General Hospital or as it is known by its viewers, GH, is America's longest running soap opera in production and the third longest running drama on television in American history. The soap is shown at 2:00pm local time on the popular channel ABC and was first aired back in 1963. It is the longest-running serial produced in Hollywood, and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history.
Ever since the late 1970's, most of the story lines have revolved on the environment of Quartermaines and the Spencers. From 1979 to 1988, General Hospital had more viewers than any other daytime soap opera. It rose to the top of the ratings in the early 1980's in part thanks to the monumentally popular "power couple"Luke and Laura, whose 1981 wedding brought in 30 million viewers and remains the highest-rated hour in American soap opera history. The soap opera has also seen guest stars appear among the cast with the like of James Franco, Roseanne Barr and also Elizabeth Taylor.
Most of the initial story lines were set in a unnamed eastern city of America on the seventh floor of the General Hospital. "They had this concept of the show that it was like a big wagon wheel – the spokes would be the characters and the hub would be the hospital," [Quote form John Beradino (original cast member)]
By the end of the 1970's, General Hospital was facing dire ratings when executive producer Gloria Monty was brought in to turn the show around. Monty is credited with creation of the first supercouple, Luke Spencer and Laura Webber, played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis. The end of their hour wedding on November 17, 1981 was the most-watched event in daytime serial history.
The soap has dealt with some sensitive topics and allowed audience members to be educated about some serious medical matters. Story lines included HIV, AIDS, heart donation, breast cancer which have lead them to being so successful at the Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama 11 times.
[Alice]
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