General Hospital fans were left wondering why their favorite soap opera didn’t air on January 7th, 2025. The preemption was due to ongoing memorial services for former President Jimmy Carter, whose passing on December 29th, 2024, led to nationwide mourning and a series of commemorative events.
Presidential Memorial Services Preempt General Hospital Broadcast
ABC’s official announcement via X (formerly Twitter) confirmed that the January 7th episode of General Hospital would be preempted to provide coverage of the memorial services for President Carter. The events, taking place in Washington D.C., included the arrival of the former president’s body at Joint Base Andrews, a motorcade procession to the U.S. Navy Memorial, and a horse-drawn caisson procession to the U.S. Capitol. A congressional service in the Rotunda followed, with President Carter lying in state for public viewing.
Uncertainty Surrounding Future Broadcasts
While the January 7th preemption was confirmed, there was initial uncertainty regarding potential disruptions to the General Hospital broadcast schedule on January 8th and 9th due to continuing memorial events. Viewers were encouraged to stay tuned for further updates regarding possible schedule changes.
Cliffhanger Leaves Fans in Suspense
The preemption left fans on a cliffhanger, eager to discover the fate of Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) following a surprise explosion in the January 6th episode. With Duell’s planned departure from the show and no immediate recasting plans announced, speculation arose about whether the explosion marked the end of Michael’s character or a temporary exit for medical treatment. The potential fallout in Port Charles, particularly the reactions of Carly (Laura Wright) and Sonny (Maurice Benard), added to the suspense.
Where to Catch Up on Missed Episodes
Fans eager to catch up on missed episodes of General Hospital can find them on Hulu. Regular broadcasts of new episodes typically air weekdays on ABC.
