The show premiered on ABC television network on April 1, 1963, and still continues up to this day. It marked its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2013.
“General Hospital” officially became the oldest American soap opera on September 17, 2010, after “As the World Turns” ended.
It is one of the four most widely-followed daytime soap operas in American television these days including “The Young and the Restless,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “Days of Our Lives.”
“General Hospital” is actually placing third in the TV ratings game next to “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Apart from being the longest-running soap opera produced in Hollywood and the longest-running entertainment program in ABC television history, “General Hospital” also holds the record for the most number of daytime Emmy awards for Outstanding Drama Series with 11 victories.