General Hospital
RATINGS: All Soaps Gain in Total Viewers; GH Scores Largest Increase, while B&B Has Largest Audience in 9 Months
Finally, a week during the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the nation and the world, where your favorite daytime soaps all aired new episodes, and all showed an increase in total viewers.
For the ratings week of January 25th through the 29th, it was ABC’s General Hospital which saw the most viewers additions for the week coming in with + 161,000. Meanwhile, as previously noted, The Bold and the Beautiful scored its highest viewing audience in over nine months, nearing close to 3 million viewers while showing a net gain of + 68,000.
The Young and the Restless is now back above 3 million as it has been in the last few weeks (after dropping considerable viewers) and adding +54,000, while NBC’s Days of our Lives added + 9,000 total viewers.
In the key 18-49 demo, GH scored the most gains, and landed in the 3rd spot, while DAYS was the only show to lose viewers in the age group. However, both shows still scored all-time lows in the 18-34 ratings demo for the second week in a row.
You can check out the full ratings picture at SON here.
Total Viewers
1. Y&R 3,341,000 (+54,000)
2. B&B 2,946,000 (+68,000)
3. GH 2,176,000 (+161,000)
4. DAYS 1,804,000 (+9,000)
Women 18-49 Viewers
1. Y&R 307,000 (+11,000)
2. B&B 273,000 (+15,000)
3. GH 252,000 (+24,000)
4. DAYS 230,000 (-13,000)
So, which of the four network soaps do you think is delivering to you the best storylines at this moment? What fixes would you make to improve your favorite show? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
I really think it’s time for both GH & Days to seek other writing avenues.
I totally agree about GH, Nicole. Sam and Dante? Hasn’t anyone figured out they’re the same person? Dullsville Central!
I wonder if TPTB at CBS and Sony will get that Y&R is a hot mess after B&B overtakes the show in the ratings? Or will they simply change gears and tout B&B as the number one soap? Most likely the latter since they’ll refuse to be seen having egg on their face.
The Y&R writing team continues to implode, the undoing of Danny Boza- Chance Chancellor,after having just married Abby Newman, is total betrayal to the audience and the legions of us all who lov them. Bringing Michael and Kevin’s mother,Gloria and all her bags of chaos, does not make up for the shambles that the writers have created. Don’t even start on the chaos of Sharon, Ray, Adam and Chelsea, disaster…. WTF are they thinking???This is the worst storyline ever…all built around keeping Connor happy?????Give me a break….not dr behind this disaster is Devon, Nate,Amanda, her newly discovered mother and sister, they appeared briefly and disappeared, this disaster in waiting.SOMEONE PLEASE FIRE ALL THE WRITERS AND GET Melody Thomas Scott’s husband Ed Scott to come in and rescue this sinking ship….. they need an experienced leader to take over this sinking vessel.
Add the latest kyle ‘secret’ yet again…to your list Charles
Is another nonstarter
Its the latest in past redux stories of things happening off camera of things we know or care anything about
Poor Michael Mealor and Sasha Colle. They were in such a sweet young innocent romance with Summer as the antognist. This triangle could ve gone on forever as each couple had a rooting fanbase. Instead Josh Griffith dumped it mid story and instead we keep getting Theo and his amateur hinjinx.
Ughhhh. So frustrating
So right, Damien. I actually groaned aloud when creepy Theo revealed the latest “Kyle Caper”. Who cares? If I were Kyle, my first call would have been to Jack. Maybe he would have fired Theo and clued Lauren in about the Red Menace.
Josh Griffin was supposed to be the savior of Y&R writing woes, yet they managed to get the Emmy for best show… Go figure…. perhaps he just needs to get his mojo back….
It was Mal Young that won that Emmy. Griffith is the one who has undone everything Mal was creating. I can’t stand this writing. There’s no consistency. The only thing I was enjoying was Lilly and Billy. Now they’ve got Victoria acting stupid and Billy like a king of woes doormat
Days then GH,,i no longer watch the other two…
I don’t watch GH anymore the story line are horrible need to put back JaSam and Carson back together
There are only four soaps on the air, so of course they’re ranked 1-4. How idiotic for people to get so upset that their show isn’t #1! GH is #3 and it’s my main soap, with DAYS coming in as my second. I enjoy both soaps and am soooo thankful to have them still! GH is so much better than the ratings might suggest and IMHO deserves much better ratings. But I’ll say that these soaps are a lot better than the majority of programs in primetime. When you look at primetime show’s low ratings and how much they cost to produce, soaps look like a real bargain that the networks ought to do a better job of promoting. JMHO.
It’s upsetting only because the ratings matter to advertisers as we know. If they didn’t, I couldn’t care less where they came in. To see B&B which is the most redundant, boring, lackluster show beat GH & Days? That’s where the advertising dollars will go…to a crap show… while the other two could be at risk of cancellation…
Oh Rebecca1, so right. The endless unmerry-go-round of Brooke and Ridge. I’d rather watch water evaporate!
B&B is absolute garbage. Same old/same old, lazy writing. It’s mind-numbing; gave it up. I find it astounding, looking at the ratings, that they’re higher in the ratings than Days and GH, both of which I think are completely enjoyable; love them both.
Bring Danny Boaz diehard Y&R fan
The Gwen/Chad/Abigail storyline has been amazing. I thought the Eli/Lani storyline would be great, but am not thrilled this is yet another Vivian storyline. I would love to see the show move forward, away from gimmicky tributes to the past. I have grown tired of Clyde, Ivan, Vivian, and other cartoon villains. I miss the days of Victor causing chaos. Also, PLEASE no one ‘back-frim’the-dead” stories. The writers need to find a way to get Kristen out of jail. Her storyline with Brady is boring. I am not feeling the returns of Phillip and Chloe. Their chemistry seems a thing of the past. Lastly, why has Sarah started acting like a teenage girl? Her character seems too silly to be a doctor.
I am looking forward to seeing Jackee and her ties to the Carvers. I would love to trim the cast, and then recast Peter and EJ. Chad is great, but still seems too young. I would also love to see Johnny and Sydney come back with Sami.
Marcy Miller is an acting powerhouse and the writers need to show her as a badass, instead of wimpy and granola. Her scenes with Gwen and Chad should win her an Emmy.
Im tired of Ciara getting kidnapped 100 times…they cant think of anything else?
That’s ReRon for you… Kidnappings, baby switches, and Identity disorders. Repeat endlesssly…. that’s what he does.
To be fair though, Marlena’s been kidnapped far more than Ciara… and that’s just within the last year.
Ray, I wholeheartedly agree with your commentary! One point in particular: “Lastly, why has Sarah started acting like a teenage girl? Her character seems too silly to be a doctor.”
While I like the pairing of Zander and Sarah, it’s clear that, despite much heartbreak and angst, Sarah is now supposed to provide comic relief. But it’s all too forced and bizarre, almost hard to watch.
In general, I like when a soap injects some humor into characters/storylines, but it has to be written and executed well and believably…
I have seen episodes that my mother recorded back when Vivian was a daily part of Days. She is definitely not a cartoon villain. And Ivan was hilarious as Vivian’s major domo.
Ray,
I agree with all your comments starting with Marcy Miller who deserves an award for her acting as the betrayed wife of the stupid Chad who’s character has turned into a real jerk and I hope Abby dumps his ass! The twins birth and joy of their parents was ruined by the kidnapping by the nutty Vivian’s man- servent. I would love to see Kristen get out of jail and leave Salem for good. Iam sick if her obcession with Brady and his crazy notion that she’s changed.
I also totally agree about ” Silly Sarah” she is like a nutty windup doll on speed. I’d hate to be in the O.R when she comes tripping in with her actions, knowing she was going to operate on me. Now we’re losing Cady whom I love as Jennifer with no return of Melissa Reeves. Boy, can this show get any worse?
Hopefully Jackee will spice things up, one can only hope.
IMHO, GH is on fire at the time and so good and it’s my favorite…B&B, I only watch for Heather Tom and to hear the BEAUTIFUL background music, lol…B&B is horrible, like others said, same old stuff over and over that it’s sickening…Also regarding B&B, the way they all stand apart, I know due to Covid and Y&R is the same and a show I no longer watch…Look at GH, it basically looks normal with the way the film the scenes, why isn’t B&B and Y&R not able to do the same? Wakeup CBS/Sony, IMO Y&R is doomed and it’s extremely sad what this show has become…
I agree with the filming of GH and Y&R. It bugs the shit out of me that Y&R actors are 10 feet a part and dont hug someone they love. Deena died and all the Abbotts sat around 20 feet apart! Weird and disturbing! GH is basically normal and I commend them for doing a great job in these odd times.
Timmm
Boy are you right! What got me was the newlyweds saying goodby for God knows how long, Abby walks out leaving Chance, no hug or kiss . Chance wants to be alone and then leaves a note for Abby and for his mother whom he hasn’t seen in years, and Abby’s going to carry on having a baby with family and friends but without the most important person, a husband and father. Only a Newman would do this.
DOOL
Soaps have beyond peaked and with other options out there via streaming; it is very unrealistic to think they will bring in too many new viewers or any. Powers to be should be concerned with how to keep their audience (the average viewer age has increased to around 63 if I’m correct, Soap Opera Network put that out recently). I love GH and will continue to support it & the CBS drama’s. Days is too far removed from reality with poor plot camp writing and focus on the wrong characters. They would be better served to concentrate on core cast/veterans and stop bringing in more characters for short arcs, etc. They should use that money for production, their sets are horrible.
Lincoln, I totally agree re:Days…I tried watching the episodes that Jaime Lyn Bauer are on, oh how Days is no longer the show it use to be…IMO DOOL is horrible and so is the background music, very annoying. IMO Y&R and Days are the two shows that really have majorly deteriorate and it’s extremely sad what these shows are like today.
Ratings and quality of storyline don’t always match up. Y&R is helped by it’s time slot in many parts of the nation — airing earlier with less quality competition than GH, which goes against better talk shows.
On the other hand, in many markets, each soap doesn’t compete time slot-wise with other soaps. A live viewer could channel switch and watch all 4 shows in a row.
Regardless, Y&R benefits from a less competitive time slot than GH.
I am tired of sharron and Adam you all have to stop repeating the story lines . Why can’t sharron keep Ray and they fall in love . also jack needs a wife in his life and someone honest
Steve, you make some great points: Specifically, “Ratings and quality of storyline don’t always match up.” I must add, however, before the 30-year reign of Y&R as the #1 soap, GH was for years the #1 soap, achieving the highest soap ratings ever for the Luke and Laura wedding, never to be seen again — the ratings, not Luke and Laura! And that was during a time when there were quite a few more soaps; also, GH aired at 3 PM Eastern while Y&R had the same time slot it has now.
My larger point is that, in entertainment (TV, music, movies, etc.), ratings success (or sales, or box office) is not always commensurate with quality. I think we’re seeing that on display with this article.
In San Diego, CA: Days, GH and Y&R are all on at 1:00 PT. B&B is at 12:30, where its only competition is local news. If one doesn’t have means for recording devices, what a terrible choice to have to make!!
GH is the best soap ever!
Gh has messed up so many couples that’s it ridiculous story lines u can’t keep up don’t watch any more until they put those power couples back JaSam Carson
Trying to rewrite JaSam love story with Jason and Britt no chemistry all fake
I personally love General Hospital the best out of all the shows. I have watched it since High school. It is on fire now I tried the other soap Young n Restless but I found it boring.
IMO the only reason B&B saw an uptick in viewer’s was because of the Y&R Sally Septra storyline crossover! I’m over the constant Steffy/Liam/Hope storyline regurgitation! The writer’s storylines are so predictable it’s like rote memory. Rather sad, I’ve been watching Soap Opera’s since the early 60’s . The network’s cancelled all the well written one’s. Leaving we soap addicts with predictable merry-go-round storylines from boring writer’s.
General Hospital is Showing the Best Stories From the Mob war , to Sonny’s Memory loss , the Sasha/Michael , Willow/Chase turmoil , Franco’s illness
Marianne Lynch
I feel the same. I enjoy Sonny and his Mob while others just hate this part of the show. Luckily, there are enough Sl’s for everyone’s taste I think.
I don’t know why more people don’t watch Days. For me, it’s the best soap and have been for a while.
Y&R and B&B have some good moments, but also some blah stories. I don’t watch GH.
I tried but between some of the bad acting, poor sets, and dialogue with over the top characters, all it did was teach me to appreciate GH even more.
Days is a bit more fantasy than the other three soaps. So if that’s not your bag baby, you won’t like it. I don’t think acting is bad. Sets are fine to me.
These ratings are fake news! Y&R is horrible! I watch the show in 15 minutes! Jack is basically the new John Abbott, they cut Chance, Nina, Jill, Michael, Gloria, Kevin and Chloe are just decorations! Rey and Sharon have to be the worst couple ever! NuAdam sucks. I’m loving the new silent Chelsea! This show cannot be outscoring GH in the ratings. GH is normal looking, has so many talented actors and their stories are for the most part, interesting. GH#1!
Lol
Its not ‘fake’ news
Yes I agree y n r is the absolute pits but the only reason y n r is still #1 is not out of quality
Its the viewers loyalty for the cast and holding on to the memories of how groundbreaking the show once was soooo long ago
Cbs takes the viewwrship for granted and hasnt taken proper steps especially in the last maybe 15 years since the shows become progressively worse. However y n r has hit an all time new low. Whats worse than ‘bad writing’? Take a look at y n r , its ‘ no writing’! Absolutely nothing is going on here . Shows are filled with two characters repearing lame boring dialogue.
Pretty bad when they have to drag B&B stars over to light a flame. Bill and Sally are 10 times more interesting than any Y&R character!
Timmm
Right! Chelsea’s inner thoughts are priceless. Wait until she can move more than her arm, I hope Sharon can run fast. I hate her and Rey, they are like brother and sister. Never thought she’d agree to treat Chelsea as a patient especially with the method they are using, though it seems to be working.
With all the Impeachment stuff this week and no shows, the one I missed most was GH, but I did catch up with them later on UTUBE. Just watched the parts that I was interested in.
Don’t know where you get your numbers but I fought Y &R picked up what you said or what you lost.
Dante and Sam is just DUMB
You want somebody with Sam is should be Curtis or recast somebody to play Drew
But I’ll will always love Jasam!!
I have never ever been a fan, of The Young and the Retarded. Sorry, just never understood why it is still on. It will never have the magic of General Hospital!
Days
Days has the best storylines
I think the ratings are actually much higher, but the system hasn’t caught up, and that’s a bit of a problem, making it look like less interest than there is,
I mean that’s a good addition of viewers, but many people don’t even watch on network tv anymore, millions of people watch GH for example, all around the world now, but they may be watching from hulu, youtube premium, amazon prime, and other such sites,
They may not respond to surveys and they aren’t able to be tracked, (I guess if companies like hulu cooperated they could tally hits on episodes posted on their site) but the point is I know way more than 3 million people approximately are watching, there’s about 300 million americans and it seems almost everyone in my area watchs gh at least once a week, often more. Plus I’ve talked to people who watch from Canada, Ireland, England and even Mexico, so just using common sense id imagine world wide fan base is at least 100 million.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
‘Beyond the Gates’ Mike Manning Talks Smitty’s Emotional Visit with His Mother (Exclusive)
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode
‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
-
Beyond the Gates2 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
Breaking News1 day ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-
Previews5 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-
General Hospital1 week agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
-
Beyond the Gates6 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel
