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175 January 30th, 2013 General Hospital Leads Soap Opera Revival – An MSN Money Special Report!

Courtesy/ABC

In a twist that none of the network executives probably saw coming, the beloved art form of the daytime soap opera is having a resurgence and staging quite the comeback.

As the doom and gloom spread across the industry, that due to the escalating costs in producing these daily dramas and the lower return in the ratings, the long running series were locked in a conundrum.  If you look at where we were back in 2011, All My Children and One Life to Live were nixed, and General Hospital was in need of resuscitation!

Now in a turnaround, MSN Money reports and spotlights that the Walt Disney company took a gamble in keeping General Hospital and that bet has paid off, and  led the charge of the revival of the soaps!  MSN Money stated,  “Ratings for the show, which turns 50 in April, are on the rise.  General Hospital attracted more than 3 million total viewers during the week ended Dec. 28, the highest total in two years. Viewership among advertisers’ target demographic — women 18 to 34 years old — is up 44% year over year, according to ABC.”

MSN Money also says soap fans believe the reason for GH’s resurgence is:  “The show got a lot better. Under executive producer Frank Valentini, who assumed the job last year, the show has had entertaining story lines and brought back fan favorites from the show’s heyday, such as Rick Springfield (Dr. Noah Drake), Kin Shriner (Scotty Baldwin) and Genie Francis (Laura Spencer). ”

GH showrunner Valentini weighed in on the situation with MSN Money stating: “There were concerns about the future of the show.  We are all aware of how the television viewing market has become increasingly fractured.”

So now with The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, Days of our Lives, GH and soon online the return of One Life to Live and All My Children, if the momentum can keep going, soaps could be sticking around alot longer than anyone would have thought a year ago at this time!

So soapers, what do you think is the top reason for General Hospital’s turnaround?  Let us know your thoughts, and what you think the state of the soap industry is at this point in time?

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175
  1. todd says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:27 am

    Frank and Ron! Every week on GH feels as exciting as the last year of OLTL. The show is so well rounded. Every cast member is on and interacting with a larger/different set of characters. The show is seldom boring, and there is a cliffhanger at least 3 times a week.

    Reply

    caroldee replied January 30th, 2013 at 9:36 am

    Noticing less MOB related and more details on lives of other characters..brought back old favs and focus on hospital things..added some psychic stuff and some (poor judgement Vampire story lines) Writing is much better and despite losing a major player (Burton) the show continues to be interesting. LONG LIVE GH!!

    Reply

    k/kay replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:30 am

    As far as Burton in about 3 months when he has become the air hog on Y&R EB & PB will be calling GH to please take him back. Congrats GH!

    Brian Tripp replied January 30th, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    It was interesting how the mob stuff just slowly went away but Sonny is still front and center and now mixing with the likes of Tracy Q! Love the show in every way and I can’t wait to watch it every day! Great work Cartini!!!!

    Terri replied February 1st, 2013 at 5:14 am

    Hate the Vampire story!!!!!! To far out there.

    Denise Rogers replied February 1st, 2013 at 11:43 am

    I agree

    Bev Pettit replied February 1st, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Miss Jason but love the fact they made Sonny more social and not a mob guy so much. Love Todd and Star, Like Anna and Luke although with Laura coming back I will be torn.

    Mary T.. replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    Just read that Starr..John Mc & Todd will not be taping after Feb..& will not be seen after March..something to do with being banned from the set of GH due to problems with their past shows and contracts… I really hope this is not true..In the beginning I didn’t want to like these stars because I thought they would take over GH..but,,they were written in and I have learned to love all 3 of them…I just love Todd..& his quirkiness..& John is sooooo easy on my eyes, & just love his voice,,& Starr is really good for Michael…

    susan M. replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Triple DITTO!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

    Addy DeWitt replied February 1st, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Brian, Sonny is not front and center anymore. He is now a supporting player and the show is better for it. The over reliance on Jason and Sonny was ruining the show. The reason GH is better is it now an ensemble cast and the writing is far superior. Also, the 3 Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Guza, Farren and Fronz are gone–those three are the grim reapers of daytime drama. It was as if they were trying to destroy GH>

    Nancy replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:17 am

    You are right on about Frank and Ron. They are the best there is and now I am loving every single second of GH. I laugh and cry and love the actors and their stories. All I can say is Ron and Frank have my deepest gratitude for all they do.

    Reply

    Christy replied January 30th, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    so much better than it was before! !!

    also I don’t think the soap genre was dying to fans… we were still watching, but there are so many ways to watch and have it not being counted… using a digital tuner, watching episodes on youtube. If they could track ALL viewers and how much of the old episodes we still watch, well I’m sure the execs would be floored.

    Cable just go too expensive for me – what used to be $19 was about to go up to $50 and I said count me out! Got the digital tuner and it’s been fine…. and FREE! But ABC couldn’t tell I was still watching.

    Ginnifer replied January 30th, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Absolutely!

    Reply

    Donna replied January 31st, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    I have watched GH for at least the last 40 (no kidding) years. After years of watching…or taping (VCR) the show….I now watch GH on SoapNet…only because of the new time change. I am sure when they are counting viewers…I am not inlcuded!

    Lynn Ohler replied January 31st, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    I am so glad to hear that GH is doing so well! I have watched it since the days of Steve Hardy and am so glad it is still around and better than ever! Love the fact that there are old characters back and I LOVE Todd Manning, he is probably my favorite character. I also wish the Chew & Katie would go away and OLTL & AMC would come back to daytime & not online.

    Reply

    Marisa replied January 31st, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    I agree.

    judy replied January 31st, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    i whole heartly agree. they never should of taken ALL MY CHILDREN OR ONE LIVE TO LIVE off in the first place..

    Terri replied February 1st, 2013 at 5:11 am

    I agree, All My Children should of stay and now that they are going thur the internet but only in the states (not fair) (I am in Canada). I have watched it from day one and I still will not be able to watch it. Not fair.

    Julie replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Absolutely right!!!! I don’t know how The Chew even slightly compares to AMC and One Life!! I just want to know who they actually polled for this. There is no way they are getting more viewers for this show than the actual soaps. They need to bring them back to daytime!!

    Lorice replied February 1st, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    I agree totally. But i do miss Jason. I think he will be back since his body was never found.

    Beth replied February 1st, 2013 at 4:46 am

    This just my humble opinion, but I think ABC can concede that the availability of a channel such as “Soapnet” greatly took down their ABC viewing numbers. That, and the ability to go online and watch episodes. The ratings were most likey not far enough down for our shows to be cancelled, t
    loyal fans were watching all along, just not in the way that produced Neilson ratings.

    Reply

    Carol replied February 1st, 2013 at 8:59 am

    I watched AMC and One Life to Live when i was a kid my mom watched them when i got married i stopped watching GH but when they toke off AMC and One Life when i was that
    they had Starr and Todd Manning on GH i stated watching it .
    Can’t wait to watch AMC and One Life i only wish it was on tv and not on line.

    Beth replied February 1st, 2013 at 11:51 am

    Not liking the Vampire story line but love seeing all the old cast returning! I would love to see more James Franco too!

    Reply

    Lisa replied February 1st, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Love GH..Have been watching for 30+ years. Was disappointed when AMC and OLTL were cancelled..can’t wait for them to be on-line…Hope GH is not cancelled. There are lots of people who are home during the day that look forward to these soaps!!!!

    Kat replied February 1st, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    We have been LONG time DOOL fans (I’m talking decades). Tuned in to GH every now and then since the 70′s, Luke and Laura days. Got sick and tired of DOOL a few months ago, switched to GH and haven’t turned the channel back since! We LOVE IT! We look forward to watching (we, as in my husband and I) and are actually SAD when it ends. It is AWESOME seeing old cast mates come back. A big THANK YOU and keep up the GREAT WORK! Muah! xx

    Reply

    Kathy N replied February 2nd, 2013 at 6:22 am

    I have been watching General Hospital for 34 years. It is and always has been the best soap opera on television. I love how they are bringing back so many of the old characters.

    Reply

  2. Dinah says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:29 am

    Also help when don’t pay the actor good money anymore, replace great actor with low paying/bad actor’s to take there place

    Reply

  3. Jeffrey Anderson says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I think it’s made right decision for GH,AMC and OTOL.. too bad,I never chance to see both favorite soaps off the air. I wish ABC put it back it belong,get rid of The Chew and Katie. I feel that ABC should leave it alone long time ago. as far that JD Ross made mistake to never brought it up before they press it on the air. i’m sorry,ppl.. people made biggest mistake in their lives. I feel happy that ABC is not plan to ban or cancel our favorite soap. Cheers for ABC!!

    Reply

    susan M. replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:21 am

    I would like abc to get rid of the revolting show(The Chew) (what a stupid name). And get rid of Katie. One less talk show in the afternoon! Loving GH!!! And soon on
    Hulu OLTL & AMC (HURRAY)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More of Viki & Llanview!! And Pine Valley!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

    Julie replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:21 am

    Ditto Ditto Ditto!!!!! The Chew IS REVOLTING and Katie is just one more talk show. What are they thinking??

  4. ray schichtel says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:35 am

    Frank and Ron are listening to the majority of the fans, the consensus of who we want to see, I.e. the legacy characters. Simply put theyve resurected or resescitated General Hospital.

    Reply

    susan M. replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I agree totally!

    Reply

    pacheco replied February 1st, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    i agree, does anyone out there even watch that stuped show the chew. I dont even go on abc till 1:00 so i dont have to see there faces. gh a hella of a lot better now that its not the jason, sam, carly show or even mob love the story line!!!

    Tonja Walker replied February 3rd, 2013 at 6:04 am

    I’m in complete agreement. Working with Frank had always been a pleasure but at the “end” of OLTL,I was given the opportunity to work with Ron and Frank together. What a historically good team! Not since Michael Malone had I seen scripts with as much movement in them,as well as creativity, passion, fun yet depth of feeling. I’m so happy for GH and hoping that OLTL will soar as it did the last part of last year. Working with Josh Kelly was a dream… I hope I get to have it again!
    Enjoy and thanks everyone for supporting our shows.

    Reply

    ray schichtel replied February 3rd, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Its a pleasure to watch wonderfully gifted actors like you Tonja! Miss you on GH!

  5. jenny says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:46 am

    I can list a dozen reasons why GH has turned around:

    1. Brian Frons the a-hole of ABC Daytime got ousted from his job which was long overdue!

    2. Bob Guza the idiot headwriter who ignored viewers disgruntlement of too much mob and too much violence got canned, another long overdue action that finally transpired.

    3. Jill Farren Phelps-Gone! I only feel bad Y&R is stuck with her now but hopefully they will wise up and not keep her for too long.

    4. The new regime at GH showing respect for the history of GH and bringing it back in a BIG BIG way with past favorite characters, faster moving plots and where mobsters are not glorified as heros anymore (except Sonny).

    5. Less violence and gunfire-sure there is some but it no longer where we have mob shootouts every other week airing.

    6. The HOSPITAL is getting more airtime! HALLEJUAH!

    7. The Quartermaine family, once dwindling away to nothing is now revived and re-building! And we actually are seeing ELQ again!

    8. Yes bringing on some OLTL characters was smart-even smarter though is not letting them take over the show. Interacting them with GH characters in rational dosages is smart. It brings OLTL fans in without alienating GH fans who don’t want their favorite characters sacraficed at the altar of Todd Manning, John McBain and Starr Manning.

    9. Keeping Kimberly McCullough, even if on recurring and when she can tape. Any Robin is better than dead or no Robin at all. Now it just time to bring Robin home to her family. The suspense and twists of Robin held prisoner are wearing out fans patience.

    10. Reviving the Nurses Ball-can’t wait to see it and it promises to be climatic in plot twists as well as great entertainment!

    11. Keeping storylines tighter under wraps instead of leaking out too much information. Guza had a tendency to give away plots way too much and it not only ruined the daily suspense of what was coming next, most times fans hated what Guza was writing and knew to not bother watching. Twists like keeping Ian Buchanan’s return under wraps and who had Robin prisoner were examples of brillantly keeping fans on the edge of their seats and loving the surprises thrown at them that they didn’t see coming!

    12. Last but not least GH has achieved BALANCE. The GH that was tanking in the ratings just over a year ago was too dominated by Sonny and Jason and their women and mob storylines as a whole. Jason is now gone and Sonny is still around but he doesn’t monopolize the show as he once did. Characters that lanquished on the backburner are now getting their share of the airtime pie and new characters as well as old favorties returning are also making GH a more balanced show. The cast might be a bit oversized now but so far the new regime is doing a good job in pleasing all the fanbases with airtime and story for all the GH characters on canvas.

    And that is why GH is back on top-where it belongs!

    Jenny

    Reply

    Rodd replied January 30th, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Excellent thoughts, Jenny!

    Reply

    aria replied January 30th, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    thanks for doing all the hardwork, all i have to say is ditto!

    Reply

    Brian Tripp replied January 30th, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    I agree with you 100%! Great synopsis of what makes GH great. Maybe you should send this to Soap Opera Digest for possible publication as well.

    Reply

    Christy replied January 30th, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    D I T T O Jenny! You go girl! :-D

    Reply

    Lilly replied January 30th, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Yes, I agree. The GH legacy is soo wonderful.. all the stupid mob stuff won’t be missed. I finally will start watching again after ten years.

    1. Ruby’s
    2. The Brownstone
    3. Young love/summer couples in the vein of Frisco and Felicia and Luke/Laura. (Not too edgy but sweet.)
    4. Holly and Robert and the WSB
    5. Noah Drake needs to have a hot romance with someone

    Reply

    Violet replied January 30th, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    What an extremely articulate and well thought out list. Very impressive. I agree! And I love seeing ELQ again. Heck, it hasn’t even been *mentioned* in how long?

    Reply

    MBmomof3 replied January 30th, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Jenny, you are right on all counts. But I will add, and MSN also pointedly stated, THE SOAP FANS had alot to do with the genre’s resurgence. Naysayers can say what they want, but WE all know the fans not giving up has a lot to do with it.

    Reply

    Patrick replied January 30th, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Rock On Jenny!

    Nicely said….. Nice Read.

    Reply

    Dani replied January 30th, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    I totally agree. Very well said. Thanks for pointing out how the Q family has seen a resurgence. I am so happy that there are scenes with Monica, AJ, Michael and Tracy. I just pray that someday Alan will be back to stay.

    Reply

    Sandra replied January 31st, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Enough said Jenny. Totally agree. As an avid fan of AMC and OLTL I use to only watch GH when I saw a commercial for a good story, for example kristina’s domestic violence story but now I can honestly say I will continue to watch GH after OLTL and AMC comes back.

    Reply

    Terry Latschar replied January 31st, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Jenny, I couldn’t have said any of that better (really!)! You are so right about everything! You hit the nail exactly on the head for many, many fans, I’m sure.

    Reply

    Marisa replied January 31st, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Congratulations Ron and Frank!!!! You have restored GH to it’s glory days. Love Ellie with Spinelli. Tracy is rocking again. Loved her with Joe Scully. I hope he turns up on the canvas again.

    Reply

    Julie replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:25 am

    Totally agree Jenny!!!!!!!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. If so many of us could figure this out and agree 100%, why couldn’t the execs do the same?? This is a no-brainer!

    Reply

    Mrs Dds replied February 1st, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    Very well said, Jenny. I couldn’t agree w/ you more.

    Reply

    DOT NEMER replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:16 pm

    Personally i like the idea of the Vampire theme. If it is a good one.

    Have watched the show for many years. Being 78 that gives you a hint. just how long it has been. No i didn’t watch it as a baby.

    Dot

    Reply

    Lora replied February 4th, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    WOW Jenny u nailed it. Word for word.. could not agree more. Thank u

    Reply

  6. chevjuls says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:51 am

    General Hospital is doing way better with Frank and Ron, but if the head would bring back OLTL and AMC and take off the CHEW and KATIE it would be lot better. I am watching GH for over 30 year, love Frank and Ran. long live GH, and welcone OLTL and AMC.

    Reply

    Julie replied February 1st, 2013 at 7:26 am

    Agree Chevjuls!!

    Reply

    Carol replied February 1st, 2013 at 9:10 am

    I think GH is doing better because AMC and OLTL are off if whey would come back to tv i think the ratings mite drop.

  7. heidi says:
    January 30, 2013 at 9:54 am

    It’s a GREAT show… with a fabulous CAST, crew, writers, directors, and producers!!! They have brought past talent back… but have also had some good stories for many! Fans are rallying and don’t want to lose their genre. GH is the best soap with the best cast and characters and a fabulous writing, producing, directing, tech and all other categories of crew or back office. Let’s hope it has 50 more years!

    Reply

  8. Mary Fergen says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:02 am

    The only credit that ABC/D deserves for helping the soap genre is for bringing Frank and Ron to GH. Other than that, that company destroyed the other two wonderful soaps that once enhanced their daytime schedule. I’m very happy about the new life that AMC and OLTL will have online, but make no mistake; ABC/D is still not to be trusted, and they certainly shouldn’t be heralded as any kind of soap savior!

    Reply

    Rodd replied January 30th, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    You’ve got that right, Mary!

    Reply

  9. Cindy says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Frank and Ron are brilliant and they have not only inspired and invigorated the cast, they have done the same with fans. They both deserve awards!!

    Reply

    Rodd replied January 30th, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Absolutely, Cindy!

    Reply

  10. Sal Piscioneri says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:16 am

    The stories are better even the nod to Port Charles ( VAMPIRES), WOULD be NICE to nod ALL soaps that have ended especially Dark Shadows since DS took place near NY. I know I’m dreaming….thanks to FV and RC for helping GH return to its former glory. So many people are noticing how great the show is and people are talking and spreading the word. To bad the Nelsons (rating guru’s) are so antiquated and do not reflect a true number of pople really watching….Gh has a cast of greta actors and some are young and plying up against older actors which may be noticed but we should all understand that the quality of actoring is infectious and you ca see all are doing their best……..I don’t agree with all the poor sarcasm I read but I hope the actors know that they are appreciated for securing GH for us, without all of the cast and crew we would not be able to enjoy what a classy show it is.
    Love and thanks to all….

    Reply

    Sal Piscioneri replied January 30th, 2013 at 10:19 am

    sorry so many spelling era’s above…….

    Reply

  11. Tali Smith says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:24 am

    LMAO that Disney/ABC get all these kudos for the resustation!! The FANS have rallied and let ABC know by boycotting, etc…. that they would not take this lying down. Because Prospect Park could not get up running in time, ABC was the recipient of their bad fortune!! Thus RC/FV coming to GH. So I’d say the never say die FANS and the Producer/Writing Team has made the difference. Prospect Park has lost momentum, producer, writers and some very good actors/actress because of their failure last year!

    Reply

  12. Christine says:
    January 30, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I think what has made GH to a complete 180 is the team of Frank and Ron – for bringing back fan favorites from GH’s past; bringing on a few OLTL characters to get the OLTL viewers who may never have watched GH to begin with; telling compelling stories (not all good, but many much much better than have been in years); and certainly the fact that viewers like myself, who gave up on GH after the last return of Brenda was done terribly, started watching and supporting GH because it was facing cancellation.

    I think there are a lot of us who believe in this genre and were willing to start watching again to support it for as long as it lasted. Honestly, I did not think GH would make this much of a turnaround. I am glad I thought wrong. :-)

    Reply

  13. Vicky says:
    January 30, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Frank and Ron have listened to the fans, and as fans themselves, they have followed their instincts. I never watched GH on a regular basis before they brought on OLTL characters, but have learned to be invested in most all of them, now. It wouldn’t have happened if GH had stayed on its death spiral of All Mob, All The Time. I love the blend of vets and newbies. I love the non-stop acknowledgement of character histories (both OLTL & GH, & now Port Charles).

    And I want to see Todd and John stay on GH, but would like to see crossover stories, if ABC and Prospect Park can learn to play nice with each other for the sake of the fans.

    Reply

  14. kimbercin says:
    January 30, 2013 at 11:34 am

    I think it’s bringing back the favorites as well as bringing the favorites from OLTL ..kinda of like the best of both shows coming together…more intertwining storylines from both shows as well..Todd was a breath of fresh air. Sorry to lose Steve, but his was getting kinda old..

    Reply

    Jackie replied January 30th, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Kimbercin stated she was sorry to see Steve go? Who is she referring to?

    Reply

    Kevin replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:40 am

    Burton (Jason), probably.

    Tali Smith replied February 1st, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Steve Weber – alias Scott Reeves has been let go on GH-the end of February he will be off the screen.

  15. memphisbelle says:
    January 30, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Much to the credit goes to the actors. The storylines are boring with a few exceptions. They have ruined the characters of Sonny, Carly, Michael, Anna and several others. I’m tired of the flashbacks and repetitious “filling in the blanks” for the characters from other shows. The beloved GH characters are almost unrecognizable. The plots are so confusing – Connie’s split personality, the baby surrogate mess, the vampires, AJ – they should have recast Jason instead. New Christina needs to go – bring back old Christina. Shawn just takes up space as does Duke. More Luke and Tracy!

    Reply

  16. Rose says:
    January 30, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    The lack of OLTL and ALM, and moving the characters of John Blair Todd and Starr over helped GH. Upping the ratings. that and the fact there isn’t much out there to watch at 3:00 in the afternoon.

    Reply

    Rose replied January 30th, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    AMC sorry.

    Reply

  17. Mary SF says:
    January 30, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    Nobody’s mention whether they think the earlier time slot has help the show. I think it has because I was one of those people who could not watch it at the old time slot – the new time slot works into daily schedule perfectly- so I started watching and getting hooked. Never saw the old GH so I can’t comment on other aspects, but for me what made the difference was changing the time slot.

    Reply

    Violet replied January 30th, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I think there is a whole group of people for whom the new time does not work. For me, it doesn’t. It’s too early to watch live so I watch at night on the ABC website. It would be easier and take less time to watch on YouTube, but then my viewership does not count to ABC. So I endure the online commercials so ABC knows I’m watching the show. SoapNet was removed from my cable last Fall. I’m still very ticked off about that.

    Reply

    Tammie replied January 31st, 2013 at 10:26 am

    I hate the new time slot!

    CTwildheart replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    The new time slot had nothing to do with it. Many DVR or tape the shows to watch when they want. Others would watch it on Hulu, YouTube or ABC.com.

    Reply

    Mary SF replied January 31st, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Yes- I know all that, but I was thinking more in terms of attracting new viewers. People who always watched GH and want to continue can and do use all those wonderful ways to keep up, you mentioned. But there were people like myself who would have never bother doing that because we never watch GH before. I was able to tune it in because I was available to watch live at the new time slot- so that was what my comment was referring to, that perhaps changing the time slot, GH got some new viewers out of it.

    CTwildheart replied February 1st, 2013 at 6:51 am

    I think you may be right about some of those OLTL viewers also. They were used to tuning at 2pm already.

  18. Phil says:
    January 30, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    As a former GL fan, it was hard for me to tune into GH, but when OLTL ended I decided to try it. GH became as exciting as OLTL in the end and I have to say I am so glad I tuned in. I know OLTL fans will hate me for saying it but I am actually enjoying GH more than OLTL! The show is so good right now except the girl that plays Kristina! I think soaps should ask people like Brian Frons and Barbara Bloom “how do you like them apples?” As for ratings it is great they are up, but they are so inaccurate. They should look more like this:
    1. General Hospital
    2. Days of our Lives
    3. Young and the Restless
    4. Bold and the Beautiful

    Reply

    jeancyrus replied January 31st, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    now they have jasn on young and restless

    Reply

    Phil replied January 31st, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Not enough to get me to tune in! I could care less about Steve Burton….sub par actor IMO. I haven’t even missed Jason. I just missed Kelly Monaco having a storyline. She is HOT and a decent actress. So glad she has something going again. Carly also has gained more without Jason. The show is simply the best on television period! Daytime or Primetime!

  19. Bill Wilson says:
    January 30, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    No one (I think) has mentioned the pacing! GH MOVES much better than other daytime dramas. DAYS will spend several minutes in a diner or coffee shop, while GH shoots scenes that seem to range between twenty-five to ninety-seconds tops, occasionally even shooting back and forth between two locales and sets of characters. The brisk pacing has revitalized the storytelling.

    Reply

  20. MBmomof3 says:
    January 30, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I have noticed the past couple of months or so that the MSN homepage regularly features links and stories about the latest soap news and casting coups. I always click on them so they know their readers are interested in the genre. Keep it coming MSN!

    Reply

  21. Jackie says:
    January 30, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    The new writers are bringing back some of the fan favorites as well as everyone having a storyline instead of just a few. Example being: Tracy Quartermaine, Monica Quartermaine, giving Kristine a storyline for a change, showing more Alexis on the set as well as Diane Miller. Now let’s Milo and Max back, along with Tiffany and Sean…we will all be in heaven.

    Reply

    S Bowers replied January 31st, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I agree it is nicer with more characters getting a storyline. I also like that alot of the favorites from many years ago are making appearances and getting new stories for some of them. I like the Diane and Alexis storylines showing them to be successful women. Keep up the good work but please not so much vampire stuff it is a bit creepy! Connie needs to get a conscience and give the Book credits back to the original writer the young girl, Alexis’ daughter.

    Reply

  22. Cheryl says:
    January 30, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    Well I’m not detracting from what Frank and Ron have accomplished, because the show is MILES better than just a year ago, but it baffles me that ABC and other “business” minded individuals are surprised by this resurgence. Fans have been complaining, writing, emailing, phoning and overall voicing their concerns for a decade now, and finally someone is listening. The mob is dialled back, the core characters and legacy characters are in storyline and not just backburnered. The Quartermaines have life once again. All the reasons the show is currently successful have already been mentioned, but my point:

    I saw this coming and so did thousands of others.

    It just took too long for the brass to listen.

    Reply

  23. Hummingbird says:
    January 30, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    ABC can talk a GOOD game, but I learned my lesson after the network cancelled my beloved OLTL. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, same on you.

    Reply

  24. Dani says:
    January 30, 2013 at 7:01 pm

    I think the new writers have been great, but most of all they honor the outstanding and treasured characters of the past. Bringing back fan favorites and mature actors has brought back long-time fans and mature/loyal viewers.

    Reply

  25. jina says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:26 am

    c’mon! we all know the reason for gh comeback is because of the cancellation of one life to live!!! the fact that oltl characters came to the show, kept gh living! I am one of those people who never watched gh but was watching only amc and oltl.. but since the oltl was cancelled i switch to gh just to see todd, starr and john!
    It has nothing to do about the old characters that came back! When people stopped watching a show, they will not miracle come back because of an actor or because the story line got better. These shows, you have to grow up with them. I would have not watched gh if it wasnt for me fallowing the story i’ve been watching for years…

    Reply

    CTwildheart replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    I hate to burst your bubble…but you are incorrect. I myself have friends who had turned off GH years ago and at my suggestion, they gave it another try this past year. They all loved the returning characters…one wouldn’t even consider watching until I told her Anna Devane and Duke Lavery were back.
    I do agree that the OLTL characters helped win over people like you.

    Reply

  26. lizzing says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:38 am

    Love Love Love GH great job but can’t you get kimberly mccullough to come back please let her direct some episode as many as she wants .We need Robin

    Reply

  27. Kris says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:23 am

    The reason GH is doing so well is that it’s gathered all the forner AMC and OLTL fans, myself included. I love the fact that characters from Llanview (OLTL) are now regulars on GH and there are lots of references to places, past events and people from that show.

    I really hope the revivals on line do well enough to return the soaps to the networks because really? If the major networks air one more lame reality show or panel of talking heads telling me how to live me life, I may just unplug my television all together!

    Reply

    Debbie replied February 1st, 2013 at 2:51 pm

    I just hope when AMC and OLTL come back online that they aren’t on at the same time as GH. Has anyone heard anything about a time slot?

    I also think they are bringing back a lot of the older cast members is because they are coming up on the 50th Anniversary in April.

    Reply

  28. jim says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:49 am

    I feel gh vampire story is an inside joke about how the previous producers and writers sucked all the blood out of GH and almost killed it, and now with the tranfusion of new blood behind the scene, GH has been revived and can live again.

    Reply

    CTwildheart replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Good one!

    Reply

    jim replied January 31st, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    thanks

  29. tammy peterson says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:50 am

    I agree glad mob stuff has ended even though I want jason back, Im in my 40s and I can remember missing so much school just to be able to watch gh when it had stories like the police commish kidnapping robyn noone saw that comming it was so saspensful , the catacone stories, fazana, Ice princess and all the love stories and lets not forget the grant story with the cage. Thank god the nurses ball is back please keep it. It is so nice to see theese actors doing something outside of their everyday characters it makes us relate to them more. Loved when they did carryokee at jakes bring that back and girls night out. Please keep showing actors like coleman and sonnys body gaurds give them some stories I know their not front line actors but they would be missed if they were gone theyre like apefany you expect to see her even if its in the background or for a quick line when you show the hospital scenes shes the new age amy lol. Finally I just want to say we have not stopped watching soaps we miss oltl and amc we just get so buzy in our day to day lives we can no longer watch them live. Thank god for dvr service. So please figure out a way to change how the ratings go so no more of our soaps are cancelled, We need our fantasy soaps to make are lives better that is all night time tv is too relality tv has run its corse you can tell with the revise of dallas and sitcomes like tim allans and I heard boy meets world is coming back we need tv that releates to our lives and we dvr night tv as well and they stay on the air I dont think I watch anything live anymore its easier to get rid of commercails so dont give up on us we need our famous luke and laura love stories are lives wouldnt be the same without them. Sorry about my horrable spelling.
    soap fan forever

    Reply

  30. Tammie says:
    January 31, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Please get rid of the stupid vampre crap. It’s ruining the show.

    Reply

    anna replied January 31st, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I agree get rid of the vampires

    Reply

    jeancyrus replied January 31st, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    yes it is and its stupid

    CTwildheart replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    I disagree. I don’t think it will be a big story line anyway.

    Reply

    Kiki replied February 1st, 2013 at 5:44 am

    I agree – the vampire story line is ruining all the good things about the show.

    Reply

    susan M. replied February 1st, 2013 at 8:49 am

    I wish they would stop the vampire story line! I really don’t like it ! It is putting a damper on GH. All the other story lines are great , but not this one particular story line. It has to go. I find it silly & dumb…

  31. anna says:
    January 31, 2013 at 11:30 am

    I would like to see robin come back when they have the nurses ball as a tottal surprise to all.

    Reply

  32. Delphine says:
    January 31, 2013 at 11:31 am

    GH has been rockin’ it since Frank and Ron have come aboard. Most of the actors are very good, but they desperately needed good writing and faster paced story lines. Frank and Ron delivered. I’m a little concerned about this vampire storyline. I’m not keen on vampire sagas. I sure hope it doesn’t take over the show and/or cause me to tune out.

    Reply

  33. Kiki says:
    January 31, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    The story-lines are moving now. They also benefited from the additions of Roger Howarth & Michael Easton, along with bringing back favorites from the glory days of soaps. WTG General Hospital. They brought me back after a 20+ year absence from GH.

    Reply

  34. jeancyrus says:
    January 31, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    i think its stupid to bring the vampire into general hospital we already watched this old stuff already

    Reply

  35. Lori Blank says:
    January 31, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    II love GH .I will continue to watch GH as long as it’s on the air.

    Reply

  36. jim says:
    January 31, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    The vampires story doesnt have to mean real bloodsuckers are in PC, and im sure there will be a reasonable explanation for it. After all there was the freezing of PC and an alien visited Robin when she was little. Maybe Robin will get another visit by the alien and he’ll rescue her. Just joking.

    Reply

    jim replied January 31st, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    The real vampires that once drained the blood out of gh and nearly killed it, have flown over to another soap and a tranfusion of new blood have arrived in PC that have revived it and now PC can live again. It does have more bite. lol

    Reply

  37. S Bowers says:
    January 31, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    GH has always been good but new storylines and some new people being added helped. Mr Carlavati and Mr Valentini have done a great job. Bringing back some of the fans favorites has helped greatly too. All of the vampire stuff from PC is a bit strange. Nice to see some of the people from it but don’t like the vampire stuff!

    Reply

  38. Lisa says:
    January 31, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    I do think the merger has benefited GH’s ratings but it had become The Jasam Show, even Steve Burton admitted he was on too much. They had story lines that were critically panned, low ratings in general even on their WEDDING and were pathetically propped by everyone. Not to mention they took up the most airtime. They were so bad, and pathetic just a cancerous tumor, or manure on the side the road deteriorating a 50 year show that I’ve watched since childhood. Now they are never on and guess what ratings are great. The couple who took the most airtime, no Emmy nominations are not on AT ALL and numbers are better even in relation to the other shows. I don’t hate them but anyone with a brain bigger than a peanut cannot ignore this huge factor of weakness being eliminated as one of the sources of success.

    Reply

  39. Misty Lee says:
    January 31, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    I have enjoyed this show for many years Do wish jason would return ., I agree with dumping the vampire thing

    Reply

  40. JustSaying says:
    January 31, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    First off, Brian Frons and Bob Guza needed to go. Especially Frons since he is the one that cancelled AMC and OLTL.

    Secondly, the opening sequence needed to be changed. This sequence is REMARKABLY better than the previous one.

    Third, I will say that bringing OLTL characters wasn’t as bad as I thought. And in the long run, it may have helped resuscitate OLTL for its web series debut.

    Lastly, the stories are better. It’s not just better management and show-runners, but the stories as well. It just goes to show that there was always an interest in soaps. It just needed to be taken better care of – not replaced.

    Reply

  41. Stan says:
    January 31, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    I think the OLTL viewers are what’s caused the turnaround. GH gained several OLTL characters and writers. Of course the media would never get the fans credit.

    Reply

  42. Ellen Ray says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    I have watched GH for over 40 years & I love that they are bringing some of my favorites back…such as Genie Francis. I also like that they are tying in some of the past stories from Port Charles in with GH. GH has always been my favorite soap & it is better now than it has been in a long time !!!!

    Reply

  43. Mary Miller says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    I,m a Greatgrandma now and have watched Gh since ,I was in elementrary school I came home from school and my Mother always was a faithful watcher. Love GH no one enteruputs me when its on,I won,t even answer my Phone I let my aswering machine get the call HA!HA! Don,t want to miss an epsoide.Love the story lines and yes,I get mad at times But I think the show is the best soap. Just like Family to me!!! Love GH!!!!!

    Reply

  44. Tab says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I have been watching GH (at least 30 yrs.) since I was a little girl, it was always my favorite soap. Sadly, it had gotten sooo boring that I was watching maybe twice a mth. but now I can’t wait to watch every single episode…it’s wonderful. Thank you for bringing back so many of the past characters…I love it!! I’m so excited about the Nurse’s Ball being brought back. I hope it becomes a yearly event again.

    Reply

  45. David says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Ratings for GH are up because OLTL and AMC were cancelled. Also GH acquired a handful of characters from OLTL. Thus, the fans who watched OLTL are now watching GH because OLTL is gone. The true test for GH will be whether or not they keep their same ratings after OLTL and AMC are broadcasting online.

    Reply

  46. Terry Latschar says:
    January 31, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    I’m thrilled to hear the soaps are growing again! I have watched GH since 1969. I do think the interesting story lines are helping tremendously. There seems to be better continuity and historical accuracy too, which helps the viewers feel a stronger link to the stories. Bringing back former characters is great. And I am VERY glad to see the deaths slowing down this year. It was getting depressing. Way to go, GH!! Your fans will never leave and I’m thrilled to hear about all the new ones!

    Reply

  47. masval says:
    January 31, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    Love the action and the fast turnaround of the story. Keep them coming. I love that a few of OLTL favorites came over to GH. I can’t wait for the nurses ball and to see Sabrina in a beautiful gown and watch Dr. Drake fall for her. Although I want Robin to come back and Robert. I can’t wait to watch it every day. The story lines move quickly and keeps me wanting more. I love Tod and Carly together. I want AJ to succeed.

    Reply

  48. Joanna Leffler says:
    January 31, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I have Been A General Hospital fan for as long as I can remember I love that your bring back a lot of the old people back and the story lines are better then ever

    Reply

  49. Leslie says:
    January 31, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    I am So Happy GH is sticking around I am a long time fan my daughters middle name is Alexis lol But GH has been disappointing to me lately , the show is all about the newest charachters and all our characters are running around out of they’re minds they are not our beloved characters…..I guess that would be life after Steve Burton as Jason. And where is Robin? and vampires in the same town as Gangsters ? I think they have really messed it up and they need to give Steve his days off so Jason can come back.

    Reply

  50. Bonni Katona says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    I’ve been a GH watcher since 1980, but the show had been losing appeal for a long time with a lot of new characters and weak (sometimes forgotten) story lines. Ron Carlivati and Frank Valentini have breathed new life into General Hospital with good story lines, excellent writing, and returning so many of our favorite actors/characters from the 1980s & 1990s when GH was at its best. I’m loving the show again! They even found ways to bridge the gaps between OLTL and the former Port Charles shows to explain some of the overlapping characters. I can’t wait to tune in every day!

    Reply

  51. Pam DeVaul says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    I think the fact that a lot of us “Baby-boomers” are now reaching retirement age and the opportunity to do so and like myself when in school I would hurry home to watch General Hospital after school was out and now that I am retired I have resumed watching this soap and I feel many others have also done so.
    I do not think the “vampire” story line will be popular – hopefully it is short-lived.
    Also I amnot so sure changing the time from 3pm to 2pm was a wise decision either especially since Rikki Lake did not last (wehich I knew would be the case when it was done and now replaced with Maury! Please) I feel putting it back to it’s original time slot would be a smart decision since it was that time for many many years…….

    Reply

  52. Amelia Snellgrove says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    The reason why GH has turned around. Well, to be honest I have never, ever stopped being a soap opera fan. GH caught my eyes years ago when my then 2 year old son decided he no longer liked the beach. So, I stayed at the beach house with him and he napped and I fell in love with GH. My reasons are writing are this. Whoever decided that soaps were dead do not understand the soap opera viewer. Because I have been a viewer since my sweet Grandmother introduced me to Days of Our LIves and Y and R and I have never stopped. Never will. They are dear to me. I DVR GH and Y&R ever day and watch when I can usually on the weekends. The true soap opera fans will never leave. Never. GH is a terrific show which I enjoy so much. I only hope that all of our beloved soaps continue. Because they provide a great enjoyment for me and many others.

    Reply

  53. deb f says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    i love gh have been watching for 30 yrs plus,i was really ticked off that jason left and now really p/o at him that he went to y&r oh well got over it who cares about him now ,but good thought maybe bring diff jason back love the character. it was great seeing old characters keep up the good work .i think people r watching more because there isnt much on tv

    Reply

  54. Million Dollar Lady says:
    January 31, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    Well I have been watching GH since I was about 10 and now am 46. I enjoy the watching the drama that expires each week but the vampire stuff is way out there. Just as the show was getting good with Robin and Patrick you killed her off and rumor was she was coming back when. Next Mchael found a true love with Abby and you killed her off. Now Jason and Sam finally unite as a family with their son and now he is missing is there is no happiness bring Jason back he made the show. Some off the new characters from the other soaps do not fit the GH roles.

    Reply

    T B replied February 1st, 2013 at 6:50 am

    I agree, I want jason and Robin back!!

    Reply

  55. Candy says:
    February 1, 2013 at 12:07 am

    Because you nixed One Life to Live and All My Children leaving only one soap. This is my favorite pastime my whole life. Replaced by cooking shows ugghhh and others that have failed.

    Reply

  56. debbie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 12:37 am

    I think it’s crap that they are messing with all the shows. Not everyone likes all this reality shows they are putting on t.v . I hate what they are doing and I’m sure I’m not the only one. I’ve watched all my children and general hospital since I was a kid. I use to love t.v not to much anymore.

    Reply

  57. Paula says:
    February 1, 2013 at 3:57 am

    Your show has definitely captured my interest for many years. I place GH in my daily schedule as I know many viewers do. Congratulations on a number one show and I wish you many more Emmys to come! The very best to all of you!

    Reply

  58. cindy says:
    February 1, 2013 at 4:54 am

    GH is the best soap aeound

    Reply

  59. Connie S says:
    February 1, 2013 at 6:50 am

    I have been watching GH since 1967 when I was on maternity leave and became a fan and still a fan. I use to VCR it and the last few years I DVR. I really miss Robin & Jason characters, PLEASE bring them back. I enjoy seeing the past fan favorites keep up the good work….

    Reply

  60. Patricia Dudleson says:
    February 1, 2013 at 7:08 am

    I have watched GH for 38 years & I still am as much in LOVE with GH as I was the day I started watching it!! I’am really sad that they took Jason off though. I could not believe that after all the trouble Jason & Sam went through to stay together & finally have their son back he left the show! What’s up with that??? I also LOVE that the writers are bringing back some of the old actors!!! WTG!!! I Love that you have started bringing other actors over from OLTL! LOVE LOVE LOVE Todd Manning & Starr!!! Hope to see more of the characters from OLTL come to GH that would be awesome as I watched AMC & OLTL as much as I did GH! Can’t wait to see Laura back she & Luke were two of my favorite couples back in the day! oh also love the story line between Patrick & Sabrina hope they get together if Robin is not going to return!!! Oh one last thing, lol. I love the story of Caleb & the rest of the vampire characters coming back not sure where it is going but can’t wait to find out! WTG :)

    Reply

  61. Colleen Ewart says:
    February 1, 2013 at 7:30 am

    Have been watching GH for over 25 years with all of it’s ups and downs and am so glad it has weathered the storm. I watch on my ipad so I don’t know if that is counted as a viewer, but i”m there everyday watching! I’m sad that Steve Burton is gone, mob or no mob he is one of my favorites! And I as well am enjoying the resurgence of the Q’s! I think a well rounded show with a little of everything ie: hot romance, cut throat business (ELQ), edge of your seat hospital stuff, and dare I say it Mob and or Spy story lines are the way to go. As long as you don’t get stuck in any one genre! Rock on GH, from a forever fan.

    Reply

  62. Jayne Peterson says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:43 am

    I have been watching GH for more than 40 years. My mom was a big fan of OLTL and GH so she got me hooked. I was also a big fan of AMC. I watched AMC from the day it started. I was devastated when they went off the air. Although I didn’t sit for the 3 hours to watch them I taped them and watched them at my convenience. I loved the soaps because they were very entertaining, not like all the reality crap they have on now. The actors work very hard and are good at what they do. I love all the characters. You become attached to them and can’t wait to see what happens next. I hope GH stays for a long long time. I can’t wait for the others to go online, I will be watching them again too

    Reply

    pierina dirisio replied February 2nd, 2013 at 10:13 am

    i totally agree with you thats my relaxation time my time i look forward every day for the shows to come on. i look forward every day for whats going to happen it is part of my life i’m lost since oltl. and amc went off the air thank god for G.H. i rush home from work every day to watch it so please keep it on there are so many people that watch it i would like to see the other 2 come back to. i have been a loyal fan of all 3 for over 40 years so dont tell me about ratings soaps forever. a dedicated FAN.

    Reply

  63. marjorie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 10:29 am

    I have been watching GH for about 35 years. I too have stopped watching as much over the last few years. For me, what is drawing me back to tuning in are the old favorites returning ( Robert Scorpio, Anna Devane, Lucy and the Doc, and now Frisco) . Now that is very exciting! Loved them all.

    Reply

  64. ISABELLE says:
    February 1, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I have been a fan of GH for over 15 years and I actually don’t see GH getting any better. Yes it’s nice to have a better view of multiple characters as we didn’t get to see as much when Jason & Sonny were the top storylines but I find they have too many pple now, too many stories going at once and i’s going to get lost in the mix. Todd Manning was one of the best additions to the show. I was happy they took John McBain, the police dept was in need of a revamp. VAMP however we did not need. Bringing back PORT CHALRES ( a show that got canceld long ago … ) big fail !!! Too many old times coming back that I fear will get lost. Heather needs to stop coming back and I’m stll waiting to see where they’re headed with Duke. Great comeback for A.J. Love Tracy, she def. should be the one to keep ELQ / QUARTERMAINS alive. They need to focus on bringing back Q’s which has been THE FAMILY OF THE SHOW. I miss the days when we used to have an actual BIG BANG ANNUAL STORY like the PC Fire and the Hostage Crisis … keepin’ the love and hoping the next year will prove more positive than expected !!!

    Reply

  65. Denise Rogers says:
    February 1, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Return of the characters from the past 2 or 3 decades. although I miss Jason tremendously, I feel that he just be return as well, I even will accept him being recast. No, I don’t believe that he is dead so you guys have to do something about his character. Great job in bring back all my favorites, especially Genie Frances and the character who plays Frisco. I am truely excited about this resurrection.

    Reply

    Denise Rogers replied February 1st, 2013 at 11:38 am

    I would like to add also that I as well watched GH since it’s beginning when I was a little girl I use to come home from grade K and my mom and I use to sit and watch this long running soap. I am now 57 y.o. and still enjoy this phenomenal soap and was equally devastated when OLTL and AML were cancelled. So glad all my favorites are back up and running again.

    Reply

    Ruth replied February 1st, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    I cant wait to see Frisco to come back too and see how Maxie will react after he left her and her sister when they were little.

    Reply

  66. Pauline Herman says:
    February 1, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    I have watched General Hospital for 35 years, I am a die hard dedicated watcher!! I love this show, I PVR it everyday and watch it after supper. I love the fact that many “old timers” are coming back lately and love Genie Francis, am excited to see her come back. The mix of OLTL and GH actors is great, I for one love it, keep up the good work. PS – Bring Robin back to Patrick!!

    Reply

  67. Wilhelmina Miller says:
    February 1, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    I am 71 years old and have been watching Genaral Hospital since it first came on and it was also my moms favorite.
    I also watched All my Children , One life to live,Dark Shadows remember that one?
    I don’t like reatily shows give me my soaps.

    Reply

  68. Belinda says:
    February 1, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    I love GH ,but am not crazy about the vampire thing. Soaps have been on the air waves my whole life. I watch GH and days. I had to choose between all my children and days years ago when they started soaps being one hour instead of 30 mins. Days won out. I also loved one life to live and was so mad when they took it off air.I am so sick of reality shows and talk shows,and stupid cook shows. Sometimes I think the networks think we will watch anything. I’ve got so when my soaps go off I turn my t.v. off and read a book, go do errands,house work or to the ymca to work out. I can still remember when they took passions off regular t.v., in order to keep watching you had to switch from cable to direct t.v.. I noticed it didn’t last long after that. The stupid things that the networks think they can get us to do is just amazing. They need to know that we are not their puppets.I just want my soaps and they can leave the rest of their junk in the trash where it belongs.

    Reply

  69. tami says:
    February 1, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    i think the storylines seem to be moving faster. people get bored with slow moving storylines. . the problem with the old soaps is they drug things out forever and repeated so many storlines that you knew who did what before the end of the first episode. GH seems to move things along that need to be moving along (although i want the storyline of the vampires over with but it does seem to be moving in that direction)

    Reply

  70. Katy says:
    February 1, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Don’t think I ever heard of anyone getting pregnant the same day you miscarry. STUPID

    Reply

  71. Pattie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    I have been watching soaps since 1968! Primarily GH and OLTL! I also watch Days! I DVR them as I work! I was very disappointed when OLTL went off…as it was getting better than it had in yrs.! GH has gotten soo much better in the last year. Was very happy to see 2 of my favs from OLTL …Roger Howarth and Michael Easton come on! I also love all the old characters coming back! I used to watch Port Charles,too…soo loving this right now! :) Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  72. Pattie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    There have been signs from when Sam met John that they knew each other before! They kept saying they felt like they knew each other….prob all leading up to this story line! Can’t wait to see how this is explained! :)

    Reply

  73. Ruth says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    GH is better then ever – I have watched GH since I was a young and I love it then and now and like it when you bring the old characters back like Laura Spencer, Anna Devane, Robert Scorpio, Holly Scorpio, Heather Weber etc. They were good back then and still are. Just keep up the good work and bring back Jason

    Reply

  74. Tanya says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    Love the show but please no more vampires.

    Reply

    Linda Hafer replied February 2nd, 2013 at 7:50 am

    I agree….the vampires story is so old and been done before. That story line has killed other soaps before….don’t do it long on GH!!

    Reply

  75. Laurie says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I hope they can work out the “Todd/Star/McBain” thing because Todd is the best thing to happen to GH since Luke! Whoever writes for Todd…….You rock! I also love that a story doesn’t drag on forever. That’s when you lose people. I am looking forward to Genie’s return and hope she has her confidence back. Keep it up GH :-)

    Reply

  76. Jill says:
    February 1, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    I used to love GH, but switched to OLTL about 20 years ago. I miss it, the characters & the actors. An earlier post said something about John McB and Starr?? Somebody tell me please that John is helping Starr w/something…….no romance there hopefully.

    Reply

  77. Beverly says:
    February 1, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    Maybe just the fact that ABC had nixed AMC & OLTL made them even more loyal to GH and wanted to help keep the ratings up. I know I have always been loyal to all of the ABC soaps and will continue to be.

    Reply

  78. Christine Bock says:
    February 1, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    GH is surviving because the rest of us lost soaps we love and GH took some of those characters and gave them a second life. We stood behind ABC and GH to help save the last soap left to us. When the appearance of those characters end, GH will lose viewers again. If we lose the connections we had to the OLTL and AMC characters, we have nothing left to lose because it will be a given that GH will follow, despite the money generated right now.

    Reply

  79. Abbey Aznar says:
    February 1, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    General Hospital is great because of: 1. The terrific actors 2. The fantastic story lines 3. Bringing back old friends 4. Time change luckily didn’t have a bad effect.

    Been a fan for many years (before Luke and Laura married) and will continue to be a fan.

    Reply

  80. Kathy Krawetz says:
    February 2, 2013 at 1:03 am

    Ive been watching General Hospital since the late 70s Awsome show It would be great if Sabrina and Patrick get together. And I think it would be cool if Damion Sp. finds out Maxie is carrying their baby if they got together. After watching todays episode I thought it was cool that Britt got what she deserves Hopfully bye bye Britt and unfortunatley Jason is not comming back he is on the soap Young and the Restless.

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  81. Denise says:
    February 2, 2013 at 2:01 am

    I absolutely love GH as so many other people in Australia do but they keep taking it off air saying that its not popular and that is crap Isnt there any way we can view GH over here I have been watching this show on and off since 1969 when the powers that be allow Please Help….love the show especially the Sonny Brenda saga

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  82. Louise Davis says:
    February 2, 2013 at 2:10 am

    I started watching General Hospital AGAIN after like 30 years!! Mainly because I was big into One Life To LIve, and I knew some of the cast were going to GH. However, it is nice to see “old ones” returning, and I am into General Hospital more and more. I just hope that “Brit” gets what she deserves, she is a bitch!!! I hope Sabrina and Dr. Drake end up together if they are not bringing Robin back.

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  83. noweta says:
    February 2, 2013 at 5:38 am

    love GH, it has long been my favorite, i am 71 yrs and i have watched it from the start, missed it once in a while when i worked, before recording things came alone, the thought of it leaving breaks my heart, hate the vampire stuff too, the story line is boring. please don’t let it last too long

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  84. Kimberly Shoemaker says:
    February 2, 2013 at 6:00 am

    We need to get on with the Robin story please enough is enough, and the vampire story has got to go unless 1 of the vampires is going to tkae out Dr. Brit LOL

    Reply

  85. Rachelle Nirchi says:
    February 2, 2013 at 7:40 am

    Great writing. The shows have been entertaining. Between Heather, Lucy and Todd, I just do not know which one is more funny.

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  86. Linda Hafer says:
    February 2, 2013 at 7:48 am

    I have watched all of ABC’s soaps for over 40 years and was so angry when 2 of them were cancelled. Now there’s word that they may return to online viewing….Good but not so good. I’d have to hook up a second computer just to watch them while I’m working on my mail one?? I’d prefer them back on the TV but that’s progress?????

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  87. kelly says:
    February 2, 2013 at 7:58 am

    The biggest change I see is the show is MUCH faster paced, even edgier story lines and a total revamp of the theme song (telling viewers this is not the same General Hospital)

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  88. Linda says:
    February 2, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I was worried when Steve Burton left that viewers would leave also. But the show is actually better. No fault of Burton’s – they just relied too heavily on mob storylines when he was there. The writing is excellent now! Only thing I don’t care for is the vampire story. I watched Port Charles when it was on and liked it, but it doesn’t mix well with GH. I hope that storyline is coming to an end soon. Otherwise, the characters and writing are great! Long live GH!!! Only wish they would have kept AMC. A half hour soap without the same actors doesn’t really appeal to me. It won’t be the same AMC (no Tad Martin or Kendall?).

    Reply

    Lora replied February 4th, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    I loved Jasam for years…but when Jason had been willing to raise every female in towns child as his OWN and when Sam got preggers…how he treated her…about the baby I could NEVER FORGIVE. Glad he is gone..hello Sam and John :) (an YES he “made” eyeroll.. everything up at the end) He just no longer mattered to me anymore. TOO LATE bud..u blew it. IMO

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  89. Sheila O'Brien says:
    February 2, 2013 at 8:54 am

    I have been watching Gh for over 30 years. Loving the story lines right now (except vampire nonsense). I also watched AMC and OLTL, wish they were never cancelled. Hope they can figured out a way to keep John, Todd and Starr on GH. Miss Jason as well, but feel a little betrayed by Steve Burton going to another soap. Oh and since they are bringing back all the old characters I would love to see Sean and Tiffany.

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  90. Maddie says:
    February 2, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Get rid of the Vampire storyline, I have been watching General for 35 years, but this latest story with Vampires is making me not want to watch.

    Reply

  91. PAT K says:
    February 2, 2013 at 9:11 am

    I have been watching GH since I was a senior in high school in 1963 .My retired husband now watches it as well. He catches me up on up missed shows or sets the recorder so I can watch it later. I do not care for the unreal parts of the show. like ice princess and and others thing of this sort. Let do more thing related to the hospital setting like it started out to be in 63 …

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  92. Jill says:
    February 2, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    GH gained ratings as people genuinly love watching soap operas and when AMC and OLTL were cancelled, people turned to GH. I miss AMC, I have followed the show since I was in 7th grade – 35+ years. Very dissapointed when the show was cancelled!

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  93. kelly irons says:
    February 3, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    GH has almost been lost three times. The product is unrecignisable from two yrs ago. It’s consistently good again.

    Reply

  94. Lora says:
    February 4, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    The NEW kick ass writers…I have watched this show for 30 yrs.. on and off. NEVER has it been this good since Gloria Monty ran the show. WOW I CAN NOT MISS ANYTHING ON THIS SHOW RIGHT NOW. IT ROCKS!! But I have to give the true kudos to the awesome talent GH has HAS for years..and is FINALLY they got stories to work with. OH and OH LOVE LOVE John McBain with Sam…PLEASE KEEP HIM. Did NOT like him on OLTL loved that show..But he is just sooo HOT on GH. He fits on GH. Thank you to everyone at GH’s for all of your hard work. YA’LL ARE ROCKING IT.!!

    Reply

  95. dee r says:
    February 16, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    where to start ,i have always loved gh,i realy always believed it was number 1 adding the vampire soap is great i remember when they dicontuned it also joining with some of the other cast is just awsome maybe sure gh ratings werent always the best but we the ppls always thought it was and still is,,jason would be nice back connies great glad you kept her ulter theres so much i could type all day if you could somehow get emily back wow that would be a big pack wow but yes its awsome please dont quit its all great thankyou.

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