Founded by producers Frank and Doris Hursley, general hospital was launched in April of 1963 on the ABC network. The show was originally a half-hour daytime drama, but later expanded to an hour. General Hospital is known for introducing a variety of trends to the soap opera genre, including fast-paced action-adventure plotlines that were a departure from the domestic and social issues that had previously been the sole focus of most other soaps. General Hospital is often credited for making the era of soap operas more exciting and accessible to young people, a demographic that had been excluded from many previous soaps.
Throughout the decades, GH has explored many different plot lines, from exotic locales and corporate drama to mafia bosses and espionage. However, the vast majority of the stories revolve around medical incidents and the doctors, nurses, and other health professionals that work in Port Charles. In addition to the hospital setting, the show has delved into romance, adventure, and even comedy, but all storylines always return to the hospital in some fashion.
In 1978, the show’s executive producer Gloria Monty introduced the characters of Laura Webber (Genie Francis) and Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary). Their romance was so popular that it spawned a neologism for couples with incredible chemistry, “supercouple.” Other popular GH supercouples include Robert Scorpio-Drake (Tristan Rogers) and Holly Sutton (Emma Samms), Franco Abruzzi (Richard Thornburg) and Britt Scorpio-Drake (Victoria Stafford), Frisco Jones (Jack Wagner) and Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), and Nikolas Quartermaine (Patrick Duffy) and Sage Alcazar (Bernadette O’Connor).
Recently, the show has faced declining ratings and viewership, which has led to several high-profile departures, including longtime star Kelly Monaco. The soap’s writers and producers have also struggled with budgetary concerns, leading to a number of pay cuts for some actors.
Despite these challenges, the show has continued to evolve. In recent years, the writers have worked hard to make the show more accessible to a younger audience. In order to keep viewers engaged, they have introduced several new characters that have made a strong impression on fans of all ages.
While the cast and crew have done a phenomenal job of keeping the show on track, it’s still important to remember that GH is only one of many soap operas in this country. The competition is fierce, and the future of general hospital depends on its ability to attract young audiences.
Recently, GH head writer Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor discussed their role on the show with The Associated Press. They spoke about crafting storylines, production, and balancing veteran actors with new faces. They also gave a sneak peek at some of the big events ahead.