As the longest-running soap opera in American television history, general hospital continues to explore the lives of its beloved characters and capture the heart of audiences. The show offers romance, danger and mind-blowing plot twists as it follows the loves, losses and careers of its unforgettable stars.
The wildly popular daytime serial drama debuted on April 1, 1963. Created by husband-and-wife writing team Frank and Doris Hursley, it was set in a fictional mid-sized Eastern city called Port Charles. During its first years, the storylines focused on Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino) and Nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin), with the two having an often turbulent marriage.
By the time of the show’s second year, General Hospital had evolved into one of the most respected medical series in the world. It was praised for its handling of complex issues and for bringing attention to important health concerns such as AIDS, cancer and heart disease.
In addition, the show garnered attention for its pioneering coverage of mental illness. Unlike most prime-time soaps at the time, General Hospital regularly featured psychiatric and psychosomatic storylines. The series also made it a point to showcase the work of physicians and nurses who provided these services.
Throughout its history, General Hospital has been owned by a variety of companies. From the beginning of the series until 1968, it was a co-production of Plitt Theatres and Selmur Productions. In 1968, the series was bought outright by ABC and became a part of the ABC television conglomerate. In 1986, ABC sold its ownership of the soap to Capital Cities/ABC, a separate media company. Capital Cities/ABC was later purchased by the Walt Disney Company in 1996.
While the show’s focus has shifted over the years, it continues to provide viewers with the latest developments in medical technology and treatment. It also continues to be known for its sensitivity in handling social and political issues. In the 1990s, General Hospital even sponsored an annual nurse’s ball to raise money for AIDS research.
The show’s longevity is largely due to its large and diverse cast of actors. General Hospital has seen the likes of Tabyana Ali, Taj Bellow, Nicholas Chazvez, Brooke Shields, Jane Elliot, David Lewis, Michael Easton, Kirsten Storms, Heather Lind, Maura West and Kelly Monaco.
General Hospital has been a major employer in the fictional city of Port Charles, and its facilities have grown to become one of the most prominent medical centers on the East Coast. The hospital has had its share of tragedies, including a fire that burns down the facility and a deadly virus outbreak. It is currently undergoing major construction and renovations, which will be completed in 2009.
During the early decades of the show’s existence, the station WVNY dropped General Hospital from its schedule and only brought it back in 1995. The show was then recast, and the new cast aired from November 2007 through March 2008. During this time, General Hospital was relaunched as a weekly drama with a Monday through Friday time slot. Until late last year, it was still being promoted with the daily sponsor announcements of Ed Chandler and the network bumpers that read, “This episode of General Hospital is brought to you by…”