General Hospital
Shelly Altman & Jean Passanante Share Thoughts On Being First GH Female Head Writers In Over a Decade!
Photo Credit: ABC/Paley Center for Media
ABC recently named Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante as co-head writers of General Hospital replacing Ron Carlivati. This marks the first time since back in 2002 that a head writing team for the 52-year-old soap is women. Over the last several years the reins of the writing of GH have been handled by men including: Bob Guza and Chuck Pratt Jr., Bob by himself, Garin Wolf, who was also later joined by Shelly Altman for several months as co-head scribes, and then for the last 3 and half years, Ron Carlivati.
In the latest issue of Soap Opera Digest on newsstands now, the publication has the first joint interview with Shelly and Jean, which took place shortly after they began their new writing duties, in which they share their initial thoughts on their plans for the iconic series.
When asked if they feel their take on the GH canvas will be different because they are women, Altman responded: “I don’t necessarily. I think each individual writer brings his or her own experience to the table. Jean and I are both women and we are both mothers. You can’t help but have some of that influence your ideas, your thoughts. We will approach everything from a women’s sensibility because we are women.” However, Passanante’s answered: “I’ve never really known it to make that much of a difference. I’ve worked with some great male head writers who really channeled all the characters, male and female, equally well.”
Make sure to pick up your copy of SOD to read the entire interview.
So to Jean’s point: Does it really make a difference if a man or a woman is head writing a soap opera? Do you think having two women as head writers will truly bring a new perspective for the people of Port Charles because of their gender? Share your thoughts below!
General Hospital
Josh Swickard and Laura Wright Talk GH’s 60th Anniversary, Nurses’ Ball & The Loss of Beloved Colleagues
Today, we celebrate the incredible milestone of ABC’s General Hospital officially turning 60-years-old. The soap debuted on this day on April 1,1963.
Two of the series current stars: Josh Swickard (Chase) and Laura Wright (Carly) chatted with Michael Fairman earlier this week for a conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.
Photo: ABC
Josh and Laura share what it has meant to be part of such an iconic television show, plus the two actors recall their GH ‘audition’ stories, and who took them under their wing when they came to the GH set for the first time.
Photo: ABC
In addition, with the GH Nurses’ Ball returning next week, Josh teases what number he might sing when Chase takes the Nurses’ Ball stage, and if Chase will repair his relationship with Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) during the episodes.
Photo: LauraWrightIG
Laura looks into what the future of Carly’s relationship with Drew (Cameron Mathison) might look like, and both actors express their sadness on the tragic and sudden death of their beloved producer, Nneka Garland, earlier in the week, as well as the recent passing of cast member Sonya Eddy (Epiphany) and the tribute episode that GH just aired in her honor.
Photo: ABC
You can watch the full interview with Josh and Laura below.
Now, let us know, are you rooting for Chase and Brook Lynn to get back together during the Nurses’ Ball? Are you rooting for Carly and Drew to stay together, or would you want Carly back with Sonny? Let us know in the comment section.
General Hospital
GH’s Maurice Benard Gets Emotional During Surprise Family Reunion
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Friends, Loved Ones and Colleagues Gather to Mourn the Loss of Epiphany
There is a connection between the audience, the actors, and the characters they play in the soap opera genre that is so unique, that no other form of entertainment has it. What we have seen play out leading to the highly-anticipated tribute episode for the late Sonya Eddy (Epiphany, GH) is the perfect example.
Here on this site, when we posted items and previews on this upcoming episode, fans were ready to also mourn the loss of the character and the actress they loved. Many of the GH cast already shared that being on the set the day of the taping of this tribute to Sonya was cathartic, real and raw as they were also honoring and mourning their beloved co-star.
Photo: ABC
If you watched yesterday’s episode of GH, you could see the utmost care that was taken by the GH writing team, who wrote a beautiful script and send-off. We are sure, many of you reached for the hankies throughout, and well you should, it was extraordinarily touching.
When we start, Port Charles residents are already dressed and heading to Epiphany’s memorial service, headed up by Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) at the GH chapel. Elizabeth is uptight, yet on the verge of breaking down over the loss of her dearest friend and champion. Liz tells Finn (Michael Easton) that she believes Epiphany was disappointed with her in the end for the whole Esme and Nikolas mess that she was a part of. She so wishes she could have made it right with her before she died. It is Liz’s hope that this memorial is the perfect way to make it up to her mentor and friend.
One of the key questions that everyone wanted answers to was finding out just how did the writers decide to kill-off Epiphany. We learned much of the back-story from special guest, Yvette Nicole Brown, who was excellent as the woman Epiphany saved before her untimely death. Making this even more emotional was the fact that in real-life, Yvette was one of Sonya Eddy’s closest friends.
The woman reveals to Liz and Finn that her car crashed into an electrical pole. Epiphany happened to be driving by and ran out to save her life. She did so successfully, but when the woman asked for an update on Epiphany, she learned that she collapsed at the scene from smoke inhalation, but as Elizabeth put together, Epiphany had a heart attack, because she had a pre-existing heart condition.
Photo: ABV
Elsewhere, Anna (Finola Hughes) is mourning Epiphany and cannot attend the memorial because she is currently tucked away at the safe house. However, she gets a surprise visitor! Emma Drake (Brooklyn Rae Silzer) has come back to Port Charles to attend the memorial and gives her grandmother the biggest of hugs. Emma is attending in place of her parents, Patrick and Robin, who couldn’t get away from their doctor duties to fly back to town in time.
Next, we learn Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) is the executor of Epiphany’s will. She seeks out the former head nurse’s mortal enemy, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), with some written instructions to be handled following the memorial service.
Photo: ABC
Meanwhile, several returns helped round out Epiphany’s history including: Marc Anthony Samuel as Nurse Felix, and Drew Cheetwood as her ex-boyfriend, Milo. In fact, Drew was very heart-tugging in scenes with Maurice Benard (Sonny).
Photo: ABC
Marshall (Robert Gossett) is blaming himself for Epiphany’s death telling Portia (Brooke Kerr) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) that if he hadn’t pushed her to go after her dreams as a doctor, maybe her life would have been saved. Portia tells him that’s nonsense, he actually helped Epiphany achieve her goal.
Photo: ABC
When it’s time for the memorial, it starts with Elizabeth, and one by one people get up and speak on Epiphany including: Deanna (Dionni Michelle Collins), Portia, Sonny, Carly (Laura Wright) and others. Throughout, we get flashbacks of how the she impacted their lives. At the end of the service, Diane gets up and tells everyone Epiphany has asked that everyone go to the roof following the memorial. Once on the GH rooftop, Diane reads a letter from Epiphany that she wants no more tears and to be celebrated. Cue the fireworks, that were set off and lit by none other than Liesl! Epiphany’s voice is heard singing her signature Nurses Ball song, “You’re Not Alone” as everyone takes a moment to reflect and honor her, including Anna alone at the safe house watching the fireworks in the sky.
Photo: ABC
At the end of the episode, Elizabeth, who has returned to the GH chapel, receives a phone call from Monica (and we hear Leslie Charleson’s voice). Monica tells her she received a glowing letter of recommendation from Epiphany a few days ago and reads it aloud to her. Liz learns that Pif has suggested to the GH hospital board that despite the mistakes she had made, that Liz become the head nurse at the hospital. Monica tells her she plans on taking this to the board. Elizabeth is overcome in a beautifully-played moment by Becky Herbst.
Photo: ABC
The conclusion came too soon for us as we knew we had to say goodbye to our friend, Sonya, who was so memorable as the beloved Epiphany. A series of flashbacks, reminding us why we fell in love with the tough-as-nails GH nurse in the first place, began to play. Later, we see that Epiphany has joined the GH wall of remembrance for those revered doctors and nurses we have lost.
This was definitely a labor of love for the production, the writers, the crew, and the cast and it showed in the final product. All we can say is … we have always loved Epiphany, and GH will never be the same without the presence of Sonya Eddy.
Now, share your thoughts on the Sonya Eddy tribute episode in the comment section below.
Josh Swickard and Laura Wright Talk GH’s 60th Anniversary, Nurses’ Ball & The Loss of Beloved Colleagues
Shemar Moore Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
GH’s Maurice Benard Gets Emotional During Surprise Family Reunion
(WATCH) Y&R 50th Anniversary Party Red Carpet Interviews Part Two
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Friends, Loved Ones and Colleagues Gather to Mourn the Loss of Epiphany
Nneka Garland, General Hospital’s Beloved Producer, Passes Away at 49
William Lipton Not Exiting General Hospital Permanently, Will Return
Lil Nas X Drops Into The Bold and the Beautiful
THE BACHELOR Season Finale: Zach Gets Engaged & In True Origin Franchise Fashion Leaves Another Heartbroken
Y&R’s Michael Mealor Ties the Knot
GH EP Frank Valentini On Taping the Sonya Eddy Tribute Episode: “It Was an Extraordinary Script, and It Was a Labor of Love That Day”
William Lipton Not Exiting General Hospital Permanently, Will Return
The Young and the Restless Debuts New Opening Title Sequence
Y&R’s Michael Mealor Ties the Knot
GH’s Maurice Benard Gets Emotional During Surprise Family Reunion
(EXCLUSIVE) Y&R Alum Janice Lynde, John McCook & Jaime Lyn Bauer Talk Brooks Sisters & Lance, Behind the Scenes Exits & The Music They Performed
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Welcomes WWE Superstars for Weeklong Tournament as Part of ‘Wrestlemania Goes Hollywood Week’
Nneka Garland, General Hospital’s Beloved Producer, Passes Away at 49
Lauralee Bell’s Lifetime Movie Network Instagram Takeover To Coincide with Y&R’s 50th Anniversary
(WATCH) Y&R 50th Anniversary Party Red Carpet Interviews Part One
GH’s Maurice Benard Gets Emotional During Surprise Family Reunion
(WATCH) Y&R 50th Anniversary Party Red Carpet Interviews Part Two
Nneka Garland, General Hospital’s Beloved Producer, Passes Away at 49
Lil Nas X Drops Into The Bold and the Beautiful
(WATCH THE REPLAY) Y&R 50th Anniversary Celebration Livestream
(EXCLUSIVE) Y&R Alum Janice Lynde, John McCook & Jaime Lyn Bauer Talk Brooks Sisters & Lance, Behind the Scenes Exits & The Music They Performed
WWE Friday Night Smackdown: Rey Mysterio Pushed to the Limits ‘Clocks’ His Son Dominik & Their Wrestlemania Match is Set
TODAY: The Young and the Restless 50th Anniversary Celebration Livestream
The Young and the Restless Debuts New Opening Title Sequence
Y&R’s Michael Graziadei Proposes to Girlfriend, Lauren on ‘The Talk’
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General HospitalMarch 26, 2023GH EP Frank Valentini On Taping the Sonya Eddy Tribute Episode: “It Was an Extraordinary Script, and It Was a Labor of Love That Day”
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General HospitalMarch 29, 2023William Lipton Not Exiting General Hospital Permanently, Will Return
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NewsMarch 24, 2023The Young and the Restless Debuts New Opening Title Sequence
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NewsMarch 27, 2023Y&R’s Michael Mealor Ties the Knot
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General HospitalMarch 30, 2023GH’s Maurice Benard Gets Emotional During Surprise Family Reunion
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InterviewsMarch 25, 2023(EXCLUSIVE) Y&R Alum Janice Lynde, John McCook & Jaime Lyn Bauer Talk Brooks Sisters & Lance, Behind the Scenes Exits & The Music They Performed
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NewsMarch 26, 2023‘Wheel of Fortune’ Welcomes WWE Superstars for Weeklong Tournament as Part of ‘Wrestlemania Goes Hollywood Week’
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General HospitalMarch 29, 2023Nneka Garland, General Hospital’s Beloved Producer, Passes Away at 49
Please keep Liz with Jake/Jason, they make my heart melt.
Yes! One thousand times agreed!
I’m good with Liz/Jason – they deserve a real shot. I also like Sam-Jason and possibly Carly-Jason he’s for chemistry with everyone!
It’s time to bid Liz/Jason BYE BYE. She needs to come clean once and for all about the Jake/Jason situation and put Nicholas in his place, along with bratty son, Spencer.
Please bring back Michael Easton . That would make a HUGH difference to LOTS of his GH fans.
No no Michael Easton will not come back. Please you need to get over it. Silas Clay was the worst character on General Hospital. I hope Michael Easton comes to the Bold and The BEAUTIFUL as Brooke Logans new man. I love Michael Easton, but Silas Clay had to go.
I agree, Adam. Easton was put in such an unrewarding role for an actor of his magnitude. GH seems to follow this pattern, it seems….downward spiral. All these seasoned protagonists are getting chopped up and minced, ready to make unsavory soup. Then they are saved to us leaving a disappointing taste in our mouths. The same could be said for Michelle Stafford and Roger Howarth. As much as I love these actors, they deserve a more substantially SANE, MATURE role. I have gleaned a shade of change with these two…the jail scene was so sweet and real….. I am hoping… Read more »
Brooke and New Man is kind of an oxymoron. She’s had them all…multiple times!
I agree!!! Michael Easton NEEDS to be back on the GH canvas! He needs proper character development and a story/background that matters! He needs a family — brothers, sisters, wife/girlfriend, children, parents, etc. He needs a job that matters — a career where we see him excel! He needs friends — Patrick, Nikolas, Jason, Dante, even Agent Sloane!
Michael Easton simply needs a well-rounded story line, written by people who see his value as part of the GH team!
No it wouldn’t
Simple, Silas has a cousin who looks like him. Cousin is a detective (he then can work with Dante and the hunk and Sam). He has a flirtation with Hayden (see if they have chemistry). He is MUCH more animated as a dashing private detective, more outspoken, more everything than Silas. He can be friends then with those guys as well as do some detective work for the Quartermaines, especially Tracy. They would do well as great friends.
A good writer is a good writer, no matter their gender.
Amen to thatt!
Please just keep us awake, don’t write down to us , give characters like Liz and Anna back their “character ” don’t let it be the sonny Carly and Jason show. And listen to legit complaints .
Would like to see Robin, the ONLY Robin, played by Kimberly McCullough back. Let FV work with Kimberly like he does others. Not interested in their pets since both have them. JP this isn’t AMC and RBu isn’t needed. Don’t care if your interested in writing for her like you said on Twitter. They need to fix the mess RC made of Robin played by Kimberly McCullough and if they know GH history Robin would never leave her child for ANYONE. ALSO NO RECAST since KIMBERLY IS THE ONLY ROBIN. She is an icon and legacy character and well known… Read more »
She doesn’t want it! She wants to direct. GH should offer the role to Elizabeth Hendrickson.
Agnes Nixon, Bill Bell, Claire Labine, Douglas Marland — proof that good serialized storytelling is not dependent on gender.
Based on Passanante and Altman’s work on Y&R, it seems to me that GH’s ratings decline may not be over. The tone of this week’s scripts and the nearly total focus on the Corinthos clan and the TJ “drama” has me thinking that by November this show will once again be The Saint Sonny and His Pal Lil’ Badass Enforcer Jason Bromance Hour.
When will the episodes they are writting appear on TV??
Their writing hits our screens mid-Octobler..
—— pray
I cannot pray–I am an Atheist.
I’ve read that their work will start airing in October. Hayley Erin (Kiki) just did an interview dated 9/1 and stated she received the last batch of scripts written by Ron Carlivati to film next week. Since the filming to air delay for GH is 3-4 weeks, that sounds right.
Wasn’t her interview during fan club weekend? When was that?
Rechecked, & Fairman interviewed Hayley Erin the week of 8/25/15, at a Television Academy’s reception for the daytime drama community.
GH has had female executive producers, male executive producers, female head writers, male head writers, gender doesn’t matter if the story is good. That’s what it all boils down to. I don’t care if the writers are from Jupiter, if they make the show good. I read the Soap Opera Digest interview with Passanante and Altman, and I liked a lot of what they had to say as far as revitalizing the show, and refocusing the stories around romance, families and the hospital. When GH has been at its best over the years, that’s what it has revolved around. I… Read more »
Bring back Michael Easton and keep Robb Derringer as Kyle!
Sounds good to me! Doubly good!!
Silas and Sloan is a one-two punch to an early bed time!
what! [[Jean= and I are both women and we are both mothers. You can’t help but have some of that influence your ideas, your thoughts. We will approach everything from a women’s sensibility because we are women.” ]] bwa! get the fug off with you.. 1- GH has more male viewers than any other soap 2- if the Queens of Snoose do to GH as they did to Y&R, GH will fall. 3- They were fired from Y&R for a good reason, they wrote horribly and Y&R dropped to its lowest rating… Pratt has brought it back up and everybody… Read more »
Su…Just out of curiosity why did you ever start to watch GH?
Ron did the same thing to GH, Su. You always seem to forget that as you slam Altman and Passanante all over the Internet. And quit telling other posters to fug off! It is ignorant and unnecessary! You are not the moderator!
su0000, give the ladies a chance. What they did on Y&R has nothing to do with GH UNTIL it does have something to do with GH! Lets get through a couple sweep periods before we run them off.
SAM and JASON are the next Luke and Laura. Bring them back together and keep them together. Too much of the splitting up stuff. Families do stay together sometimes. I am a product of that and continue that with my family. Have Jason and Sam bring up the next generation of Morgans and Quartermain’s. Edward and Lila/ Monica and Alan take two. Those two are on fire and will continue.
As I understand it, Laura was a young girl when her romance with the-so-much-older Luke ‘grabbed’ her. Sam is passed her prime for that unrestrained, young-free love. There’s no comparison….and, there’s no comparison between Genie and Kelly, either. I shall leave it at that. There could be a love story to be had with Jake and Sam. But, it will not be that all-consuming passion…..not with Sam. We need Hayden for that. How ironic would that be! Jake and Hayden….what a twist of fate! Beside the point that Jason and Sam have gone this route before….their heyday is gone. None… Read more »
Hayden is hot, hot hot! Yeah, wouldnt it be something for her and her “Husband” to end up together. I want it to happen. However, for now, to play out Sam and Jason makes sense. They are not young but she would be reunited with her “Dead” husband and Jason would regain who he is so that drama in a nutshell works. The big picture would be for Jason, especially if he is a Q and not a Morgan, to end up in the mansion with the delicious Hayden!
@Timmm
Hi, Timmm.
You are right…that is what needs to take place, that is, play out the Sam and Jake/Jason “thing” before anything else happens. That chapter needs to be closed once and for all. I love the idea of Hayden and Jake together, …..as I said, the plot would be given structure . Great drama!! Yeah!
Hi, ShayGirl. Lol. I found some of my lost threads here…I just read your comment about Hayden’s Jersey Shore beachwear. HaHa. I must admit that’s funny. But, you are right. What was that? ‘Gotta’ appreciate those abs, though! Makes me want to accelerate my workout sessions. You know, Budig was quite the fashionista during her stint at AMC. She put Maxie to shame, if that’s even possible. (Maxie’s wardrobe killed it, this summer…love those sun dresses!!) Nik ‘ruined’ his persona all by himself, without the help of Hayden. He had already chosen to go aboard the Lomax train—-destination: crime and… Read more »
L&L were a one time thing that will NEVER happen again. Its okay, really. Sam and Jason are great together but their history doesnt make for a comparison. It was a different time, altogether.
Excellent observation, Timmm, but I’m not totally down on Sam and Jakeson, either….I would actually prefer them to the Sam and Jason of the past. SB never bothered me all that much when he was on GH, but after he left, I honestly didn’t miss him. I much prefer BM’s take on the role–so far–and I feel that he will only get better once his true identity comes into play. As for the suggestion for pairing him with Brazen Hayden? No, no, a thousand times, NO! She’s such a complete guttersnipe…cannot stand her! Please don’t let her taint the adorable… Read more »
I agree wholeheartedly. Every time it looks as if Elizabeth is going to expose Nicholas for his part in the cover up of Jake/Jason plot, it goes in a different direction. PLEASE, put Sam-Jake/Jason back together again. And the sooner the better. Sorry Patrick.
I don’t see a lot of positives from this interview. No major changes and GH needs them. Considering how bloated the cast is, If there is no exodus of characters, we will never see Vets that have been cast aside and therefore, no return to core families or building them. It’s fine to throw around the word Quartermaine, that’s what Frank and Ron did. But then it meant making Franco one and when that was a disaster, that was that. They killed AJ, they let Wally go so there’s no Ned. The Q’s are just a name that these people… Read more »
What a bunch of whiny crapola .. ^^^^
Brilliant post!!!!! This show needs an immediate mass exodus of about 15 superfluous characters….and yes…many of them are Emmy winners for this show and other shows. The show CLEARLY needs major changes, and if that is not going to happen, why did they not let Ron just run the show ttotally into the ground and cancel it??
Franco and Nina light up the screen. Terrific chemistry, great acting.
Franco is the problem and I hope these ladies fix it. I dont know if Frank has to approve but they need to reboot this monster. I hate the character. Once James Franco died as Franco that should have ended the psycho’s run forever! Roger Howarth is gold BUT he is asked to play a character that has NO redeeming value and the viewers never latched on to in a positive way. Like you said, Ron tried like hell to fit Franco in with the Q’s and Scotty and now Nina and it SUCKS! Jean and Shelly, please end it!
Matilda is right, Suooo and it’s not whiny crappolla at all. What a thing to say.
Hi Harry..
I and many others luv Franco & Nina.. they have a great many fans, so what she said about them is crappola lol
I as many others also luv Sonny, and RC did what he could with the Q’s.. AJ wanted out, Ned wanted back to his other soap he was double timing and RC brought Dillon in to give the Q’s a boost.
The Q’s will take years to rebuild if they could even be resurrected
So, yeah to me the rant was crappola 🙂 she hates this and that lol I do not.
Do you ever feel like you are in the movie Groundhog Day? Were these writers not on Y&R spouting the same verbal mess. In the words of Marvin Gaye’s song years ago makes me want to holler throw up both my hands.
I’m so excited to see what this pair have under their sleeves. I think they work extremely well together, and in reading their full feature on SOD, what they have planned for the soap is going to be excellent!!
Exactly Scott, its a fresh start, lets see what they have.
Kiss General Hospital goodbye, I smell a cancellation. These ladies will Kill General Hospital
Yes Derek this is the end, General hospital will be history soon. Sorry these has beens will bury GH to the Grave
They near killed Y&R..
hmm if we could find a volcano and a virgin and make a sacrifice to the soap gods, perhaps that will save my GH ..
Jean and Shelly are the worst thing that could happen to GH at this point in time..
RC has brought GH back up, he is very good at that, and GH has been totally awesome since Luke’s exit.. RC is running high steam ahead!
New writers stuff will the screen mid Oct.. enjoy RC while we still can….
Su…you complain about bi**hers and complainers of other GH stories. In the case of the new/old writers you yourself have lead the charge about how awful you think they are. You have a right to express your opinion, but wouldn’t once, or twice been enough instead of going on and on about it. I know you have your reservations, but we all need you to put on your GH cheerleading hat for this one…however reluctantly. :))
Hi Rose..
I did not ””hate rant”’
I said it like it is, and Jean and Shelly near took down Y&R, fact
RC these past weeks is on fire, truth
No hate, no rant 🙂
I never said “hate rant.” I rarely if ever use the hate word. All I said was you keep giving negative opinions of Jean and Shelley over, and over and over. Yet, at the same time you complain about other chronic GH complainers who also do it over and over and over about their pet peeves. Just saying once or twice is enough. I don’t mind that you love RC, though I have some reservations on some of the stories he did. Or even some of you overwhelming attraction for the badboy element. Possibly, secretly, some of us other “girls”… Read more »
I may get some push-back here, but to answer the question could two women head writers bring a new perspective to Port Charles compared to any other guys, in my experience I would say “yes,” as a general rule. That is not to say one gender is better than the other at writing a soap,. As mfarris70 said, “a good writer is a good writer, no matter the gender.” But generally (again) the sexes are wired differently. So I expect to see some subtle differences. Just hoping for the best no matter who is writing.
Woman-Power, Rose….long live women!! LOL.
Here comes these two hacks with their own brand of mess. .yippee. .. NOT
Passanante; GH -breakdown writer- was one of the writers who followed Ron Carlivati to General Hospital as breakdown writer from May 3, 2012 until November 25, 2013 (((She was with GH for a very short time during the very recent years of 2012/13 a breakdown writer (google) She was with GH = 6 months. Shelly; Associate head writer: August 10, 2011 (GH’s near cancelation) January 6, 2012; February 28, 2013 Co-head writer: January 9 – February 20, 2012 (google) (((not even 2 months as co-head writer lol) Both together have very little General Hospital knowledge/experience/history.. Near GH newbies lol whomever… Read more »
su0000 both together have an infinite knowledge of soaps just not how to commandeer one and make it a hit. In a thirty year span of the 60’s to the early 90’s soaps road the waves of multiple characters and story ingenuity that sometimes replicated and oft times bettered what came before. The problem with American soaps is the networks..cheap cheap cheap..sensational (if you can do it on a shoestring)..push the envelope..remembering it’s daytime so you can only lift a tiny portion of one corner..and always hearken back to the perils of Pauline and the days of radio…drama drama drama..to… Read more »
Although I believe woman writers are capable of writing action and male writers are capable of writing romance, I think to get the best of both genders the male female duo head writers are the best– that is what Days has right now and I think that is working. I have only watch GH when Ron was writing it, so it will be interesting to see what the show will be like under new writers– I’ve been through a lot of writers on Y&R over the years so I know a show can survive a writing change– but with every… Read more »
A male and female writer, love it Mary!
I find it truly amazing that people were on here for months, years in some cases, calling for Ron Carlivati’s head on a silver platter, criticizing his every move. ABC finally gave you his head, replaced him with two ladies that have won numerous Emmys over the years for their writing on various soaps, and people are already bitching and moaning before the first episode of GH that they’ve written has evem aired. Give me a friggin break already. Some people are never happy. Must be a miserable existence, that’s all I can say.
Ever since soaps started playing the recycling game of EP’s and HW’s, namely Y&R and GH, fans everywhere have gone thru the same cycle. Get a new HW, blame them when ratings go down, call for their firing, praise the new team and then start the cycle over again. Jean and Shelly will meet the same fate on GH as they did on Y&R. It’s inevitable so it’s no surprise at all.
It absolutely makes a difference!! The past 15 years, GH has been written by mysoginistic, narcissistic men, who have Sonny Corinthos complexes, who love stories about the mob, violence, blood, gore, and other warped things. GH was the hallmark for quality soap opera when Claire Labine and Wendy Riche were at the helm. Lets hope they get back to that!
You know, Dylan? I never really thought about the male/female writer point of view. I am fairly new to GH….came in with a clean slate. I had no clue who the writers were because good writing should not make a difference who the author is. However, you are correct in how you depict THESE writers. The word misogynistic has been bandied around several times; thus, considering the lack of motherly love and the influx of adoration that these mothers bestow upon their men, leaves a lot to be desired. It is ridiculous how foolish said women are made to look.… Read more »
I want that more than anything but I highly doubt it will happen. Gender shouldn’t matter with a good writing team but GH is a boys’ club and has been for many many years now. If we don’t notice the difference in these women’s voices in the script then this ship will sink sooner than I thought. They better HOPE we notice the difference.
The show does NOT need the return of Jason “Stone Cold” Morgan, mob enforcer. Nor does SourPuss Sam McCall Morgan need yet another love interest.
Oh, thank you, Engrady. You and I should have a tete-a-tete…..Such wise words you speak. LOL.
PLEASE enough violence is on tv news right now… can you please stop the murder and killings that are going on with this show?? Can’t we have just a little more happiness, yes, some intrigue, but stop the violence. Also… The kids… no way any little boy talks like Nicolas’ son… even Nicolas does not talk like that… it’s enough to make me want to throw up when he does that stupid dialog. We need at least a little happiness even if for a short time, please. Also…now Ava pregnant, Valerie pregnant… you going to add Sabrina to that too… Read more »
I couldn’t agree more. Had to watch GH as a rerun late Friday since I worked that day. What a shock, and not a nice one pre bed time. It’s not that I didn’t expect last minute hiccups for a wedding I could give or take. But the brutal shooting and possible killing of Sonny was totally unneeded. If I’m to believe these September stories are still under RC, what a swan-song he threw in the faces of GH viewers.
How long do we have to wait before it is revealed who actually shot Sonny? A year, two years? I’m getting impatient!!!!!!
One last comment.. STOP BRINGING BACK THE DEAD !!!! it’s not funny anymore or interesting… all of us totally expect it and it’s tiring.. I record and just fast forward through all that junk… Too many people on the show, too little air time for any story to get interesting….. Hate Helena… and her “gang”…. all should have been dead and gone a long time ago… it’s tiring, it’s boring… stop bringing them back!!!! Hate seeing Patrick hurt again, not sure Sam will fall back in love with Jason and get rid of Elizabeth, she is dishonest and only thinks… Read more »
I agree because we invest our emotions on losing the character and then they say, wait, it NEVER happened! Lazy.
This is for Judy Cooley. AMEN Sister. I have been saying that all along about Helena. And although it would cause a stir, replace Robin so Patrick will have someone to fall back on when the Jake/Jason-Sam comes to light. Emma needs her Mother.
I am a fairly recent viewer of GH so I can only speak for the last couple of years. I am frustrated that it is taking so long for Jake to be revealed as Jason. Unlike most of you, I love Franco and Nina. Their acting is amazing and should they leave, especially Roger Howarth, I am pretty sure I would no longer watch the show. I do agree that the storylines leave a lot to be desired. At times, they have been “must watch T.V.” and at other times just so,so. Most of the actors are very good and… Read more »
Completely agree, jb44. I never watched GH until Roger Howarth took Todd Manning to its canvas when OLTL was cancelled and the current Franco and Nina storyline is the only reason I keep tuning in. He and Michelle Stafford electrify the screen and I am anxious to see the new writers take their sweet romance to the next level. It will also be interesting to see how their characters are integrated into Port Charles society. I highly recommend everyone read Soap Opera Digest’s September 7th recognition of Roger Howarth as that week’s Performer of the Week. I have followed his… Read more »
Getting rid of Sonny and Carly would be a great start! I’d be happy to write that for GH if no one else will… 🙂
I’m with, James. I would think that, by now, the world knows how I feel about Sonny. I can tolerate Carly when NOT under the influence of ‘lover nino’.
CeeCee, I haven’t posted in a while. Actually, I haven’t watched GH at all lately or much else in the way of soaps, but I had to get my digs in when I saw this topic. The world also knows my thoughts on the character of Sonny, so I won’t belabor the point. And I agree with you about Carly being tolerable when she is teamed up elsewhere…
I love you! Lets become Co head writers of THAT GH!!
Thank you, dylan!! Let’s get our resumes together and make a pitch to the producer. No doubt, we would have some good ideas. Love backatcha!
Why?
Hi Sue! Thanks for your question! I will be happy to respond. I realized that fans of TV shows have their favorite characters (actors) and that fans can disagree on those characters (actors). In the past, when I have written here about Sonny (Benard), I have been extremely negative, not taking into account that he does have his fans. At best, I think the character of Sonny is polarizing. I have never liked the character of Sonny (since day 1). Not only is Sonny a mobster and killer, he never pays for his crimes. Never. I also think he is… Read more »
Man or woman writing, I don’t care, as long as they are GOOD writers!
Was looking forward to the writer change until I heard what their work was like on Y&R (have yet to hear one good thing). Wish they’d brought someone in who didn’t drive another show into the ground. That does not bode well. Still, Ron was pretty great (overall) on OLTL and he started out well… so maybe past performance can’t entirely predict what’s going to happen, but they’ll have to do better than promise more mob and more Sonny to lure me back as a viewer.
C’mon, now, Andrew. I understand, really, I do. But,I echo Dan, here. Let’s not jump the gun and give these ladies a viable chance. Hey, one never knows, if the consensus is that they demolished Y&R, they will have learned by their own mistakes and by others’. There’s always that chance the ladies will rebuild GH, for all us disgruntled fans(lol), brick by brick.
Hi CeeCee..
it was not only Y&R..
I did post their writing records.. (bad)
They never built up or saved any soap, quite the opposite. ..
It is their writing style= loooooong stories and lackluster
GH has always been action/drama, yes way back to LnL days…
J&S are not a good matchup for GH, not at all.
the hospital is a building, the stories were about the Doctors working there.
those Doctors, that era, has long past.
Time moves on, things change, no going back that never works, not even life.
@su0000.
Awwww, su….you sound so nostalgic. Are you saying there’s no hope? That’s really sad…( tears)!!
Funny how Su never posts Ron’s track record. OLTL…cancelled four years after Ron took the helm. (Even I dont blame Ron for that, that was network politics). And then GH…three years after Ron takes over, it is in the worst creative shape it EVER has been, recording record breaking lows in all ratings categories, and cancellation rumours have been swirling. And Su will blame ANY writer for the decline of a show, except Ron. When Ron is involved, the problems are always someone else’s fault…the network, Tony Geary, Genie Francis, Sarah Palin, the rainforest ecosystem, etc. Let it go Su!… Read more »
I read the entrie interview in SOD. My take — Not interested in the characters they are writing about. Agree RH and MS and many others are good actors but every good actor does not belong on a show if the char does not work. KIKI< Nina, Franco , Madelline , Hayden …don't . Never have made it and at least up to Hayden have been given chances. NOT INTERESETED in Paul Hornsby no matter how much prime time the guy has—didn't like him years ago on Days and PH char was a bore. IMHO what would bring me back… Read more »
Donna you said it all. I totally agree. I find this show has gone tooo far over the top. I don’t think I will be as disappointed if this show is cancelled as I was when As the World Turns was. For almost the same reason. EP and new writers who wouldn’t listen to what the fans wanted. First they destroyed the show .then fans shut it off, and the ratings slipped and it was cancelled. GH looks like its on the way. That is really to bad.
hi janet.. as far as writers listening to what fans want.. Some fans love the mob others do not as an example.. What 10 fans don’t like 10 fans like. It is the disgruntled fans who are not getting what they personally want from their soap who are bitchin and the ones who like it are content and silent/not much to bitch about. The writers are well aware what some dont like others like it. Writers write by their visions more so than squawk.. It is mostly the vet watchers of 20 or more years complaining, it seems. I like… Read more »
A lot of strong opinions here. I love it! Thats what being a fan is all about. I dont care what gender writes for the show. HOWEVER, as in life and if your married or in a serious relationship you know that men see things one way and women see things another. Now the trick is to come together and meet each other in the middle. IF that happens you are in it for a lifetime with the love of your life. In other words, soap wise, these ladies will see GH through their eyes as Ron did with his.… Read more »
Hip, Hip, Timmm. Best post yet on this subject! Later. …
@Timmm. Yes, the younger generation does have love songs. I have always been a fan of the OLDIES. My husband is more of the Zeppelin-type music. But our song was/is, I GOT YOU BABE. And, our wedding song was AT LAST, by Etta James. See, we appreciate love songs…LOL. There should definitely be music we can all appreciate on soaps. Do you watch Days? It really irks me when Aidan and Hope dance to that insipid music. I am sure there are those who appreciate it, so I apologize. Also, ‘they’ started playing some kind of church music lately. There… Read more »
Hey there, CeeCeeGirl!…Your opinions could never be either nonsensical or worthless! (That “distinction” clearly belongs to someone else with whom we both are too sadly familiar! LOL.) Having said that, I find your grasp of musical history and choice of favorite eras most compelling, since I have very eclectic, multi-generational tastes in tunes, as well. Of course, I remain besotted with my ’80’s songs….they were optimistic, energetic and as big and bold as the decade itself! I still derive much happiness and pleasure whenever I hear the soundtrack of my coming of age years…great for conjuring up beautiful memories, uplifting… Read more »
Thanks Cee. You know what is funny? You and I go back and fourth posting on this site and we have never met, HOWEVER, when Michael told Sonny he loved him as Sonny lays there fighting for his life, you were the first person I thought of! I wondered how you would react to that scene? My opinion is Sonny murdered AJ. I hated that BUT he thought AJ murdered Connie. Its an excuse and murder is murder and Sonny hated AJ but I honesty think Sonny wouldnt have just gunned down AJ because of Michael. And Michael probably will… Read more »
@Timmm. Hi, there! Hey, I don’t need to know you, or see what you look like to ‘dig’ your character…or to sense what a great, humble and to-the-point person you are. What you say is absolutely true. Hate and anger can only eat one’s heart…and body…..like a cancer. Then again, if someone had hurt my father in any way? Well, I may look like a helpless kitten; but, I do have the claws of a tigress. LOL. I do see exactly what you are saying, but there is never a good excuse for murder. It’s a soap, I guess. Nonetheless,… Read more »
You are so right, Timmm! And not just about the male vs. female aspect of life, but the overwhelming role that popular tunes once played in daytime dramas. Even now, one can hear a certain song from decades past and it still immediately calls to mind memories of a specific soap couple long gone….the musical effect was just that indelible!
Shay, it must be a budget issue. It does cost money to play an artists song BUT what about those who are trying to get noticed? Oh the good old days. Remember when they went on location shoots?
Hi, Shay. Just to inject my nonsensical and probably worthless opinion…… I wish I lived during the 60’s and 70’s just for the music. My greatest dream was to have met Freddie Mercury. I can’t offer anything else, except that my husband used to foolishly sing HEARTBREAKER by Gene Pitney to me, when I would ignore him as a teen. LOL. Or, MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS. Seriously, I can appreciate the way soaps used to be. I have both my grandmothers, who are a font of information. The songs were a big part of the soap world. So meaningful and poignant….so much… Read more »
@Timmm….Yes, I’m sure music royalties are a huge factor, just as tight budget constraints also account for the lack of those sumptuous location shoots, not to mention anything resembling a decent array of fashions or set designs. The soaps used to be both a visual and aural feast….not only did we have better shows and storylines, but we were spoiled for choice amongst so many different programs. I used to need two VCR’s to tape all my daily favorites during the mid-to-late ’80’s and early ’90’s when we had wall-to-wall soaps from late morning until well-past the school day! Good… Read more »
BRING BACK JACK! He actually had a new single out last year thats worth a download. “Drivin’ Miss Daisy”
To be honest, I am getting sick of the word BUDGET being used as an excuse by the powers that be. It is an excuse because they can use it as a stock answer anytime they dont want to give fans what they want. GH can well afford a bloated cast of 50 plus (recurring and contract) and rent massive warehouses for stories about mob shoot outs, but cant set up more than 3 tables at the Nurses Ball or stage a wedding with more than 8 guests. On Days, the most powerful families now have one room shacks for… Read more »
Or, Rick Springfield, Shay.
Shay and Timmm…what nice thoughts about what music, special songs, and “exotic” locations can bring to our soaps and memories….even the original GH intro music.
I hear the first strains of “If Ever Youre In My Arms Again” and I am transported to my childhood self watching this wacky wonderful new show called Santa Barbara! Sadly, before a show can have a love song for couples, the show would need, well…couples. Itis very telling that DAYS is returning to former glory by bringing back couples from the past! Their most recent attempt at a young couple ended with the girl being strangled to death. It is hard to invest in a couple when you know they are only being put together for the sake of… Read more »
Does anyone fall in love or even stay in love long enough to have a song! Your right Dylan, the Y&R pairings are horrible! I dont even like Jack and Red. No chemistry with new actress!
@Dylan….Who are Joe Perkins and Kelly Capwell????? Hah! How very uncanny that you chose this particular SB supercouple’s “theme song” over which to wax nostalgic, because Peabo’s tune was one of those to which I specifically was referring! To this day, whenever the strains of “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” hits the radio, I am also immediately transported back to the earliest moments of that long-lost soap. Just goes to show how the power of great music, casting and storylines can make a couple come alive and remain indelibly etched in one’s memory forever!
Isn’t Sofia Pernas (Marissa) gorgeous, Dylan? But, she is not Hispanic. She is half Moroccan/French and a Spaniard from northwest Spain. You know? The area known as Galicia.
True-blue relationships on soaps are recycled ( everyone has had a taste of everyone’s sister, brother, father, mother and each other…LOL)….as revolving as Russian Roulette. One never knows who’s going to bite the proverbial bullet or when.
@Timmm…..I second the motion on Rick Springfield! Unfortunately, whilst GH definitely requires a return visit from the dishy Dr. Noah Drake, the busy actor certainly has no use for the soap at his point! His career is going just fine without it, from his work as a talented book author, to his many musical appearances all over the world, not to mention his latest film role opposite Meryl Streep, and his numerous tv guest shots. ‘Tis a real shame for us fans who would love to see him turn up again in Port Charles, but not unlike countless other hotties… Read more »
Just in case these two new head writers are reading: The character I can’t get enough of right now is Kyle Sloane… Oh. My. Goodness. PLEASE keep him!!! The actor currently playing this character is fantastic and charming — and I like the depth of acting he’s bringing to the role. If you don’t want him with Anna, give him a new story line. Just please keep him in Port Charles (as a good guy or bad guy, but maybe a good guy pretending to be a bad guy???)! 🙂
Funny you should say that, Samantha. I always contended that Sloane was a good guy pretending to be in cahoots with Lomax and Nikolas. I think he has something up his sleeve. As far as his longevity on the scene? Well, that remains to be seen. LOL.
That would be my hope, CeeCee! Although GMcC operated in a much smarmier manner than the “original recipe” Kyle—and actually made my skin crawl—now that the first “Sloane Ranger” has returned, I’d love to see his previous actions explained away just as you have described. RD has such an appealing boy scout facade and I really like him with Anna. They make a good looking couple! I could easily envision them paired as a “Nick and Nora”-type duo if GH doesn’t have the good sense to bring back Robert or Frisco to do likewise with Ms. Devane.
Hi, ShayGirl
You’re right, of course. Anna and This Sloane do look good together…their looks alone send me.
But, Anna does not deserve a rascal such as he. We certainly do agree that, at the end of the day, his actions will have a sound and plausible explanation. I would love for there to be an evolving romance between them. Later.
I concur, CeeCee! Anna and “The Sloane Ranger” do make a mighty fine looking couple! Alas, I fear he is going to remain a rogue to the predicted bitter end, no heroic figure he….you know what they say about a “woman scorned?” Well, me thinks this guy is going to put all females to shame in his quest for romantic retribution…LOL. How I hope my sneaking suspicions prove to the contrary…..RD is a classic leading man type, and a real keeper.
Has anyone on this board ever participated in one of those focus groups that help guide the EP and the HW’s as to what type of storylines and characters will increase ratings? Who is asking for more mob stories all the time? Who is asking for main characters that we are supposed to care about who are cold blooded murderers? How can one root for a romantic situation when one or more of the parties are murderers, often multiple murderers? Don’t people want justice? And what about all the born again Christians out there–they seem to drive a show’s reluctance… Read more »
Thank you for leaving the doors open for Tony Geary (Luke) to come back, although it won’t be permanent. Lulu will need her Father and her Mother when news of her cousin Valerie’s pregnancy with Dante.comes out. It should not have gone that far. Lulu and Dante deserve all the happiness in the world. And PLEASE, don’t let Helena throw a monkey wrench in their plans to have another baby. Please let the sperm they have be that of Dante and Lulu and not that of Helena’s son. (his name eludes me) I have had enough of her shananigans.
James, Thank you for the response to the Sonny Corrinthos situation. He is not the only one out for someones blood. Ava Jerome wants to do him and Carly in. She is out to get them no matter what and who stands in her way. She is trying to get Avery back no matter what. She wants to take her away from Sonny because she is in a dangerous situation. HELLO? She is no stranger to toting a gun. ae: She shot Connie in cold bllood. Okay, who else? Ana Devane. She shot Carlos in cold blood. It’s being covered… Read more »
I think that it don’t made a difference but think that they should bring back the vets back like zrobert to help Anna out .If you only bring him back you see that all your viewers would come back.Robert Mac seam and the gamed that was their during the first cartel .why do we need all ofthe new people. Ron messed up Robert and Anna love by said that Duke wad thr love of her life wrong.zif you go baçk in look at Robert anf Anna lovr you will see who is.Evrn when shr wad with zfDukr she alway though… Read more »
I have been watching General Hospital for 42 years. Yes 42 years but I’m getting ready to give it up. So tierd of this boring Jake Jason thing. You need to hurry up and get jason back. To Sam. Elizabeth is the most boring person on GH. She needs to go. Please get it together its so boring. GH fan gonna say bye-bye
You hit the nail on the head. I have been watching GH ever since it first aired way back when with my Mother. I’m 62 now. (my Mom has since passed on). These people need to get it together. They have too many irons in the fire as it is. Solve one dilemma, before starting with another. I am so tired of the hum drum drama. Don’t know about you, but I am curious as to what’s up with the ex Dr. Silas Clay. Is he an addict?
YES, YES, YES to Sam and Jason having another baby. Nicolas would do good to give the boot to Hayden, Rachel, whoever and think long and hard before he decides to give his heart so freely to another woman.. By law, he is not legally married to Rachel (aka-Hayden Barnes). Rachel’s name is not on the marriage certificate. Hayden Barnes’ name is, an alias. Am I not correct? Hey Nicolas, don’t listen to anymore of her lies and boot the Dame out.