Emmy® Award-winning daytime drama “General Hospital” celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 1, 2023. “GH” is both the longest-running scripted drama and the longest-running American soap opera currently in production. It holds the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award a record 17 times. The show is filmed in Hollywood, California, and has produced over 15,000 shows.
“GH” continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that has depicted the ongoing lives of the diverse and evolving citizens of the fictional town of Port Charles set in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind-blowing plot twists abound on “GH” with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.
Often ahead of its time, “General Hospital ” is known for elevating awareness for numerous health and social issues, in conjunction with storylines including HIV/AIDS; tolerance and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community; bipolar disorder; spousal abuse; sexual assault; workplace sexual harassment in the #MeToo era; gentrification; war refugees; voting rights and voter suppression; the fight for civil rights and against institutional racism; drug and alcohol addiction; breast cancer awareness; surrogacy and adoption; organ donation; autism; and Alzheimer’s-related stories are all topics “GH” has trailblazed.
Many popular actors are known for getting their start on “General Hospital” including Demi Moore, John Stamos, Jack Wagner, Mark Hamill, Rick Springfield, Ricky Martin, Amber Tamblyn, Emma Samms, Jonathan Jackson, Chandra Wilson and Richard Dean Anderson.
“General Hospital” was created by husband-and-wife soap writers, Frank and Doris Hursley, and premiered April 1, 1963. In 1978, Gloria Monty was brought in as executive producer and is credited with the creation of the first super-couple, Luke and Laura Spencer. Their 1981 wedding brought in 30 million viewers and remains the highest-rated hour in American soap opera history.
Frank Valentini serves as the current executive producer. Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten are the show’s co-head writers.
“General Hospital” airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
