General Hospital
Kirsten Storms Returning To General Hospital!

Courtesy/ABC
Great news Maxie fans! General Hospital favorite Kirsten Storms (Maxie) is returning to the ABC daytime drama series after her temporary leave.
As fans of the soap know Storms took some time off due to skin-related issues, and has been replaced by former Days of our Lives cast member Molly Burnett.
A show rep confirmed to Soap Opera Digest on Thursday that viewers can expect to see Storms back on air the first week of August.
Meanwhile, look for the month of July to heavily feature Burnett’s Maxie in story as the Maxie/Nathan/Claudette/Griffin quandrangle storyline heats up over the summer!
So, are you glad to heard Storms’ leave was a very short one from the Port Charles canvas? Comment below!
I was wondering if Kristen’s longer hair is for storyline reasons…to have her look like Bree…maybe Claudette does something Maxie gets blamed for…or Claudette slips into Nathan’s bed and he is a little drunk and mistakes her for Maxi…then Claudette is preggers and announces it just as Maxie is about to wed Nathan-you know-predictable story stuff-lol
I think she was using her hair to cover her face. You could tell she had heavy pancake makeup on, she barely turned her head and had her hair draped over one side of her face. No ponytail, etc…
yeah…i did notice that…i can understand her problem…i break out a lot!!!
I think you are right–and, yes, the heavy (and too-white) pancake makeup was evident–I felt sorry for her.
So Very Glad that Kirsten Storms will be back as Maxie real soon! Happy she is over her skin disorder. It makes me sad that Kirsten won’t be playing her part when Claudette hits the canvas though.
Me too!
Short leave – I haven’t seen an episode without Kirsten yet !
Yeah I know it takes about six weeks for an episode to air that was shot today.
I read in SOD issue today
she will be out a month
just as the story is heating up
so… a month without Kirsten… and with… Molly Burnett… could be an eon
LOL
i’ll prepare for a bloodbath… ie: Jenn Lilly was cast in another of Kirsten character on another huge storyline
from what I can gather… pretty much the whole month of July is with Molly Burnett
Would have vastly preferred Jen Lilly, but of course I also appreciate her role of Teresa Donovan on DOOL. Molly Burnett, less so.
Congratulations on your new contract ..that will be the next announcement
Your sources are wrong. Lol. Kirsten has 2 more years left on her contract. Get your facts right, before you spread gossip.
Contracts can be negotiated at a studios discretion due to innumerable clauses that allow them to do so.. Daytime included.. LOL.. facts are facts.. You wanna work.. They stipulate the terms.. 2/10/50/years
I meant renegotiated
She was just temporary off to deal with the skin issues. We know she has endometriosis which can cause skin problems. I’m not going to pretend to know the ins and outs of contracts or lengths. Typically on daytime, they can get rid of you at any 13 week cycle even if you have a 10 year deal.
Wish they would get a clue about Franco….
The writers lose track of characters and storylines for months, so much so, that the viewers then forget about the character/storyline. So, why was it imperative to move this storyline along with a temporary recast? Maxie could have been written to visit Georgie for an extended period of time while rethinking her relationship with Nathan. A recast, especially Molly Burnett, was not needed-IMO.
Nope!!!! That’s what happened to the Fluke storyline when TG had his back surgery. All fans did was complain about how long it took for the Fluke storyline to draw to a conclusion.
That was a terrible storyline and a rewrite of history, too. Awful!
Yes, we abhorred the rewrite of history/character. I thnk that sank TG’s chances of returning to GH–that, and the ungracious interview he gave.
I’m glad KS will be returning soon, as I do enjoy her performances. But…..words cannot express how much I’m dreading the “quadrangle” story, especially since it involves the introduction of yet another new character with an agenda.
Funny, I’m looking forward to it. I’m interested to see how Bree plays this character and looking forward to her interaction aith Maxie. Nathan and Maxie are long overdue for a story of their own and it involves Dr, Munro as well. Hope it will be good. I’d like fo know who Nathan’s father is already…and while we’re at it, Valerie’s!
We will most likely see Hayden’s father before we find out who their father is…there is also rumor Liz and Hayden are sisters…
Valerie is still a “blank page” as far as I am concerned–we got nothing, nada, about her background when she came in as a Spencer.
@JimH
I pray… to the soap gods… that that rumor lies… DOA
build and bloat the cast in and around all you want … with Hayden… as it seems unforgiveable… she’s gone south… that fast… with her dissing one too many times… thee Nicholas Cassadine
do all that.. and just leave well enough alone… any relationship ties.. to strengthen her … belong… for naught
I love… Rebecca Buddig… but hate that her 4 year contract.. is forcing the audience to watch with derision… all that she’s declared
Rebecca Herbst… as Liz Webber… is a stand alone act
the character of Liz.. having a sister.. out of nowhere.. is jarring and a gaping whole in all that is… and may well be once was… General Hospital
keep these two as formidable adversarial
YES!
Well that was fast. Her complexion looked good in the recent selfie that was posted on SOD. Now I am waiting with bated breath to hear about what’s going on with Tyler. Any more (reliable) buzz?
Yes, hmmm, I’d like to know the low down on Tyler, also.
Wow !!!! What a quick return. I didn’t expect Kirsten back so soon.
Thank god!
Great News!
SO glad that Kirsten will be back as Maxie!!
Yes, yes, yes; of course. Kisten IS Maxie.
I’ve noticed ( unless it’s my imagination) that Kirsten’s pallor has been so evident lately. And, that her hair mostly covered the right side of her face.
Whatever skin-allergy she has, I feel for her and so happy that it is being resolved.
I love to plant….I take pride in my flower and vegetable beds; but, this year, I developed an allergy to the garden soill and broke out in giant hives on my forearms. So….painfully itchy!! OK now.
I mentioned the same above..her “pallor” was, I believe, pancake makeup to cover her skin condition.
I heard she was allergic to bad acting? [Ryan Peavyitis!]
Awwww, Timmmbo….. Poor Nathan/Ryan….he’s got bad stuff coming down the Pike……what, with Claudette’s imminent arrival and all. Yowzah!! LOL.
.
Happy news!
Most importantly, I am so happy to hear that she is feeling better, and I look forward to her return! Wishing Kirsten the best always!
I noticed some time back that the actress playing Kristina also had some breakouts (her skin looked much better today), but she continued in her role–very brave. When one is so young, one is so self-conscious about every little thing re appearance–skin, hair, figure, etc. She is a real professional–soldiering on despite the breakouts. I felt for her also–but she looked mostly clear today. I’m glad for her.
Glad she is returning.
I’m so glad Kirsten will be back soon. She just can’t be replaced. There is nobody who can play “Maxie” the way she does. She’s a good actress and will be missed for those 6 or so weeks. I’m already looking forward to her return and she hasn’t even left yet.
I am so happy KS is feeling better and returning. She is my favorite actress on GH and is great at playing comedy and drama. It is lucky we got this announcement before she’s even stopped airing. It will make July much easier knowing there is an end in sight. I’m sure MB will aquit herself well in the role, but KS will always be Maxie to me, and no one can replace her.
Very happy she will be back soon. Maxie is not Maxie without Kirsten.
MEOW!!
I am the only one that finds the character of Maxie annoying and boring the last couple of years? Kirsten is a good actress and the character is better suited as a trouble making bad girl with a good heart at the end of the day..We need that Maxie back!!
you are not the only one… I can take her or leave her
something… the writing is not up to par… Maxie ditz with a heart of gold is not this
I hope… she is not paired … with Griffin
giving the actors who portray maxie and Nathan is all good and well… but like Lulu and Dante…
at the end of the day…. these characters will find their way back
I really am rooting for Claudette… because I’d like to see how Bree Williamson acts.
I agree with @Rebecca1… I think Nathan… is not a bad actor… of course he’s wooden … but after all this time… I still like his stuff
I once likened Morgan… as GH answer to @DAYS Rafe’alicious… now I think GH Nathan is very much like… @Rafe on DAYS.
they have a lot of screen presence… and that it factor going for them. and Nathan does have those subtle moments of how he carries himself.
LOL it’s more than easy on the eyes. I’m giving Nathan a shot. he deserves some prop… it’s not like Kirsten Storms Maxie is carrying this couple…
There’s only one Maxie and Kirsten is the one. Thanks to Molly for stepping. Not an easy job. Welcome back, Kirsten.
So glad she’s coming back.
btw, I hope you’re feeling ok Kirsten, you’ve lost way too much weight.
Kirsten looks very gaunt and terribly thin. She doesn’t look healthy. Please Kirsten…get well soon.
When will Elizabeth get a good man? A solid guy who will love and care for her? Why is she constantly being paired w/wrecks? Bad boys? Men in love w/other women? I’m tired of it. I think that she is long overdue for a man who doens’t have crime connections, isn’t a psycho, hasn’t returned from the dead w/memory loss or men who trick her. Why you find a nice doctor who is stable mentally, emotionally and healthy in other ways? It’s time for her to have someone dependable in her life.
HSo glad to have the real Maxi back! !!!!!!!! Wish real Nicholas would come back too! !!!!!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing

General Hospital star Cynthia Watros, who can currently be seen in on the ABC soap opera in the role of Nina Reeves, has had a enduring career in television. That included her time on the 2000-2002 Fox sitcom, Titus.
In Titus, Watros starred along with Stacy Keach as Erin Fitzpatrick and Ken Titus, respectively. After the November 10th news that Keach had passed away at 85 while living in Poland, Cynthia took to her Instagram on Thursday, November 12 to pay tribute to the great actor.
Watros expressed, “My first prime time show was along side Stacy. I loved him instantly. What an amazing talent and man.❤️”

Photo: ABC
In Titus, Stacy played stand up comedian Christopher Titus’ heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, five-times-divorced father who frequently pulled cruel pranks and tried to toughen his kids up. Cynthia played by Christopher’s level-headed, big-hearted girlfriend trying to build a normal life with him. In fact, Cynthia’s role on the sitcom was first series regular role after her Daytime Emmy run of Annie Dutton on Guiding Light which ran from 1994-1998.
STACY KEACH’S WIFE ON HIS PASSING
Keach’s wife, Malgosia shared the news of the actor’s death publicly in a statement with PEOPLE. Malgosia expressed, that Stacy had, “a long and difficult battle with a serious heart condition and heart failure.”
She added, “Stacy peacefully departed this world. He fought for so long, with extraordinary courage, determination and strength. He was a true warrior, facing his illness with the same remarkable spirit and resilience that defined his life.”
Małgosia continued, “Stacy was not only a legendary actor, admired and loved by audiences the world over, but also my beloved husband, my companion and the heart of our family. His passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives. But his extraordinary spirit, his unforgettable voice and the love he gave so generously will remain with us forever.”
Now, let us know do you remember when Cynthia made her sitcom debut in Titus? Share your thoughts via the comment section on Cynthia’s many TV roles and the passing of Stacy Keach in the comment section. But first, check out the very first episode of Titus with Cynthia Watros below!
Beyond the Gates
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers

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.
General Hospital
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run

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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