General Hospital
L.A. Times Looks At The Phenomenon That Is General Hospital As It Turns 50!
Courtesy/ABC
Today, there is a wonderful article in the Los Angeles Times that talks about, that as of this coming Monday, April 1, 2013, when General Hospital turns 50 years young, it ramains is the longest running soap opera currently in production – after 12,776 original episodes! The L.A. Times piece takes a look at the historical successes, near cancellation threats, and how GH is probably the one soap that is the biggest cultural phenomenon of them all!
Here are some excerpts from the Times piece: “A year ago, fans fretted that ABC would cancel General Hospital following the demise of the Walt Disney Co. network’s two other signature soaps, All My Children, and One Life to Live. Show producers, however, accepted the challenge, introduced some younger and more diverse characters and downplayed story lines that revolved around the mob bosses of Port Charles, N.Y., the show’s fictional setting. The result has been a ratings revival. The show, which averages 3 million viewers an episode, is on track to have its best season in five years. It has experienced a 19% boost in viewers compared with last season, and a 44% increase among women ages 18 to 34.
General Hospital was the soap opera that brought young people to daytime television,” said Ed Martin, television columnist for MediaPost Publications. “Other soap operas like ‘Young and the Restless’ and All My Children dabbled in it, but General Hospital was most aggressive.”
General Hospital changed the mold for soap operas. It became one of the first soaps to go on location for shoots, they introduced younger characters and they tackled sensitive issues like cancer, AIDS and rape,” said Karen Herman, director of the Archive of American Television part of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation. The archive has collected oral histories of nearly a dozen actors from the show, including Genie Francis (Laura) and Anthony Geary (Luke).
So soap fans, do you think GH is the soap that most impacted our culture? Let us know!
Breaking News
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)
Friday night at the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the night’s big winners in daytime drama, talk shows and more, shared their first moments of their victories in the press room where they were greeted by the paparazzi, journalists and electronic media outlets from around the country.
Getting their first snaps with Emmy gold were General Hospital winners: Frank Valentini (Drama Series), Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Younger Performer), Jeff Kober (Supporting Actor), Kelly Thiebaud (Supporting Actress) along with Allison Reames Smith and Phideaux Xavier (Directing Drama Series).
Days of our Lives was represented with a win for Ron Carlivati and his writing team, while The Bold and the Beautiful long-running cast member, John McCook finally received the Lead Actor top prize, while The Young and the Restless’ Mishael Morgan made Daytime Emmy-history taking home the gold in the Lead Actress category. Talk show host, Tamron Hall celebrated her win as well.
Take a look at some of those moments in our ‘Winners Circle’ Photo gallery below.
Now, let us know, which of these winners were you most happy to see receive a gold statuette? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Photos: JPI
Days Of Our Lives
49th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
The 49th Annual Daytime Emmys were held on Friday night and for the first time since 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic, the event was live and the red carpet was back in full swing.
Many of your favorites from Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful showed their glam side and celebrated being part of the genre with their own fashion statements. In addition, many notables from daytime talk shows, game shows and more were on-hand and also walked the carpet.
After the arrivals, the nominated guests, cast members, and colleagues went inside to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for the presentation of the awards which were live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. (Find out who won here)
Now below, check out some of the red carpet arrivals from daytime’s biggest night of the year.
Then, let us know, who do you think was the Best Dressed? Who looked most dashing? Which couple complimented each others look, well? Share your picks and thoughts via the comment section.
Breaking News
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors
Friday night, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ (NATAS) 49th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were handed out in 15 categories on a live telecast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. When the dust settled, it was ABC’s General Hospital who took the night’s top prize for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series.
This marks GH’s continued record-breaking number of wins in this category and brings it up to 15 victories for the iconic show, which is currently in its 59th year on the air. GH’s executive producer, Frank Valentini accepted the award on behalf of everyone connected with the show, when Drew Barrymore presented the final award of the night.
Photo: JPI
The night also brought with it the historic win of The Young and the Restless’ Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair). The actress became the first black actress in Daytime Emmy history to ever take home the Lead Actress Daytime Emmy. In the emotional highpoint of the evening, in terms of acceptance speeches and significance, Morgan spoke to the current generation breaking glass ceilings.
Morgan expressed: “We are breaking glass ceilings left right and center and I am so honored to be a vessel and to experience this moment. Everybody out there today, we can do this thing called equality and unity together.” In her speech, Mishael shared: “I was born on a tiny island in the Caribbean, and I’m now standing on an international stage and I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin, regardless of my passport, for being the best at what I do, Now there are little girls around the world and no matter what the industry, the vocation they can strive to be the best.”
Veteran actor, John McCook who has played Eric Forrrester on The Bold and the Beautiful for over 35 years, finally won his first ever Emmy after four previous nominations in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Courtesy/CBS
The Supporting Actor and Actress in a Drama Series trophies went to two standouts from General Hospital, Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Jeff Kober (Cyrus), while Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Spencer), added another mantle to the GH trophy case with his first win for Outstanding Younger Performer.
Days of our Lives writing team led by Ron Carlivati took home the gold for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, while GH won for Direction.
The biggest winner in terms of total gold belonged to The Kelly Clarkson Show. When all was said and done, between the Creative Arts ceremonies held last weekend, and last night, the talk show took home 7 awards including: Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show and Talk Show Host. General Hospital followed with five total wins for Daytime Emmys 2022.
The ceremonies featured DAYS Suzanne Rogers (Maggie) anchoring the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to her longtime co-star John Aniston (Victor), who was not present, with the help of John’s daughter, Jennifer Aniston, who was seen on tape.
Susan Lucci (Ex-Erica, All My Children) made her first public appearance since the passing of her beloved husband, Helmut Huber and introduced the In Memoriam segment. Grammy-winner Michael Bolton performed his classic tune “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” during the tribute.
Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner were the hosts for the telecast, and with the overturning of the Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision on everyone’s mind last night, Turner gave a nod to how she and so many others felt, when Frazier told her how nice she looked in her dress. Nishcelle commented, “I chose this dress. It was my choice.” That moment received huge applause from the audience in attendance.
Check out the full winners circle list from last night’s 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards below.
Then let us know, are you happy with the results? Who were you most thrilled to see take home an Emmy? What did you think of the telecast? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama, Actress
Mishael Morgan, The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Lead Performance In A Daytime Drama, Actor
John McCook, The Bold and the Beautiful
Outstanding Supporting Performance, Actor, in a Daytime Drama
Jeff Kober, General Hospital
Outstanding Supporting Performance, Actress, in a Daytime Drama
Kelly Thiebaud, General Hospital
Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series
Nicholas Chavez, General Hospital
Outstanding Writing Team For a Daytime Drama
Days of Our Lives
Outstanding Directing Team for a Drama Series
General Hospital
Outstanding Game Show Host
Steve Harvey, Family Feud
Outstanding Game Show
Jeopardy!
Outstanding Entertainment News Series
Entertainment Tonight
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show
Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall
Outstanding Informative Talk Show
Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Winners Circle (Photos)
49th Annual Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)
49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards: General Hospital, B&B’s John McCook and Y&R’s Mishael Morgan Take Top Honors
Peter Bergman Signs 5-Year Deal with The Young and the Restless
Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers Exit Days of our Lives
Y&R Daytime Emmy Nominees, Jason Thompson and Melissa Ordway, Test Positive for Covid-19
GENERAL HOSPITAL 15000th Episode: Laura Faces Being Ousted as Mayor as Port Charles Bands Together in Support of Her
Michael Bolton to Perform New Song & During In Memoriam Segment at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys
GH’s Finola Hughes, Marcus Coloma & Josh Swickard Talk On 15,000th Episode Milestone
NATAS President and CEO, Adam Sharp, Shares Insight Into 49th Annual Daytime Emmys Telecast
General Hospital’s Rebecca Herbst Shuts Down Rumors and Speculation
Presenters Announced for the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
General Hospital 15,000th Episode Milestone Promo
GH’s Finola Hughes, Marcus Coloma & Josh Swickard Talk On 15,000th Episode Milestone
Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers Exit Days of our Lives
General Hospital Crew Members Sue ABC Over Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate
B&B’s Ted King, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, ‘Penguin Town’ Big Winners at 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys
Michael Bolton to Perform New Song & During In Memoriam Segment at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys
Soap Stars and Alums at Opening Ceremony of the 61st Annual Monte Carlo TV Festival (Photos)
GENERAL HOSPITAL 15000th Episode: Laura Faces Being Ousted as Mayor as Port Charles Bands Together in Support of Her
GH’s Finola Hughes, Marcus Coloma & Josh Swickard Talk On 15,000th Episode Milestone
General Hospital 15,000th Episode Milestone Promo
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Two Moms Unite To Keep Finn Alive … Or Will One Throw the Other Under the Bus?
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson and Beth Maitland’s Y&R 40th Anniversary Episode To Air
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Who Killed Abigail?
CBS Dusts Off 80’s ‘Feel The Heat’ Promo Campaign for Y&R and B&B and Their Daytime Line-Up
Y&R’s Christel Khalil Stars in Rom-Com ‘We Need to Talk’ With James Maslow
ET’s Kevin Frazier & Nischelle Turner Named Hosts for 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Josh Kelly Makes His General Hospital Debut: What Are Your First Impressions of Cody?
Chris Van Etten Wraps Storyline and Exits General Hospital
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General HospitalJune 17, 2022General Hospital’s Rebecca Herbst Shuts Down Rumors and Speculation
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Days Of Our LivesJune 16, 2022Presenters Announced for the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
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General HospitalJune 20, 2022General Hospital 15,000th Episode Milestone Promo
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General HospitalJune 21, 2022GH’s Finola Hughes, Marcus Coloma & Josh Swickard Talk On 15,000th Episode Milestone
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Breaking NewsJune 24, 2022Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers Exit Days of our Lives
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Breaking NewsJune 16, 2022General Hospital Crew Members Sue ABC Over Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate
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NewsJune 18, 2022B&B’s Ted King, ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’, ‘Penguin Town’ Big Winners at 49th Annual Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys
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Breaking NewsJune 21, 2022Michael Bolton to Perform New Song & During In Memoriam Segment at 49th Annual Daytime Emmys
well,
There is no doubt that among all the soaps GH is indeed unique
GH is a different breed of soap opera and there is none better than GH, and that includes the humdrum Y&R which rarely changes from its’ theme of ‘business and family problems, little change with Y&R..
At times while watching GH, as last Wed, it looked much like prime-time viewing.
BRAVO!!! to the FV, RC, and ALL the staff at GH..
(GH would not be here today without your great work)
I love the new feel and direction of GH and I believe GH is here to stay.
And i agree…
ITA! GH, the GH of old, is back in all its’ glory. It is must see TV and the respect that RC has for the history of GH is evident. Mentioning Amy Vining this week was incredibly sweet (RIP Shell Kepler) . There have been so many exciting moments in the past year. And so much character development. I’m so glad it is averaging 3M viewers. This show deserves it. And these show runners deserve it. OLTL increased viewership in its last year to what, 2M? I had hoped it would be enough to save the show to no avail.… Read more »
Agree completely!!! LOVE GH!!! It is a unique soap in all that it does! I wouldn’t say it is the one that dealt with the most impactful story lines and I would say that is a good thing for it! I like that it has more adventure and intrique and mystery than the others. I also think they do comedy more and better than the others. I think they have the best cast hands down and on most days the most watchable and exciting storylines than the others. There isn’t a day that I am bored or can’t stand all… Read more »
Actually All My Children was the first soap to go on location shooting when they went to St. Croix for Erica and Tom’s honeymoon in 1977.
Sorry, but your also wrong. Hawkins Falls in the 1950s did location shooting years b4 AMC, and so did Dark Shadows in its first year in 1966.
While you are correct that AMC was the first to go on location, GH was the first soap to make it “cool” to do so
well of course it is the best soap . I have been watching for 33+ years . I have watched through the good the bad and the ugly have stayed with general hospital. I can say this past year has been the best. I look forward to watching every day and can not wait for the next day to see what is going to happen. I can honestly say I have not felt like that in years. love general hospital
No doubt about it. GH was the soap that broke the mold. They made watching soaps cool. I remember I watched before Luke & Laura and my friends made fun of me for watching. Then came L&L and they were hooked. It changed alot of people’s perception of daytime tv. Here’s to 50 more!
All the ABC soaps weaved big important soaps into there stories.It a shame ABC didn’t get them notice instead of cancelling them.They needed someone in there who knew how to do the soaps right instead of destroying them like Frons did,But that was Anne Sweeney’s dream to get them all cancelled.
I started watching GH in 1963 and am thrilled it has survived Frons and Sweeney’s attempts to get rid of it. Gloria Monty brought GH back to life in the 80’s and Frank and Ron have done the same thing today. Bravo!! No if only Sweeney will leave GH alone!!!!
Hawkins Falls was the first daytime soap( it started in primtime then like a year later moved to daytime) in the 1950s to do location shooting and Dark Shadows also did location shooting its first year in 1966 long b4 GH or any other soap. Dark Shadows also brought alot of young people to daytime long b4 GH, and so did the mystery crime drama The Edge Of Night. Dark Shadows had three movies based on it, 2 failed primetime revival attempts and tons of merchadise connected to the show still being made today. But anyway GH is the current… Read more »
I have been watching since 1964 at age 9– I would be lost without it! I have weathered every bump & twist in the road to Port Charles & lost some favorite actors & characters along the way. Some plots I love, some not so much– but I would never give up on watching!!!
GH in mind introduced the SUPERCOUPLE ala Luke & Laura but followed it up with Frisco & Felicia, Robert & Anna, Sonny & Brenda, Jax & Brenda, etc etc. But my personal fav…Sean & Tiffany come back to us please!
GH is simply the best!
Love General Hospital….
The one thing I luv the most about GH since FV&RC took over is;
The fast moving stories, the suspense, excitement and the often surprises.
And, the lighter side , yet deep, twisting love stories..
Put it all together and mix is intriguing ..
GH is the best. Thanks to FV, RC, and the writting team for a superb job. Without you guys, we probably have lost the show. Please keep up the great work!!!
So happy GH is getting the media attention it rightfully deserves! Not only has this soap been woven into television history unlike any other (30 million people watched for ONE episode!), but lately, it has been better than it has in year! Thankfully, ratings are also reflecting how the show has increased in quality! I used to complain about some of Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati’s choices on OLTL, but on GH, they have truly saved this show from certain “death” (aka cancellation) and I give them all of the props they deserve! Some say that “oh they only brought… Read more »
Loving this GH Marathon so far!! Gonna have to pry me away from the tube this weekend. I remember SO much of this stuff (making me old!).. especially always loved Thaao Penghlis as Victor Cassadine. YUM!! Thanks SoapNet! Here’s to many more years …. btw, check out Jaclyn Zeman with a normal face 😉
GH is the best, now as it was in 10 years. That’s how long I watched, General Hospital. I grew up watching Sonny and Carly, but I can’t Explaine it. But I have more memories of watching Luke and Laura. I have my own special 50 years list of my memories of Gh. And at the top are Luke and Laura. Anyway there are more stories, of the current day. To like and to post. There were too many stories, that were my favorites. And my top couples: Nikolas and Emilt, Sonny and Brenda.
I have been watching since 1975 and love this show,I just wish this past year was Patricks bad dream .Come back Robin please.
I am a long time soap watcher. While I am thrilled GH has made it to its 50th, I don’t want to pit one show against the other or say which soap I think affected society the most.
GH always has the most amazing talented actors and actresses!!! LUV GH keep on Rockin another 50!!!