I remember back in college when the office I worked at essentially shut down at 2 p.m. We were officially open until 4, but from 2 to 3 everyone gathered to watch General Hospital. The storylines felt larger than life and the characters always glamorous. After more than five decades on the air, that signature blend of melodrama and glamour is still going strong.
Last week I had the incredible opportunity to tour the General Hospital set and preview a sneak peek of this week’s Nurse’s Ball. Growing up doing a bit of theater, I always had a secret dream of being on TV, so standing on the set of such an iconic show was surreal. The energy and craftsmanship behind every detail were impressive.
One thing that surprised me was how the studio is essentially a collection of modular sets. Sections are rotated in and out depending on the production schedule. About once a week a crew arrives in the middle of the night to tear down and rebuild sets — a marathon operation that also involves reconfiguring the extensive lighting rigs. The scale of the lighting equipment is remarkable and absolutely essential to creating the on-screen atmosphere.
On camera, rooms often seem much larger than they are in reality. Most sets are roughly the size of a typical living room, with a few exceptions for major recurring locations like the hospital lobby and courtroom. Clever camera angles, set dressing, and lighting make the spaces read as more expansive than their physical footprint. I even found myself plopped down on a couch, pretending it was my own living room — the illusion is that convincing.
The Nurse’s Ball episodes begin airing this week, and we were treated to a preview of a standout performance by newcomer Joshua Swickard, who plays Detective Harrison Chase. I won’t spoil the number, but it’s catchy and certainly a highlight you’ll want to see when the episodes air.
About the Nurse’s Ball:
“General Hospital”’s annual Nurses Ball, this year sponsored by Olay, returns on WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, and airs through MONDAY MAY 21. Founded in 1994 by Port Charles resident Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), the Nurses Ball is one of fictional Port Charles’ most glamorous charity events, dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness and research. This year, celebrity guest appearances include “The Chew”’s Carla Hall and “The Bachelor”’s Nick Viall. In her debut performance, Hall takes on an infamous role decades in the making; while Viall joins Aurora media maven Nina Clay (Michelle Stafford) on the red carpet, as they welcome viewers into what promises to be a memorable night. From Sam McCall’s (Kelly Monaco) stunning arrival to Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) unwavering support and Jason Morgan’s (Steve Burton) tireless search for answers, as well as never-before-seen musical performances and a surprise proposal, the Nurses Ball promises to be this year’s can’t-miss event.
After our preview, we spent time in the Green Room sharing bundt cake with Joshua Swickard and Executive Producer Frank Valentini. They discussed what it’s like joining a show with such a long legacy — Frank came aboard several years ago and Joshua is a recent addition — and the expectations that come with joining a program that’s been part of audiences’ daily routines for decades. Both emphasized collaboration, respect for the show’s history, and the excitement of contributing new chapters to long-running storylines.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, General Hospital remains a daily staple that blends dramatic storytelling with memorable production design and strong performances. You can catch it on weekdays on ABC, via local listings, or through the network’s streaming platforms and app.
