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!
The latest ratings are out for the week of October 26-30, 2026 and the big takeaways include: that CBS daytime’s Beyond the Gates was separated by only 23,000 viewers behind third place (of the soaps) General Hospital! For the last several weeks, Beyond the Gates has been closing the gap on this year’s winner for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series, and continuing to best GH in the key demos.
According to the latest Nielsen ratings breakdown from Soap Opera Network, the final week of October brought Beyond the Gates 1.790 million on average tuning-in and the show set a season high in total viewers. Meanwhile, General Hospital hit a new season low! The long-running ABC soap had 1.813 million for the week, and once again the series did not go over the 2 million mark.
Meanwhile, in the key Women 18-49 demo, Beyond the Gates was firmly ahead of GH with a rating share of 0.21, while General Hospital had 0.17 rating share.Then, in the key Women 25-54 demo, Beyond the Gates was once again ahead of the ABC soap with a ratings share for that demo at 0.30 while GH came in with 0.26.
Photo: CBS
MORE BY THE NUMBERS
In addition and comparatively, Beyond the Gates +22,000 viewers week-to-week, and had the largest gains in viewership year-to-year in daytime TV with +267,000 from this in 2025.. However, General Hospital seems to be going in reverse. The show was down -56,000 viewers week-over-week and down -22,000 year-over-year .
BEYOND THE GATES
Let’s take a look at some of the storylines that had people tuning-in to Beyond the Gates during the ratings week:
Hayley (Marquita Goings) attempted a massive shocker regarding her pregnancy and tried to use it to extract money from Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett). Although, Bill saw right through her game, he demanded a paternity test, and made it clear he has no intention of raising the child—planning instead to pay her off to take the baby and leave. Meanwhile, Hayley confided her plan to her cousin Randy (Maurice P. Kerry).
Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) and Naomi Hamilton (Arielle Prepetit) clashed over Jacob’s ongoing investigation into The Impaler, causing significant strain in their marriage. At the same time, Smitty (Mike Manning) considered taking matters into his own hands—including potentially heading to Mexico for evidence—while Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) worried about what comes next.
Photo: ABC
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Over at General Hospital for the ratings period, the story served up included:
Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) teamed up to investigate what really happened to Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Later, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) leads them to Jack’s dead body.
Jude (Wil Traval) dropped a bombshell claim to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn); that he is Phoebe’s father, while Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) signed their divorce papers.
Then, Danny caught Rocco (Finn Carr) and Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) sharing a kiss, plus the shocking return of Heather Webber (Alley Mills) capped the week.
Now the questions become; without having much promotional synergy in the ABC day-part to draw more eyeballs it is not helping but hurting General Hospital. It seems Beyond the Gates is also a benefactor of a one-two-three punch of CBS soaps (Y&R, B&B and BTG) and promotion.
However, that still doesn’t take away the fact that Beyond the Gates is close to besting GH in all ratings category as they go head-to-head in some markets across the country.
So, are you excited to see Beyond the Gates climb in the ratings? Are you concerned for General Hospital? Do you think they can stave off Beyond the Gates in total viewers or will the upstart soap overtake them in the next ratings report? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Antonio Sabáto Jr., the former Jagger Cates of General Hospital and GH: Night Shift, and the former Dante Damiano of The Bold and the Beautiful has issued his first public statement since the incident involving his son, Jack’s arrest in Alaska for a fatal hit-and-run.
Jack is the son of Sabáto Jr. and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, and according to court documents obtained by KTUU Jack, was allegedly driving a white Chevy Tahoe when he hit and killed Carl Simmonds, 42, near an intersection in Anchorage around 5:35 a.m. on Monday, November 9.
The reports indicated that Jack fled the scene — but later decided to called the cops to say he hit “something” that “suddenly appeared in the road” while he was “doing late-night DoorDashing.”
Photo: NBC
Now, Antonio has taken to his Instagram breaking his silence on the situation, sharing, “At this time, my family and I are navigating an extremely sensitive and deeply personal matter.”
He added, “As a father, my love for my children remains unconditional, and my priority is the well-being of my family. We ask that the public and members of the media honor our privacy during this difficult time and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”
The soap alum concluded, “I also wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who tragically lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well. We sincerely appreciate your compassion, understanding, and respect for the privacy of everyone affected.”
Jack Sabáto was arraigned in court on Tuesday, November 10 with bail set at $5,000, and a no-driving order and the potential of $5,000 penalty fees if he fails to attend future court appearances.
Antonio is the father to Jack, 34, daughter, Mina Sabato, 24 and son, Antonio Sabáto III, 15.
This is a developing story. You can check out Antonio’s official statement below.
So, let us know your thoughts on this tragic hit-and-run, which claimed the life of another man, and Antonio’s statement, via the comment section below.
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Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Ava’s (Maura West) daughter Avery looks quite different, starting on today’s November 9 episode of General Hospital. That’s because GH has made Avery into a full-blown teenager and the role is now being played by actress Alya Bullington.
In her debut, the Tennessee native was thrown into the deep soap waters with Daytime Emmy winners, Maurice Benard and Eden McCoy (Josslyn). Bullington weighed-in to TV Insider about her first scene which featured Avery overhearing a fight between Sonny and Josslyn.
She explained “It was something I have never done before, I did not have a lot of experience with the screaming and the crying stuff, but I got my first script, and I was like, ‘OK, this is a huge opportunity to learn so much about how that stuff works and to become this character that I have never even tried playing before.’”
Photo: ABC
THE TEENAGED VERSION OF AVERY WILL HAVE A LOT TO CONTEND WITH
Speaking of working with McCoy, Bullington shared, “She’s incredible. I remember her just laughing and making jokes on set, and then the minute that they started taping, she just locked in and she cried immediately, and my first thought was, ‘I want to be able to do that.’
The soap opera newcomer added, “I think she just inspired me so much because she is so great and she can just lock into whatever character she wants to in the moment.”
The character of Avery was born back in 2014, but as recently as the October 8 episode of General Hospital, the character was suddenly referred to as a teenager. This is the second young female character in recent months to be aged up following the casting of Kayden Brenna Tokarski as Scout Cain.
As for her take on Avery and what’s ahead, Alya said,“She’s emotional, and she’s curious, and she’s a really fun person to play because so much stuff is happening in her life. I think she’s kind of confused about what’s happening and what to believe.”
So, what do you think about General Hospital making Avery a teenager? Are you excited to see the conflict between Sonny, Ava and Avery now that they have aged up the character? Share your thoughts and welcome Alya to GH via the comment section below.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
RATINGS: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Inches Closer to ‘General Hospital’ in Total Viewers
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
Antonio Sabáto Jr. Breaks Silence on His Son’s Arrest for Fatal Hit-and-Run
DANCING WITH THE STARS: A Shocking Elimination on Grammy Night Leaves Ballroom Silenced
Y&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Kicks Bill to the Curb … for Now
B&B’s Sydney Bullock Weighs In on Future of Dylan and Will: ‘I Think She Can Hold on to Him for Awhile’ (Exclusive)
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Y&R’s Matt Cohen Talks Role as Compassionate Zookeeper in Rom-Com ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Alice Halsey Returns to ‘Days of our Lives’ as Rachel Black – Find Out How Long!
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News2 days agoY&R’s New Head Writers Share Vision for Genoa City: Contemporary Homage to Bill Bell, Mixing Heightened Escapism and Grounded Reality
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Previews3 days agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: Episodes From New Co-Head Writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, Begin to Air
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General Hospital2 days ago‘General Hospital’ Casts Ayla Bullington as the New Avery Jerome-Corinthos
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Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Celebrates 61st Anniversary: EP Ken Corday Teases New Character’s Arrival in Spring 2027
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Days Of Our Lives6 days ago‘Days of our Lives’ Kyle Pryor Debuts as Dominic Marino and Says of Alleged TV Mom, “Deidre Hall is the Absolute OG, Amazing” (Exclusive)
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General Hospital6 days agoGENERAL HOSPITAL: Tracy Leaves Port Charles to Help Dillon; Paving the Way for Jane Elliot’s Temporary Exit
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Interviews1 week agoRoger Howarth Reflects on Daytime Emmy Win, 32-Year Record Gap, and Embracing Matt Clark on ‘The Young and the Restless’ (Exclusive)
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.