General Hospital 60th Anniversary Special - A Milestone in Television History
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jan 05, 2024
General Hospital
General Hospital, often abbreviated as GH, is an enduring American daytime television soap opera with a rich history. It holds a significant place in television history, being recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera in production.
Second only to Guiding Light in American history, it is also the world's third longest-running scripted drama series still in production, following British serials The Archers and Coronation Street. General Hospital first graced the screens on April 1, 1963, on the ABC network, marking its place as the longest-running serial produced in Hollywood and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history. The show has been awarded the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, boasting an impressive 14 wins.
Created by husband-and-wife soap writers Frank and Doris Hursley, General Hospital initially unfolded within an unnamed fictional city set in a hospital. However, in the 1970s, the city was officially named Port Charles, New York.
The show's original cast included John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin, who remained with the series until their respective passings in 1996 and 1991. Notably, Rachel Ames joined the cast in 1964 and held the record as the longest-serving actress on an ABC soap opera, appearing continuously from 1964 to 2007.
On September 17, 2010, General Hospital became the oldest American soap opera following the conclusion of CBS's As the World Turns. It weathered network changes, with ABC's cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Live, ultimately making General Hospital the last remaining soap opera on the network after January 13, 2012.
The show celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2013, and achieved the remarkable milestone of airing its 15,000th episode on June 22, 2022, solidifying its legacy in the realm of daytime television.
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General Hospital 60th Anniversary Special
"General Hospital" fans, both past and present, are in for a treat as the iconic soap opera celebrates its remarkable 60th anniversary. Set to air on Thursday night in prime time on ABC, "General Hospital: 60 Years of Stars and Storytelling" promises to be an incredible journey through the show's rich history. Familiar faces like Emma Samms and Amber Tamblyn will make appearances, offering viewers a nostalgic look back at the dramatic storylines and iconic moments that have defined the longest-running scripted drama in television history.
The special is a stroll down memory lane, revisiting pivotal moments such as the unforgettable wedding of Luke and Laura in 1981, a landmark event that drew an astonishing 30 million viewers. As the longest-running soap opera still in production, "General Hospital" has become a second family for its cast and crew. Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos, reflects on 30 years with the show, emphasizing the incredible experience of working with talented actors and the enduring connection with fans.
The prime-time special not only highlights the show's enduring legacy but also serves as a heartfelt gift to the dedicated fanbase. Returning cast member Rena Sofer, who portrays Lois, expresses the sentiment that the episode is a beautiful tribute to the fans, acknowledging their crucial role in the show's 60-year success. As the special unfolds, it weaves together the intricate details of storylines, providing insights even for the actors themselves, such as Brooke Kerr, who plays Portia, adding an extra layer of appreciation for the show's intricate narrative tapestry.
General Hospital Plot
The plotline of General Hospital unfolds within the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, a setting that has been a central backdrop since the series' inception in 1963. Port Charles exists in the same fictional universe as other soap opera settings like Llanview (One Life to Live), Pine Valley (All My Children), New York City (Ryan's Hope), and Corinth (Loving), creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
At the heart of Port Charles is General Hospital, a major medical facility founded by the esteemed Dr. Steve Hardy. It is one of the city's largest employers and boasts a prominent place on the East Coast's medical landscape.
Over the years, the hospital has played a pivotal role in the lives of the show's characters, serving as the backdrop for numerous medical dramas, romances, and conflicts. Notable contributions to the hospital include wings dedicated to AIDS research, pediatric centers, and a fire that led to a reconstruction funded by the Quartermaine family.
The Metro Court, a prominent hotel in Port Charles, is another key location in the series. Initially built by Jasper Jacks, the hotel stands on the site of the Port Charles Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 2004. Carly Corinthos becomes a business partner with Jax, and later with Kate Howard, leading to the hotel's expansion and prominence in the city's social scene.
Kelly's Diner, founded by Joe "Paddy" Kelly, is a vintage restaurant situated in the heart of Port Charles. It is a cherished establishment known for its nostalgic charm and boarding rooms upstairs, which have housed various residents and guests over the years. The diner's ownership passes through several hands, with Bobbie Spencer and Luke Spencer eventually taking over its operation.
The Haunted Star, a yacht turned casino and nightclub, has been owned by several characters, including Luke Spencer and his daughter Lulu Spencer. The vessel has undergone various transformations throughout the series, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of Port Charles.
The Floating Rib, a bar located near General Hospital, has been a popular nightlife destination for Port Charles residents. It has changed ownership over the years, with characters like Coleman Ratcliffe and Mac Scorpio taking the helm. A tragic event in 2020 resulted in a bomb destroying the associated fine dining restaurant of the same name.
General Hospital weaves together the lives, relationships, and dramas of its diverse cast of characters against the backdrop of these iconic Port Charles locations. The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine medical, romantic, and interpersonal storylines, creating a captivating narrative that has kept viewers engaged for decades.
General Hospital Cast
Tabyana Ali
Trina Robinson
Tajh Bellow
TJ Ashford
Maurice Benard
Sonny Corinthos
Nicholas Chavez
Spencer Cassadine
Chad Duell
Michael Corinthos
Michael Easton
John McBain
Stephen Clay
Silas Clay
Hamilton Finn
Jane Elliot
Tracy Quartermaine
Genie Francis
Laura Collins
Robert Gossett
Marshall Ashford
Nancy Lee Grahn
Alexis Davis
Lexie
Tanisha Harper
Jordan Ashford
Gregory Harrison
Gregory Chase
Rebecca Herbst
Elizabeth Webber-Baldwin
Jessie Brewer
Evan Hofer
Dex Heller
Roger Howarth
Todd Manning
Franco Baldwin
Drew Cain
Finola Hughes
Anna Devane
Liesl Obrecht
Alex Marick
Alice
Holly Sutton
Felicia Scorpio
Josh Kelly
Cody Bell
Brook Kerr
Portia Robinson
Priscilla Johnson
Katelyn MacMullen
Willow Tait
Kate Mansi
Kristina Davis
Cameron Mathison
Drew Cain
Sofia Mattsson
Sasha Gilmore
Eden McCoy
Josslyn Jacks
Carly Corinthos
Kelly Monaco
Sam McCall
Alicia Montenegro
Avery Kristen Pohl
Esme Prince
Amanda Setton
Brook Lynn Quartermaine
Kirsten Storms
Maxie Jones
B.J. Jones
Josh Swickard
Harrison Chase
Donnell Turner
Curtis Ashford
Kristina Wagner
Felicia Jones
Cynthia Watros
Nina Reeves
Virginia Benson
Maura West
Ava Jerome
Ada Hooke
Laura Wright
Carly Spencer
Lena Spencer
Beatrice Eckert
Dominic Zamprogna
Dante Falconeri
Cast
Character
Austin Gatlin-Holt
General Hospital Overview
Title
General Hospital
Genre
Soap Opera
Created by
Frank & Doris Hursley
Written by
Dan O'Connor, Chris Van Etten
Directed by
Larry Carpenter, Tina Keller, William Ludel, Gary Tomlin,
Frank Valentini, Denise Van Cleave, Phideaux Xavier
Theme music composer
Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, Steve Hopkins
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of episodes
15,000
Executive producers
Frank Valentini (2012–present) and others
Production locations
The Prospect Studios, Los Angeles, California
Camera setup
Multi-camera
Running time
30 minutes (1963–1976), 45 minutes (1976–1978), 60 minutes (1978–present)
Production companies
Selmur Productions (1963–1968), ABC Signature (1985–present)
Network
ABC
Release
April 1, 1963 – present
Where to Watch General Hospital?
If you're eager to catch up on General Hospital or don't want to miss any new episodes, there are several convenient options available: ABC offers a free live-streaming spotlight service where you can watch General Hospital at all hours on their official website, abc.com. New episodes of the soap opera are typically available on Hulu after they air. This is a great option if you miss an episode during its broadcast.
You can find the entire series of General Hospital on Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to binge-watch past episodes at your convenience. General Hospital may also be available on other streaming platforms, so it's worth checking your preferred streaming service to see if it's offered.
For dedicated fans looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you can consider purchasing the standard box set DVDs of General Hospital, which provide a physical collection of episodes for your enjoyment. With these options, you can easily stay up-to-date with the drama and intrigue of Port Charles and enjoy General Hospital according to your schedule and preferences.
General Hospital 60th Anniversary Special - FAQs
The special is set to air on Thursday night in prime time on ABC.
Viewers can expect to see familiar faces like Emma Samms and Amber Tamblyn, adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration.
The special will revisit iconic moments, including the legendary wedding of Luke and Laura in 1981, a historic event that drew an astonishing 30 million viewers.
According to Rena Sofer, who plays Lois and recently returned to the show, the prime-time episode is a beautiful gift to the fans, acknowledging their indispensable role in the show's 60-year success.
Maurice Benard, who portrays Sonny Corinthos, reflects on his 30 years with the show, describing it as being like a second family. The cast emphasizes the show's enduring legacy and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with great actors and connect with fans.