The popular ABC soap opera—TV’s longest running scripted soap series—will be marking its 60th anniversary in April 2023, calling for a very special celebration that the network teased on Wednesday. It was announced during the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour that the 60th anniversary celebration will kick off on April 1, with a stage dedication to the cast and crew on the Prospect Studios lot where the series is filmed. The anniversary programing will also feature a special episode to honor Sonya Eddy, the actress who played head nurse Epiphany Johnson on the series from 2006 until her death in December 2022. Port Charles fan-favorites are also expected to make some visits, including Jane Elliot who will be reprising her role as the beloved Tracy Quartermaine. ABC also teased that “icons of Port Charles unite to stop a legendary threat from the past,” according to TV Line. The show will also be bringing back the annual Nurses Ball, a charity gala to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS which first began on the show in 1994. The fictional event, which hasn’t appeared on the series since 2020, is expected to return during the week of April 3 this spring. In 2022, General Hospital—which originally premiered in 1963—won five Daytime Emmy Awards including one for Outstanding Drama Series, marking the series’ 15th time receiving the honor. “Every year is an accomplishment to stay on the air, to be relevant and to be something that people talk about and care about,” showrunner and executive producer Frank Valentini said on Wednesday, according to Deadline. The network also shared a promo video for the 60th anniversary on YouTube, calling the show a “cultural phenomenon” and sharing a montage of some of the series’ best moments over the years. “Only one show gets you hooked like #GeneralHospital…” the video description on YouTube read. “THIS YEAR ON #GH… we’re turning 60 in style! Get ready for a celebration worthy of Port Charles, because we’re not stopping anytime soon. #GH60” the caption further teased.
