A New Era of Daytime Drama Begins Back in 1963, a show began that would shape the landscape of daytime television. General Hospital premiered on April 1, introducing a blend of personal drama with medical emergencies. Created by Frank and Doris Hursley, the show set in an unnamed city’s hospital marked a cutting-edge approach to storytelling. General Hospital premiered on April 1, 1963, marking the beginning of a new era for daytime television with its cutting-edge approach to storylines that blended personal drama with medical emergencies. This very first scene laid the groundwork for decades of enthralling narratives. The Wedding...
- 12/24/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
General Hospital is a famous soap opera. Since April 1963, the ABC daytime drama has entertained fans with the excitement of Port Charles. While the show is etched in TV history, many might be surprised that the show was almost called by another name.
General Hospital stars Genie Francis and Jon Lindstrom I Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images ‘General Hospital’ originally had a different name
On April 1, 1963, ABC‘s newest soap opera General Hospital debuted. Frank and Doris Hursley, famous soap opera writers created the series. The couple previously worked on the CBS drama Search for Tomorrow before breaking out on their own.
The premise of the ABC soap opera revolved around the characters at an Eastern city hospital. According to The List, the show’s original name was Emergency Hospital. However, the Hursleys later changed it to General Hospital because they thought it sounded better.
Where were you 33 years ago?...
General Hospital stars Genie Francis and Jon Lindstrom I Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images ‘General Hospital’ originally had a different name
On April 1, 1963, ABC‘s newest soap opera General Hospital debuted. Frank and Doris Hursley, famous soap opera writers created the series. The couple previously worked on the CBS drama Search for Tomorrow before breaking out on their own.
The premise of the ABC soap opera revolved around the characters at an Eastern city hospital. According to The List, the show’s original name was Emergency Hospital. However, the Hursleys later changed it to General Hospital because they thought it sounded better.
Where were you 33 years ago?...
- 4/2/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
General Hospital is entering the new year with plans for its 60th anniversary and a special tribute to the late Sonya Eddy.
Eddy played head nurse Epiphany Johnson from 2006 until her death in December.
Firstly, ABC revealed in honoring the 60th anniversary, it planned to present the cast and crew with a stage dedication on the Prospect Studios lot, "permanently commemorating the show's legacy and serving as a reminder of the history that has been made in that very spot."
The aforementioned Sonya Eddy tribute is set to air in late March.
Then, the beloved Nurses Ball returns starting the week of April 3, a fictional glamorous charity event complete with red-carpet fashion and musical performances from the illustrious citizens of Port Charles dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness.
This marks the first time the Nurses Ball has aired since 2020.
The celebration will continue as icons of Port Charles unite to stop...
Eddy played head nurse Epiphany Johnson from 2006 until her death in December.
Firstly, ABC revealed in honoring the 60th anniversary, it planned to present the cast and crew with a stage dedication on the Prospect Studios lot, "permanently commemorating the show's legacy and serving as a reminder of the history that has been made in that very spot."
The aforementioned Sonya Eddy tribute is set to air in late March.
Then, the beloved Nurses Ball returns starting the week of April 3, a fictional glamorous charity event complete with red-carpet fashion and musical performances from the illustrious citizens of Port Charles dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness.
This marks the first time the Nurses Ball has aired since 2020.
The celebration will continue as icons of Port Charles unite to stop...
- 1/12/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
A big anniversary party is in the works for the folks of Port Charles. General Hospital will celebrate its 60th this spring with a stage dedication on the Prospect Studios lot, a tribute to the late Sonya Eddy, and the return of the popular Nurses Ball.
The anniversary programming for TV’s longest running scripted drama kicks off at the end of March with the special episode honoring Eddy, who played head nurse Epiphany Johnson on the series since 2006. The Nurses Ball — last featured on the soap in 2020 — returns starting the week of April 3.
The celebration will continue with visits from old Port Charles faves like Jane Elliot, who will reprise her beloved role as Tracy Quartermaine.
The network will celebrate its 60th anniversary on April 1 by presenting the cast and crew with a stage dedication on the Prospect Studios lot where the sudser is taped.
“Every year is an...
The anniversary programming for TV’s longest running scripted drama kicks off at the end of March with the special episode honoring Eddy, who played head nurse Epiphany Johnson on the series since 2006. The Nurses Ball — last featured on the soap in 2020 — returns starting the week of April 3.
The celebration will continue with visits from old Port Charles faves like Jane Elliot, who will reprise her beloved role as Tracy Quartermaine.
The network will celebrate its 60th anniversary on April 1 by presenting the cast and crew with a stage dedication on the Prospect Studios lot where the sudser is taped.
“Every year is an...
- 1/11/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
1965: As the World Turns spin-off Our Private World premiered.
1985: Days or our Lives' John rescued Marlena.
1992: Another World's Donna and John shared a kiss.
2004: The Young and the Restless' Kevin flatlined."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1948: On This is Nora Drake, Bob had disappeared from the hospital, and Nora knew that she was the cause of Bob's unhappiness. Peggy found him in the park, took him to his room and got him a prescription.
1948: On Claudia, Claudia (Patricia Ryan) and David...
1985: Days or our Lives' John rescued Marlena.
1992: Another World's Donna and John shared a kiss.
2004: The Young and the Restless' Kevin flatlined."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1948: On This is Nora Drake, Bob had disappeared from the hospital, and Nora knew that she was the cause of Bob's unhappiness. Peggy found him in the park, took him to his room and got him a prescription.
1948: On Claudia, Claudia (Patricia Ryan) and David...
- 5/8/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1963: The Doctors premiered on NBC, while General Hospital
made its debut on ABC."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: NBC premiered a new daytime drama, The Doctors, created by the Orin Tovrov. The Doctors did not start as a serial; it began as a "half-hour anthology series of medical dramas, set in the large metropolitan Hope Memorial Hospital, and with the four principals alternating daily in the lead role, according to NBC's original announcement. The roles were Dr. William Scott (played by Jock Gaynor), Dr. Jerry Chandler...
made its debut on ABC."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: NBC premiered a new daytime drama, The Doctors, created by the Orin Tovrov. The Doctors did not start as a serial; it began as a "half-hour anthology series of medical dramas, set in the large metropolitan Hope Memorial Hospital, and with the four principals alternating daily in the lead role, according to NBC's original announcement. The roles were Dr. William Scott (played by Jock Gaynor), Dr. Jerry Chandler...
- 4/1/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
- 4/1/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1969: Bright Promise premiered on NBC.
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.
1969: Bright...
1978: The final episode of For Richer, For Poorer aired on NBC.
1986: Another World's Marley and Jake were married.
1989: Terry Lester debuted as Mason Capwell on Santa Barbara."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1947: Radio soap opera Claudia premiered. Due in large part to the success of the two Claudia movies, the D'Arcy advertising agency decided to bring the characters to radio in a five-a-week quarter-hour serial on behalf of its client, Coca-Cola. Kathryn Bard was cast as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David, with Joe King announcing.
1969: Bright...
- 10/3/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1965: As the World Turns spin-off Our Private World premiered.
1985: Days or our Lives' John rescued Marlena.
1992: Another World's Donna and John shared a kiss.
2004: The Young and the Restless' Kevin flatlined."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1948: On This is Nora Drake, Bob had disappeared from the hospital, and Nora knew that she was the cause of Bob's unhappiness. Peggy found him in the park,...
1985: Days or our Lives' John rescued Marlena.
1992: Another World's Donna and John shared a kiss.
2004: The Young and the Restless' Kevin flatlined."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1948: On This is Nora Drake, Bob had disappeared from the hospital, and Nora knew that she was the cause of Bob's unhappiness. Peggy found him in the park,...
- 5/9/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.
1967: ABC aired the...
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Dr. Floyd Corey (Maurice Copeland) dealt with fallout from the interview he gave to the local newspaper.
1961: On As the World Turns, David Stewart (Henderson Forsythe) and his wife Betty dealt with the aftermath of Ellen Lowell's (Patricia Bruder) revelation that Danny was her son.
Thanks to Jennifer for sending in the clip above.
1967: ABC aired the...
- 4/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1963: The Doctors premiered on NBC, while General Hospital
made its debut on ABC."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: NBC premiered a new daytime drama, The Doctors, created by the Orin Tovrov. The Doctors did not start as a serial; it began as a "half-hour anthology series of medical dramas, set in the large metropolitan Hope Memorial Hospital, and with the four principals alternating daily in the lead role,...
made its debut on ABC."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: NBC premiered a new daytime drama, The Doctors, created by the Orin Tovrov. The Doctors did not start as a serial; it began as a "half-hour anthology series of medical dramas, set in the large metropolitan Hope Memorial Hospital, and with the four principals alternating daily in the lead role,...
- 4/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Just as there have been advances in the field of medicine over the past 55 years that have resulted in people living longer, so, too, have there been changes and improvements at “General Hospital” that have kept the long-running soap opera thriving in today’s crowded TV landscape.
“Soap operas are an original American art form that’s been copied into other forms of television, but our show is a drama that also has elements of comedy and action-adventure,” says executive producer Frank Valentini. “It’s rare for a show to encompass all of that, while at the core being a show about love, family and relationships. We tell stories from all perspectives. We’ve held onto all these elements and that is how we maintain our place in the television landscape.”
Valentini notes that the most significant differences between television in 1963 when “General Hospital” first debuted and today is the “increased competition” and tightening budget.
“Soap operas are an original American art form that’s been copied into other forms of television, but our show is a drama that also has elements of comedy and action-adventure,” says executive producer Frank Valentini. “It’s rare for a show to encompass all of that, while at the core being a show about love, family and relationships. We tell stories from all perspectives. We’ve held onto all these elements and that is how we maintain our place in the television landscape.”
Valentini notes that the most significant differences between television in 1963 when “General Hospital” first debuted and today is the “increased competition” and tightening budget.
- 3/29/2018
- by Michael Maloney
- Variety Film + TV
How cool is this! When ABC's General Hospital needed to fill the role of a garage mechanic who holds vital information about a hit-and-run crash, they hired a real life car expert from Detroit, Michigan — 52-year-old Mazda product specialist Duncan Hursley. But that's not Hursley's only claim to fame. He's also the grandson of Gh's late, great creators, Frank and Doris Hursley! TV Guide Magazine got the scoop on his cameo appearance, airing Friday, June 27.
Read More >...
Read More >...
- 6/16/2014
- by Michael Logan
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Veterans Bridge, Jerome Dobson
'Santa Barbara's' Guiding Lights
By Julie Richard
Los Angeles Times
July 28, 1984
While prime-time series come and go, daytime dramas generally go on and on, so when a new serial enters the field, the trick is to lure away loyal viewers already ensconced in the machinations of their favorite soap characters.
Two veteran soap writers, Bridget and Jerome Dobson, hope to do just that with Santa Barbara, which they've created, executive produce and write and which premieres on NBC on Monday at 2 p.m. The Dobsons are optimistic that Santa Barbara will not only find a niche in the soap world but also eventually become No. 1.
"It's young viewers we want to catch," Bridget said, "because viewers who've been watching soaps 20 years don't change. It's very hard to woo them away. It's the new viewers we want."
To that end, the Dobsons have developed a show which,...
'Santa Barbara's' Guiding Lights
By Julie Richard
Los Angeles Times
July 28, 1984
While prime-time series come and go, daytime dramas generally go on and on, so when a new serial enters the field, the trick is to lure away loyal viewers already ensconced in the machinations of their favorite soap characters.
Two veteran soap writers, Bridget and Jerome Dobson, hope to do just that with Santa Barbara, which they've created, executive produce and write and which premieres on NBC on Monday at 2 p.m. The Dobsons are optimistic that Santa Barbara will not only find a niche in the soap world but also eventually become No. 1.
"It's young viewers we want to catch," Bridget said, "because viewers who've been watching soaps 20 years don't change. It's very hard to woo them away. It's the new viewers we want."
To that end, the Dobsons have developed a show which,...
- 7/30/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
ABC's soap-opera headaches don't end with the public outrage over the recent cancellations of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live." The daughters of Frank and Doris Hursley, who created daytime medical drama "General Hospital" in 1963, are suing the network, claiming that ABC stiffed them on revenues, court documents obtained by TheWrap confirm. Also read: "More Soap Deaths: ABC Axes 'All My Children,' 'One Life to Live'" According to plaintiffs Bridget Dobson, Deborah Hardy and Polly Keusnik -- two of whom have also written for the show -- their parents, both...
- 4/27/2011
- The Wrap
Saturday Night Live funnyman Jason Sudeikis has scored the coveted hosting spot for this year’s MTV Movie Awards.
Following in the footsteps of former SNLers Mike Myers, Jimmy Fallon and Andy Samberg, Sudeikis will take the MTV Movie Awards stage on Sunday, June 5 to hand out the Golden Popcorn to Hollywood’s movie elite… and probably, somehow the Jersey Shore cast. Ryan Seacrest revealed the hosting scoop Wednesday morning on his radio show.
Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well…
• After 11 years of animated adventures, Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force has come to an end…...
Following in the footsteps of former SNLers Mike Myers, Jimmy Fallon and Andy Samberg, Sudeikis will take the MTV Movie Awards stage on Sunday, June 5 to hand out the Golden Popcorn to Hollywood’s movie elite… and probably, somehow the Jersey Shore cast. Ryan Seacrest revealed the hosting scoop Wednesday morning on his radio show.
Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well…
• After 11 years of animated adventures, Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force has come to an end…...
- 4/27/2011
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
The daughters and heirs of Frank and Doris Hursley, the husband-and-wife writing team who created General Hospital, say ABC owes them an accounting and years of royalties from the show.
Bridget Dobson (Santa Barbara creator), Deborah Hardy, and Polly Keusnik say ABC used Hollywood accounting to cheat them of their parents' 10 percent share of the show's net profits. They say they recently discovered the number juggling during an audit, and say ABC also "wrongfully refused" to disclose more information that will show other contractual breaches.
The plaintiffs describe themselves as "the daughters and heirs" of the Hursleys, "who became famous in the 1950s for writing soap operates."
"In 1963, the Hursleys created the medical soap opera General Hospital, for ABC. From 1963 to 1973, the Hursleys served as the head writers of General Hospital and their daughters, Bridget Dobson and Deborah Hardy, also both served as writers on the show. 'General Hospital...
Bridget Dobson (Santa Barbara creator), Deborah Hardy, and Polly Keusnik say ABC used Hollywood accounting to cheat them of their parents' 10 percent share of the show's net profits. They say they recently discovered the number juggling during an audit, and say ABC also "wrongfully refused" to disclose more information that will show other contractual breaches.
The plaintiffs describe themselves as "the daughters and heirs" of the Hursleys, "who became famous in the 1950s for writing soap operates."
"In 1963, the Hursleys created the medical soap opera General Hospital, for ABC. From 1963 to 1973, the Hursleys served as the head writers of General Hospital and their daughters, Bridget Dobson and Deborah Hardy, also both served as writers on the show. 'General Hospital...
- 4/27/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
The children of the creators of General Hospital are suing TV bosses over allegations they've been cheated out of the soap opera's fortune.
The daughters of husband and wife writers Frank and Doris Hursley, who created the show in 1963, claim network executives at ABC have not honoured a deal promising them 10 per cent of syndication payments.
The Hursley girls have asked a judge to force ABC heads to undergo an audit, reports TMZ.com.
General Hospital is the longest-running American soap opera currently in production and has launched the careers of stars including John Stamos, Demi Moore and Kristin Davis.
The daughters of husband and wife writers Frank and Doris Hursley, who created the show in 1963, claim network executives at ABC have not honoured a deal promising them 10 per cent of syndication payments.
The Hursley girls have asked a judge to force ABC heads to undergo an audit, reports TMZ.com.
General Hospital is the longest-running American soap opera currently in production and has launched the careers of stars including John Stamos, Demi Moore and Kristin Davis.
- 4/27/2011
- WENN
" General Hospital " is one of the longest running daytime soaps in the history of television ... and the children of the couple who created the show claim they've been screwed out of a major part of their cut. TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed by the estate of Frank and Doris Hursley -- the couple who created the show back in 1963. According to the lawsuit, the Hursley's daughters claim their parents struck a deal with ABC...
- 4/26/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
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