General Hospital
James Read To GH As Finn and Chase’s Dad
According to multiple reports, intriguing casting news for General Hospital fans! Word is, former Days of Our Lives star James Read, (Ex-Clyde Weston), is set to debut on the June 6th episode of the ABC daytime drama series as Gregory. Who is Gregory? He is the father of Dr. Hamilton Finn (Michael Easton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard). Will we finally be clued in to why Finn has an issue with his half-brother Chase?
As soap fans know, Read’s portrayal of criminal Clyde Weston on Days, was very memorable. And let’s not forget, Clyde was also an abusive husband and father. Speaking of being a father, in fact, Rob Scott Wilson, who played Clyde’s son, Ben, returns this week on Days of Our Lives.
So, what do you think is going to go down when Gregory comes to Port Charles? What do you think about the casting of James Read as Michael Easton and Josh Swickard’s on-screen father? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
Great actor. bad man on DOOL vs good man on CHARMED. I kind of remember him on Remington Steele. Dating myself. So it will be interesting to see which side of the fence he is on, since he can play both good and evil so well!!
you brought up a REAL good point… James Read… if WRITTEN.. can be oh so dastardly devil may care and get you. he’s sly … has that wicked manner… this is an opportune time to bring in someone who power plays.. I’m not looking forward to any scenes with Michael Easton… yet with this new kid on the block Harrison Chase… who is quality stuff.. well w/James begets that REEL TIME on it’s way. enticing
Don’t feel bad….I can remember him from “North and South”!!! He can be both charming and insidious…let’s see which!!
Sharon, I remember him on Remington Steele too. He was also in Legally Blonde if I remembervcorrectly.
WOAH – get it ; and, be still my heart
can you love, Anna
this is going to be wild stuff… for those who appreciated and lauded the man @DAYS
GOOD STUFF all around
all these posts … I applaud us
I pray and hope for the writers to up the ante.. somewhere
I heard that Gregory is going to be a chef who appears on The Chew using Finn’s Roxie The Lizard as a secret ingredient-lol…why does Finn have a problem with Chase…we will learn that Chase is actually Finn’s son and not his half brother!!!!
Ahh papa Gregory will have a story to tell.
Most assuredly, it will bring Finn and Chase together.
It looks like it could be an exciting journey (well, hope it will be lol)
I like Chase, he is a bit of mystery.
Finn is now a dumb$#*% for hooking up with Anna, but he will learn not to get involved with mentally unstable women haaa!
I really, really liked Finn and Alexis, they fit and are hot.
Looking forward to Gregory …
anyone know how long he is set to be with GH ??
Great actor.
Quite frankly, I have very mixed feelings on this latest piece of casting news…..I’ve always enjoyed James Read dating back to his role on the epic miniseries “North and South!” Although I’ve only seen him portray a charming, upstanding sort of guy, and not a villain like on DOOL, I think he would be up to the task of any acting challenge, so I’m all for him on that account….However, once again, GH is adding too many newbies…it’s like a rampant disease spreading at breakneck pace at that soap, and it’s beyond tiring for longtime fans who want to see more legacy characters for whom they actually care. Additionally, as much as I like Michael Easton and his Finn, why is it necessary to introduce his family? I’m already not enamored of his brother, whose only apparent value is as the beefcake replacement for Nathan, so I have no real interest in their father and his backstory either. I would have preferred that Read had been a recast for one of the many former characters that we have been clamoring to return to Port Charles. With over fifty years of history from which to choose, surely there could have been some past peresona that would fit into the current landscape without having to create yet another new one whose presence is yet one more step away from GH’s origins??? Between this and Drew’s “harem” of women from his former life, I’ve about had enough of all the meaningless and unnecessary additions to the Port Charles canvas. If this fourth-place show is going to survive, then it needs to go back to the formula which made it great, and introducing an endless parade of newbie soap gets is not the cure for what ails it.
Shay, emerging from self-imposed exile long enough to agree wholeheartedly. I’ll be bingeing from April to current and be able to know whereof I speak…even if those opinions haven’t necessarily been missed since I last stepped in it.
@Reed….Come on in, the water’s fine!!! I can understand it’s a long haul trying to play catch-up….I generally tend to go weeks at a time myself with just online recaps to keep me apprised…In fact, the only thing that lured me back to the present was Robert Scorpio’s arrival…I really enjoyed his storyline with Anna, even though it certainly put her character through the emotional ringer! Here’s hoping he sticks around for awhile….and you, too, Reed! Keep those opinions coming…
I feel you! GH is turning into FV! Chase is Nathan Lite! Finn is a horrible character! Anna needs to go back with Robert! Maxie had a baby and no Frisco? F Jack Wagner! Recast the character! [John Goodman is available!] I like Liz but she should have been Sarah Weber. NOPE, another Valenti character! I guess the way ABC runs their whole network, we should be thankful that GH is even on anymore.
@Timmm….The absence of Frisco has never been more keenly felt than during Maxie’s latest life crisis and pregnancy. No matter how involved he may be with the WSB, there’s no way that he wouldn’t have come to town to save his daughter and her unborn child when they were in mortal danger. I get so sick of the ongoing efforts to make this character appear to be the most deadbeat and disinterested dad ever to leave behind his progeny in Port Charles….if Jack Wagner were offered a decent guest gig, he would be there for his fans! But that just doesn;t seem to be in the cards with this current regime…still, I can’t go the recast route. Jack will always be the only Frisco for me!!!!!
I agree but no one will listen to us the writers are pushing out the originals on purpose so when they turn this show over to Finn and Franco I will stop watching for sure.
A very interesting casting choice. I’m still not watching though. I haven’t since Genie left. Who is leaving to support new characters in this too large of cast?
Nor I–also haven’t watched since they fired Genie–so sad–would be so great to see her play against James Read. I, too, remember North and South where they worked together. Two professional actors!
He was good on Days and so think he,ll be an asset to GH.
He was really good on Days. I am sure he,ll be an asset to GH.
I am hoping he’s less like his Days of Our Lives character, because I loved him on Charmed as Victor, but hated him as Clyde. Is it wrong that I could’ve seen him as Jeff Webber, too? And then bring on Chrishell Stause as Sarah Webber?
He would be all wrong for Jeff Webber. As a matter of fact, there’s no point in bringing Jeff Webber back at all unless Richard Dean Anderson is available.
And definitely NOT to prop the Frodd trainwreck.
I don’t see him as “wrong” for the role and, unfortunately, I do have a feeling that if Dr. Jeff Webber did return, and that has been speculated for quite some time, that Richard D. Anderson would not reprise the role.
I’m waiting for Genies return.
Genie was also on North & South, so that would be sort of ironic if she came back right around the same time.
I too, remember James from North and South, as well as from Remington Steele. Loved him in both.
And, it was also on North and South where Genie met her husband, Jonathan Frakes (formerly Number One on Star Trek the Next Generation).
It would be fun seeing Genie and James working together, again. So, please create a good storyline and BRING HER BACK!
I would love to see James play a diabolical character. With the demise of Helena and Faison, he could fill that gap. Originally I thought Valentin would be that person, but alas, no – big disappointment.
Yes!
What ?!!!!!!
Wow !!!
Very interesting!
Well, he does a good job as an evil son of a bitch, so he should be entertaining to watch. But he’s probably really needed more in Salem than Port Charles right about now.
I dont like Finn or Chase but this guy comes with a resume and he looks the part. I hope he is the next evil bastard. Valentin is a joke!
Loved him on north and south yes going back a bit
I;ve said it before and I will say it again. Stop bringing in new characters and start concentrating on the talented ensemble cast you have. That is not going to fix their ratings.
I agree, Maureen. Every single, friggen day we are subjected to Peter. Now even if I liked this actor (which I do not) this would be too much. And Peter’s story seems never ending. Moreover, we have to hear his story retold every damn day–it’s as if the writers are trying to jam a square peg through a round hole.
I am tired of it.
Peter is the “Sparkle Pony” of his time…….
Oh Harry,the arrogance of this Peter creep. “I can help you…you’d better get me outa here..” And, natch, that idiot Sam Spade-less takes the bait. “Oooh, Jason, let’s go commit more capital crimes. I’m trying to find myself.” Yeah, right. Drew is well rid of that danger junkie.
I thought you’d be happy with Sam, soaphound. She wanted to break Peter out to help Drew. No matter if she goes back with Jason p, she’ll always care deeply for Drew, as well. I thought it was great that she’d risk so much to for Drew, with or without Jason’s help.
And, once again, loving Peter!
Well, I don’t love Peter the way you do, Rebecca, but perhaps he will grow on me. So far, I am not getting the Peter love. However, right now, I am not hating on your other favorites such as Nina, Alexis, Franco and Drew so there’s that. In fact, I am really liking the last three characters I just mentioned. And if Nina kills Peter she will be redeemed in my eyes. And speaking of the jail, that was the most ridiculous, implausible jail break out scene ever to witnessed on the small screen. Yes, I know we are supposed to utilize our suspension of disbelief while watching soaps, but it seemed like they didn’t even try. People are able to roam in and out of the jails with nary a guard in sight. Moreover, the jail cells aren’t even locked. Valentin was able to switch places with Peter and the latter party was able to saunter out without a guard or policeman spotting him? Ridiculous.
You’ll learn to love him, Harry. After he gets out of his James Caan/Kathy Bates “Misery” predicament. Don’t remember if you watched OLTL but if you remember the end we saw Trevor St. John’s Todd Manning/Victor Lord, Jr. tied to the bedpost, too. LOL; there’s a lot of “kink” that’s left out of these scenes. 😉
So glad you’ve come around to three of the five. I’ll patiently wait for your other eye to open.
As for getting in and out of jail, let’s just suspend our disbelief a bit more and assume Valentin the agent also knows a few tricks. And then, we’ve been told Spinelli already tricked the cameras for Sam and Jason who were GOING to break Peter, sigh, (okay, that “sigh” was just to emphasize my Peter love, errr…again…) out.
So now you must be thrilled. Two of your least favorites alone in a room together. Bet you’re hoping they kill each other off. Tsk tsk. Stop that! 😉
Yes, yes, I like it. Read is a proven actor and if this translates to more time “CHASING” the truth of why Finn is so bloody rude to his sweet brother, I’m in. More Josh anytime, anywhere, any uniform.
Was great on Days, very good actor.
Just out of curiosity since I gave up on Frank but why could this actor not have been a replacement for Dr Jeff Webber ? They must really dislike RH/Liz I guess her purpose is to prop RH /Franco.
Shay if you are out there this new system throws me off I know you still love this show reliable source DZ/Dante is leaving the show. I do not blame him s bit !
I heard this, but haven’t seen any real confirmation. Where did you see this?
All over twitter for a month that does not mean it’s true ! But have they used him really?
Hello, k/kay! I’m trying to still love this show, but it’s getting increasingly difficult, just like I’m trying to love this new website! It is a true puzzlement, indeed!…So, are we no longer going to get notifications of replies in our inboxes and instead go on a great search each and everyday to find them? Or am I just not getting the messages? I mostly have received the Fairman seal of approval on the majority of my contributions, so I know that the website has the ability to get through to my email address. As for Read playing Jeff Webber? The thought also occurred to me! Why not??? It would be great to have him back in town…especially if he were able to cross paths with his two ex-wives Monica and the deliciously daffy Heather!! In terms of Dominic Zamprogna’s Dante leaving Port Charles? He really hasn’t has much to do since that prospective homewrecker Val enticed him into an affair…I could understand why the actor would want to take a hike..maybe on to a different soap? Too bad he couldn’t take Papa Sonny with him….
Really that last comment if he take Sonny with him it’s over.
Gosh almighty I apologize she has faith in the show I do not
I also heard DZ is leaving. I always thought the actor was incredibly unique and talented. But yes, he was underused and under appreciated. I recall his first date with Lulu (then played by Julie Berman). He surprised her by taking her to the Opera. I thought they were a lovely couple–a perfect match. Alas, he is given no story despite his talent–too many new folks and the over saturation is costing us valuable players who have proven themselves over and over.
With Nathan’s death still a fresh storyline, it’s highly unlikely they’d kill off Dante. It appears ER is staying, so a recast with a recurring actor (since they won’t write for the character) is probable.
I heard the rumor that he was leaving, too. Then I heard that’s all it was; a rumor. He’s not leaving. At least that’s the last update I heard. Hope he’s not. He’s a great actor and very underused. If he IS staying I hope he gets more of a story rather than a filler.
YES!!!!! This is gonna be very, very interesting……….
I was hoping he was going to play Jeff Webber, but of course who cares about GH history. FV just want to
focus on the shiny new actors than the vets.
stretching for ratings. too many players….
stretching stories for ratings. too many players!
Oh, WOW!!!! That’s a huge surprise….I mean, James is an amazing actor; one of the best…..I only hope and wish he will be a good guy!!
I think the presence of a father for Finn and Chase will make them more real, as brothers; at least for me…..a backstory is what they need–explaining so much.
Do not disappoint, writers….
Not that we need anymore recurring characters…although James Read has talent. He was great on DOOL. I’m guessing Frank didn’t hire him in a parking lot? Mr. Read can actually act.
Mr. Fairman, great new site, congrats! Can we get notices when someone replies to our comments?
I agree, Timmm!
I love the new website, Michael. It’s so much more dynamic. Thank you for all of the effort you put into updating it!
Love this casting! I hope he has scenes with Finola Hughes!
He played her ex-husband on Charmed and they were funny together.
What is going to go down when JR appears on GH is some terrific performances if his appearances on Days are any indicator.
Wish he and Genie Francis could have appeared together on GH. Would have been great fireworks, I’m sure. Oh, well. So much for wishes–and a great chance missed by GH–as usual.
I wonder how James felt being a father to a man, only a few years younger than himself. Hope we see more of him.
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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