General Hospital
Watch The Daytime Emmy Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Nominated Performances! – Who Should Win?

Courtesy/ABC
Now fans it’s time for you to be able to judge for yourself, who you think should take home the gold in the coveted Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category at this year’s upcoming 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards to be held on Sunday night, June 16th and broadcast live on HLN!
HLNTV.com has made available today the four nominated performances, which are the exact same reels that actual blue-ribbon panel judged from.
One of these gentlemen will receive the highest honor in soaps. Take a look at General Hospital’s Jason Thompson, and The Young and the Restless’ Peter Bergman, Michael Muhney and Doug Davidson. Who would you pick to be awarded an Emmy in just a few weeks? Will GH’s Thompson trump all the Y&R nominees in his nod in the ‘Lead Actor’ category? Will Doug Davidson finally win his first Daytime Emmy? Will perennial nominee and three-time winner Peter Bergman pick up his fourth? Or will the always critically acclaimed Michael Muhney pick up the prize on his first nomination?
After the jump, watch the nominated performances and then weigh-in on your choice!
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Carly and Lulu Make Plans to Rescue Their Children; Anna Looks Determined to Secure Her Freedom

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the race is on! Can Lulu (Alexa Havins) and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get to Rocco (Finn Carr) and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) in time to ensure their safety from Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? Can Carly (Laura Wright) with the help of her brother, Lucas (Van Hansis) rescue Josslyn (Eden McCoy) from captivity at Wyndemere? These questions may be answered, plus the return of the one and only Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) are on tap!
In the just released General Hospital spoilers video for the week of June 22-26, Lulu tells her mother, Laura (Genie Francis), “Dante and I have to get to Rocco before Cullum!” Meanwhile, Rocco (Finn Carr) looks angered and emotional as Britt walks through their cabin hideout. Does Rocco know his parents are on the way to find them, or has Cullum already tracked them down to the British Virgin Islands?
Back in Port Charles, Carly is informing Lucas that his niece, “is a WSB agent.” She knows Josslyn (Eden McCoy) is being held against her will at Wyndemere, and she has to find a way to get her out. Lucas agrees with Carly’s plan of, “We go in and we don’t leave without Josslyn!” Elsewhere, Josslyn is looking worried for her future as she is stuck in captivity thanks to Cassius, Cullum and Sidwell!

Courtesy/ABC
FINOLA HUGHES RETURNS
The final moments of the teaser promo reveal Anna in a psychiatric clinic in France. We have not seen her for months after Cullum, Sidwell and Pascal fed her hallucinogenics to make her believe her arch nemesis, Cesar Faison was alive!
Now, the doctors walk towards her hospital bed, where we see the super spy calmly knitting. Is Anna back to normal and playing everyone to get out of her predicament, or does she still remain deeply traumatized … or both?
Take a look at the rest of the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Willow gets an unwelcome surprise. Trina sticks to her guns. “Nathan” wants reassurance. Ethan advises Ava. Brook Lynn receives an update.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Dante cautions Liz. Laura learns a secret. Brook Lynn confides in Michael. Sonny challenges Ava. Chase makes a decision.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Anna meets with her doctor. Carly makes a stunning confession. Britt extracts a promise. Cullum pulls a fast one. Gio and Emma hit the pool.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Josslyn clashes with Cassius. Lulu and Dante make a discovery. Chase receives a warning. Jordan seeks help. Alexis is summoned to the PCPD.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Anna takes a huge risk. Britt is in grave danger. Willow is in disbelief. Danny must act fast. Curtis jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Check out the latest General Hospital promo entitled, “Rescue Mission” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think Anna is still mentally off-balance, or OK, and just pretending to be troubled to get out of France and get back to Port Charles? Will Josslyn finally be rescued, or will Carly and Lucas find themselves locked up with her? And, who will get to Britt and Rocco first? Cullum, or Dante and Lulu? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric

With the highly-anticipated returns of Finola Hughes (Anna Devane) on this week’s June 24 episode of General Hospital, Steve Burton’s (Jason Morgan) upcoming return on July 13, which also serves as the ABC daytime drama’s 16,000 episode, things are about to fire on all cylinders in the story, as noted today by series star, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos).
On Father’s Day, the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning actor and mental health activist took to his Instagram and expressed in a video that he has some unbelievable upcoming senes with the aforementioned Burton and Hughes. Add to that Nazneen Contractor (Justine Turner) and Rick Hearst (Ric Lansing), where Benard gave credit where credit is due to the GH writing team, which is led by co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten..
In this video, Benard said, “I just want to get on here and say that I did some work with Steve Burton, Finola Hughes, Rick Hearst, Nazneen Contractor, and they’re all just fantastic. Truly fantastic. But, I want to say the writing was just exceptional. It truly was. It was exceptional. So, thankful for that kind of writing. I know writers don’t get the credit a lot, but I just want to say to the General Hospital writing team, keep rolling!”
GENERAL HOSPITAL PREVIEW
So now the question becomes, with a major tease like that, what is about to go down between Sonny, Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric? Will we finally get to the end of the line for Sidwell (Carlo Rota), as previously teased by the GH co-head writers? Will we learn what happened to Jason and Anna, fully? Will Justine and Sonny becomes closer or stop their liaisons? And what of Ric? Will he be true blue to his brother or double-cross him? There is a lot at stake as we move further into the summer and one that looks like it could be one of the more exciting ones in years!
FINOLA HUGHES CONFIRMED AMAZING SCENES WITH MAURICE BENARD
As a punctuation point to his video, Benard also shared this written message in the post: “I just did some wonderful scenes with Steve Burton, Rick Hearst, Finola Hughes and Nazneen Contractor and and unbelievable writing, freaking amazing scenes that you will see in the near future on General Hospital.” In fact, Finola Hughes jumped in the post comment thread and responded, “I loved our scenes so much xxx”
Fans will most likely see all the scenes Benard referred to later in July, since GH tapes approximately six weeks ahead of air.
So, are you excited to see what Maurice is talking about? Are you hyped for what’s to come on GH? Any clue on what you think will go down between the main characters on the soap with the returns of Anna Devane and Jason Morgan to the mix? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Announces Upcoming Release of His First Single, ‘If You Need Me’

In a surprise move, Daytime Emmy winner, Chad Duell (ex-Michael Corinthos, GH) is getting ready to unveil a new chapter of his career in music.
The former GH star, where he played the son of Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) for 15 years, has announced his new single, “If You Need Me” will drop on Friday, June 26. The single is now available for pre-order on Spotify and major music streaming platforms and is distributed by DistroKid.
Taking to his Instagram story over the weekend, to announce the pre-save of his new single, Chad expressed, “I’ll make a full post about what I’ve been up to and my music once it goes live next week, but you can pre-save my first single so it goes straight to your Spotify once it drops next week.”

Photo: CDuellIG
SINCE LEAVING GENERAL HOSPITAL
Previously, since his departure from the ABC soap opera. Chad starred alongside Zach Mendez in the world premiere of of Yum Yum at Annapolis, a new play written by Bruce Reisman. Duell last appeared on General Hospital on the January 21, 2025 episode.
The part was recast with Rory Gibson who debuted as the new Michael in May of 2025 during the Nurses’ Ball episodes and who has remained in the role since that time.
In an interview earlier this year on The Able Show, Duell said on his decision to exit the soap opera, “I was blessed to be part of that (show) for as long as I have, but what happens sometimes is if you’re doing the same thing, especially in a creative field for such a long time, you can get a little burnt out in a way. It can make you a little depressed, so that’s kind of what happened. On top of that, I had other things going on in my life at the time. My father passed away recently and I just needed a reset. So, I stepped away. A lot of times you have to go through some stuff to really step into that next level. I needed to kind of feel uncomfortable.”
So, what type of musical genre will Chad’s new song be? Country? Pop? Rock? Dance/Club? Something else? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below, and if you are eager to hear the new single next week via the comment section below.
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If Jason Thompson doesn’t win, the thing is rigged…
i agreewith u on that kristin t
totally agree!
Jason Thompson by far! He had a fantastic year!
Hoping for a win for Jason Thompson! His scenes on the day of Robin’s funeral, in fact during the whole storyline from Robin’s “death” on, were absolutely heartbreaking! Jason is long overdue for an Emmy, and I am hoping this will be his year to win it!
All great performances! Rooting for Jason Thompson though!
Doug Davidson all the way! Way overdue with all of his work over the years….go get them Doug!
Jason Thompson!
It’s between Jason Thompson and Doug Davidson!
HUGE fan of Jason Thompson, but WOW was Doug Davidson good. Tough choice!
This has got to go to Doug. Fantastic scenes and the guilt after killing his son.
Jason please!!
Doug Davidson he’s fantastic!!!!
Doug Davidson for sure. Or Michael Muhney
I think Jason Thompson she win he is so good
Jason Thompson gets my vote!
I totally agree with Ann & Derrick: It’s a toss up between Jason Thompson abd Doug Davidson. Both performances just ripped your heart out.
Either Jason or Doug will win.
Doug by far. His work is so much deeper than Jason Thomson, although good, but not the depth that age and wisdom bring with time on the planet
Probably Jason Thompson will take it home and he was very good. Sentimental favorite for me is Doug Davidson he is the nicest funniest man in daytime and he has been doing this for 35 years and I believe he will never carry storyline again under this EP/writers. Good luck DD!
I Love General Hospital. Have watched it since it has been on.
It seems like Jason Thompson – I could really feel his pain. I may be bias though since that’s the show I watch. Next, I thought Doug Davidson. Everyone was very good.
I want Doug Davidson, powerful performance when Paul had to kill his own son.. He just celebrated his 35 years on Y&R and a Emmy win would be icing on the cake.
DOUG DAVIDSON. No question!!
It has to go to Doug Davidson! The other performances were good, but not “outstanding” and isn’t that what they’re awarding? Doug Davidson fits the bill inside and out.
I think this is the only catagory the Emmys got right this year. Any one of these four incredible actors deserve to win, but I think it is clear the only real “winners” here are us daytime fans who get to watch these men every day.
I would love to see Doug Davidson get his long overdue statue, but I couldn’t help but be disappointed by the reel he submitted. While it was great and anyone can see he was acting his ass off, I think there were other scenes that would just have been a clear winner. Jason Thompson’s reel is beautiful, very subtle and haunting. Peter Bergman is very consistant and I think the range he displayed was brilliant. I’m always impressed by Michael Muhney, however, I believe his win will come next year, especially if he submits the scenes from early this year of him going to Victor and offering him the company. If I were a betting woman, I would put my money on Doug or Jason, but you never know with the Emmys.
DOUG DAVIDSON IS MY CHOICE FOR THE AWARD. HIS PERFORMANCE WAS SO TOUCHING AN BELIEVABLE. HE IS REALLY A PRO IN A DIFFICULT ROLE. FINALLY AN INTERESTING CHARACHTER AND STORY.
Jason Thompson should win.
I find it pretty bizarre that 3 actors from Young and the Restless were nominated in this category, but only one actor from another show. Doesn’t seem to be a very fair representation of all the quality work done in daytime last year. Just my opinion.
Such great performances, but Jason Thompson is the Gold Standard this year in this category. His performance is heartbreaking, yet so subtle. If there is any justice in this world, he will finally win this year. He truly deserves it…hands down.
Don’t envy the Emmy voters having to choose between Jason Thompson’s and Doug Davidson’s reels!
Jason Thompson was so beautifully poignant and genuine in his episode but his reel was quite short. IMO Doug Davidson was able to show more range with his story and his reel built to a final emotional ending which left an impact – so I think he might just have the edge here. Hope so – he’s been such a under appreciated performer and so good for so many years it would be nice to see him finally walk home with the gold.
Doug Davidson should win, hands down!
DOUG DAVIDSON, by far! his reel was much deeper than any of the others. subtle, but fully committed. a true outstanding actor in a drama series! he’s the only one that fits the bill inside and out!!!
Doug Davidson for the win. If not Doug, then it should be Jason Thompson (even though I do not watch GH at all). What tipped the scales for me was the last couple of minutes of Doug’s reel. That was when I knew it had to be Doug for the Emmy. And I agree, that this was the one category that the Emmy voters got right this year.
As for the person complaining that Y&R had 3 actors and any other show only had 1…..here’s food for thought: perhaps it is because the actors from Y&R were able to take the crappy writing that was handed to them (all from MAB I think) and they were able to turn it into gold (especially Doug). Y&R has one of the best casts on daytime when it comes to stellar acting, which is why Y&R had the most nominations this year (which I’ll grant you, I was very surprised by that considering how awful the show was before Sony and CBS finally got the balls to can MAB). Granted, some of the casting choices in the past and currently the present leave a lot to be desired, you have to give credit where credit is due, the vets on Y&R are some of the best in the industry!
That is an excellent point. I was someone who was originally put off by other shows’ actors being overlooked, but you are completely right. The material they had to deal with was less than subpar and for these three Y&R actors to bring that awful writing to life in a POSITIVE way is very commendable.
jason thompson all dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Doug Davidson is a talented actor but this year belongs to Mr. Thompson. His portrayal of the broken hearted widower and single dad was understated, heart-felt, and real on every level. The performances goes in the books with all time daytime performances. Judith Light, Tony Geary, Kim Zimmerman, and Erika Slezak make room on the bench. A superstar is born!
3 actors from one soap??? Come on. Seems like Doug should be Supporting not Lead? Jason definitely deserves….from the reels alone!
During that story “Paul” was investigating his son for a prior murder this was the lead up of killing “Ricky”. Doug wasn’t supporting but front & center lead in story….Paul baby…(as I cross my fingers)
That isn’t Y&R fault, that there are three nominees, the actors submit their work, I thought Eric Braeden should have been one of them, but he said he didn’t submit anything.
i watch GH but i gotta say, DD was phenomenal in his reel. older, more nuanced and mature actor. but JT was great, too.
Jason Thompson hands down but I’m caught between him Doug. Man this is tough. Its like last year I thought Becky was gonna win and Nancy ended up winning.
Doug Davidson!!!! Not only did he have much less to work with than any of the other nominees this year, but his performances since day one have been honest, true, and so from the heart you don’t even feel he is acting. That is what makes a true Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series…someone who “acts” with the absence of the “acting”.
My vote goes to Doug Davidson!! I watched all of the reels and his performance was by far the BEST!! Doug is an established actor who truly deserves an Emmy. The other nominations were good but Doug’s was outstanding!!
Doug Davidson or Michael Muhney are the two that have me going the most!
Jason Thompson. This story played out over weeks and JT kept right up with the pain. He didn’t scream, or throw temper tantrums ,he just reached down and brought up the pain. You had to know Kim was dead in these scenes and they were on their way to say goodbye to Robin. great work, DD had been one actor I liked when I watched Y&R,I don’t now. JT should have won last year also.
Doug David is phenomenal! He is multidimensional- the layers of emotion and conflict he displays is stellar…. True human behavior! He should be on Prime Time! Doug Davidson should ABSOLULTELY WIN!!!!
Its toss up between Doug Davidson and Jason Thompson. The spoiler is Michael Muhney.