The ratings are out for the week of October 15th-19th and it was fantastic week for General Hospital! In total viewers for the week, the lone ABC soap had its highest total since late February 2011 with 2,781,000, and that is an increase of 464,000 from this time the previous year! Translated that means: GH soared to an 18 month high and is up an impressive 83% year to year in the demo. GH’s rating share for total households was a 2.1/7, and that is also the series highest total for the series since the week of March 21st 2011!
But the good news does not stop here! GH was the soap that added the most viewers in the key female 18-49 demo for the week. In addition, it was number one in the key demo of women 18-34, coupled with its highest rating share in that demo since the week of April 11, 2011! All of these numbers are the highest performing ratings under executive producer, Frank Valentini and head writer, Ron Carlivati’s regime at General Hospital!
Daytime fans were thus defintely tuning into to see GH’s Sam being reunited with her baby, while Tea found out hers actually died. Duke spinning his machinations on Anna, as Jason, Sam, and baby Daniel all went home together as a family. Meanwhile, Lulu learned some devastating news, and then there was the big moment … when Jason was shot at the end of the Friday cliffhanger! Folks were watching to see how Steve Burton (Jason) would be written off the show!
The only other soap to gain viewers was Days of our Lives which gained +112,000 viewers who were checking in to Salem to see the return of Kristen Blake DiMera played by Eileen Davidson after 14 years away from the show. DAYS ended the ratings period with 2,478,000 total viewers.
The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful did not have a good week! Y&R lost -147,000 viewers while B&B lost the most for the ratings period with -203,000. But with all that said, the two CBS soaps are still number one and number two, respectively. However, keep an eye on GH! If things continue on this upswing, they could give B&B a run for their money for the number two slot! You can check out the entire ratings period picture here courtesy of Soap Opera Network!
So soapers, what do you think of GH’s stellar week? What Frank Valentini and Ron Carlivati have done to revitalize the soap? Then, it’s time for you to be our Soap Opera Programming Executive Armchair Quarterback for the week! What would you do to improve ratings to your favorite soaps? What would you capitalize on to keep your ratings numbers increasing? What changes would you make to the storylines, if you think some aren’t working? Let us know!
this is awesome news, i’m so glad GH is on the uprise, i feel like GH could be #1 again with time, and Gh feels like the Gloria Monty era.
This is NOTHING like the Gloria Monty era. The Gloria Monty era was full of.couples to root for, and romance, and larger than life escapades. This era is full of character assassinations, ans dead babies, and gunshots, ans presumed deaths. If this regime.is NOT going.to reveal that this “duke” is actually Caesar Faison, or some other comparative creep, then they might as well cancel the show right now. I am young..I watched Anna and duke.when I was 11…this.is NOT Duke…and no amount of rewriting or years passed.could tell me.or.any viewer that it is.
Umm, I have news for you dear. The actor playing Duke is the original Duke. You must have watched when they replaced Ian with another actor the last time the character was on and I am glad that Ian is back playing Duke, because he IS THE REAL THING!!!
LOL. Um…DEAR….I know that Ian Buchanan played the original Duke. I also know that Greg Beecroft played Jonathan Paget the replacement Duke who died in Anna’s arms. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of soap opera history. I am talking about the CHARACTER…the character of Duke was a reluctant mobster…his throughline was that he wanted out…he was not a vicious criminal who would order the death of a young girl, and cold-heartedly dump bodies into the Port Charles river. I am saying that this incarnation of “Duke” had better turn out to be some sort of imposter with evil intentions. If… Read more »
I am finally! after what seems like too long….celebrating DAYS! DOOL is getting back on track… I swear.. as a life long fan…. Eileen Davidsons’ return… as the fiery Kristen… she’s stirring the pot… and Salem’s taking notice…. So are the fans… stick with Days! Mystery, Intrigue, tension.. of the sensual nature… Abound! quite frankly, it’s a hoot.. to see John Lust… and Marlena.. fighting the good doctor fight… Will and Sonny are a big part of DAYS… and, it’s just that… a part of… you can tell that the writing… pacing…. and the actors are on all cylindars… at… Read more »
I agree with most of what you said. I am tired of EJami and Sami taking up airtime with her lovelife, but I am liking Days right now, especially WilSon. Gabi and Nick sure are bringing the ratings!
I couldn’t more excited or proud of my GH! Love you all.
I hope GH continues to have their ratings up..with the story lines they do keep us @ the edge of our seats .looking forward to AJ return I watched Fridays episode he’s definitely back .he will definitely stir up some trouble ,can’t wait to see what his son Michael does when he sees him .I know I will be watching .November sweeps is here ….
Bravo, GH. Thank you to the talented producers, writers, cast and crew for bringing back our beloved Port Charles. I came back to GH after many years away due to the lack of creativity and mob stories under the previous regimes. One Life to Live will always be my favorite soap of all-time. I am glad I get a taste of them everyday, but this is GH. I feel it’s on its way to be the soap it once was. We just need some fan favorites like Bobbi (Jackie Zeman), Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) Laura (Genie Francis) and some others.… Read more »
I agree with everything you said….OLTL will alway’s be my favorite soap of all time
also…I am really enjoy watching GH everyday! I like Tracy a lot. There others I like
also…I like the orginial A. J. we saw on Fri. Didn’t like his replacement.. Hurray for GH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ratings were ok, but I doubt it has anything to do with Sam getting her baby back. I think people tuned in to see how Cartini was going to write off 21 year vet Steve Burton. To be quite honest, if Cartini has to keep pulling stunts like bringing back Old Charecters just to bring in viewers, eventually that’s going to get old, because the problem is, once he brings them back and the hype is over, the stories he’s writing for them fall flat and are either A) Boring or B) Stupid because they make no sense. Right… Read more »
Fan here who LIKES Kelly Monaco/Sam’s character. Don’t feel like she’s being too portrayed; makes sense with the baby switch story line, her quest to find Jason, her friendship with Spinelli, her rivalry with Carly…
I think the mix/balance of characters and story line is working; would like to see McBain back to his ol’ OLTL self and better woven into GH.
Some of us like Sam.Steve did not carry
Kelly.She’s awesome.Not really happy
Jason was shot in the back and dumped in the
Harbor.wanted a better send off for Steve.
I totally disagree with comment on 10/27 at 6:16 A.m.
I will continue to support GH…
That was a depressing comment,,, On 10/27 at 6:18a.m.
Just no to the op. This is the mantra of the do called buttercup groupies, people that steve burton himself called bitter people, when they started spreading rumors tht he and kelly’s event was cancelled due to poor ticket sells, he had to come out on twitter to put them strai check t. Same group that said he doesnt like working with kelly snd he in multiple interviews proved otherwise, then when all their efforts to sabotage kelly/steve failed thry started campaigning to have kelly fired. This all because of a failed pairing. Interestingly enough is thst they are kniwn… Read more »
Wrong “Jac” you know, there are a lot of us out there, don’t know who you are talking about, but I hope you get over your anger. Have a nice day!
ITA Jaq! I love how folks use ratings to push more Sam/Kelly M. I believe it was the end of Jason/Steve B. filming that garnered the ratings. The ratings the last 4 yrs have not supported the Jason/Sam pairing. I’m looking forward to the A.J. s/l and who ever else they bring back. They need some fresh stuff. Kate needs to be intergrated. Love Michael/Starr. I want a good mix of s/l’s with compelling. I would also love to see Jake back to be the first son and cause issue’s to which son inherits the Q money that was Jason’s… Read more »
Just a real happy camper here! Love GH and everyone involved with it.
GH is on fire..I’d like to see it boot Y&R out of first…this week I say ratings should look like this:
1. GH
2. DAYS
3. B&B
4. Y&R
You are so right!!
Loved GH, so agree that it is much better than Y&R. The storylines at Y&R have been horrible. I love that SK is back at GH and not Y&R,
Yes, but sadly the CBS soaps will probably claim first and second place, despite their constant crappy storytelling!
Will never happen.
Congrats to GH, the show has been very good of late and ended well on Friday with the return of Sean Kanan as “AJ”. Y&R has been 100% better and gets better each day with new head writer Josh Griffith, the recasting of both Noah and Summer has been very successful. These two kids can act their asses off. Looking forward to more. B&B has been amazing with Stephanie dying of lung cancer and saying her goodbyes. Tuned out of DOOL I just find it boring.
Once again due to OlTL actors and the baby switch. Tea you rock as an actress!
Ditto!
I doubt it. I mean, Anna and all the GH vets, you from, from the actual SHOW are responsible.
Congratulations! Ive been watching GH since high school in 1983 and nothing makes me happier than this great news! I am loving Todd on GH. He is a great addition to the cast chemistry. I love most of the storylines going right now. Getting a little tired of Connie although all the slaps she got this week were pretty funny.
Xoxo
Lana (loyal fan!!!)
Jason deserved a better send off it was lame!
AGREEEE 100%
I agree .. Maybe he will show up in Port Charles some day..Never fgound his body….
So true! He deserved better!!
I’m not too concern Y&R lost some numbers this week. Most of those people are what I call the Lookie Lous- those who tune in when something exciting happens ( Sharon burning the ranch) but then tune out when it is over. The show has a solid core of faithful followers who have watched the good, the bad and the ugly over the years. MAB did take this core group to the brink, and many who were about to jump ship aren’t sold this new team can bring this show back to it’s former glory. November sweeps are coming, and… Read more »
id love to bring more group themed storylines like the Nurses Ball or a winter ball called SnowFlake Ball, I would also like to see strong women, I would like Anna Devane`s character to know be even tougher, more families shown.
Since they have mentioned the Nurse’s Ball a few times, and Lynn Herring (Lucy Coe – who often ran the Ball) is “rumored” to be returning, I think we might get the Nurse’s Ball again, which I also would be thrilled with.
Revealed when Finola Hughes and Jason Thompson taped “Who wants to be a Millionaire” last Thursday (and she won $$$$$ for charity – DO watch!!) – they ARE doing the Nurses Ball!!! Cartini is bringing it back!!!!! 🙂 (Actually got to meet and take a pic with Ron that day – NICE guy!!!)
Thanks Susan, that is great news!!! Sounds like you had a fun time as well !!! Do you know when the Who Wants to be a Millionaire shows will air?
WHAT did they expect..they KILL off a veteran actor on this show and NO ONE would watch it.. Please… it is important to loyal followers. Good writing and acting..this show should be on TOP of the boards for their accomplishments.
GH had a good week because it is a good show right now. No it’s not perfect but nothing even is. It’s entertaining and the cast & crew are really giving it their all. You can tell they really want their show to stay on the air and care what the fans think,
As for YR and BB, sadly I’m not surprised they are losing viewers. BB is still focused on it’s poorly received love triangle. YR’s storylines have been a mess and cast is behaving like a bunch of spoiled Divas.
Ive said it time and again…nobody but NOBODY in daytime does it better than Frank and Ron. AND Nobody but NOBODY knows how to use a shows HISTORY better and the use the incredible talent they have in their actors than them,too! They should be running ABC. racFINALLY, it’s no longer the Mafia/Sonny show. That being said, they haven’t forgotten about it, just used the characters is better storylines! Baby Switching, DID, crazy escaped loons on killing sprees. KUDOS all around! NOW if they could JUST bring on a few more OLTL people all will be right with the universe:)
I half way agree Joe! Would like to see more OLTL people. Mainly Melissa Archer and Kassie DePaiva and not just every now and then – contract! The reason it is so good is because of the OLTL storylines (DID, baby DNA, etc)! Only tuned in for Steve Burton’s exit, don’t see anything else holding me there for GH.
Hell – just bring back OLTL!!!
I agree-so glad that the old writers were fired. Sonny and the mafia were boring, now new storylines and new characters are great!
Everything is great right now except the loss of Steve Burton. We need him back!
Well I will say it again: THEY DIDN’T find his body…A good possibilty he will be back. But not right away…..Probably when we least expect it…
kudos to gh for the great ratings week but we all know everyone tuned into see jason finale show, i agree with jennifer we need steve burton back asap the show will do well but without him it will not be the same and i am a huge maurice benard fan and will continue to watch because of him but do not like duke lavery story line at all in fact they could write him out tommorrow once he is caught for the being the second shooter at the dock and we all know that is coming soon hopefully for… Read more »
i guess they are going to have jason might be dead no body so how can they close the case guess dante will have a never ending case with this one
or sam and john will be together and then jason will show up
I was sure that very beloved Jason/Steve Burton’s last week would be wonderful for the ratings, and I am thrilled that it was. Here is hoping the ratings remain high. I know GH can get back to the top-rated show it used to be. Steve Burton is already sorely missed, and while, imo, no one can replace him, bringing Sean Kanan/AJ back into the mix was a good move, to offset the loss of Jason. The only difference is that, while Jason’s character had a profession that is less than stellar, he really was a very likable character, while AJ… Read more »
Love all the soaps, but GH is definitely my fave and I tune in for every episode. I haven’t watched any soap other than OLTL everyday in a long time. I think the balance of characters, faster pace, and showcasing the vets are why I’m so invested again. And Todd! I’d like to see them do the Nurses Ball for sweeps and bring in as many characters as possible for that event. I don’t like it when there is a big event and important characters are not in attendance. Also, Jason and Edward deserve exceptional memorials, also with all of… Read more »
This is such GREAT news!
With all the fans doing their/our part….
What is cool is I feel like I am part of something!
With the actors tweets, the producers, You Michael, especially, thanks for keeping it real, on the table and ever so exciting to watch!!!! Muwahhhh
GH…
I feel that to increase your viewers, start with more U stream video one on ones…I believe that always leaves a great thought in viewers minds..they share it, show it, and particpate in it, its like being a part of it. After all, all us viewers including myself try to live even a wee bit vicariously thru them. lol
I am so happy foGH and th e hard work of everyone but still missing my OLTLL that void is still great.
GH on the ABC will now see their mistake and fix their error because Katie will tank and the Crap is hard to swallow!
i agree robert, katie needs to go , what a waste of all the money ABC pd her
and the loss of amc and oltl , they know what a screw up cancelling the 2 other soaps so i hope the chew is next to go
they deserve to have all the shows that replaced the soaps tank
The summer of 2011 I got my 2 nieces (24, 26) hooked on GH. I visited them last week and we watched. Some of their comments are definitely good insight into the state of soaps and why a younger generation isn’t watching. Just a few: “why cry for Jason or any character who dies, they’ll come back from the dead at some point in the future”, “the ‘close calls’ and ‘almosts’ are rediculous, i mean, how many times did Todd ‘almost’ reveal the truth about the babies”, “the slapstick humor of Todd and Luke is just stupid”, “nothing is a… Read more »
bring back jackie zeman as bobbie spencer. we all miss bobbie spencer. alan also needs to come back
DAYS really needs to do better…They’re on the right track, but still they need something better and more exciting to happen.
DAYS, for me, has been on fire since its reboot in Sept. 2011! And now it’s steadily burning. I have a feeling this fall is going to really burn in the best way possible!
I think they were doing well (except for EJami having sex a year ago) until Safe/EJole split, Lumi split, and the EJami build. Also, the Gabi-Chad-Andrew storyline was very bad, and Sami has been front and center for far too long with all her love triangles, while the college kids (mostly) and veterans were backburnered. WilSon took FOREVER to get going, and I wanted them to have a slow start! Daniel, Jennifer and Nicole were on too much and began to annoy the crap out of me. Nicole lost her baby, which was stupid. However, they just took too long.… Read more »
agree robert 100%
I never watched GH before,I watched OLTL,now its GH and the reason I started to watch was the adding of some people from OLTL.
I’m very happy to hear that.