‘General Hospital’: Jason Morgan Return Was ‘Whole Different Story’ at First, Steve Burton Says

Steve Burton as Jason Morgan in 'General Hospital' Episode 15419
Disney/Christine Bartolucci

Jason Morgan returned to General Hospital on Monday, March 4, but Steve Burton says what fans saw onscreen wasn’t the original plan for his reprise.

Burton first played Jason in GH from 1991 to 2012, then again from 2017 to 2021. He was fired from the series for noncompliance with COVID-19 vaccine mandate on set, but he’s officially back as of March 4, 2024. The episode featured a bloody return for the beloved character, but Burton has revealed that there was a different story before a writers’ room change took place. Burton says it was an exciting change to the creative team behind the hit soap opera.

“There was a head writer switch. So apparently there was a whole different story planned and then the head writer switch happened and then they kind of rebooted [the story],” Burton told Soap Opera Digest, referring to Elizabeth Korte’s promotion to co-head writer alongside newcomer Patrick Mulcahey. Burton said he didn’t know much about his character’s arc leading up to his comeback, but noted that the plot was in good hands with this new team (Korte has long been a member of the GH writing staff).

“There’s no one in the building that loves that show, knows the history of the character, and is invested in it 100 percent than Elizabeth,” he said. “There has never been a more deserved promotion, ever.”

Once Burton knew Korte was helping lead the charge on his comeback, he couldn’t wait to hit the ground running on whatever story the team cooked up. “I was like, ‘Oh, this is gonna be good! I cannot wait.’ And it has been exactly that. Everything has been amazing.”

Burton found himself in conversation with an avid GH fan after learning the plot of his return, which was a fun experience for the actor.

“I love how invested people are in this,” he told Digest. “I happened to talk to a fan and she was like, ‘So, this is what it is. You’re doing this, then this happens.’ I go, ‘Hey, guess what? None of that is right! So, watch March 4!’”

What did you think of Jason’s return? Let us know in the comments below.

General Hospital, Weekdays, 3/2c, ABC

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  1. C

    CyanBottle

    Loved it I knew that jason wouldn't turn on sonny look how he saved Dante I think our jason is back we will have to wait and see welcome back steve burton u were missed

    57 3

  2. G

    GoldCocktail

    Love the fact Jason is back but hoping he not trying to kill Sonny that wouldn't be good. And Dante it's not time for you to die come we need Dante. Don't let Sonny go thru losing another son.

    43

    1. B

      BlueBandAid

      I heard the actor playing Dante is leaving. I hope it isn't true. He is a real asset to the show.

      9

  3. O

    OliveHelmet

    Was hoping he would be back!! GH has not been the same without him..he’s an OG!♥️

    32 1

  4. P

    PurpleTeepee

    I'm hoping he recovered from the cave in and discovered Brit was dead, Sonny left Carly but she's with Drew, his family had mourned him several times so he took the out and played dead to keep his kids safe and get out of the mob. Sonny had Dex... Then when he heard someone was targeting mob bosses using Stone's me he infiltrated the group to protect everyone. He has been protecting Sonny all along like he did Monday. I think Brick is the mole.

    I also hope that Stone is Morgan proving he can be a mobster using his middle name, stone. This would explain why Austin was killed and Ava got a 'your welcome note' and a gun to protect herself. Morgan would really hate Sonny if Ava hooked up with him.

    Anyway that my hopeful prediction.

    35 4

    1. C

      CyanFish

      I've been thinking Brick was the mole all along. Interesting about Morgan.

      22 6

      1. B

        BlueRadio

        I agree Brick is probably the mole.

        6 2

      2. O

        OliveBandAid

        I hope not! Brick has been with Sonny so many years that it would be terrible to have him as the mole

        4

    2. B

      BluePlanet

      Wow!! I was thinking the same thing. Brick acts to smooth and too cool lately. I wouldn't be surprised.

      Well guess great minds think alike.😂

      9 4

    3. P

      PurpleMustache

      See my comment above I was hoping Drew caused the cave in leaving Jason to die. This breaks up him and Carly Drew takes off. Next Jason goes after Nina she leaves town with Valentin and his crazydaughter Charlotte

      1 1

  5. B

    BABS

    Good to see him back. For once can the politics be left out of this?

    29 3

  6. B

    BluePlanet

    I was truly happy to see Jason. We have a real plot thinker to work out. I love a mystery and the mystery is Jason. Figuring out why he came back and where has he been is really going to be a mystery to solve. I love GH!!!!

    23 1

  7. O

    OliveBandAid

    I'm so glad that Jason (Steve Burton) is back. I love this guy and his character ❤️. Wish I had a real man in life like him. He's just so 😍.

    Welcome back

    25 4

  8. O

    OrangeScissors

    Fantastic

    18 1

  9. O

    OrangeBus

    As I am so happy to have Steve Burton back as my favorite character Jason! I thought it was a bit flat and anti climactic after the big hype of his return. I hope it will get better by end of the week. Welcome back!

    12

  10. O

    OliveHelmet

    I'm confused. Y is Jason wanting to kill Sonny and help Dante. Is he partially brain washed, he looked like he was remembering slowly who they were or turning legit toward law enforcement or is he being black mailed to kill Sonny. I don't won't Jason to b a bad guy and I don't won't Dante to die. Dex needs to come back and they find out he's Jason's son or Dantes.

    13 1

    1. G

      GreenBone

      He prevented the shooter from hitting Sonny by bumping his arm. I'm sure we'll find out more in the coming days.

      11 1

  11. B

    BlueGrapes

    Love love love it! He’s the best and still hot as ever!

    10

  12. G

    GreenWrench

    I love that he is back!!! Was on the edge of my seat hoping he didn't come back as bad guy!!!

    9

  13. G

    GreenBulb

    Glad he's back but not liking the new storyline

    7

    1. O

      OliveChefHat

      the storyline is bs i think this was his ticket back to Port Charles,

  14. C

    CyanTree

    I'm happy Jason is back but hope that doesn't mean the show kills Dante off to have Jason too. It was good to see him helping Dante after being Shot. Did Jason move the body of the shooter? Maybe he's in the dumpster. Lol wouldn't it have been better to leave his body there to show Dante shot back at the guy who shot him?

    If GH wants Jason to be with Sam they could have Lulu wake up & she will need Dante to help her get better so please writers don't let Dante die.

    7

  15. O

    OrangeCherries

    I was so excited that Jason's arrival was going to be more exciting.I will anxiously wait for more to come

    6

  16. G

    GoldDucky

    I’ve anxiously been waiting for Jason’s return. I hope he and Sonny can fall back in line with one another!

    Jason has been gone way too long!!

    Hopefully Dante will fully recover

    And on another note, I hope Dex can remain in Port Charles

    6

    1. R

      RedApple

      Me too…

      4

  17. G

    GoldHammer

    I am just so happy to see him back. I want him to be the same character he's always been. I was afraid he was gonna be this bad character because of all the gossip mongers. I'm so anxious to hear where he's been and doing what. I don't like Drew's reaction. Carly and Jason have a relationship like no other. Let's keep it that way, please. I don't like a romantic pairing. There's nobody on the to pair him with. Let him be solo for as long as it takes. Please don't put him with Ava!!!!

    5

    1. G

      GreenGoggles

      AVA???????

      OMGGG NOOOOOO.

      but I do like sexy Ava,she's smart and she's a good actor. Sam , Drew are not🤷🏿‍♀️ drew wasn't good on AMC...just loud, overacting/just my opinion 😉

  18. C

    CyanTree

    So good to see Jason back!

    I'm very happy he moved the shooters arm & spoiled shot aimed at sonny. Good Jason helped Dante after shooter shot him 2x in chest & then it looked like Jason shot shooter but where was his body before Joss & Dex got there & Jason took off ?

    If Jason had been programmed to kill mob bosses but changed his mind when he saw sonny as friend & Dante too. The big question is where has he been & what happened to him ?

    4

    1. O

      OliveChefHat

      i do not think he's programmed at all, he's on the run from theCasidines, remember even when she died or so they said she has the lab with the potion, to freeze time. I think they tried to brain wash Jason, he played like he hated sonny to get back, he killed other hit man, now he's running for his life from both sides...eventually Carly will convince Sonny Jason isn't there to kill him and he will eventually be on board, I personally think John, is a double agent, he knew way too much about someone wanting sonny dead, no other intelligence determined, he came there two days he knew everything How? because he's an inside man

  19. O

    OliveHelmet

    NO more Jason and Sam. He needs better so does Dante.Glad he's back. Glad he stood up for his rights. Back for good I hope. We missed u but did watch u on DOOL's. Did good ther too.

    11 7

  20. G

    GreenRocket

    About time Steve! welcome back, please do the Jason's thing like ever done it before. Your fans suffered a great loss when you were gone I mourned you. Please stay for good this time. We ❤️ you.

    3

  21. P

    PurpleDucky

    I'm thinking that brick is the mole ..Jason knows it and has been the one protecting sunny and them all long and morgan is part of it , and jason is trying to help him return.

    Think the FBI. man is

    Working with Brick.

    To the mob down.

    He got Brick in a corner.

    Dante needs to live I mean this would be just absolutely ridiculous to this story

    Because I believe it wouldn't leave a huge huge holeBecause I believe it wouldn't leave a huge huge hole.

    In the story

    3

  22. P

    PurpleCorn

    So they are talking about STONE, is that. Jagger STONE, or is it Cold STONE, makes you wonder.

    So glad Jason is back. Plz do NOT make BRICK to be the trader. That would be just dumb.

    5 2

  23. O

    OliveBandAid

    I am so glad Steve Burton came back to play Jason! This is long overdue!

    2

  24. O

    OrangeRaindrop

    I was totally estatic for Steve Burtons return!! Thank you for that! But I HATE IT that his Name is Always associated with the Covid Vaccine!! That is Done! Over With!! He did what he Needed to do!! He Knows his Own Body!!! I knew my own body also, but got both vaccines!! It almost Killed me!! The side effects from it lasted longer than a year and am told by many doctors I cannot take that Covid Vaccine again! It took out my life for more than a year!! Please Quit Associateing

    2

  25. O

    OliveChefHat

    I think the plot twist is Jason came back to Port Charles to work with Sonny, and the only way he could get back where where he was being help captive, Personally I still think by the Casidines, he had to pretend to be working against him. He's back, and eventually he will tell Sonny the truth, he didn't shoot Dante, the other guy did, he tried to save him, he ran to Carly, the question is what happened to the "other hit man that was with him,? how did Jason get injured, before he showed up to Carly's house. I say he shot and killed the guy, after they had a fight, ran to carly for help who else thinks this? there is no way this story makes sense, otherwise, we as viewers will never buy or even watch a Sonny and Jason rivilary makes no sense. this wont last long watch

    2

  26. O

    OliveCactus

    Where's Morgan?

    2

  27. O

    OlivePaw

    How did Dante have bullet wounds and bleed from mouth shot in chest with a bullet proof vest on? Stupid. Then no one on 911 said cop down? No one in Port Charles Pc was looking for him but Dex and Joss found him? Stupid. Sonny gets shot at in warehouse, people all leave him and Ava standing alone in same warehouse 15 minutes later? Stupid

    2

    1. O

      OrangeMagnet

      They used armor piercing bullets!

      And you would bleed from mouth with a chest wound

  28. O

    OliveGrapes

    Love it 🥰🥰. They should have never fired him!! Now it's about to go down 🤗🤗

    2

  29. O

    OliveGrapes

    I hope that Sonny and Jason get over all of their problems soon. I love them working together. Also, that the new writers don't make Jason loose his edge. That's what makes him Jason!💕

    1

  30. C

    Charlene Hunt

    I’m happy he’s back but the return was not good especially the way they making his and Sonny’s relationship after all he sacrificed for Sonny and that man turns on him

    1

  31. B

    BlueProcessor

    Love Jason , happy he is back.. I am not liking the " new " Drew though.. who will he pair up with next ?... Nina ? ( Hey , can happen ).. Willow ?.. we shall see.. 😁

    1

  32. G

    GreenSushi

    I have been watching General Hospital since I was 15 years old I used to watch with my mom she has passed away and I watch it with my grandbabies.

    I adored the whole Luke and Laura it was the best we never missed an episode but when Jason became jasson Morgan he really plays the part well he is a very talented actor and now that he is back again it's like GENERAL Hospitals son has come home and the chemistry between Jason and carly is the best keep up the good work and now if Dante could just wake up please lol no I'm kidding but I'm enjoying it so keep up the good work

    1

  33. C

    CyanScissors

    Awesome!! So Happy Jason is Back.. oh snap.. doing the Happy Dance! 💃

    1

  34. P

    PurpleDucky

    Jason so glad your back. Dante got shot but who had his back. Fan of yours? Definitely.

    1

  35. G

    GreenGoggles

    Jason’s return I loved it. Finally getting back to the General Hospital I been in love watching for years. The show is much better ,actually worth watching again. I loved the return of Jason hopefully Dante won’t be out too long before he gets to tell his story. Can’t wait to see what happens next. The entire show has been much better. Don’t kill off Dante he has grown on me. I enjoy his character.

    1

  36. O

    OliveTooth

    FINALYY, his return !!!!! Yea !!!!!

    2 1

  37. P

    PurpleDucky

    Glad that he's back and on the right side. I don't want him replacing Dex though as he needs to stay.

    On a separate not I like the story line with Elisabeth's boys with the drinking and vaping!

    2 1

  38. B

    BlueDice

    Welcome back Steve, really enjoyed your return episode. I hope you taking out the hitman and helping Dante,means that the old Jason is back.Y were truly missed.

    1

  39. G

    GreenPlane

    I was so excited for Jason's return. Then BAM!! Shocked !!!

    Had me at the edge of my rocker. I have loved Jason since the beginning ❤️

    1

    1. P

      PurpleMustache

      He has been my favorite since the first day his character appeared on GH.

      17 1

  40. G

    GoldCocktail

    I was surprise but off guard I'm like why is Jason trying to kill Sonny . No no no hopefully Jason not brain wash again. But love to see you back in Action Jason you was miss

    1

  41. G

    GreenBowtie

    Welcome back Jason, missed you, now you need to go back to Sam.

    11 10

    1. G

      GreenGoggles

      Noooooo‼️

      Sam needs to go‼️

  42. R

    Remyfrancais

    So glad he is back!!!

  43. D

    Diane

    I love Jason. He needs returned as soon as possible. It’s shows not the same without him. The best character ever.

  44. B

    BlueDice

    Jason is fricking awesome!!! Steve plays the role perfectly. He could be the new James Bond or 007’s son he didn’t know about. His character is that great!

  45. R

    Reader

    So excited Jason is back on GH. He is one of my favorites. Him Sonny and Carly are my favorites. I kinda would like to see Carly with Jason especially if Sonny retires. Otherwise Carly is great and the best with Sonny. Those are my top 3 favorites I hope stay on.

  46. R

    RedPlane

    The show needed Jason to come back and shake things up. It has been real exciting with Jason back!!

  47. B

    BlueChefHat

    Love that Jason is back..The show along with a few others make it great.

  48. B

    BlueDice

    Can't wait for it I hope it great

  49. B

    BlueDice

    I love that Jason is back waiting for more on Jason his gun fighting come back

  50. P

    PurpleFlame

    I am glad that Jason is back. I feel that they could of made his comeback story differently

  51. C

    CyanPin

    Story would be more interesting if he was protecting Elizabeth. Their connection has always been stronger than any other relationship he has had. Their chemistry is always on point and real. Would love to see them together again!

  52. P

    PurpleMustache

    Jason is working for John Cates because he is John Mercenary but Jason doesn’t remember him they use to be friends back in high school it was long time ago

  53. O

    OliveChefHat

    THIS IS MY COMMENT FROM TWO DAYS AGO I KNEW JOHN WAS DIRTY!!!!!

    irene Ci

    2 days ago

    i do not think he's programmed at all, he's on the run from the Casidines, remember even when she died or so they said she has the lab with the potion, to freeze time. I think they tried to brain wash Jason, he played like he hated sonny to get back, he killed other hit man, now he's running for his life from both sides...eventually Carly will convince Sonny Jason isn't there to kill him and he will eventually be on board, I personally think John, is a double agent, he knew way too much about someone wanting sonny dead, no other intelligence determined, he came there two days he knew everything How? because he's an inside man

  54. G

    GreenLobster

    I THINK IT WAS AWESOME BETTER THAN THAT WE GOT STEVE BACK BUT I DIDNT WANT SONNY SAM DREW TO GO AGAINST JASON THINKING HE SHOT SONNYS SON AND TRIED TO KILL SONNY COME ON NOW JASON WOULDNT HURT THE PEOPLE HE LOVES SO TELL THE OTHERS TO BACK OFF

    1 1

  55. G

    GoldWheel

    Happy Jason is back. I hope he and Carly find their way back to each other. I hope Sonny develops a relationship with Ava and maybe Ryan can get with Jordan Ashford. They both seem to be at wit's end.

  56. C

    CyanRaindrop

    I love how Jason came back, lam so happy, good job.

  57. P

    PurpleRing

    Can't wait to see how this storyline unfolds. I love Steve Burton and his character. Looking forward to watching!

    1 1

  58. G

    GreenBone

    He looked constipated So stiff and lost. They could have done so much better on this. He said his come back would make since that everything will come together but what is it is he trying to kill sonny or not? But Steve looked so lost yesterday it actually was sad.

    5 5

    1. B

      BlueSnow

      Maybe that is part of the story. I did not see him that way. I thought he looked pensive, like he was puzzling something out and suddenly realized something.He has been brainwashed to believe he hates Sonny, but on the roof, the brainwashing fails and he realizes what is going on. He ’wakes up’’’ and becomes himself.

      3

  59. B

    BlueChefHat

    Love having Jason back but not as Sonny ‘s lacky! Writers ruined Sonny so he is now a joke… his relationship w/ Nina is disgusting & pucky because she is deplorable. Was hoping they would bring Jason back as another character w: power over the town in some capacity that was legal. Wish they would also bring back Jacks..,,Carly’s ex

  60. O

    OlivePaw

    So glad Jason is back. Waited a long time to see him again.He is the best!!!Db

    1

  61. R

    RedFlask

    I loooooooove Jason!!!I stopped watching the show since he left now I'm back on track

    1

  62. O

    OliveChefHat

    Now that it's confirmed that John is dirty, who wants to bet that Dex (he was working undercover against Sonny) was also working for John. Dante will wake up, he will exonerate Jason, by saying he didn't shoot him, Sonny will come the hell down, but will have a falling out with Michael for not telling him Jason was back, I think Sonny will become a little more unhinged, Ava and Sonny will have an affair, Nina and Carly will bond because they will both feel betrayed by Ava, and probably end up working together, since Carly and Drew are no longer together, for the summer. GH always has to have a crazy delusional person every summer since Laura, has sent Heather to CA penitentiary, Im guessing Sonny's gonna lose his ish a bit

    1

  63. G

    GreenCarrot

    Predictable and unremarkable.

    1

  64. O

    OliveBeer

    I too am so excited Jason is back. Drew and Carly never had the chemistry to work. Maybe Sonny will see just how much being with Nina cost him in business. Dante has got to make it him and Sam are awesome. Yeah GH let's make this summer rememberable. Action,love intrigue and mystery.

    1

  65. G

    GreenCoffee

    Jason's return, a long time coming! Of course, he went straight to Carly after being shot! Wouldn't expect any different. Of course, I think his involvement with taking Sonny down is not what it seems. Afterall, he implemented life-saving measures to save Dante, and Dex and Joss will be able to attest to that. And he has always been pretty loyal to Sonny, and I haven't seen any reason why that would change now. Though I hear Dante's portrayer is leaving the show, so he may be wrapped up in those accusations for a while. Can't wait to see how this plays out!

    1

  66. P

    PurpleButterfly

    As long as he come back as Jason who loves Sonny then I'm happy I've been watching this show since 81 please don't disappoint me

    1

  67. P

    PurpleMustache

    Jason is my absolute favorite character on GH. I was hoping when he returned we discovered it was Drew who caused the cave in and left Jason to die. This breaks up him and Carly next Jason goes after Nina for what she did to Carly she leaves town with Valentin and his crazy daughter Charlotte

    1 2

  68. G

    GoldAnchor

    I am glad Jason is back

    1

  69. O

    OrangeFish

    I want to see how Jason deals with the love of his life Sam.i think they belong together as lovers not friends because Jason is the love of sams life

    1 2

    1. O

      OliveBullhorn

      She certainly didn't act like. He was an obsession for sure. She walked away from him and I hope he never goes back. She convinced him to have a child and that she wouldn't leave him due to the business and then did exactly like that, even though she acted like she was better because she could hang. Then she brought danger to her family with the cult stuff and didn't care about protecting her kids when she almost got Jason killed. Not to mention she stalked him and could have gone back to prison, again putting her obsession with him before her kids. She's a hypocrite and he never should have gone back to her after what she did back in the day and how horrible she was afterward. So yeah, never want to see him with that bore again.

  70. O

    OliveChefHat

    I told you all that John was behind it!!!!! I have watch General Hospital since I was a baby with my grandmother, I know Jason way too well, it made no sense any other way. From the Day John showed up I had red flags, that's why he wanted to PRETEND to be protecting Sonny, who saw right through it,

    2

  71. O

    OlivePaw

    I think Dex is Jason's son.

    2

    1. O

      OliveBullhorn

      Hope not. He doesn't need any more kids. LIke seriously, why put a kid through that?

  72. P

    PurpleScooter

    So happy, Steve is back but please keep Dante. I want to see Sam back with Jason and Dante with LuLu . I really want him and Sonny back together and back with his Mom, Monica

    1 3

  73. O

    OrangeBucket

    Welcome back. So excited to see you. Can’t wait to see what you do

    2

  74. G

    GoldTeepee

    Love it. Jason is back and maybe now GH will be interesting. Yeah.

    2

  75. R

    RedApple

    I'm not sure yet, there really wasn't enough to decide on. But I was kind of disappointed.

    1 3

  76. O

    OrangeMagnet

    I just don't think it's right.

    I do love the character but Burton does not deserve to come back.

    He put his fellow actors at risk by refusing to take covid shot.

    I think he should be made to take it before returning now.

    Apparently he had not lost love ones to covid.

    His co-workers should be angry

    Just not right

    7

  77. B

    BlueProcessor

    Would have preferred Franco returning than tired old Jason

    2 9

    1. O

      OliveBullhorn

      Oh God no. Can't stand him. Most of these characters never change. Not sure why you singled him out. He's not boring to me. He's intense and for good reason.

      1

  78. O

    OrangeScissors

    Has he decided to comply with vaccination regulations?

    2 11

  79. G

    GoldScooter

    Going to be the same old thing .Boring

    12

  80. O

    OrangeBasketball

    Non compliant...fired and he goes back . Did he bow with gratitude?

    3 21

    1. G

      GoldMustache

      The mandate was lifted and they eventually asked him back. He was very professional when let go and professional upon his return.

      21 2

    2. O

      OliveBullhorn

      So hateful. Look how good compliancy turned out? People still got it etc. It was just help keep you out of the hospital. It didn't protect you from getting it etc and just because you didn't get it didn't mean you'd get covid or pass it on. He always made it clear that he wanted to retire there and was respectful. Sad when people are so mean when they don't even know a person. Sad life.

      2 1