General Hospital
General Hospital, often abbreviated as GH, is an enduring American daytime television soap opera with a rich history. It holds a significant place in television history, being recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera in production.
Second only to Guiding Light in American history, it is also the world’s third longest-running scripted drama series still in production, following British serials The Archers and Coronation Street. General Hospital first graced the screens on April 1, 1963, on the ABC network, marking its place as the longest-running serial produced in Hollywood and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history. The show has been awarded the most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, boasting an impressive 14 wins.
Created by husband-and-wife soap writers Frank and Doris Hursley, General Hospital initially unfolded within an unnamed fictional city set in a hospital. However, in the 1970s, the city was officially named Port Charles, New York.
The show’s original cast included John Beradino and Emily McLaughlin, who remained with the series until their respective passings in 1996 and 1991. Notably, Rachel Ames joined the cast in 1964 and held the record as the longest-serving actress on an ABC soap opera, appearing continuously from 1964 to 2007.
On September 17, 2010, General Hospital became the oldest American soap opera following the conclusion of CBS’s As the World Turns. It weathered network changes, with ABC’s cancellation of All My Children and One Life to Live, ultimately making General Hospital the last remaining soap opera on the network after January 13, 2012.
The show celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2013, and achieved the remarkable milestone of airing its 15,000th episode on June 22, 2022, solidifying its legacy in the realm of daytime television.
NEWSTARS Education brings you the ultimate entertainment experience, featuring not only celebrity news and film reviews but also exclusive behind-the-scenes entertainment content and interviews with your favorite stars
What Happened to Esme on General Hospital?
Avery Pohl, known for her role as Esme Prince on “General Hospital,” has abruptly exited the ABC soap opera after her character’s presumed death in a shocking cliffhanger on the January 31 episode.
Esme’s departure was confirmed revealing that her character met her demise during a confrontation with Spencer (played by Nicholas Alexander Chavez) on a yacht in Paris. The episode depicted Esme stabbing Spencer with a drug injection, leading to both characters falling into the ocean and drowning, concluding Esme’s tumultuous storyline on the show.
Pohl, who joined “General Hospital” in August 2021 and appeared in over 200 episodes, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to entertain and be a part of the storytelling process. Despite playing a character viewers loved to loathe, Pohl acknowledged the entertainment value in creating a compelling narrative.
The exit marked the end of Esme’s journey on the show and left an impact on both the on-screen and off-screen dynamics, with co-star Tabyana Ali expressing her sadness at not seeing Pohl on set every day and emphasizing their strong real-life friendship.
Who Plays Esme on General Hospital?
Esme Prince in the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital is portrayed by American television actress Avery Kristen Pohl. Before her role in General Hospital, Avery’s acting credits included roles in horror films such as “Sound of My Voice” (2011) and “Watch Over Us” (2015). Notably, General Hospital marked her first venture into the realm of soap operas, and she admitted to not having watched any soaps before landing the role of Esme.
In an interview with Soaps In Depth, Avery expressed feeling a bit overwhelmed initially, considering her unfamiliarity with soap operas. Despite this, she showcased her versatility and adaptability, making a seamless transition into the soap opera world. During her introduction to General Hospital, she recognized soap opera icons like Luke and Laura, portrayed by Genie Francis. Avery’s initial screen test for General Hospital involved working alongside Eden McCoy.
Beyond her acting career, Avery Kristen Pohl is a trained ballerina, demonstrating her diverse skill set. She has also undergone stunt training and is proficient in stage combat. Despite playing characters with adversarial relationships on-screen, Avery has shared that she enjoys a positive and friendly relationship with her co-stars Sydney Mikayla, Eden McCoy, and William Lipton. Their camaraderie extends beyond the camera, often leading to laughter once the scenes are completed.
Esme’s Role in General Hospital
Avery Kristen Pohl made a memorable entrance into the General Hospital universe on August 16, 2021, as Esme Prince, initially portrayed as an eavesdropping nurse. However, it wasn’t until the August 19 episode that she unveiled her name, sparking a series of dramatic events.
Esme’s character evolved from a seemingly innocent nurse into a complex figure entangled in Port Charles’ intricate web. The actress, recognized for her roles in Lifetime movies and TV series like Criminal Minds and Dirty John, brought depth to Esme’s journey, making her a significant addition to the General Hospital cast.
Esme’s storyline was marked by manipulations, schemes, and a turbulent romantic relationship with Spencer Cassadine. From orchestrating car fires to creating sex tapes and framing rivals, Esme’s machinations kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
As she delved into a twisted alliance with Ryan Chamberlin, revealing a mysterious connection to Nikolas Cassadine, Esme’s character became increasingly enigmatic. The narrative took unexpected turns, including a presumed death off Wyndemere’s parapet, only for Esme to resurface with amnesia, an unexpected pregnancy, and a shocking revelation of her parentage.
Esme’s intricate plotline continued with legal troubles, custody battles, and clashes with characters like Trina Robinson. Her involvement with the notorious Ryan Chamberlin and the revelation of her true parentage added layers to her character, transforming her from a cunning schemer to a victim of her own circumstances.
As Esme navigated motherhood, legal challenges, and personal relationships, her character brought a unique blend of suspense, drama, and complexity to General Hospital. The intensity of her role showcased Avery Kristen Pohl’s acting prowess and left fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding of Esme’s unpredictable fate in the turbulent world of Port Charles.
General Hospital Plot
The plotline of General Hospital unfolds within the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, a setting that has been a central backdrop since the series’ inception in 1963. Port Charles exists in the same fictional universe as other soap opera settings like Llanview (One Life to Live), Pine Valley (All My Children), New York City (Ryan’s Hope), and Corinth (Loving), creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
At the heart of Port Charles is General Hospital, a major medical facility founded by the esteemed Dr. Steve Hardy. It is one of the city’s largest employers and boasts a prominent place on the East Coast’s medical landscape.
Over the years, the hospital has played a pivotal role in the lives of the show’s characters, serving as the backdrop for numerous medical dramas, romances, and conflicts. Notable contributions to the hospital include wings dedicated to AIDS research, pediatric centers, and a fire that led to a reconstruction funded by the Quartermaine family.
The Metro Court, a prominent hotel in Port Charles, is another key location in the series. Initially built by Jasper Jacks, the hotel stands on the site of the Port Charles Hotel, which was destroyed in a fire in 2004. Carly Corinthos becomes a business partner with Jax, and later with Kate Howard, leading to the hotel’s expansion and prominence in the city’s social scene.
Kelly’s Diner, founded by Joe “Paddy” Kelly, is a vintage restaurant situated in the heart of Port Charles. It is a cherished establishment known for its nostalgic charm and boarding rooms upstairs, which have housed various residents and guests over the years. The diner’s ownership passes through several hands, with Bobbie Spencer and Luke Spencer eventually taking over its operation.
The Haunted Star, a yacht turned casino and nightclub, has been owned by several characters, including Luke Spencer and his daughter Lulu Spencer. The vessel has undergone various transformations throughout the series, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of Port Charles.
The Floating Rib, a bar located near General Hospital, has been a popular nightlife destination for Port Charles residents. It has changed ownership over the years, with characters like Coleman Ratcliffe and Mac Scorpio taking the helm. A tragic event in 2020 resulted in a bomb destroying the associated fine dining restaurant of the same name.
General Hospital weaves together the lives, relationships, and dramas of its diverse cast of characters against the backdrop of these iconic Port Charles locations. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine medical, romantic, and interpersonal storylines, creating a captivating narrative that has kept viewers engaged for decades.
General Hospital Cast
Cast |
Character |
|
Tabyana Ali |
Trina Robinson |
|
Tajh Bellow |
TJ Ashford |
|
Maurice Benard |
Sonny Corinthos |
|
Nicholas Chavez |
Spencer Cassadine |
|
Chad Duell |
Michael Corinthos |
|
Michael Easton |
John McBain |
|
Stephen Clay |
|
|
Silas Clay |
|
|
Hamilton Finn |
|
|
Jane Elliot |
Tracy Quartermaine |
|
Genie Francis |
Laura Collins |
|
Robert Gossett |
Marshall Ashford |
|
Nancy Lee Grahn |
Alexis Davis |
|
Lexie |
|
|
Tanisha Harper |
Jordan Ashford |
|
Gregory Harrison |
Gregory Chase |
|
Rebecca Herbst |
Elizabeth Webber-Baldwin |
|
Jessie Brewer |
|
|
Evan Hofer |
Dex Heller |
|
Roger Howarth |
Todd Manning |
|
Franco Baldwin |
|
|
Drew Cain |
|
|
Austin Gatlin-Holt |
|
|
Finola Hughes |
Anna Devane |
|
Liesl Obrecht |
|
|
Alex Marick |
|
|
Alice |
|
|
Holly Sutton |
|
|
Felicia Scorpio |
|
|
Josh Kelly |
Cody Bell |
|
Brook Kerr |
Portia Robinson |
|
Priscilla Johnson |
|
|
Katelyn MacMullen |
Willow Tait |
|
Kate Mansi |
Kristina Davis |
|
Cameron Mathison |
Drew Cain |
|
Sofia Mattsson |
Sasha Gilmore |
|
Eden McCoy |
Josslyn Jacks |
|
Carly Corinthos |
|
|
Kelly Monaco |
Sam McCall |
|
Alicia Montenegro |
|
|
Avery Kristen Pohl |
Esme Prince |
|
Amanda Setton |
Brook Lynn Quartermaine |
|
Kirsten Storms |
Maxie Jones |
|
B.J. Jones |
|
|
Josh Swickard |
Harrison Chase |
|
Donnell Turner |
Curtis Ashford |
|
Kristina Wagner |
Felicia Jones |
|
Cynthia Watros |
Nina Reeves |
|
Virginia Benson |
|
|
Maura West |
Ava Jerome |
|
Ada Hooke |
|
|
Laura Wright |
Carly Spencer |
|
Lena Spencer |
|
|
Beatrice Eckert |
|
|
Dominic Zamprogna |
Dante Falconeri |
General Hospital Overview
Specifications |
Details |
|
Title |
General Hospital |
|
Genre |
Soap Opera |
|
Created by |
Frank & Doris Hursley |
|
Written by |
Dan O’Connor, Chris Van Etten |
|
Directed by |
Larry Carpenter, Tina Keller, William Ludel, Gary Tomlin, Frank Valentini, Denise Van Cleave, Phideaux Xavier |
|
Theme music composer |
Jack Urbont, Paul Glass, Steve Hopkins |
|
Country of origin |
United States |
|
Original language |
English |
|
No. of episodes |
15,000 |
|
Executive producers |
Frank Valentini (2012–present) and others |
|
Production locations |
The Prospect Studios, Los Angeles, California |
|
Camera setup |
Multi-camera |
|
Running time |
30 minutes (1963–1976), 45 minutes (1976–1978), 60 minutes (1978–present) |
|
Production companies |
Selmur Productions (1963–1968), ABC Signature (1985–present) |
|
Network |
ABC |
|
Release |
April 1, 1963 – present |
Where to Watch General Hospital?
If you’re eager to catch up on General Hospital or don’t want to miss any new episodes, there are several convenient options available: ABC offers a free live-streaming spotlight service where you can watch General Hospital at all hours on their official website, abc.com. New episodes of the soap opera are typically available on Hulu after they air. This is a great option if you miss an episode during its broadcast.
You can find the entire series of General Hospital on Amazon Prime Video, allowing you to binge-watch past episodes at your convenience. General Hospital may also be available on other streaming platforms, so it’s worth checking your preferred streaming service to see if it’s offered.
For dedicated fans looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you can consider purchasing the standard box set DVDs of General Hospital, which provide a physical collection of episodes for your enjoyment. With these options, you can easily stay up-to-date with the drama and intrigue of Port Charles and enjoy General Hospital according to your schedule and preferences.
TRENDING
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.