General Hospital 60th Anniversary Special – A Milestone in Television History

general hospital

General Hospital, often abbreviated to GH, is an enduring American daytime television soap opera with a rich history. It holds an important place in television history and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera.

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It is the longest-running scripted series in American history after “Guiding Light” and the third-longest-running scripted series still in production in the world, after the British series “Archer” and “Coronation Street.” “General Hospital” debuted on the ABC network on April 1, 1963, becoming Hollywood’s longest-running television series and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history. The show has won the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, winning 14 awards in total.

Created by soap opera writers Frank and Doris Hursley, General Hospital was originally set in a hospital and in an unnamed fictional city. However, by 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 show until their respective deaths in 1996 and 1991. Notably, Rachel Ames joined the cast in 1964 and holds the record as the longest-serving actress on the ABC soap opera. Appeared continuously from 1964 to 2007.

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On September 17, 2010, “General Hospital” became the longest-running soap opera in the United States, following the conclusion of CBS’ “As the World Turns.” It withstood changes at the network as ABC canceled All My Children and One Life to Live, ultimately leaving General Hospital as 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 extraordinary milestone of airing its 15,000th episode on June 22, 2022, cementing its place in daytime television.

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General Hospital 60th Anniversary Special Commemoration

Fans of “General Hospital” past and present are in for a treat as the iconic soap opera celebrates its remarkable 60th anniversary. “General Hospital: Stars and 60 Years of Storytelling” is set to air Thursday night in prime time on ABC and promises to be an incredible journey through the show’s rich history. Familiar faces like Emma Samms and Amber Tamblyn will make appearances, allowing viewers to nostalgically look back at the dramatic storylines and iconic moments that defined The longest-running scripted series in television history.

This special will take you on a stroll down memory lane, reliving key moments such as Luke and Laura’s unforgettable wedding in 1981, a landmark event that attracted a staggering 30 million viewers. As the longest-running soap opera still in production, “General Hospital” has become a second family to its cast. Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny Corinthos, reflects on the show’s 30 years, highlighting the incredible experience of working with the talented cast and the lasting connection with fans.

The primetime special not only highlights the show’s enduring legacy but is also a heartfelt gift to its loyal fans. Returning actor Rena Sofer, who plays Louise, said the episode was a beautiful tribute to fans, acknowledging the crucial role they have played in the show’s 60-year success. As the special unfolds, it weaves together the intricate details of the storyline and even provides insights into 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 land

The plot of “General Hospital” unfolds in the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, which has been the show’s central setting since its inception in 1963. Port Charles exists in the same fictional universe as other soap opera settings such as Llanview. “Life to Live,” “All My Children,” “Ryan’s Hope” and “Corinth” create a rich, interconnected story.

The centerpiece of Port Charles is the General Hospital, a large medical facility founded by the revered Dr. Steve Hardy. It is one of the city’s largest employers and has a significant presence in the East Coast’s medical field.

The hospital has played a pivotal role in the lives of the show’s characters over the years, serving as the backdrop for countless medical dramas, romances and conflicts. Notable contributions to the hospital include a wing dedicated to AIDS research, a pediatric center and fire reconstruction funded by the Quartermaine family.

The Metro Court is a famous hotel in Port Charles and another key location in the series. The hotel was originally built by Jasper Jacks on the site of the Port Charles Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 2004. Carly Corinthos became Jax’s and later Kate Howard’s business partner, leading to the hotel’s continued expansion and fame in 2004. The social scene of the city.

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Founded by Joe “Paddy” Kelly, Kelly’s Diner is an old-fashioned diner in the heart of Port Charles. This is a cherished hotel, known for its nostalgic charm and upstairs boarding house, which has hosted many residents and guests over the years. The restaurant’s ownership changed hands several times, with Bobby Spencer and Luke Spencer eventually taking over its operations.

The Haunted Star is a yacht-turned-casino and nightclub owned by several characters, including Luke Spencer and his daughter Lulu Spencer. The ship undergoes various transformations throughout the series, reflecting the evolving nature of Port Charles.

The Floating Rib Bar, located near the General Hospital, has long been a popular nightlife destination for Port Charles residents. Its ownership has changed over the years, with figures such as Coleman Ratcliffe and Mike Scorpio at the helm. A tragic incident in 2020 resulted in a bomb destroying the associated fine dining restaurant of the same name.

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Set against the backdrop of these iconic locations in Port Charles, General Hospital intertwines the lives, relationships and drama of its diverse characters. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine medical, romantic and interpersonal storylines to create compelling narratives that have captivated audiences for decades.

General Hospital cast list

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Features

Tabiana Ali

Trina Robinson

Taj Bellow

TJ Ashford

Maurice Benard

sonny corinthos

Nicholas Chavez

Spencer Cassadine

Chad Doerr

Michael Corintos

Michael Easton

John McBain

Stephen Clay

Silas Clay

hamilton finn

Jane Elliot

Tracey Quartermaine

elf francis

Laura Collins

Robert Gossett

Marshall Ashford

Nancy Lee Grahn

Alexis Davis

Lexie

Tanisha Harper

Jordan Ashford

Gregory Harrison

Gregory Chase

Rebecca Herbst

Elizabeth Webb-Baldwin

Jesse Brewer

Evan Hofer

Dex Heller

Roger Howarth

Todd Manning

Franco Baldwin

Drew Cain

Austin Gatlin Holt

Finola Hughes

Anna Devane

Liesl Obrecht

Alex Malik

Alice

Holly Sutton

Felicia Scorpio

Josh Kelly

Cody Bell

Brooke Kerr

portia robinson

Priscilla Johnson

Caitlin McMullen

Liutate

Kate Muncy

Christina Davis

Cameron Mason

Drew Cain

Sophia Mattson

Sasha Gilmore

Eden McCoy

Jocelyn Jacks

Carly Corinthos

Kelly Monaco

Sam McCall

Alicia Montenegro

Avery Christine Ball

Esme Prince

Amanda Seton

Brooke Lynn Quartermaine

Kirsten Storms

Maxi Jones

BJ Jones

Josh Swickard

Harrison Chase

Donnell Turner

Curtis Ashford

Christina Wagner

Felicia Jones

Cynthia Watros

Nina Reeves

Virginia Benson

Maura West

Ava Jerome

Ida Hooker

Laura Wright

Carly Spencer

Lena Spencer

Beatrice Eckert

Dominic Zamprona

Dante Falconeri

General Hospital Overview

title

general hospital

type

soap opera

Created by:

Frank and Doris Hursley

Written by

Dan O’Connor, Chris Van Etten

directed by

Larry Carpenter, Tina Keller, William Rudel, Gary Tomlin,

Frank Valentini/Denise Van Cleef/Fido Xavier

theme music composer

Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, Steve Hopkins

country of origin

USA

original language

English

Number of episodes

15,000

executive producer

Frank Valentini (2012-present) etc.

production location

Outlook Studio, Los Angeles, California

camera settings

Multiple cameras

running time

30 minutes (1963-1976), 45 minutes (1976-1978), 60 minutes (1978-present)

Manufacturing company

Selmur Productions (1963–1968), ABC Signature (1985–present)

network

ABC

release

April 1, 1963 – present

Where can I go to a general hospital?

If you’re eager to catch up on General Hospital or don’t want to miss any new episodes, you have a few convenient options: ABC offers a free live spotlight service where you can watch General Hospital 24/7 on its official website at abc.com. New episodes of soap operas are usually available on Hulu after they air. This is a great option if you missed an episode while it was airing.

You can find the entire series of General Hospital on Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to catch up on 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 available.

For dedicated fans looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you might consider purchasing General Hospital’s standard DVD box set, which provides physical episodes for you to enjoy. With these options, you can easily keep up to date with the latest happenings and intrigue in Port Charles, and tour General Hospital according to your schedule and preferences.

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