General Hospital
James Franco on the art of soap acting and more!
Courtesy/NY Festival
I have to say, James Franco is doing a fantastic job bringing attention to soaps right now, not only with his acting, charisma, and performance art connections, but also his writing. Check out his entry in a new piece out today by the actor entitled, The Limits of Control which is on Lapham’s Quarterly website. In the piece, he details the control actors have in certain parts of the medium they work in, which adds to their performances or possibly subtracts. Franco wrote these words below, which to soapers, means he completely “gets” the soap actor’s style and what they have to work with.
Franco, Recently, I performed in the soap opera General Hospital. It is easy to make fun of soaps, with their melodramatic plot lines, constant exposition, unnatural lighting, swelling music, and lack of action. Most of these aspects are due to the extreme speed at which soaps are produced. With five episodes a week, at least sixty pages need to be shot in a day. That’s a feature film’s worth of material shot every two days. This pace allows for very few takes, usually one. Soap acting is generally considered inferior to other acting, with the lack of takes cited as the reason. However, there are many fine film performances that are made up of just a few takes: Clint Eastwood is famous for doing one or two takes when directing; Robert Altman was very loose with his direction, always looking for spontaneity and truth; Gus Van Sant does very few set-ups, and very few takes. Innumerable directors of Oscar-winning films have used such techniques. The reason that soap actors look the way they do is context—how they are filmed, what they are saying, and how they are blocked. There is absolutely no way to act in a soap and pull off a performance like Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood, Robert De Niro in Raging Bull, Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice, or Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront. These incredible performances are supported by the incredible filmmaking that is behind them. They are given the time, dialogue, space, and aesthetic of films made by great directors.
This isn’t to say that soap opera performers are worse than film actors, or that their performances are inferior. The soap opera performance should always be perceived in context: it involves actors working in a tradition that soap audiences have come to expect and love. Soap actors are delivering exactly what they are supposed to—they are in tune with their audience and they are not attempting to transcend it. If Brando had tried to play Terry Malloy in a soap, he wouldn’t have had the time to sculpt the performance into the brooding, tortured, nuanced emotional force that won him an Oscar. The contender wouldn’t have been a somebody, instead he’d just have been another mumbling dope with bad eye makeup.”
So what do you think of Franco’s thoughts on soap acting?
General Hospital
William deVry to Appear on ‘Tracker’ Season 4; Shuts Down Rumors of a ‘General Hospital’ Return
William deVry addressed the rumors of his imminent return to General Hospital as Julian Jerome, which have popped up recently as click bait on websites or in video reels.
The soap opera veteran set the record straight when he took to Instagram to share a video of all that he’s been up to lately, and how fans catch him on multiple upcoming shows. Chief among them appearing in Justin Hartley’s (ex-Adam, Y&R and ex-Fox, Passions) drama series Tracker on CBS during its upcoming 4th season.
As deVry closed out his video message, he took a moment to confirm once and for all, “I am not coming back to General Hospital.” The last time viewers saw Julian on the Port Charles canvas, he was being zipped in a body bag after being shot in December of 2020, which ended deVry’s six-year-run on the soap.
Daytime fans also know that before his time on General Hospital, deVry played Michael Cambias on All My Children (2003-2004) and Storm Logan on The Bold and the Beautiful. (2006-2008).
Photo: CBS
TRACKER SEASON 4 HAS SEVERAL SOAP OPERA ALUMS
Coming up on Tracker, William is set to appear in episode 5 that airs in early November, where he is playing a bad guy. That’s the same episode that marks the return of another soap alum, Jensen Ackles (ex-Eric, Days of our Lives) as Russell Shaw, the brother of Hartley’s Colter Shaw.
Tracker premieres on Sunday, October 4 with its season premiere episode entitled “Safe Harbor,” launching Colter into a port-side case.
Before William is seen on Tracker, you can check him out next week in the movie Spill which drops on September 20 on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. That is followed on October 10, when the GH alum appears in Lifetime’s Movie of the Week, The Monster She Married, alongside Matthew Morrison (ex-Glee).
You can check out William’s video message below.
So, excited to see William deVry on the new season of Tracker? How do you feel about how the rumors got started that Julian Jerome might be resurrected? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week
The ratings are out for the week of August 31- September 4, 2026 and it was a solid one for daytime’s youngest daytime drama, Beyond the Gates, now taping its third season.
According to the latest Nielsen report via Soap Opera Network, Beyond the Gates saw a rise in total viewers, tied with third place General Hospital in Households, and overtook GH in the women’s 18-49 and 25-54 ratings share putting them firmly in the number three spot.
Let’s take a look at the drama that had viewers tuning-in to the action in and around Fairmont Crest: Andre (Sean Freeman) kissed Heather (Ashley Jones) before leaving for Seoul with Dani (Karla Mosley).
Photo: CBS
Meanwhile, Heather figured out that her brother Joey (Jon Lindstrom) killed Doug. Hayley (Marquita Goings) poisoned Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett) yet again and left him unconscious. Jacob (Jibre Hordges) and Smitty (Mike Manning) made progress in the Impaler investigation, and the Articulettes had to deal with Leslie’s (Trisha Mann-Grant) interference.
As for the numbers, Beyond the Gates came in with an average of 1,677.000 total viewers and gained +66,000 for the week, with total household share at 1.2 up +1, and the key demos: 18-49 rating share of 0.20 up +0.07 from the previous week and 25-54 rating share at 0.29 also up +0.07.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital, the ABC soap opera was the only show to lose viewers for the week of all four broadcast network television daytime dramas. GH came in with an average total viewers tally at 1,911,000, but lost -24,000 and was now only up year-over-year +27,000.
In story for the ratings week: Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) buried Brennan (Chris McKenna) on the ground around the Quartermaine estate, and Drew framed Nina (Cynthia Watros) for the crime by planting Brennan’s wallet in her car.
Chase (Josh Swickard) aggressively pursued the investigation of Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) car crash which led him to confronting Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton). Trina (Tabyana Ali) overheard information suggesting Brook Lynn might be tied to the incident and later got an earful.
Photo: CBS
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
CBS daytime’s The Bold and the Beautiful, which has been on a great run in the ratings of late, came in with total viewers at 2,778,000 adding +59,000, and up year-over-year at this time +312,000. B&B was firmly in the #2 position in households, plus 18-49 and 25-54 demos, behind its sister soap Y&R.
In story for the ratings week: Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) struggled to hide her affair with Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) from Finn (Tanner Novlan), and Carter did the same in trying to keep it under wraps from Daphne (Murielle Hilaire). In addition, Darcy (Kelly Sullivan) arrived in Los Angeles and stood up to Katie (Heather Tom) for her treatment of her daughter, Dylan (Sydney Bullock).
Photo: CBS
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
The top spot once again belonged to The Young and the Restless. In fact, Y&R gained the most viewers week-over-week adding +127,000 with its total viewer average at 3,189,000 tuning-in. In addition, it was also up year-over-year +327,000. Y&R also was #1 for the ratings week in households and in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos.
In story for the ratings week: Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) thought of a plan for Matt (Roger Howarth) to return to Genoa City. Billy (Jason Thompson) temporarily gave up his fight for Chancellor after Sally (Courtney Hope) had a pregnancy scare, which could have lasting implications as they head to the altar in October.
Meanwhile, Kyle (Michael Mealor) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle) secretly arranged another hookup, Nate (Sean Dominic) prepared for surgery with Stephanie (Vivica A. Fox) by his side, and while in rehab, Nick (Joshua Morrow) helped Marie (Jade Harlow) after her frightening confrontation with her abusive husband, Logan (Tommy Walker).
So, what do you think of the latest ratings picture? Glad to see Beyond the Gates performing well? Which soap opera has you most glued to your screens? Which soap opera has you often wanting to tune-out? Let us know via the comment section below.
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, official spoilers, and the latest teaser video, indicate that the truth is about to come out on many fronts which could put several Port Charles residents in harm’s way, but who will double-cross whom?
First, Nina has been carted away by the WSB, after she is the prime suspect in the disappearance and possible murder of Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Now it appears that her daughter Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) is willing to do anything to find her mother. (probably for fear she will somehow implicate Willow!)
Ava (Maura West) meets with Willow at the Metro Court Gardens and informs her, “If Nina is being framed. I may know by whom.” Would Ava risk the ire of Drew (Cameron Mathison), if she throw’s him under the bus and admits he planted Jack’s wallet in Nina’s car, or is she about to accuse someone else to protect him?
Meanwhile, Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) romance is about to become public, or at least fall into the wrong hands! The two are being spied on while making out in a dark location thinking they are alone. Next, Ava’s voice is heard saying, He had to go down!” Is she talking about Sonny who she had teamed with Drew to take down? Cut to Sonny telling Ric (Rick Hearst) “Let ’em try.”
Finally, the action turns to Pentonville, where Curtis (Donnell Turner) is in a dangerous situation, when outside his cell, another inmate suggests to him, “Find a reason not to be in your cell after lunch.” Later, that man and two others, enter the cell as Sidwell (Carlo Rota) just reads a book, as he looks concerned as the men encircle him. Does Curtis come to the rescue of Sidwell? Stay tuned.
SPOILERS
Here’s a look at the official General Hospital spoilers for the week of September 21-25 below.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Willow seeks out Valentin. Anna shares her fear with Jason. Carly makes a discovery. Rocco reassures Scout. Britt confides in Isaiah.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Jason and Sonny catch up. Carly does damage control. Britt and Anna come face to face. Jordan sees something she wasn’t supposed to. Lulu opens up to Dante.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Sonny strategizes with Ric. Tracy enlists a new ally. Drew takes note of an encounter between Chase and Willow. Trina makes a big decision. Kai receives an offer.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Ava confronts Sonny. Tracy reveals her agenda. Jordan is in for a shock. Michael and Drew put their cards on the table. Alexis meets with a potential client.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Carly levels with Jason. Lulu is stunned. Josslyn refuses Michael’s request. Jordan wants answers. Hudson assists Brook Lynn.
Now below, check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Out Secret’s Out.”
Then weigh-in: Do you think Ava truly helps Willow save her mother by pointing the finger at Drew? Do you want Drew to go down, or do you want him to exact his revenge on Nina and Willow? Who do you think is behind Sonny and Justine’s romance being exposed? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
William deVry to Appear on ‘Tracker’ Season 4; Shuts Down Rumors of a ‘General Hospital’ Return
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Secrets Exposed!
Hayden Panettiere’s Memorial Service Attended by ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum Jonathan Jackson and More
‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
Kelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week
Chris McKenna Speaks Out On His Final Day as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jack Brennan with Words of Wisdom to ‘Finish Strong’
‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
William deVry to Appear on ‘Tracker’ Season 4; Shuts Down Rumors of a ‘General Hospital’ Return
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Secrets Exposed!
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Does Aunt Jordan Truly Strike Again?
‘Days of our Lives’ Preview: Will Dominic Marino Turn Out to Be Marlena’s Son With Stefano DiMera?
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Carter Forces Steffy Into His Plan to Give Daphne a Baby; Has He Become Soap’s New Villain?
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson to Star in New Holiday Movie
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General Hospital5 days agoKelly Monaco Honors Her Late ‘General Hospital’ Co-Star Billy Miller, Sharing Letter He Wrote After Taping His Final Episode as Drew Cain
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Beyond the Gates20 hours agoRATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Bests ‘General Hospital’ in Key Demos and Gains More Viewers Week-Over-Week
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General Hospital3 days agoChris McKenna Speaks Out On His Final Day as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jack Brennan with Words of Wisdom to ‘Finish Strong’
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’s’ James Patrick Stuart Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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General Hospital5 days agoBlythe Howard Joins the Cast of ‘General Hospital’ as Monet: Who is She Connected to in Port Charles?
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Days Of Our Lives2 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Preview: Will Dominic Marino Turn Out to Be Marlena’s Son With Stefano DiMera?
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General Hospital1 week agoRATINGS: ‘General Hospital’ Shows Most Gains in Total Viewers Week-Over-Week and Up in Key Demo
James franco is so full of it. This whole article is somehow “justifying” his film star self going into soaps. And it’s quite backhanded. Can’t he say “I went to soaps so I could try all kinds of mediums. Period.” and then he could shut up abt it forever. He’s saying that soaps are crappy bec that’s what the audience expects them to be. Certainly majority, if not all of the soaps are in bad, crappy states, and the ratings reflect that. There’s a lot of disatisfaction now bec of the bad writing and worse performances. But most probably nothing (at that time) was more addictive and dramatic and edge of your seat exciting than Bill Bell penning Y&R’s Sheila escaping to B&B. The acting, writing, directing were all engrossing. It was the definition of great soaps, it was gripping and the audience kept coming back for more. Soaps don’t know how to do that now. And what the hell is james franco saying abt characters not beinf fully fleshed out? Soaps have the luxury of creating storylines for the same characters for years, so the character evolves over long periods of time. B&B’s Felicia may not be the best ex., but the character evolved not bec of Brad bell’s neglectful writing, but bec Lesli Kay was able to develop the character bec of her performances. Here’s hoping Nancy Grahn delivers a verbal smackdown thru twitter directed at pretentious james franco again. His movie star presence did not even translate in the ratings.