General Hospital
Molly Burnett Debuts As GH's Temporary Maxie, Shares: "It Was An Honor To Step In for A Few"
Courtesy/ABC
Tuesday’s episode of General Hospital saw the debut of Molly Burnett as the temporary replacement for Kirsten Storms in the pivotal role of Maxie Jones.
Burnett, who is best known to daytime audiences for her role as Melanie Jonas on Days of our Lives, shared her first General Hospital scenes with Robert Palmer Watkins (Dillon), and the incoming Bree Williamson as (CJ aka Claudette), whose first episode was also on Tuesday’s airshow.
In light of her GH debut, Molly took to Twitter to share some heartfelt sentiments for taking on the role made famous by Storms. As fans of the ABC soap know, Kirsten is already back and has resumed the role after her short break. Burnett posted: “Thank u Port Charles for letting me visit. Kirsten is so talented, & created such a fun character, it was an honor to step in for a few.”
So, what did you think of Molly’s debut stepping in temporarily for Kirsten Storms? Did she capture the essence of Maxie in her first scenes? What did you think of her very thoughtful tweet about spending some time in the hood of Port Chuck? Share your thoughts in the comment secton below!
Molly was great! The role is in good hands!
I’d like to comment on Bree’s debut: Should have been dramatic–wasn’t.
Bree can bring drama–sad to see her come in and to “watch the paint dry”–yet again.
It was only the first day. Character conflict must be set up with a narrative foundation. Today, only the second day, it appears she will already have a confrontation with Nathan. Please give them at least a day of storytelling breathing room. Bree will bring it–guaranteed. She always does.
I agree. I was underwhelmed by Bree. However, I think it’s because, as usual, I expect too much from actors/actresses that I am am really into.
Molly, on the other hand, killed it, today. She was outstanding. She’s not Kirsten; but, Molly has opened a brand new can of worms. The possibilities are endless. This Maxie ‘temporary replacement’ has something up her sleeve where Claudette is concerned.
Claudette may think she has one over Maxie. But, Maxie has MINX written all over her face. Kudos.
I thought she was great!
Molly was great, and I thank her, for stepping in, while Kirsten could not be there. Wish GH, would give her a role, all her own. She was spunky, quirky, adorable, and I would love to see her on GH, working at crimson
Loved her tweet by the way. So sweet! I wish her the best of luck.
I thought she was great! I had no problem accepting her as Maxie right out of the shoot. Also, she looked stunningly gorgeous! That’s a very gracious message she sent out. She’s a fun and talented actress and a class act. Long live GH!
I love Molly… I know so many people don’t, but I miss her….wish she had come on as a different character so she could stay.
I agree. I thoroughly enjoyed Burnett today, I kept wondering who is that?? I did not care for her character on Days. I would love to see that character (not Maxi) on GH or another soap!
I loved Melanie Jonas! Cute, fun and lovable to me.
Me too Kevin, Molly Burnett did a terrific job as Maxie. I love Molly, she is a wonderful actress. The haters will always hate, they are never satisfied. I hope Molly comes back to days, I miss her so much.
Molly Burnett — I just don’t see it. It was jarring to see a brunette in Maxie’s shoes. I will give her credit for at least trying to be convincing in the role but she just doesn’t present well. I heard so much praise about her previously and I saw her on DAYS and was sorely disappointed but I thought that maybe on GH she would shine. Well not so much. I guess for her fans it was refreshing to see her again but I can’t wait for the REAL Maxie to come back.
Yeah, they have hair and makeup, they could have lightened her hair. I guess its just for a couple weeks so why bother.
To be fair it was her first day, so I’ll allow for “first day jitters” and what not. One more thing…..I think that she played it a bit too reserved because of a lot of insults about her over acting or being a bit to hyper or flaky when portraying Melanie on DOOL. She was probably over compensating, but the characters of Maxie and Melanie are actually a lot alike, so she could bring the bubbliness to the role. But no matter what she does the poor girl is d***** if she does or d***** if she doesn’t. But I am a big fan of hers and I wish her the best. If Kim Matula doesn’t return to B&B, I think she would make a great replacement for Hope, if they were to bring the character back…
I really liked her interpretation of Maxie. It was a refreshing change and good one.
Well done, Molly. You are a genuine pro.
I actually thought Molly did a great job on GH… never liked her character on Days, and while I love KS, I enjoyed seeing Maxie as a completely different personality. (Funny how subjective these things are, my reaction to the temporary Maxie was the opposite of my reaction to the temporary Nikolas. Nothing against the actor, but he was so different than TC’s Nik that I had trouble seeing him as the character at all. That one was a major fail for me.)
I dunno. I fell like TC has been on “auto-drive” for a really long time. He’s lost whatever it was that he once had. I’m tired of ALWAYS catching him read the cue cards or teleprompter or taking direction or whatever it is he’s always looking at off screen. He just dials it in now. At the very least an actor can do it “act”. I mean it’s in the name of the job afterall.
I don’t know, hard to say. Yes, the actors should act….. but I understand how they may not see it that way given that the writers should also write, and they aren’t necessarily holding up their end of the framework.
This lady is one class act!
Liked her new look….also dressed in sylish clothes…stunning!!
*stylish
Surprisingly she was fine…
Was very surprised they didn’t have her go blonde, but no biggie. Glad KS will be back soon. Tweet shows MB is a class act.
Molly did very well. Maxie is one of a kind so it wouldnt be easy to do. Her like Nick Stabile filling in for Tyler are very good actors. Its a shame they are “Filling in” when they could have been casted as someone permanently. GH has enough bad actors. Why not switch them out? Molly as Sabrina and Nick as A.J. YES, we need A.J. ALIVE!
Nick as A.J. has a stroke of genius to it. I’d vote for that.
Hi Soaphound. Many of us noted Nick’s resemblance to Sean Kanan the first day he took over his current role as Nicolas. If Sean had to be replaced, Stabile would fit the bill physically, though I’d love to see SK back now that Ron’s gone
I liked what screen time Molly has had. Seems to have chemistry with the other actors.
Totally!
She did great. Hopefully the powers that be will find a role for her. She resembles elizabeth. Maybe a long lost webber.
Great idea! Doesn’t Elizabeth have a sister? She’d be perfect!
Maybe Sarah?!
It’s such a short stint I wonder why they elected to have a temp replacement to begin with? Couldn’t Maxie have visited Georgie for a few weeks?
She does have a sister named Sarah…
I was thinking… Molly should be Sara Webber!!!
Well I give her props for trying– it is not an easy task to come in and take over a role so established even on a temporary basis. And personally I am glad they didn’t attempt to make her look like KS– she is a soap version of the Broadway understudy so we viewers can afford to generous and not give her too much flack because she is not KS.
Molly captured Kirsten’s delivery and tone quite well without mimicking. While not a fan of her role on Days, this brief stint is a testament to her skills as an actress.
I so disgree, lol. I never saw Molly Burnett and I really liked her. She’s adorable and whomever she was playing was great! By that I mean (and here’s where I disagree) her version (in my view) of Maxie didn’t “capture” Kirsten’s delivery at all. Kirsten is almost hyper, bubbly, all-over-the place. Molly’s version seemed sophisticated, mature, mellow. I enjoyed watching her; she just wasn’t Maxie as we know her (and I’m not talking hair color). Anyway, she was great; just a different version.
Enjoyed Molly’s version and she looked great..
GH should have emergency back up storyline in case actors have to be absent, both replacement for nikolas and maxie were distracting more then anything and not distracting in a good way, i feel gh should of just waited for the actors to come back, then continue the storylines, surely claudette could of been introduce without having to first interact with maxie. The show could of build up to them meeting . The nikolas storyline the only thing saving it is ironically Ava being added to the mix, because jason and sam are a bore to watch. but seriously no more temp replacement they just don’t work in my opinion. Have back up story to air or just keep the story going without the actors, theres way the writers and show runner just have to be creative.
I was floored at how good Ms. Burnett was in her debut episode. She was bright, charming, poised, and lovely. I’m happy to be wrong by my skepticism. On the other hand, I was NOT, however, similarly won over by Ms. Williamson. I guess time will tell, often actors need a few weeks to feel comfortable. Us, too.
I thought the same thing about Ms. Williamson.
i jus wish the writers would have stalled this storyline whist KS is away…just seemed so odd introducing Bree Williamson with a stand in for Maxie.
Exactly. The writers drop or forget about all of the storylines. This could have waited a couple of weeks. Maxie could have been written as visiting Georgie.
Love Kristen but love molly too!
I’ve never understood the appeal of the Maxie (I preferred Georgie) so I was surprised that I enjoyed Molly Burnett’s take on the character. Wish she was staying longer.
Agreed! Really like MB’s interpretation of Maxie.
Nothing against the actress, but I had trouble biying her as Maxie. I’m sure she did as well as most could. Kristen is just irreplacable in my eyes.
I did too, I posted a comment below.
Agree to disagree. Loved MB. She needs to be on daytime somewhere. She turned a character who has become annoying and cloying of late into someone watchable.
I am not a fan of MB’s DOOL character. I was pleasantly surprised when she appeared as Maxie as reserved and not so bubbly. Today’s episode will be more telling with her interaction with Nathan and Claudette.
I agree the storyline should have been put on hold or Claudette’s interaction with Maxie delayed until KS’s return. Like Nathan has said Claudette is manipulative. That is all I see thus far with her. Bree is a fine actress. This is her first daytime role she has created and it will be interesting to see where this goes.
I decided to tune-in since I read a lot of the positive feedback here on the site. While I am sure it is hard to temporarily fill in for another actress on leave, I only saw Molly acting as Melanie (from DOOL), not really acting as Maxie. Maybe if TPTB asked Molly to color her hair, I would have thought she acted/seemed more like Maxie. I just don’t see the appeal or acting capabilities.
Upon further thought….Molly brings a certain maturity to the role that Kirsten lacks. KS’ version of Maxie seems to be stuck in perpetual childishness. Molly’s Maxie, I get to see the character as an adult. The character of Maxie has to be in her 30s by now, but Kirsten interprets her as still being in her early 20s. Even when the writers put her with her child. I find Kirsten’s Maxie to immature for my liking.
But on the flip side what about Nina and Curtis eh????? In a word- CHEMISTRY!
I was thinking the same thing. And as much as I think the actress playing Valerie is gorgeous they never have her on! We STIlL don’t know who her father is and it’s ridiculous that the Spencer’s didn’t display an iota of surprise that she’s bi-racial or ask about, meet her father. I don’t even remember, did they say if he’s alive? Anyway, if they don’t start featuring her more the role is pointless. Nina and Curtis were attracted to each other from the start; could be an interesting couple.
I cannot think of a more offensive tv introduction of a character than a core character remakring, “We’re related? But…you’re black.” OMG – what century do you live in? If someone were to say that in public today, it would be incredibly rude. I don’t know where you live. But GH is written in Southern California, where multiracial people abound and it’s really not as big a deal as in other parts of the country that are less diverse. I’m not referring to Hispanics or blacks. I’m referring to the multitudes of people who can trace their lineage to 3-4 cultures, like Olivia Munn or Bruno Mars, where it is truly NOT an issue. The only thing that matters is their talent, character & work ethic. GH also takes place in NY state, which attracts as diverse a population as CA. Not to mention, there’s also the issue of adoption, and history to consider, when many Korean & Vietnam vets fathered biracial children when staioned overseas. In the 80’s, Tom Hardy & his wife, Simone, were the first biracial couple on soaps, and the Hardys were completely accepting of Simone. To have the Spencers feel awkward about a new relative 25-30 years later would be a serious step backwards for GH, IMO. Please get with the times.
KansasGuest…And I cannot not imagine a more pompous, self-righteous judgmental, haughty and a few other choice words that I’ll refrain from using in reference to your response. Where did I say anything you implied I did? Where am I from? Born and raised in Manhattan. Work in the media. Have friends of every background/persuasion. NONE of which has to anything to do with noticing and asking the obvious when a bi-racial family member shows up in a totally white family. You think it unnatural to show some surprise or curiosity as to who her father is, what background a relation is? Surprise and curiosity does not equal prejudice, bias, racism or anything negative. If a blond, blue-eyed relative showed up in a black home, you don’t think they’d be a tad curious, surprised?
Can’t wait for writers to write for the characters and not the color of the character’s skin. It would be refreshing and almost like they were in the 21st century.
Do you think they currently write for the color of a character’s race? I don’t. But that still has nothing to do with the fact that a biracisl woman was introduced as a Spencer and not obe person
one person mentioned who her father is or acknowleged surprise as I think most would. Again, not racism, surprise, a reaction, a question. Many posters here questioned who her father was when she was introduced, but twe still don’t know. As for color, lol, some viewers are freaking out because Molly Burnett has brown hair and doesn’t resemble Maxie…and Jason Thompson has dark hair and doesn’t resemble the Abbotts! So I think it’s fair to say Valerie doesn’t resemble a Spencer. If the viewer noticed, I kinda figure the Spencers noticed too.
Like Jen Lilley before her, I find myself very much enjoying Molly Burnett’s take on Maxie. Very poised and quite refreshing even with the darker hair. I wouldn’t mind if, after finishing her stint, there might be a possibility of finding a place for her as a legacy character on GH, maybe Christina Baldwin.
I love her acting style as maxie. I wish she was permanent.
Nobody can replace Maxie Jones and give her what KS does period. The new girl is a great actress but I like her but just not as Maxie. She does bring the Maxie vibe. KS’s Maxie brings a fierce loyal person trying to do the right thing but never 100% confident and definitely not reserved and calm and not a controlled calculating Maxie. KS also has sounds she makes with her pitch that and a sassy beat that only KS can pull off in the role. Also the new Nic is too hansome and older that he could be dating Laura his mother. He would be an excellent AJ thought.
Molly did marvelous work . I wish her the best!
This was my first time seeing this actress in action. She is marvelous! Mr. Valentini, put this beautiful and very talented actress on contract STAT!
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!
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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‘General Hospital’s’ Cynthia Watros Honors Former ‘Titus’ Co-Star Stacy Keach Following His Passing
‘Beyond the Gates’ Emmy Winner Ambyr Michelle Wants to Compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars’: ‘Pick Me’ (Exclusive)
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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)
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
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