire you for intelligence — you make a much more appropriate “Dean” than myself. I admire you for your passion, insights, and, clearly on display in this thread and others, your empathetic and welcoming nature. Keep it up, Reed, and take care.

@Gentleman James….Greetings, dear friend, and thank you for the gracious shout-out! Great minds really do think alike….after having been brought back to this “blast from the past” by Reed, I was also planning to send you a little hello following my response to him (which I’ve only just completed!) Sooo…here we are! I am doing fine, thank you for asking, actually busier than ever in “lockdown mode,” but that is a good thing! Even though my recent visits to MFTV have been fewer and far between than before, I still have very warm thoughts for the nice people I’ve been privileged to “meet” here through the years and they always remain in my thoughts, hence I’m glad to know that one of my favorites is “doing well!” (You’ve been missed! However, I have been quite heartened to read a few of your usual “par excellence” posts over these last couple of months during my “silently-lurking sessions!” Hmmmm..now were any of them regarding the infamous “Sonny?” Lol….) At any rate, it is wonderful to touch base with you again…(as it previously was with Jimh and Celia..another two of my most personally-beloved MF regulars!) Just as with old “real life” friends, the ability to “pick up where we left off” is palpable and welcome, so suffice to say, hearing from both Reed and you has been a true and unexpected treat this weekend! (We MUST do it again sooner rather than later!) As for the GH of the present, I’m pretty low on sentiments at the moment—I haven’t seen it in an absolute age—although simply based upon the spoilers and recaps I’ve perused here, I strongly suspect there is not terribly much that would appeal to me…oh, well, plus ca change, plus ca change, eh, James??? I still enjoy visiting this website to see what everyone is up to, so thank you for making your presence known and assuring us you are hanging in there during this crisis. Please continue to stay safe and take care, my friend! And thanks again for your thoughtful mention of moi!

Hello Shay!

Thanks so much for your letter! It has brightened my day immeasurably! I detailed my status of soap viewing in my response to Reed, just DOOL, for now…

But more importantly, you have outlined the great and most satisfying thing about this site: the terrific people, the insightful commentary, and the exchanges with our “friends.”

We have all had to make adjustments, to say the least, with the crisis. I consider myself lucky, but my heart aches for those who are not well, those who have lost so much (including loved ones), those who are less fortunate…

So-called “Gentleman James” is a dog with a bone when it comes to GH Sonny. For what it’s worth, I’m not enamoured with DOOL Sonny either. Whereas the former is an abusive, murderous thug (I could go on and on, and you, Reed, and everyone else knows that), the latter character is too good to be true and just not very believable or relatable, and as a rule, I certainly champion any portrayal of gays in this medium.

I’m glad to hear that you still visit this site (as do I) to stay informed. I still do even though my posts are sporadic. But with you and Reed these last few days, I am back in the saddle. And it feels great to reconnect with you! Shay, please continue to stay safe and be well! Take care.

It is likewise wonderful to hear from you, James!!!!! I’m glad to know that you are hanging in there and staying safe…I am also blessed, purely content to be observing social-distancing protocol whilst ensconced at home and enjoying life’s simple pleasures…quite frankly, I’m never bored…so much to do!!! (Including getting and staying in touch with nice people—like yourself!—in many different ways!) At this point, I fear my soap viewing days remain limited to the past…there are plenty of other available entertainment options for me at present and I’m spoiled for choice! Probably the only thing GH could do to get me back in front of the tv would be to follow suit of CBS and rerun some classic (pre-Sonny) episodes of the soap ala amidst its uber-popular heyday….now that would be epic…and most welcome!!! Having said that, I’m all for any afternoon offerings that provide comfort and escape to soap fans during these difficult days, especially for those with more limited viewing options than others. As for the “Too Good To Be True Sonny,” I shall just have to take your word on him, James, since I am totally unfamiliar with that character, although he sounds like a real sweetheart! (Hey, how about a “Sonny Exchange Program?”…Port Charles gets “Sunny Sonny” meaning Salem receives the aptly put “abusive, murderous thug” in return! What say you, “Gentleman James?” Lol…) Well, must be going…I still need to respond to Reed! As always it was an absolute delight to trade thoughts with you! Do take care and keep on keeping on…Sending you best wishes!

Shay, thanks a million for your reply! So gratified to hear that you are managing well and “enjoying life’s simple pleasures.” I think those “simple pleasures” are now at the forefront for many of us: one silver lining in all this madness. I’ve also enjoyed staying in touch with friends, including you and Reed here. I also care about other friends here, as I know you do.

Re: DOOL Sonny. I may have been too harsh. He’s definitely a good guy, and I’d take him over the GH Sonny any day. (Of course, I would take ANYONE over the GH Sonny….) Your idea for the Sonny swap is ideal, as a new Sonny on GH could become part of a triangle with Lucas and Brad and the new Sonny on DOOL would be forced to share screen time with all the other villains on that show. Further, GH showcasing pre-Sonny episodes is a good one, indeed. Despite all the forays into mediocrity and absurdity, GH does have a rich, vibrant, engrossing history. There was a time when the show had adventure, romance, and a moral center!

Best to you, Shay, and thanks again for being such a day-brightener!

Shay, after an absence of a year plus, I’m playing my usual catch-up (Did you hear Nikolas returned? Watching November episodes now, but never miss a one!) and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the exchanges between you and James on this thread. Such a passion and fondness for our show, both of you! I marvel at your recall—it allows me to remember as well, but only at your prompting.

Hello, Reed! Thank you for your kind response! Hope you are doing well, especially given the current circumstances. I have to admit that I was a bit mystified when I initially saw your reply from such an old thread in my inbox, but what a delightful surprise! Furthermore, I’m glad that “Gentleman James’ ” and my vivid recollections provided you so much enjoyment, although I must confess that many of my references came not so much from original “back in the day” viewing….My era was the ‘80’s! I actually caught up on many of those ‘70’s GH episodes online—(YouTube” is your friend!….)—in order to flesh out my limited understanding of the history of the Scotty-Laura relationship from its budding stages, which also included getting acquainted with the early sagas of Leslie, Rick, Jeff, Heather, Bobbie, Luke, Alan and yes, Monica!!!! I won’t rehash my conversations with James, yet suffice to say that the decades-long reputation of Dr. Webber/Quartermaine as some sort of evil uber-vixen just really confused me, hence my long, drawn-out posts with the VERY well-informed James. And for the record, I was ultimately convinced that Monica was really not the whorish woman of yore which she has long been portrayed, but a lusty lady whose greatest romantic liaisons were primarily fueled by her (albeit conflicted) heart and not her nether regions (ala Alexis!) She truly loved BOTH Rick and Alan, just often simultaneously! (Lol…) At any rate, it was quite personally gratifying to finally put that old fallacy to rest once and for all!!!! As for today’s GH, Reed??? Ahhh….I’ve been “socially-distancing” from the show since late last year, so my impressions of its recently past and present happenings are mostly limited to what I read here at MFTV—which in and of itself is often far more pleasurable than watching the soap, considering the “cast of characters” who graces this website!!!! Anyway, I thank you for your thoughtful message and send you my best! Take care and stay safe, Reed!!!! Oh, and don’t be such a stranger!!!!

Shay, see below (or above, not sure where it will end up). Intended to send you a note but I think I sent it to James instead. Out of practice. And while I have you here, kudos to you on the same 5/2/19 thread—the fact that it was not on bonded stationery made your exchanges no less elegant or personalized. The written word, a lost art to be sure! Now, if only the two of you could take Patrick aside and harness some of his mania. Kidding, he gets me every time with his expositions on “the dullards”—a term he uses interchangeably to describe everyone in his disfavor. Is he still blaming Jean Passanante? She hasn’t written for the show in three years! Speaking of which, how’s the new writer doing, now that Shelly is no longer? I just started watching Dan’s episodes. Being sequestered and having the production suspended should allow me to get caught up. I’d like to think it might also be an opportunity to return some of the audience we lost over the years and perhaps engender some new viewers. Such a great medium for the captive audience–as well as for those who have a life!

You did just fine, Reed…Message received! (And most appreciated!) I do vaguely recall mentioning my penchant for heavy-bond cream-colored stationery with embossed monogram—-Hmmmm…Is that too “Hyacinth Bou-quet?— even if I do not remember the specifics of said conversation. (I have enough trouble keeping up with the current threads….) But thank you for the kind words, just the same! As for our dear Patrick, I always enjoy his creatively idiosyncratic writings, most particularly when they are deliciously naughty!!! To say the least, his posts are usually quite thought-provoking and often highly-entertaining…hence I wouldn’t deign to change a thing!!! MFTV wouldn’t be the same without his extremely individualized expositions of disdain…and yes, plaudits, too, on all things soap-related!!! (Hey, I’m totally for free expression as long as no one is injured in the process!!!) At any rate, as I have already told James, I’m so far departed from present-day GH—save for what I read here—that the only prayer of my actually tuning in again would be for replays of classic episodes from my favorite era….the ‘80’s! It would be sooo cool to relive those halcyon years of yore with supercouples of the past and the fantastic, high-production value adventures upon which they embarked way back when! Beyond that, my interest in the happenings of Port Charles is pretty much exhausted, although it’s still a kick to visit “Fairmanville” to see what everyone is saying! However, I admire your own optimism for the current quarantine situation possibly providing a means of boosting soap ratings and hopes for their future survival. Never say never, Reed! Later, my friend!

I will never forget the first time I saw GH–I was a latch key kid and it was an early release day. I turned on ABC and there was jubilant Monica taunting jittery Leslie. Monica grinned manically as she said to Leslie,”Do you know Rick and I laugh at you while we are in bed? Yes, we laugh at you in bed! Bah ha ha ha ha!!!” I was hooked even though I didn’t understand the “in bed” part. I just thought that Monica and Rick had a sleep over and didn’t invite Leslie.

@Harry…I cannot express to you how much your personal anecdotes add to this website! No matter the subject matter, your first person accounts always leave the reader with a wonderful sense of “being there!” To say that you are an immensely gifted raconteur is indeed an understatement! Thank you for sharing “HarryWorld” with us!

Harry…”Oh,” to be so naive again, especially when looking at what kids are being exposed to now. And don’t forget Monica and Ned even had a time with each other. At least no one asks her for martial advice.

jamesj75 & others…Can’t believe I missed this episode. Question…Did they also bring in in some of the “notable” GH nemesis like the Cassadin’s, Lila and Edward?

Don’t mean that Edward and Lila were nemesis characters.

Hi Rose! And thanks for your inquiry. No mention of the Cassadines or other nemeses. No mention of Luke… If I recall correctly, there was a glimpse of Lila’s picture on this infamous wall of past GH luminaries. I’m sure you can still see the episode. And, not to interject in another conversation, but with your comments to Harry about “to be so naive again” and “what kids are being exposed to now”: it’s shocking what kids are exposed to, and involved in, at earlier and earlier ages. They should be able to enjoy simply being children for as long as they can… Best to you!

Jamesj75…I really wonder how well we have protected what we say is our most valuable thing…our kids. I will point to several things…”making sure their lives were equal to or better than ours” without the work involved on their part, way too many guns of all kinds, school not being a safe place of learning anymore, drugs, “playing” computer games indoors instead of playing outdoors, scheduled play dates, social media and addiction to all things tech and having the money for them. We helped make all of these possible. Something is really out of wack…sad and scary. Sorry for the downer.

Please name the song played at the end of the episode.

How is anybody watching this show ???? Now I read Anna may not be Robins mother just exactly what are they smoking over there?

Kay, I took GH off my DVR set list. The ruination of a once great character like Anna is too horrid to watch. Not only are they hinting that Robin might be her sister’s child, they aren’t remedying the great wrong in making Peter her child with Faison. The distortion and antipathy Frank is showing for this character’s history is beyond the pale. Even if it turns out Robin is Anna’s child after all, why put us through this torturous crap? It’s not fun to watch a once cool, and steely resolved WSB spy sob every friggen day that she’s on. When she’s not sobbing, she’s acting like a sixteen-year old coquette batting her eye lashes at Finn, with whom she enjoys zero sexual chemistry. The only man with whom she does have super-romantic-sexual chemistry is Robert Scorpio and she treats him like her lap dog.
Moreover, I watched Anna and Alex on AMC back in the 90s,and these twin sisters loved each other, and had each other’s backs. Alex was not this evil and sinister shrew you see today–she was a compassionate, sweet and dedicated doctor who worked with Doctors without Borders.
There is so much wrong with GH right now–it’s become a gruesome and depressing show to watch and really, who needs that right now?

You are right, Harry. There is SO much wrong. PLP, wish Kristina was poisoned instead of (only) drugged, and I feel NOTHING for Oscar. This is NOT Stone & Robin II.

Hey DMR! There you are. Long time, no see. Hope all is well with you. Ah, I love Oscar and really don’t want to watch this kid die. When BJ died, it raised awareness for organ donation. When Stone died, it raised awareness for AIDS. Both of the aforementioned stories had elements of poignant beauty running through them while also bringing the community of Port Charles together. Oscar dying? It’s cruel and unusual punishment for the character, and by extension, for the viewers. There is no entertainment value in watching Oscar die. It is pretty damn depressing and pointless. Not going to watch.

How I share that wish with you, DMRR!!! Krissy is the worst of the three Alexis spawns!

I had to turn off the show when Krissy was having her temper tantrum in the safe house.

Thank you for specifying to which Krissy temper tantrum you were referring, DMRR! She’s had so many in her life that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Guess she’s now reached the point where she’s suffering from the “Terrible Twenty-Twos!”

I don’t care about the Dawn of Day
Storyline because I don’t care for that gutter snip, Kristina, who has never exhibited one redeeming characteristic. She’s a horrid creature.

@Harry…….Your summary on “The Ruination of Anna” is spot-on! As much as I still love Finola Hughes, there has been a great disservice done to her once “Divine Devane” of GH yore. And although I agree that Finn and she are often just downright silly together, this offbeat coupling remains better than those previous ones featuring Anna engaged in grief sex (over the “deaths” of Robin and Duke, respectively…) with Luke and Sloane. Both of those scenarios were utterly cringeworthy, as well as beggared belief that our strong, romantic heroine would have plumbed the sleazy depths of dallying with either of those two reprobates after experiencing such legendary love from the likes of Robert Scorpio and Duke Lavery. (Robert was by far my favorite, too, Harry!) Given how vibrant and fearless our Anna of memory once was, it is indeed difficult to see her as the diminished character she has been scripted as today. I hope that soon the horrifying onus of believing she birthed the spawn of Faison is removed from her delicate shoulders, so that she regains that courage and composure for which she was once so celebrated!

Shay, beautifully written, as par is the course with you. Yes, you are correct about Finn and Anna. There’s nothing offensive about them. Rather they’re like an old, comfy pair of slippers. Not terribly exciting, but kind of comfortable. I couldn’t stand Luke with Anna, or as he called her,”Slim.” Finn seems to light up when Scorpio enters the scene. I think Michael Easman really enjoys Tristan Rogers. It’s Anna who is getting on my nerves with the constant crying! Toughen up, cream puff! Where’s the Emma Peel of daytime? I want the cool, lean, mean fighting machine back! Robert spoke for us viewers yesterday when he told Anna.” Don’t do this to Robin. Don’t do this to your grandchildren and don’t do this to me.” I might add,” Don’t do this to your faithful viewers.” Don’t just stand there Anna! Karate chop this storyline!’

I heard that too, Kay. All this will do is aggravate viewers more, and give that Parking Lot FLOP more airtime. I could not stomach to watch the “Paxie” scenes. YUCK. Creepy.

hi Kay-
It’s very easy to see through the smoke..
Anna IS Robins mothers she is Not Peters mother.
It is too obvious where it’s going..

I always want more flashbacks. I loved the show, way back when. I’d like Ryan to come back for a final arc, and trim the fat (Parking Lot, Oscar, Kim).

I want to know the name of the song.. it is a beautiful song and I want to know who sings it and the name of it.

Breaking News

George Cheeks, CBS President & CEO, on Timeline to Launch New Daytime Drama, ‘The Gates’: “We’re So Focused on Getting it Right”

March 2024 will be remembered in the TV and soap world when the news broke that CBS is prepping a brand new daytime drama. Many had thought a major network would never bring a new daytime soap into the world, given that the last time it was attempted was 25 years ago when the now defunct Passions bowed on NBC.

However, The Gates is definitely in development and moving forward with some major players associated with it including: Michele Val Jean as The Gates writer, showrunner and one of its executive producers, and Sheila Ducksworth from NAACP Venture

Now, for the first time since its announcement, George Cheeks, the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, spoke on the project that will feature a Black family as its central focus who live in a wealthy gated community.

Photo: NAACP

Speaking with Vulture, and when asked if The Gates is really something that truly has a chance of getting on the air, Cheeks clarified, “It’s super real. And just to give you a little bit of the backstory,  when we hired Sheila Ducksworth to run the NAACP Venture, she and I had multiple meetings talking about what different genres she was going to lean into, and we talked a lot about daytime.”

Cheeks added, “One of the things that the data made very clear to both of us is that daytime soap operas over index with Black women, and yet when you look at soap operas, it’s usually sort of a white-led family with supporting characters that reflect more of our society. So we just thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to flip that and make the core anchor family a Black family, and then make the other characters reflect more the broader scope of society?”

Photo: JPI

The CEO gave props to Michele Val Jean,  and how Ducksworth came to the table with the former B&B and GH writer. “She found this great writer, Michele Val Jean, who’s been in the soap opera space for 30 years. She came up with a pitch, and we loved it,” shares Cheeks. “We brought Procter & Gamble into it as well, because if there were going to be (product) integrations, we could do it more holistically and organically. All of that is to say, we did a lot of work on the front end to put this together. So while yes, it’s development, it’s accelerated development.”

When prodded on the timeline of when The Gates could come to full fruition, Gates related, “The actual timeline and when we’re going to do it is still uncertain, because we want to get this right. I mean, there hasn’t been a new soap opera launch since I can’t even begin to tell you when. But we have great success with Bold and the Beautiful and Young and the Restless, and so we think we’re the right folks to be launching a new soap. I wish I could tell you more about exact timing, but we’re so focused on getting it right, and that will dictate when we’re ready to launch it.”

The CBS exec also shared that whether The Gates will wind up an hour soap or half-hour is not yet determined, but that it is being developed as an hour show.

So, after reading what George Cheeks, the CBS President & CEO had to say about ‘The Gates’, are you even more excited for what looks to the first new network soap in 25 years? Comment below.

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Breaking News

Robyn Bernard, ‘General Hospital’s’ Terry Brock, Dead at 64

Former General Hospital star, Robyn Bernard, who played aspiring singer Terry Brock has died. She was 64-years-old.

Bernard’s body was found Tuesday in San Jacinto, California. A Riverside County Coroner told TMZ they identified the actress’ body using her fingerprints after deputies responded to a death investigation call on Tuesday March 12th.

Sources told the outlet that Bernard’s body was found in the wee hours of the morning. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Photo: ABC

Bernard joined General Hospital back in 1984 as Terry Brock, the daughter of the abusive D.L. Brock (played by David Groh). Robyn remained on the ABC soap opera for six years before making her exit in 1990. At one point, Terry’s stepmother would become Bobbie Spencer (the late Jackie Zeman) when the nurse married her father.

Terry was involved in the Laurelton Murders storyline and after first setting her sights on Frisco Jones, wound up with killer Kevin O’Connor. Later, Terry was blamed for several murders and in the end killed Kevin in self-defense. In addition, Terry had a relationship with Dusty Walker played by none other than Shaun Cassidy.  She eventually left Port Charles after landing her own recording contract.

Photo: ABC

The last time GH Fans may have seen Bernard was in 2014, when she appeared at the GH Fan Club Weekend Past Cast event. Robyn is pictured below with the late Susan Brown (ex-Gail) at the fan gathering. She has been out of the limelight for several years.

Photo: JPI

In addition to her role on GH, Bernard was featured throughout her TV career on primetime’s Simon & Simon, Tour of Duty and The Facts of Life.

Share your remembrances and condolences for GH alum Robyn Bernard and her loved ones via the comment section below.

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Breaking News

51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Announce Broadcast Date on CBS

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Tuesday, that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Friday night, June 7th (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.

This year will mark the 18th time CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmy Awards, which is more than any other network.

The 2024 Daytime Emmys will take place at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. Back in December of 2023, the delayed 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were also held at that venue. The June 7th date for the upcoming ceremony will be the first time in several years that the event is scheduled a few weeks earlier than normal; excluding last year’s revised date to the actors and writers strikes.

Photo: NATAS

Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS noted, “We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great. We’re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.”

The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.

Photo: JPI

The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will once again be produced by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.

So, glad to know that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards honoring performance and shows in the 2023 calendar year, will be held in early June this year, and once again broadcast on CBS? Comment below.

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