General Hospital
Jean Passanante Decides Not To Renew Contract With GH; Will Retire From Writing Soaps
Photo Credit: Paley Center For Media
One of the most enduring soap opera scribes of our time, Jean Passanante, has decided to call it quits plotting the lives of the citizens of Port Charles and retire from soap opera writing.
The current co-head scribe of General Hospital, along with Shelly Altman, revealed via her facebook post on Tuesday morning that she will not renew her contract with the ABC daytime drama series, and will complete her tenure in August, at which time she plans on retiring from penning the soaps.
Throughout her career, Jean has been head writer, or co-head writer for not only GH, but All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, The Young and the Restless and Another World. She has won multiple Daytime Emmys and WGA Awards for her work.
In her announcement Jean related: “Friends, soon I’ll have more time for pie-baking because I’ve decided not to renew my contract with GENERAL HOSPITAL. I’ll retire from soap-writing in August. The irony is that Con Ed must replace a gas pipe, and they show no signs of doing that in the foreseeable future. So we have no oven. It’s like the Twilight Zone episode in which all Burgess Meredith wants is to read, and after a nuke drops on his town, he finds himself among the ruins of the library with all the books he can possibly read at his fingertips. And then he breaks his glasses.”
Share your thoughts on Passanante’s departure from GH and send your well-wishes for the next chapter of her life after years in daytime in the comment section below.
I’m so sad to see Jean go, but I’m so happy for her to embark on her next journey. Congratulations, Jean! You will be missed.
nice post. 😉
Best news in years. She’s a breakdown writer, not a head writer, and it showed, time and time again, in the writing. She and Shelly knew how to start stories, but had no follow-through, so every single storyline was a letdown. I wish her luck in her retirement and hope she doesn’t ever come back to writing. She was a hack.
Maybe she’ll write a book about WHY she is retiring from writing for soaps (and doing some pie-baking!). Maybe she’ll have the temerity to write in the book just how she was “shackled” and “hamstrung” by TPTB. Maybe she’ll write about how she was forced to write those inane story lines presented to her.
A girl can dream, can’t she? 🙂 🙂
I totally agree she a breakdown writer, not creative at all to be a head writer
Good luck to whatever she decides…currently GH has its up and down moments but its too Sonny/Carly and i have grown bored with them as well as with Nina..almost everything revolves around them…Valentin/Charlotte story seems to go nowhere…Alexis and Dianne..every time they are together i almost feel like they are suddenly going to go all Lesbian…i can feel these two are attracted to each other but fear to admit it to the other…come on you two…you know you want to go there-lol
Say What?
Jim, you must be bored with GH because your daydreaming is off the radar!
Wow!!!!! Really!!!
Thats M.A.S.H-thats where my Radar is-lol
Jimh, you made me laugh out loud today!
“suddenly going to go all Lesbian” — Priceless!
And what’s good for the goose… I used to think Sonny and Jason (Steve Burton) were “suddenly going to go all gay.” But they’re nonexistent on my wish list of possible such couplings…
Although — bringing this back to the writers — given that Sonny has been written for ad nauseam, exponentially frontburner, repugnantly the focal point, maybe one day the writers will run out of storylines for Sonny and the only thing left will be a storyline in which Sonny questions his sexuality. Such a storyline will give Benard a chance at a run for another Emmy, which is clearly part of the mission of the GH braintrust.
—Here I was, originally hoping to add additional humor to Jimh’s funny post, and then I had to get on my anti-Sonny soapbox! Oh, well, at least I’m consistent. And I’m not alone…
You are sooooooo not alone, Jamesj75! I don’t know how many fans have to express their dissatisfaction with the Sonny/Carly Fest for them to give it a rest. I mean, really, writers…get a clue. Please.
I hear you, James,
What sticks to my craw is how Jason would do anything for Sonny…”over the river and through the woods”.
I understand theirs was a close, brotherly friendship in another life….What I don’t understand is how Jason can even shake Sonny’s tainted, murderous hand—the hand that killed his real brother.
These writers do an injustice to everything that’s righteous, in this world.
Quite frankly, I cannot imagine for even one second Old Sonny Boy questioning his sexuality….he is so deeply invested in his primacy as Port Charles’ “Love God to the Ladies” that the mere notion of a possible alternative lifestyle would never occur to him, his “bromance” with Jason notwithstanding!
I had last week’s shows on in the background this weekend. I was so bored watching Sonny and Jason, and Monotone Sam. I ended up muting most of Monday’s and basically all of Tuesday’s episode and then just gave up watching all together.
Ahhh, Jimmy!!! You break the monotony of what is GH, these days.
I guess some people just can’t appreciate you or your own ‘funniness’. Pay no attention.
Love you, Jimmy.
Celia! Thank you for your reply (above)!
Yeah, that whole Sonny-murders-AJ plot was the point of no return for Sonny. You make great points about shaking “the hand that killed his real brother” and certain writers doing “injustice to everything that’s righteous.” It’s appalling…
Best to you always, Friend!
Oh, jimh….you NEVER disappoint! I don’t know that I necessarily get those particular vibes from Diane….she still loves her Max—and shoe shopping, right???? But in terms of Alexis? I suggested some time ago that she should answer the Sapphic siren call after her many, many disastrous duos with men…now THAT would make sense!!!!!
I felt it most just recently…it was like Alexis was about to jump off that couch and pounce on Dianne…but i have been ill so it could just be the meds im on-lol
the eppi where she goes to the hospital … “for” Julian
That embrace , spoke volumes… argh! and blech ! they were all over each other.
stop, put a stop to it
then the next minute – she’s pulling away , as Julian goes in for another “hug” and she pulls back… ” I think one hug is enough ”
COOL your jets Alexis.
at the cabin… as she sells herself at the doorway… looking demure and “naked” at the same time
argh! they are either together !!!!! or not… just STOP GH STOP with the will she or wont she step outside of her “box” and LIVE and have FUN.
accept Julian
although… I’d rather Robin Christopher… as Skye Chandler return to town.. and then… get Julian out of his tired scenery… save for Ava. because Sam has run her course. and we never see his sons… so who cares… altho I love Lucas.
so what’s the point ? what family should he be fighting for? dang
move on
I will no longer go the Frigidaire route
Oh, Shay, that’s not quite how it works. I’ve had many disastrous dates with men, but that doesn’t make my loins yearn for a woman.
If it did work that way, please let Brad Pitt know I’m available, lol.
Oh, Shay. Sappho, indeed. Greek mythology and history seem to insinuate themselves within your and mine. Great minds…..
Should read: within your thoughts and mine. Oops.
I think Shelly should also join you. You guys can open a bakery! You two could make little Chimera sugar cookies and shipped them around the world in music boxes!
The Music Box Bakery…we can bake…but the music box connection makes no sense-lol
Ha ha! You two are funny.
On Y&R they wrote a MUSIC BOX story that went absolutely nowhere! Sally Sussman came and and wrapped that damn thing up in a few days! In other words, use the Music Box for cookies, not a story that stunk to high heaven!
That was too funny — thanks you made my day
How about miniature statues of the EP–with ising, Trimm! And sell them by the baker’s dozen (isn’t that 13–unlucky number!).
(Laughter and applause!)
Too funny, Timmmbo! But I should think they could simply supply the GH craft table with all those cookies….not to mention keep them coming onscreen to ply poor little Charlotte with her daily-required sugar rush that her minders cannot seem to do without when it comes to placating this child!
Charlotte creeps me for some reason…they should had kept the previous kid who played Jake who creeped me too and had him and Charlotte in scenes together…these children together could had been as spooky as those twins from The Shinning…lol
Yes, jimh!!!!….I still miss that spooky little Jakester….he was so perfectly eerie! New Jake is a real cutie, but he has more of a mischievous “Dennis the Menace,” quality, minus the truly menacing aspect!..It was the same situation with that superb “Child of the Corn” Joss we had awhile back…that girl was the ultimate Carly offspring…a total “bad seed.” I miss her, too!
Shay… your response with the little Jakester… I miss James Nigbor. he deserves another chance…
this little toothache ( nuJake)… syrupy over the top cute. don’t go their GH. it’s painful enough with Jason and Sam. PAIN
I LOVED the original JOSS… that’s a nice omen to LW Carly. fitting for the character
anyway.. I wanted to tell you I fell over laughing.. at your wit with Charlotte neverending supply of chocolate. I LOVE that child to bits. she… like Emma… own their scenes.
cute’sters ( the originals )
Emma
Josslyn
Jake
Charlotte
add in ONE Spencer
i’ll take them
Yes, Patrick! James Nigbor was the perfect “Little Jake!” Though reticent and on the silent side, I thought his demeanor was totally befitting for a boy who was obviously traumatized by Helena…all it took was a single spooky look from him to convey his deep-seated “issues”—no words required! NuJake is simply way too chipper to be effectively persuasive as a disturbed child who was brought up on “The Island” in the “Romper Room from H#!!” As for Charlotte, she is another “gift” from Helena that keeps on giving…must make sure those sugar infusions ala cookies and hot chocolate continue to flow to fuel this pint-sized terror! (On second thought, make that FROZEN hot chocolate with this week’s East Coast “heatwave!”) P.S. What I wouldn’t give to see the former Joss back in Port Charles! With her added to the roster— along with the insufferable Spence—whatta collection of kiddos that would make for one VERY scary “Bad Seed Summer Camp!”
Kate Hall Now!
Christopher Whitesell will join her if Shelly Altman leaves next.
Curious to see who will replace her. I think the fans who think her leaving will change anything at GH will be surprised since the issues aren’t the writers but the network and executives who meddle. Wish Jean a happy retirement!
I largely agree with you, Jenn–I’ve long thought the problem is more the ABC brass than the writing staff, going back at least as far as Guza. I have no confidence whatsoever that whoever is chosen to replace JP will necessarily write anything more to my liking. It could happen–I liked much of what Carlivati did–but I think if it did, it would be purely by accident. As long as the mob is the show’s focus–and it will be, until ABC changes its mind about that–the show is going to be set in a warped moral and ethical universe, and I think that limits the possibilities severely for telling truly compelling stories.
Yes–ABC brass hold the key. Too bad!
I liked Ron’s work, also. Plus, I agree with previous comments about Jason and his closeness to Sonny; also, Michael and Monica don’t make it any better. Terrible writing as far as I’m concerned. I stopped watching G. H. years ago when Sonny was allowed to treat A.J. so horrific and the Qs had no power to fight Sonny. There have been people who fought the mob even though they knew consequences were coming.
I loved ron carliavatis writing he wrote with the history of the characters in mind and played the characters off of the other characters like they did back in the day not just one or two power couples and that is now the sl that is lame and boring my only problem with his writing was that he had a tendency to drag sl s on too long Jason/jake sl but over all I would love to have him back he also included the vets who are essensial to the show for history and continuity sake if not it becomes a new show the reason fans watch soaps is because we come to know and love the characters that have been a part of our lives for years
Overall, I have enjoyed Jean’s work in daytime, particularly on the P&G soaps. She has written some strong stories for GH as well. I wish her very well.
I do wonder what this will mean for GH. Hogan Sheffer?
New head writer: I want mystery, intrigue, and romance on GH. And I want storylines to have payoffs.
As a longtime soap opera fan, I appreciate Jean’s long history of writing amazing stories in daytime, and her dedication to this industry that we fans appreciate. I wish her well. I have wondered recently if she has written for Genie Francis, who is a legend at GH, on a good note that I am loving seeing Laura strong and with a purpose. Writing teams must focus on GH rich history of legacy characters (more webbers and quartermaines).
Howard, I wondered also who was writing for Genie. I, too, am loving seeing Laura strong and with purpose (and glad to see that Genie has gotten some of her swagger, humor, and confidence back). Hope all that won’t end now! (Sigh!)
I really want to see Laura in a couple. I know she doesn’t “need” a man…I just think it would be nice for her to have one. They need to feature her with Jon Linstrom/Kevin. The fans loved it and they just ditched it. Again, if Jon’s not available or the budget won’t allow…why “tease” the viewer and then drop it. So stupid.
and baldwins
I hope her last script includes the death of Sonny. I’d for sure start watching GH once he dies. Nothing at GH will change as long as NV is at the helm of ABC Daytime. He needs to go stat!
Thank you, Scott5! I second your motion!
Great suggestion, Scott5…along with a huge soap-style disaster that will wipe out at least half of the insufferable cast, including Sonny, of course…It can be either natural or manmade, I’m not partial to either, just so long as it gets the job done!
now the chimera would’ve been great for doing that lol
I’m cracking up!
Me, too, dmr…lol.
Enjoy your retirement, Jean!
How refreshing would it be to have HW and a EP over there that did not kiss the ring of Maurice Benard? I have no issue with her she was only carrying out her marching orders why do you think RC was shown the door he was giving GH some balance yes some of it was over the top but at least it was not the Sonny show ! Sigh! I would like to ask die hard fans that are still hanging in there how were you able to hold food down watching a washed up mobster with small man syndrome torment a woman who had just been burned badly ! I understand from blogs that most viewers were totally disgusted.
Yeah, TPTB have sunk to a new low–and, believe me, baby, that a real LOW low!
I’ve never been a fan of Jean’s writing. The last few years of ATWT put the final nails in the show’s coffin, her tenure on Y&R was boring and uneventful, and her stint on GH has had mostly mixed results. Some stories, like Morgan’s death, Kristina’s sexuality, the Olivia Jerome arc and the Valentin/Anna/Alex chimera debacle have been interesting to watch, but other stories like the hospital serial killer of last summer, the whole Nelle storyline, and whatever this “Man Landers” nonsense is, have been dreadful.
I’m not sad to see her go. I was happy when she and Shelley were booted from Y&R, and I actually preferred Chuck Pratt’s writing in comparison to theirs (something I never thought I would say until it happened). Hopefully they will also get rid of Shelley when her contract expires, and we’ll get a new team that will restore the suspense, intrigue, and story payoffs that GH was known for under Ron C. and other previous writers.
I also really want a resurrection of characters we actually care about! The GH cast is populated with characters that have very few ties to the canvas and are nonessential to story. Dump characters like Franco, Nina, Andre, Valerie, Nathan, Kiki, Amy, Brad and Nelle and bring back fan-favourites.
Now that Tracy is gone, I want more Q’s. Even though Emily and A.J. are dead, I’ll accept whatever story is needed to get them back. I also want to see Nikolas and Lucky back in Port Charles, where they belong, even if they have to recast the roles. Since Tristan Rogers is no longer under contract at Y&R, why not bring Robert back permanently? And how about characters from GH’s past that have ties to the show, like Jax, Brenda, Steve & Sarah Webber, Tom Hardy Jr., etc. GH’s core families need to be beefed up again, and less focus needs to be given to newbie characters.
It would also be nice to get the vets involved more. Laura, Kevin, Lucy, Scott, Felicia, Mac and Bobbie used to be the show’s backbone, but now they are hardly ever seen and utilized the way they should be.
This is all just wishful thinking, but hopefully some of these changes can be made!
I, too, feel your pain about the vets. When it comes to contract actors, the writers have little say on who appears how often (due to guarantees and minimums for those actors). The writers leeway is with the recurring performers who work based on storyline, availability and budget. Sporadically, Jelly has done a decent job working recurring vets into story. We’ve seen more of Monica, Bobbie, Scotty and Ned than we have in ages. Yes, more Mac, Felicia and Kevin would be ideal. The only vet they really bothered was TR (Robert) who has refused to appear based on how his character was written the past few times.
The ultimate decision on contract actors lies with Valentini & Varni. Unless there’s a change there, we’re most likely going to see the same characters driving story.
Yeah, I agree! Why pick on the lowly writers? THEY are not the blame!
Haha, Nancy! I wouldn’t exactly call the writers “lowly” but I know what you mean. They’re not in charge of the hiring/firing…they write what/who they’re given. We can all go on and on about who we’d like to see back but there’s got to be a reason for such changes. I think it’s cost. Advertisers. Etc…glad to see Mac on today…his, sigh, “annual” appearance. As an actor he was really given a bum deal. As soon as Finola came back..don’t get me wrong, one of my favorites…but they ditched him from the police force, made him a bartender and then just edged him out. He was a longstanding, much loved character. Heartless moves by corporate.
Art imitates life. People get pushed out of jobs they’re still capable of doing for less expensive up-and-coming employees. Way of the world. Not good. Just is.
I dont think wants and needs will be fulfilled because Frank still runs the show and only hires his boys and pisses on GH history and its legacy!
Happy retirement to her! It should’ve happened years ago after she made the final years of ATWT barely watchable, but better late than never. Hopefully, Altman will “retire” (LOL) too and GH will install a new HW who’ll help this trainwreck of a show regain its heart, soul and brain.
They’ll have the same problem because GH will still have the same EP and ABC daytime will still have the same heads.
“The more things change the more they remain the same.”
I agree about ATWT. Passanante’s “writing” butchered that show. I breathed a sigh of relief when she was gone from Y&R. I don’t watch GH but, given the years that I endured watching her “writing” on ATWT and (thankfully, briefly) on Y&R, I have a good idea of what she likely did to GH as well.
I wonder what the unemployed ATWT veterans (Eileen Fulton, Don Hastings, Kathryn Hays, Elizabeth Hubbard, Marie Masters, Colleen Zenk ……) think about this “retirement”? Most of them strike me as too classy to ever give their real opinion but I can’t imagine that they have a high opinion of her writing “skills.”
I hope Passanante’s retirement is enjoyable and wish her well. However, I still miss ATWT and will never get over what her writing did to that show.
Whomever comes in next needs to restore balance to the show. Too much Sonny, too much mob.
Nothing on GH changes much with just changing writers. Frank is still the problem as are all his pet actors that longtime GH fans care nothing about. As long as Frank produces a show geared towards fan wars and all the inside baseball BS of appealing to stans of specific actors and shippers, thinking that the obsessions of a very small group translate to what a larger GH audience wants, GH will still have a very limited appeal to a small group who can obsess over Friz and Roger and Jasam and whatever. GH is a shell of itself. It is unrecognizable and it is filled with faces like Stafford, Howarth, Easton, Budig, DeVry, Miller, the Valentin guy, West etc that longtime GH fans, lapsed viewers, care nothing about. Different or even better stories for them will not attract a larger audience.
Right on, MB! What I said! You say it so well.
Very well put, MB! And spot-on!
WHOOPIE!!!! ……
………………….. HALLELUJAH !!
bye bye Jean– take Shelly with you !!
The QUEENS OF SNOOZE (both) will be gone, hopefully.
GH needs to clean house on All the writers..
clean house and bring back General Hospital, the real GH, the GH that was unique and stood alone among the regular ho hum soap as the – Not a Traditional Soap, the Unique One needs to return to its glory.
(( Jean and Shelly and their sidekick Frank destroyed the once awesome soap.
LONG LIVE GH !!!
Hey, su! You got it right re “sidekick Frank.”
The show needs to clean house, with the actors, too. There are too many recurring characters and new characters. CLEAN HOUSE!
totally agree too many characters is part of the problem as to why there are issues on the show no continuity etc everything just gets all jumbled together like they have no clue what they are doing they should use the vets as a base and go from there building on the history of the show seriously someone just needs to hit the reset button on this show it is just getting totally screwed up
This is great news for GH. She is a horrible writer. I’ll never forgive her for the mess she made of As the World Turns in it’s final years.
That’s the problem with soaps today. Writers will come in with their own vision of what they want the show to be, and if the fans hate it, they will stop watching, the show will lose ratings and get cancelled, but the writer who destroyed it will find another job elsewhere with ease.
Jean is a perfect example – she canned ATWT, moved on to Y&R and made it a snooze fest, and then got hired for some inexplicable reason at GH and turned it into a shell of itself. Chuck Pratt is another example – he destroyed AMC in his year-long tenure, went on to find success in primetime, came back to daytime and made Y&R barely recognizable, and is now back in primetime. How these hacks continue to find work is beyond me.
it would be great if they could recruit some writers from TV land instead of soap land.
Give TV serial writers a try- it can’t get any worse.
New blood new ideas new way of laying out stories that could be interesting, for sure.
The soaps will die if they don’t roll into the 21st century.
(the soaps are stuck in the 80’s with 80’s writers and they only know how to write from the 80’s ..)
Stuck In The 80’s !!!!!
I totally agree with this comment. It has puzzled me how these writers continue to find work on the few remaining soaps after the wreckage on their resumes.
Passante:
Head writer of Another World when cancelled.
Head writer of ATWT when cancelled.
Writer on OLTL when cancelled.
Becomes co-head writer on Y&R and is demoted within a year on the job.
Sure, Passante has experience in writing but, over the past 15 years, little professional success. I wish her well in retirement. I just wish that she had made this decision 15 years ago….. maybe ATWT would still be on the air.
But I remember when Charles Pratt’s writing (under other “regimes” and brass wrote sharp, even humorous dialog.
GH stuck in the ’80’s???? Hardly, su0000….were that the fortunate case, then the show would still be #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember she has to write what she’s being asked to write!
Don’t forget the “suits.”
I wonder if Hogan Sheffer is available? I loved it when he wrote for ATWT. His style would be a good fit for GH.
There is a God after all!
Wendy Riche? Bring her back and restore GH to it’s roots. Sally Sussman is making Great strides at Y&R, the show looks like it did in Bill Bell’s days, Wendy can do this for GH.
I totally agree!
Wendy was the EP, not the head writer. It appears Frank is staying.
Loved Wendy Riche. I will forever miss Claire Labine, too.
Could we find someone who writes as well as Claire L. did–and with her core family stories–with ethics and goodwill to boot? Tall order! Wonder if anyone of that caliber is out there today. Must surely be!
PS Remember who disliked Claire L. vehemently? You guessed it? Petulant TG, by name.
“Can’t fight city hall”!
Nancy, when Claire wrote for General Hospital in the ’90’s, it was “must see daytime TV!” I remember rushing home from high school and doing my algebra homework, while watching Sonny and Brenda (favorite couple), Ned and Lois, and the Quartermaine’s. Back then, we had stories built on friendships and relationships. Drama was front and center and we had “Cliff Hanger Fridays!
Jean don’t retire, you will be bored
Why shouldn’t she have the same emotion that many GH viewers have had?
Spot on, Steve!
Steve! You need to give warnings if you’re going to post witticisms like that one! My laptop does not like it when I spew coffee all over my keyboard!
I wish her well. However after enduring a revolting door of new writers on both Young and the Restless and Days I no longer have any illusion a change in head writers means much in terms of what we see on screen .
I am not a fan of any of the storylines she wrote while on GH but I do think she has had a respectable career and I wish her well.
I’ve enjoyed many stories on both GH and OLTL and I admire anyone with heart, imagination, and the creative drive. Thank you, Jean, for your contribution to our fictional worlds…
Hello there, Rebecca!
Thanks for your supportive reply to me in this thread!
And I admire your classy angle in this thread, genuinely thanking Jean for work. You make terrific points! Take care, Friend!
Thanks, Jamesj75. I save my “wrath” for people who deserve it…not a creative soul…a soap writer…who did her best. Hopefully she has a thick skin!
This is good news…………ten years too late!! I don’t watch GH but I’ll never forget the HORRIFIC “writing” that she served up for years on ATWT. IMO, her writing was a key factor in the cancellation of 50-year old ATWT.
I wish her well in her retirement but don’t ever want to read that she has reconsidered the decision and is returning to soap writing.
Anybody else wondering if there’s more to the story than this? True, things could be exactly as reported; JP has had a long career, and it’s entirely possible she just wants to retire and enjoy life (I say this as a recent retiree myself; I had just reached a point at which I knew I was ready to go). It sounded like that was what happened to Jane Elliott, for example. Still, I do have to wonder if the grind of trying to produce compelling drama despite network interference (translation: having to spend day after day struggling to make ABC’s dumb ideas work on screen) took its toll and she finally decided she’d just had enough of soap writing. One could not blame her, if so.
Jean is fairly active on Twitter and she insists that it was entirely her decision. She acknowledged that many would think otherwise.
Then again, nobody asked her if she was tired of coming up with different ways to praise Sonny.
Because that is the top priority for any writer at GH these days…..
Too bad RC isn’t available, loved his tenure at GH. Yes, I know Fluke was a mess, but I think that had more to do with AG than RC.
FLUKE was such a travesty! I like how we were able to see more of Luke’s past and his childhood, and I would have preferred that angle to have been explored more. Then, that would tie into his “alcoholism” (which, I never quite bought) and his life as a recluse. The split personality disorder storyline was a total mess, IMO.
So AGREE!
The only reason we got the split personality angle was that the audience figured Fluke was Bill Eckert. Ron wanted an element of surprise, so he switched the reveal to be a (disappointing) surprise.
Denise Demuccio is as much to blame for Ron’s ouster as Fluke.
damn…. YES ! I’ll take this and RUN
I never bought the hype… his everlasting appeal…. lets upchuck every thing
enjoy Amsterdam
no last laugh here
Besides the Chimera story sucking ,Jason Q not resurfacing, and no climax involving the Nelle story, we never knew who Val’s black father was, Kiki has never ran into Finn and could we go ONE episode without hearing the name Morgan! He was disliked on the show, a two bit actor with a big mouth!
You are spot on, the MORON was a two bit actor with a big mouth who squealed and screamed thinking that gave him “range.” I would like to watch General Hospital, not “The Morgan Hour.”
I enjoyed your writing during the last year of OLTL. Happy Retirement! Maybe they can call you if OLTL comes back in any form!
Fire Shelly and bring back Bob Guza as Head writer! GH was dark and intense when he was at the helm! As someone who isn’t a fan of the traditional love in the afternoon cheesy, soapy storylines, I miss the days that GH felt more like an edge of your seat prime-time series rather than a daytime drama!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!
Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’
In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”
Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL Promo: Rocco’s in a Panic as Britt’s Health Takes a Turn, Chase is Called to the Carpet
‘WWE: Unreal’ Season 3 Premiere Date, Cast of Superstars, Announced by Netflix
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom
Deidre Hall Marks 50 Years as ‘Days of Our Lives’ Dr. Marlena Evans
Y&R Preview: Matt Clark Asks Phyllis on a Date, Would You Be Down for the Pairing? Roger Howarth & Michelle Previously in GH’s Franco/Nina Romance
‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Reflects on Dante’s Guilt for the ‘Atrocity’ That Happened to Michael Which Kept Everyone From Telling Him the Truth About Rocco (Exclusive)
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General Hospital1 day agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Controversial Luke and Laura Rape Episode: Writer Sheri Anderson Reveals Behind the Scenes Decisions and Admits ‘I Was Wrong’ to Defend It (Exclusive)
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Days Of Our Lives1 week ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Eric Martsolf Recalls Moment He Learned He Was Cast as Brady Black, and Last Scenes with Drake Hogestyn (SOAPY Exclusive Preview)
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’s’ Dominic Zamprogna Weighs-In on Dante and Elizabeth Pairing and Sharing Scenes with Rebecca Herbst (Exclusive)
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