For more than a half-century, general hospital has provided viewers with drama, romance and suspense while providing them with an accurate and informative glimpse of medical advances. The show is set in a fictional midsized eastern seaport city, Port Charles, where the lives of real people intertwine with the fortunes and misfortunes of some of soap opera’s most beloved characters. Throughout its history, the series has ventured into action-adventure themes and featured con artists, mafia bosses, espionage and exotic locales, but each story is ultimately tied to the medical professionals who work at the hospital.
General hospital has long been ahead of its time in its treatment of social and health issues. The series has elevated awareness of HIV/AIDS; tolerance and understanding for the gay, lesbian and transgender community; breast cancer and women’s rights to abortion; mental illness including alcoholism and bipolar disorder; rape; child abuse; domestic violence; and workplace sexual harassment in the #MeToo era.
The show’s central setting, GH, is one of the most famous sets in daytime TV. The facility includes numerous buildings, including the main entrance on Central Avenue; the emergency room, a medical lounge, an operating room and many patient rooms; administrative offices; the cafeteria; a library; a gift shop; and a chapel. Psychiatric services are also available at the hospital.
Despite its episodic format, the show has managed to stay fresh for years with a variety of interesting storylines and memorable characters. During the 1970s, General Hospital was the highest-rated soap opera in the United States and even beat longtime ratings giant As the World Turns for several weeks. The series is still a hit with viewers, but it has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent decades.
When Valentini took over as executive producer in 2012, he leaned into the show’s legacy and brought back many veteran cast members. He also infused the drama with a number of interesting new plotlines that have revitalized the show. With its unique mix of romance, suspense and drama, it is no wonder that the show continues to be so popular today. It remains a must-see for fans of daytime drama.