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 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.
Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
It’s been over two-years since his last appearance on General Hospital, now fan favorite Kin Shriner (Scott Baldwin) has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the casting of his grown-up TV daughter, Serena Baldwin now played by Kelly Kruger.
Kelly took over the role of Serena on-screen starting with the July 30, 2026 episode and has been ensconced in the storyline with her mother, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), in trying to win back full creative control of Deception for her.
In fact on the Monday, October 19 episode of the ABC soap opera, Serena tried to dupe Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) into signing over Michael’s (Rory Gibson) shares of the company. Jason caught on and wondered why she was doing this. She claimed she just wanted to help her mom gain creative control from Tracy (Jane Elliot) rather than full ownership, and begged Jason to keep quiet about it, which he agreed to for now.
Courtesy/ABC
WHERE IS SCOTT?
On Monday, Shriner also took to X and said, “I think Kelly Kruger is doing a great job on General Hospital, and she and Lynn Herring work well together.” That was followed by comments in his thread about the show needing to bring back Scott too.
In fact, back on August 25, Shriner also took to X with a reminder that Scott is still around and ready to come back to Port Charles, sharing, “Scotty Baldwin always fits in he just needs the right sport coat !!!!”
The last time Serena mentioned her father Scott was when Kruger made her debut and informed Lucy that her father was, “living his best life in Key West.” Meanwhile, Shriner posts on his X account continually and shared back on August 2, that it has been 49 years since he made his on-screen debut as then teenaged, Scotty Baldwin and thanked the fans for al the love and support.
So, now let us know, are you enjoying Kelly Kruger as Serena Baldwin? Do you want to see GH bring back Scott Baldwin into the story, so Serena has both her parents in Port Charles? Do you like the potential of Jason and Serena pairing? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’
Susan Flannery and Ian Buchanan Visit the Set of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’; Daytime Emmy Winners Reflect on Show Then and Now
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Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
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‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate
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Mary Elizabeth Winstead Opens About Breaking ‘Passions’ Contract, Claiming the Soap Had a ‘Militant Vibe’
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Beyond the Gates2 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
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Recaps7 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
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Days Of Our Lives4 days agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
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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.