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General Hospital, an iconic American daytime television soap opera, premiered on April 1, 1963, and has been captivating audiences since the first episode. Its run spanned 60 years, setting the Guinness World Record for the longest-running soap opera in the United States.
The show takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles and has several memorable characters, exciting storylines, and game-changing moments. All of these have had a big influence on the newer soap operas in the US as well as the world.
However, there are some things about General Hospital that even the biggest fans of the show may not have known. This article has some interesting behind-the-scenes info and historical trivia that have helped make the show so popular.
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10 interesting facts about General Hospital that even the biggest fans might not know
1) The creators of General Hospital
Soap opera writers and married couple, Frank and Doris Hursley came up with the idea for General Hospital in 1963. Their storytelling skills and visions for the show set it up for success, making it a hit with viewers.
Working together, the couple created interesting plots and characters that kept fans hooked on the show. Their teamwork brought a special touch to the show, blending their talents and ideas to make an engaging story.
2) Premiere on April fool's day
The soap debuted on April 1, 1963, kicking off a successful run in daytime television. The show's premiere on April Fool's Day hinted at the playful and unpredictable storylines that would unfold.
Despite the initial light-heartedness of its release date, General Hospital quickly proved itself to be a top-notch soap opera, captivating viewers with its compelling characters and dramatic twists.
3) Award-winning drama series
General Hospital has won 16 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. The show also holds the record for winning the most Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.
It's a big deal to win at the Daytime Emmy Awards, and for the show to have clinched the top spot 16 times is impressive. The cast, crew, and creative team put a lot of dedication and hard work into making the series the success it is.
4) From Emergency Hospital to General Hospital
The show started as Emergency Hospital but eventually became General Hospital, which wasn't just a rebrand but also marked a change in the show's focus and direction.
By moving away from just the emergency room, the soap was able to tell more diverse stories and introduce a wider range of characters. The new name also helped establish the show as a more inclusive medical drama that could address a variety of health issues and topics.
5) Thriving on a strict budget
Even with a tight budget, General Hospital manages to keep things fresh by reusing sets creatively. This flexibility and ingenuity have helped the show stay successful in a tough TV industry.
The creators made the most of what they had and found ways to save money while churning out stories for captivating episodes. This reportedly helped them focus on telling stories and developing characters instead of being caught up in flashy effects and fancy sets.
6) Longevity of sets
The show has been using the same set for over 30 years, which fans claim proves how well it has been designed and how the creators are committed to keeping things consistent.
By sticking with the same sets for so long, General Hospital has been able to save money on renovations and put that money towards other parts of the production. Fans have come to recognize and love these sets as a part of the show's identity.
7) Filming location
General Hospital is shot at The Prospect Studios in Los Angeles, California, a well-known spot for TV production. The studio has seen its fair share of famous scenes and storylines. The cast and crew have top-notch facilities to work in, with all the tools they need to get the job done.
8) The creation of super-couples
Gloria Monty, who was the executive producer in 1978, came up with the idea of super-couples, like Luke and Laura Spencer. Her leadership and vision played a big role in shaping the show and making it stand out in the soap opera world.
By focusing on creating strong, interesting relationships between characters, Monty was able to make the audience feel invested and connected. Luke and Laura's relationship became a huge hit, with their wedding episode breaking records for viewership.
9) Milestone: 15,000th episode celebration
The 15,000th episode was filmed in early May 2022 and aired on June 21, 2022. It featured almost all the main actors, some recurring ones, a special song, and flashbacks to Laura and Scotty's 1979 wedding.
The celebration of the 15,000th episode was a chance to honor the show's history and look toward the future. The special song and flashbacks added a nostalgic touch to the episode.
10) Enduring legacy and impact
The show has been around for almost 60 years and has become a beloved and influential show in the soap opera world. It has a rich history, great storytelling, and iconic characters that fans can't get enough of.
The show has stayed popular by evolving with the times while still staying true to its roots. It has made a big impact on pop culture with its unforgettable storylines and characters that have become a part of TV history.
New episodes of the show are available to watch on ABC.
