The Oldest Daytime Soap Opera, General Hospital

The oldest continuously-running American soap opera, general hospital, is listed as the second longest-running daytime drama in the world, after its British counterpart, Guiding Light. The show has been on the air since April 1, 1963, and is known for its medical dramas, family sagas, and romances. It has also been ahead of its time, elevating awareness for various social issues including HIV/AIDS, LGBT tolerance and acceptance, mental illness (such as bipolar disorder), breast cancer, workplace sexual harassment in the #MeToo era, and more.

GH was originally created by husband-and-wife soap writers, Frank and Doris Hursley. The first episode of the soap aired on April 1, 1963, and the show quickly became a hit. Throughout the years, the drama has changed names and producers several times. The storylines of the soap have shifted, but its core themes have remained constant.

Aside from the usual romances and squabbles, the show is known for its memorable medical storylines. The infamous case of Dr. Patrick Drake and his affair with Liesl Obrecht, which lasted from the end of 1984 to the beginning of 1986, is one such storyline.

Another memorable medical case on the show is the story of Spencer and Franco. The pair have had several traumatic, violent, and even deadly encounters over the course of their long relationship, which spanned the entire 1990s. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable and the fans have always been fascinated with their story.

The show has been a home to many famous actors over the decades, and some of them have gone on to become major stars in movies, television, and theater. Demi Moore, John Stamos, Rick Springfield, and Mark Hamill are just a few of the big names who got their start on the show. Many of these stars have returned to the drama for various roles over the years.

Although the drama has seen its share of ups and downs in terms of ratings, it continues to attract a dedicated following. This is largely due to the cast, which boasts some of the most talented actors in the industry. The soap is a staple in daytime TV and has been the inspiration for countless other daytime dramas, both past and present.

Despite its popularity, the show is not immune to criticism from its critics. Several of the characters have been criticized for their inconsistencies and unrealistic storylines. It has also been accused of sexism and racism. However, the show has taken steps to rectify some of these issues.

GH is also notable for its serial killer stories, which have been compared to the more popular ones on rival soaps like Days of Our Lives. In the case of GH, the serial killer was Mary Bishop, who killed Sage Alcazar to frame Nikolas Cassadine for the crime. The storyline received a lot of attention from the press, and it was one of the most memorable in the history of the show.