General Hospital
Happy 57th Anniversary Today to General Hospital
ABC’s daytime drama, General Hospital turns 57 today, and remains the current longest-running soap opera on the air. GH debuted back on April 1, 1963.
The show was created by the husband-and-wife team of Frank and Doris Hursley. Originally, the soap was not given a name of a particular town in which the drama of the hospital was set in. However, that all changed in the 1970’s when GH was set in Port Charles.
GH expanded from a 30-minute show to a 45-minute show on July 26, 1976 and eventually went to a full-hour where it has remained back on January 16, 1978.
Throughout its decades on the air, GH was the impetus for two spin-offs; Port Charles, (which aired from 1997-2003) and primetime’s GH: Night Shift (2007-2008),
The show went through many ups and downs over its history, but things changed dramatically for the better, when by the end of the 1970’s and facing cancellation, ABC brought in executive producer, Gloria Monty to steer the ship. Monty created supercouple Luke and Laura played by Tony Geary and Genie Francis, and opened the show up with exciting location shoots, and from then on GH has remained a firm mainstay in the daytime line-up.
Today, Frank Valentini is the series executive producer, and the soap is co-written by the head writing team of Dan O’Connor and Chris Van Etten.
As 80%, as of now, in the US are reported to be homebound due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the latest ratings for the week of March 23, 2020, GH drew 2.57 million viewers,- its strongest week since March 19, 2018. So, more eyeballs are tuning-in to the drama in Port Charles.
Share your congratulations and well-wishes to the cast, crew, and creatives at General Hospital for 57 years of drama, romance and intrigue via the comment section below.
But first, vote in our poll for your favorite storyline or moment of all-time on GH. If your favorite is not one of the choices listed in the poll, let us know in the comment section which is your favorite, or if you voted for one of the selections, let us know why, too!
Congrats
I definitely remember April 1, 1963. I have no idea why I wasn’t in school that day. Lucky for me I wasn’t. I watched Head Nurse Jessie Brewer, chief of medicine Dr. Steve Hardy, Nurse Lucille March, and Jessie’s philandering intern husband Dr. Phil Brewer and was instantly hooked. I continued watching until 2005 and have decades of memories of the romance, drama, and adventure of GH.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on your 57th anniversary. I wish you many, many more.
happy bday GH, I’m so glad your still around, best cast in daytime or primetime, you guys have made me happy for so many years, thankyou for that.
Where is Robert, Scotty and Bobbi…57 years…a group photo…even those in the photo plus the others i mention-not barely any story or rarely seen except for Laura and Monica..Bobbi and Monica who could loose her job for shredding that paper-dumb move…Nelle could win…but they wont get caught…all these iconic stars deserve better…sad…not worth celebrating except for surviving the soap purge….on the plus side NO SONNY AND CARLY-but they do get the most screen time,especially Carly who is written into all the stories one way or another!!!
In past years GH has done stand-alone special episodes on April 1st, such as last year’s scavenger hunt at the hospital in memory of Gail Baldwin. A couple of years ago it was an episode featuring all three actresses who’ve portrayed Carly. I presumed this year’s special episode was going to be all about the moss bowl in Sonny & Carly’s kitchen, but that opportunity has now sadly been missed.
Congrats GH! 57 years is an amazing milestone. Here’s to many more years on the air!
I’ve been watching for 25 of those years, started in 1995. I was in high school at the time, home sick from school, I happened to be flipping through the channels, there was a shooting going on, it was when Joe Scully organized the hit that struck Luke and Laura’s house, Luke’s club and Sonny’s apartment simultaneously. I remember the shower being shot up as Brenda was inside, glass flying everywhere in slow motion. That drew me in.
Later that week, Stone revealed to Robin that he was HIV positive, Laura threw Luke out of the house, and Genie Francis broke down and cried hysterically like nothing I had ever seen before, which moved me down deep in my soul. Here I was a teenager crying for these characters I didn’t even know. I was hooked. The rest as they say, is history, lol. Haven’t missed an episode since.
I’ve only been watching the show since Frank and Ron C. took over in 2012, but I recognize the value of veteran characters and wish GH utilized them more. My dream is to see a story in which the 5 actors pictured above as well as Anna, Robert, Bobbie and Scott are all major players. And maybe characters from the past can come back like Tracy did around the holidays. It would be amazing to see Luke, Frisco and Holly again back in action.
Happy anniversary!! When I think of General Hospital, I think of what drew me in…. it was 1985 and I was 6 yrs old, and the opening theme with the ambulance going into the entrance gate of General Hospital caught my attention, and from that day on I’ve checked into the hospital everyday!!! As Lois would say, “ happy 57th anniversary, general hospital!!! Lol
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Walks Away From The Mob After 30 Years; Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver Emotional Moments
Is this the end of an era? It certainly looks like it after Jason (Steve Burton) explained to Sonny (Maurice Benard), why he can no longer work for him, and be his right hand enforcer for his organization on the Monday, August 3 episode of General Hospital.
In story, Jason filled Sonny in on everything that went down before he was taken into custody by the WSB including: his opportunity to kill Cullum, Rocco shooting Cullum on the pier, being carted off to Jakarta, and watching his son, Danny, who now only has one parent (since his mother, Sam McCall died in 2024) suffer the consequences of his actions. Jason made clear to Sonny he must be there for his son now and needs to set a better example for him.
As emotional Jason is trying to get the words out and becomes overwhelmed with sadness, because he is truly caught between his son and the man that changed his life after Jason sustained longstanding brain damage from being injured in the car crash nearly 30 years ago in 1996.
Courtesy/ABC
Jason recounts to Sonny what led him to this decision, “The WSB’s taking me in. They throw me shackles and then they force me in the back of a transport. Danny was there. He’s pounding on the door. Tears in his eyes screaming that what they’re doing to me is wrong. They just can’t take me off. I’m sitting there wondering, ‘What the hell have I done to my kid?’ His mom’s dead. I’m going to prison if I’m lucky. Something just breaks inside of me.”
“So, I promised myself, I got to do better,” continued Jason. “I failed my son too many times and I can’t do it again. If I keep working for you, then I’m going to make sure that your security’s my priority and not Danny. It’s not fair to you to keep me on when I can’t do the things I used to. I can’t kill for you again. I got to stop doing what I’m doing so Danny doesn’t follow in my footsteps.”
Next, Sonny lets Jason know Danny had already tried to join the mob in his absence, and that he knew Jason wouldn’t want Danny in this life, just like he would not want his own children. Jason thanks Sonny for handling the situation. He adds, “I just have a few years before Danny’s going to be out on his own. This my last chance to be a true father to him before he doesn’t even need me anymore. I’m out.”
Courtesy/ABC
Sonny gives Jason his blessing with tears streaming down his face, and tells Jason they will always be brothers, and they share a hug, before Jason exits.
Applause to Steve Burton who played the scenes beautifully, and Maurice Benard, who reminded us why the longstanding relationship between Jason and Sonny has been one of the all-time best and one of the cornerstones of three decades of GH. Burton should remember these scenes for potential inclusion for his Emmy reel for 2027.
So, what did you think of the scenes where Jason tells Sonny why he is leaving the mob and can’t work for him anymore? Do you think it will stick? In the past, these two have found themselves, often having to face a common enemy back working together and Jason goes right as Sonny’s enforcer? Were you moved by Steve and Maurice’s performances in the scenes? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Walks Away From The Mob After 30 Years; Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver Emotional Moments
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton Reveals His Lead Actor Daytime Emmy-Nominated Reel Did Not Contain Monica’s Funeral
‘General Hospital’ Ethan Lovett Recast: Christian Howard Replaces Nathan Dean
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason Walks Away From The Mob After 30 Years; Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver Emotional Moments
Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun Written Out of The Young and the Restless
Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Return to ‘The View’ During its Season 30
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two: Top 5 Takeaways
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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