User reviews

I have watched this show for as long as I can remember. I was born in 77 and watched as a little kid. My parents were fans and I got into it (they both watched all ABC soaps). I was also a fan of AMC/OLTL/Loving/Port Charles. I knew people felt it was weird for a guy to like soaps but I didn't care... I was hooked. I remember VCR days and taping every show so I could watch after school and rushing home to catch GH in time LOL! I have fond memories of characters staring out on the show that are still on today. Luke and Laura, Frisco and Felicia, Robert and Anna, The Q's and all the bickering and backstabbing, Robin being there since she was a kid... etc. The show has changed a lot over the years but I would like to think I am as much a an today as I was back in the day.

I remember loving Nancy's character Julia on Santa Barbara in the 80's ...and decided to come back to soaps since I heard Jeff Kober (Cyrus) is on General Hospital now. But I don't think I'm going to be able to stomach Nancy this time around, knowing what an obnoxious bully she is in real life.

In 1980, Gloria Monty along with other General Hospital writers decided to make a couple out of two actors that had amazing chemistry. Genie Francis and Tony Geary who have become the phenomenal Luke and Laura. Luke and Laura made General Hospital the unforgettable soap opera it is, and still today, Luke and Laura's though painful relationship, keeps viewers going through their fascinating characterization and never ending passion between them.

Alan and Monica, played by Leslie Charleson and Stuart Damon, Frisco and Felicia, played by Jack and Kristina Wagner, Robert and Holly, played by Tristan Rogers and Emma Samms, Sonny and Brenda, played by Maurice Bernard and Vanessa Marcil, and Luke and Laura have showed every other soap opera the definition of a "love story". Though never simple, always intense, always unforgettable.

General Hospital has also shown amazing technique in storylines that are not love stories. Such as Monica Quartermaine's heartwrenching breast cancer storyline in 1994, or the amazing storyline of two little girls dying, yet only one miracle came out of it. I could only be talking about Bobbie Spencer's and Tony Jones's daughter BJ giving her heart to Frisco and Felicia's daughter Maxie, in the last moments to save her life. These stories touched many viewers and there are so many more.

Some of the most precious moments on daytime television have occurred on General Hospital, and the highest rated moment on daytime television was Luke and Laura's wedding in 1981. It was said to be the only wedding ever to rival Princess Diana's. General Hospital has created feelings, storylines, and characters that go beyond words. I thank Genie and Tony who play Luke and Laura for bringing out the fantasy we all have about how love should be. Though they are General Hospital's greatest achievement, I don't think General Hospital's done with them yet! And we know that Luke and Laura are not the only life changing storyline they've come up with! Thank you General Hospital!

And I love the show. In recent years it started feeling just a little off. Amazing actors and performances, but I started to feel the show wasn't living up to its potential. But I noticed this week the show seems to be turning around and picking up. It seems fresher, more taut and dramatic. In 27 years, you go through periods here and there where you watch it less - maybe a couple times a week - but it's clear this show is on the up and up again. Instead of watching a couple times a week I find myself breathlessly awaiting each new episode. And the addition of some fresh new faces is great (big reason for show's improvement). Would love to see a long lost twin storyline like Vicky and Marly on Another World!

I am not one for soap operas, however, General Hospital is different. However dramatic this show gets, I can never get enough of it! It is actually kind of funny how I got started watching it. One time when I was little, my mom was mad at me as I wouldn't calm down or sit still so she made me sit down and read while she watched general hospital. I remember half watching over my book when the show ended, and for some reason, I cared about what happened to Jason, so I made a point to watch it the next day and I have never missed an episode since! This is by far the best show on TV and it comes highly recommended. Hope this helps, Fletcher

I've been watching GH since I was in high school and I'm turning 71 in a few months. I can now watch it once a week and not miss anything b/c it moves so slowly. And when they eliminate an actor (Cyrus/Finn and Franco/Austin) they bring them back as another character. Maybe it's time for new GH a writers.) I used to get upset when Channel 7 interrupted GH (even though what ever the breaking news is it could be talked about on the 4 o'clock news) it doesn't bother me anymore because I wouldn't miss anything....plenty of time to figure it out! Remember GH soap operas have been ended/discontinued when people stop watching. That would be a shame b/c the GH actors are very good. But when you continually move at a snails pace people lose interest!

This really is probably one of the most iconic soap operas of all time.

It has had some amazingly famous storylines...like Like and Laura, their iconic wedding is still talked about today.

For the younger set, the rape storyline with Elizabeth "Liz" Webber and Lucky Spencer.

The great love triangle between Sonny, Brenda and Jax.

The love story of Karen and Jagger...

The HIV storyline with Stone and Robin and the continued awareness of HIV.

The amazing song and dance numbers of the Nurses' Ball, along with Lucy's crazy shenanigans.

The transformation of the character of Jason due to brain injury...from Med School student to mob enforcer.

And who could forget the Lois era with the shared record label with Brenda and the musical numbers by Miguel and Ned Ashton!

Puerto Rico!

Seductions, attempted murders, fake babies, psychotic twins, jealous brothers, risen from the dead....this soap had it all.

And there have been some amazing memorials over the years.

Lots of great serious topics have been brought up alcoholism, addiction, rape, HIV, and mental illness (bipolar) to name just a few.

It was really nice to see some characters played by a single actor and it has been nice to see older actors brought back in the same roles. That familiarity is what keeps people coming back.

After Santa Barbara, Guiding Light, Another World, and One Life to Live, the Soap Butcher Jill Farren Phelps has placed her friends in high position often ruining such high quality shows. When I was watching Guiding Light, it was at its peak in 1991. They fired the producer and replaced them with Butcher Phelps. She drove Beverlee McKinsey away by overworking her to death. She killed off beloved Ellen Parker's character Maureen. So Parker won an Emmy but the loss was much worse for the audience. On Another World, she killed off Alice Barrett Mitchell's beloved Mary Frances Frame Winthrop in a ridiculous storyline. On One Life to Live, I could only imagine what she did to that show which took years recover. Now she is ruining General Hospital by driving the great John Ingle away to Days Of Our Lives where he received a contract role. I feel sorry and sympathy for Jed Allan because he has a tough act to follow. The Quartermaines used to be the funnest family on television completely. She drove the great Dame Anna Lee away right before her death. Now Kristina Malandro Wagner refuses to return unless she gets a contract for playing Felicia Jones. Why aren't the veterans of this getting the short end of the stick? I bet Gloria Monty is livid over the show getting Best Drama Emmy under Phelps. I know Monty's heart was always in the right place with this show and her last time around wasn't successful as the Luke & Laura days but still, I know Butcher Phelps track record with soaps. Nobody in the real workplace would allow somebody whose cost so much damage to so many people. I am glad that Robin Strasser is speaking against Phelps' known favoritism for certain actors. I am going to single them out now on General Hospital because it would be unfair. But I know after 25 years of watching soaps, I could do a better job to satisfy both fans and the cast and crew. I am sorry but Phelps is just a Soap Opera Butcher to me. I know Guiding Light was great at the time but she made terrible decisions which cost fans. Now Guiding Light might be up for cancellation! the cast and crew took a pay cut to keep the show afloat. Remember Another World! Phelps was there before she jumped ship to One Life To Live. What goes on behind the scenes must be more fascinating than on screen. Guiding Light and Another World were creations of another daytime diva or queen Irna Phillips who would be turning over in her grave if she knew what this woman has done to her children.

Now Phelps is killing off Alan Quartermaine who has been played faithfully by Stuart Damon for 30 years. I'm concerned that she is going to lose one of the show's best attributes, the Quartermaine Family. She and the network practically drove Anna Lee out over a contract dispute. Even with John Ingle's welcome return, the shadow over the show is still different. I don't blame cast members like Leslie Charleson and others for being so vocal about Damon's departure. It's as shocking as it comes. This is what you get when you have somebody like Phelps at the helm.

I've been watching since the 80s and I'm still watching it everyday. Certain actors have been on for years and I love to see them come back to the show. I love that they've kept Laura's character relevant after all these years. I love that they blend her character seamlessly with newer characters. Carly is in the forefront lately and she generally is always victorious so it will be interesting to see her current story evolve. Sonny's character choices have been disappointing lately even though I think Maurice Bernard is a wonderful actor. Wish they'd bring back Steve Burton. Another favorite character of mine is Spinelli. I love when he interacts with Diane and Sonny.

I always remembered this as being a lazy written show, with characters I didn't mind. Actors I saw later in films, surprised me, when they popped up in this, in re runs, who I didn't recognize when watching them on the big screen. One being George (Commandant Lassard) Gaynes. When I think of GH, I always think think of Genie Francis, who I've loved and sort of had a crush on, in my preteen days. Jackie Zeman, a reception worker, was kind of like the vixen, that's as far as Laura was concerned. There was a streak of jealousy and spite in her, over Bobby. We do too remember Rick "Jessie's Girl" Springfield, the first Aussie to make it in American soap, only GH wasn't the best quality of soaps, of course running up against Young And The Restless, Ryan's Hope, Search For Tomorrow. It was a trite bland, but overly dramatic cheese too. The cool thing about it, was it's misleading title, that had nothing to do at all with the patients of the hospital, but the ins and outs of people who worked at the hospital. Ironic hey. But not all soapies are perfect.

I've been a faithful viewer since 1978 when Luke and Laura's storyline took off. GH will lose their footing if they don't shake loose the idiotic storylines presently going on. If the writers are going to kill off anyone else, let me send you all a list.

Who cares who the hook sinks that hook into next? You've made that storyline a joke. I read where the gal who plays Esme signed a three year contract. What's wrong with all of you writers? Bring Genie Francis back.

I see where the older actors are given slim arcs if any. This is heartbreaking. Yes, GH won for best drama this year. I don't see how.

Firing/removing Genie Francis/Laura after almost four decades showed us older viewers how much you value your senior actors and viewers. Who's next?

General Hospital is a long running soap opera that had wonderful leadership with Gloria Monty and Wendy Riche and amazing writers like Claire Labine. Also great performances by John Beradino,Rachel Ames, Tony Geary,Genie Francis,Tristan Rogers,Finola Hughes,Kimberly Mccullough,Vanessa Marcil,Alicia Leigh Willis and Billy Warlock.

Tristan Rogers and Finola Hughes were incredible as Robert and Anna in the 80s and 90s where GH was filled with action,adventure and romance.

The highlight of the 1990s included storylines of the family. BJ Jones's death, Monica Quartermaine fighting breast cancer, Stone and Robin's love story and their AIDS storyline. Plus the amazing chemistry and connection that made Sonny&Brenda soulmates.

GH hit a rough patch in 2000-2001 with many backstage changes but it is improving in 2002. One of the most promising current storylines is the AJ Quartermaine and Courtney Matthews relationship. Billy Warlock and Alicia Leigh Willis have phenomenal chemistry that makes watching in 2002 a must.

i have been a viewer since 1963, watched in black and white, was 13, and still watching. i have seen them come and go on this show and it's still the best one on TV. it has had it's ups and downs and always manages to come out on top. remember Jesse? Audrey and he sister Lucille? that was back in the day! i do so miss the Luke and laura thing. Luke just isn't Luke without laura. Anthony Geary has only improved with age. Luke is all that and more. GH also has the best looking guys and the sexiest, is Jax gorgeous or what? Jason is sooooooooo smooth, and all that too. it will always be hard for the writers to top the original Luke and Laura storyline,it dosen't get any better then that, but they have kept me watching all these years. to every one that is associated with the show, keep up the good work

Sonny needs to stop talking about how important family is, he a hypocrite. He is the reason I've watched the show for over 25 years, and he is the reason I'm no longer going to watch the show. Hate what they have done to his character Big mistake, no one is really into it since they put him with Nina.

GH has bonded the women of my family for generations. #Jasam for life.

The last week hads been perhaps the worst story lines, worst writting i have ever seen, and there have bn some bad times but mostly mostly good shows, but it is really BAD, the writting, etc....now!! All th story lines!! Please, come-up wth better!! Mayb it is finally time to b cancelled, i dnt know!! JUST DO BETTER!! Todays episode was soooooo boring

Unreal, you kill off Franco!!!!! Sonny and Carly, Franco and Elizabeth and Jason. the best of the show. Kill Anna, Peter, Sam and Alexis, NOT Franco. Please don't try bringing Franco back in Drew's body it won't work. We like the love between Elizabeth and Franco (Roger Howarth) we love Roger Howarth no other actor will take his place. I'm on the line about not watching this show, I would miss Sonny. Let Franco start breathing again.

This lady single handily stopped me from watching the only soap opera that I have ever watched since I was 16 years old that was still on air. She has the NASTIEST demeanor of anyone I've ever know, and I was raised with a traveling carnival and I was a charge nurse in a major city. I refuse to be one to support the income of people who think they are better than others, who think, and apparently because Hollywood has its own rules, is treated like there are no consequences to their words. When morons like moronna and Ashley Fudd can get away with making death threats to the president we need to get rid of them and find people who are there to stand up for EVERYONE!!! They don't care about anyone but themselves, including Nancy.....

When I was a kid in the 70s, I watched soaps with my mother. It was all the ABC ones. All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital. When I was about 12 or 13. Luke and Laura got married, I wanted to see it so bad, I told my mother I was sick and stayed home from school. Over the years I stopped watching the other two and stuck with GH. It's still the best soap I've ever seen. It's not as good as it used to be but it's good. I would love to see less Sonny and Carly and more Luke and (whoever). When Luke was the hero, the show as truly great. Since now it's all about Sonny, it's getting really boring. The same old mobster stuff, Sonny isn't heroic he's a crook.

Maybe in the future GH will regain it's backbone. Maybe draw clear lines between good and evil like it did in it's hey day.

Rayvyn

I have watched this show for years, Love it, like Sonny, Carly, Michael, Franco, etc. etc., but I can't stand Sam. I'm wish someone would take a big punch at her to shut her bossy mouth. Her character acts like she is a saint, everyone should obey her commands. Anyone talk to me and order me around like she does and they will end up with a bloody mouth. She is a B-----. Otherwise the show is great. Also I hope Jason tells her to get lost.

Even though sometimes it is very predictable i love GH i started watching with my grandmother at 5 and still watch it everyday. I have watched it for 35 years and probably will watch till it goes off the air.