What’s Next on ‘General Hospital’ in 2026: Maxie’s Return, Britt & Jason, Drew’s Shooter, and More
Exclusive
General Hospital‘s co-head writers, Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, have a clear vision of how Port Charles will look in 2026. “All story comes from character — where the characters are now, where we can take them next,” they tell TV Insider exclusively. “We ask ourselves, ‘How can we challenge them? Surprise them? What will touch their hearts, and ours? How can we discover new strengths — and weaknesses? What are the new and unexpected connections? Where are the time-tested relationships we can sustain and deepen?’ We want to tell story that keeps you anticipating — while revealing new facets of the characters we love.”
To that end, they have big moves planned for the year ahead. “A ‘Perfect Storm’ – with multiple stories and relationships poised to collide,” they tease. “Britt [Westbourne, Kelly Thiebaud] and Nathan’s [West, Ryan Paevey] returns — what do they mean? How are they connected? Can Britt risk telling Jason [Morgan, Steve Burton] the truth? Does Nathan still love Maxie [Jones, Kirsten Storms]? How far will Sidwell [Carlo Rota] go to complete Faison’s [Andres Hove] final project — and how far can he push Laura [Collins, Genie Francis] and Sonny [Corinthos, Maurice Benard]? What happens if Lucas [Jones, Van Hansis] realizes how deeply Marco’s [Rios, Adrian Anchondo] involved with his father? Will Carly’s [Spencer, Laura Wright] alliance with Valentin [Cassadine, James Patrick Stuart] take Brennan [Chris McKenna] down — or backfire on both of them?”
But that’s not all. “How does Portia’s [Robinson, Brook Kerr] pregnancy impact her, the potential fathers Curtis [Ashford, Donnell Turner] and Isaiah Gannon [Sawandi Wilson] — and her rival Jordan [Ashford, Tanisha Harper]?” they add. “How far will Alexis [Davis, Nancy Lee Grahn] go to defend Willow [Tait, Katelyn MacMullen] and secure access to Scout [Cain, Cosette Abinante]? Can Willow break Drew’s [Quartermaine, Cameron Mathison] hold on her? How much will Chase [Josh Swickard] risk for Willow and what does that mean for Chase and Brook Lynn [Amanda Setton]?”
Disney/Bahareh Ritter
Those questions will be answered in the year ahead, but in the meantime, check out what else will be happening in Port Charles after the ball drops.
Here’s what’s in store for..
Sonny Corinthos, Laura Collins, and Kevin Collins
“Old friends Sonny and Laura collaborate to outflank Sidwell, but any success will be hard-won. Laura must take drastic measures to keep Kevin [Jon Lindstrom] and Ace [Cassadine, Kieran/Karis Barry] out of Sidwell’s reach. Sonny seeks a weakness to exploit in Sidwell, and finds two — Lucy [Coe, Lynn Herring] and Ava [Jerome, Maura West].”
Troy Harvey/ABC via Getty Images
Drew Cain and Willow Tait
“Drew’s shooter is revealed as Willow’s trial climaxes. The verdict and its fallout will reverberate for years to come.”
Jack Brennan, Carly Spencer, and Valentin Cassadine
“Carly means to bury Brennan for luring Josslyn [Jacks, Eden McCoy] into a life of service to the WSB — even if that means getting in deeper with Valentin. Valentin’s bond with Charlotte [Cassadine, Bluesy Burke] may be the death of him.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Britt Westbourne and Jason Morgan
“Britt and Jason can’t deny their attraction. But their romance faces an immediate obstacle in the form of Sidwell’s partner-in-crime. Britt makes moves to wall off Jason, but her resolve is tested when a blizzard strands them together.”
Jacinda Bracken and Michael Corinthos
“What began as a mutually advantageous financial arrangement is evolving into something sexy and sincere. But when Jacinda [Paige Herschell] must testify at Willow’s trial, the thing that brought her and Michael [Rory Gibson] together — a trumped-up alibi — may be their undoing.”
Disney/Eric McCandless
Anna Devane
“Anna’s [Finola Hughes] situation goes from bad to worse when she’s called on by a voice from her past. She makes a bid for escape, but her captors are prepared with a contingency should she prove too difficult to control.”
Tracy Quartermaine
“Tracy [Jane Elliot] takes matters into her own hands to reclaim the Quartermaine mementos purloined by Drew. An enlightening encounter with a squatter at Drew’s house may open her mind to new possibilities.”
Dante Falconeri, Harrison Chase, and Brook Lynn Quartermaine
“Dante [Falconeri, Dominic Zamprogna] has his hands full steering the PCPD in Anna’s absence. Home is little respite, as he struggles to communicate with both his sons. It won’t be smooth sailing for Chase and Brook Lynn, either. Chase’s actions on Willow’s behalf result in setbacks in the squad room and at home. He and Michael are at each other’s throats, and he’s not getting along much better with Dante. Brook Lynn defends her husband from Quartermaine sniping but behind closed doors admits to misgivings. They want to expand their family, but they can’t make a home for anyone if they can’t make a home together.”
Lulu Spencer and Nathan West
“Lulu [Alexa Havins] helps Nathan navigate parenthood, but her wisdom is undercut when Charlotte ditches her police minders. Nathan assists Lulu in her search, but they find themselves in a surprising clinch long before they find Charlotte.”
Kai Taylor and Trina Robinson
“Trina [Tabyana Ali] and Kai [Jens Austin Astrup] realize they are in possession of a piece of evidence that could blow Willow’s trial wide open. Their detective work results in identifying Drew’s shooter — but what they do with this information will stun viewers.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Curtis Ashford, Jordan Ashford, Portia Robinson, and Isaiah Gannon
“The revelations courtesy of Willow’s trial widen the rift between Curtis and Portia — but push Curtis closer to Jordan, and Portia closer to Isaiah. Curtis presses Portia to obtain a paternity test, but she won’t be bullied. Portia has higher priorities — like hashing things out with Trina. Trina wants none of that, but she learned her stubbornness from the master — her mother.”
Gio Palmieri and Emma Drake
“Emma [Braedyn Bruner] races to the rescue with Mac [Scorpio, John J. York] and Felicia [Jones, Kristina Wagner] when Anna is sighted. What happens next will prove traumatic for the Scorpios. Gio [Giovanni Mazza] is there to support Emma when the stress finally catches up to her. Will they finally take their relationship to the next level?”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Marco Rios and Lucas Jones
“Marco is tasked with supervising Britt. His expanding role and his unending loathing for Sonny may prove corrosive to his relationship with Lucas, who is creeped out by Pascal [Marc Forget] and itching to move out of Wyndemere. Marco’s impatience has him looking beyond Sidwell to settle the score with Sonny. Lucas finds himself at the center of a battle of wills between two of his most loved ones — Carly and Ava.”
Cody Bell and Molly Lansing
“Cody [Josh Kelly] and Molly [Kristen Vaganos] clear the air and really connect, but their happiness may prove short-lived when her creative endeavor takes on a life of its own.”
Justine Turner
“Turner [Nazneen Contractor] takes no prisoners in court, using Drew’s arrogance against Willow. Sonny disarms Turner when circumstances position her to investigate one of his loved ones. But Turner has a card left to play against Sonny, too — that is, unless his new lodger takes a real bite out of her first.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Maxie Jones
“Maxie will return in 2026! Her slumber wasn’t nearly as long as Lulu’s, but she’ll find her world much changed when she finally wakes up.”
Jenz Sidwell
“Sidwell has no scruples about using his adversaries’ loved ones as leverage to get what he wants. He’ll find an ally in Ava and have a surprising response when she clues him in to an interloper on Spoon Island. He and Ava grow closer, much to Lucy’s chagrin.”
Kristina Corinthos
“Kristina [Kate Mansi] takes it upon herself to help her family, whether they like it or not. But her efforts do not go unappreciated, and result in her making a new friend.”
Alexis Davis
“Alexis is every bit Turner’s equal in court, but her defense strategy is fraught with risk and leaves devastation in its wake. No matter what the verdict, Alexis and Scout may wind up losers.”
Disney/Christine Bartolucci
Nina Reeves
“Nina [Cynthia Watros] takes a stand against Drew. She went to great lengths to give Willow an advantage in court, but when Brennan comes calling, she may discover that the cost is higher than she can pay.”
Ned Quartermaine and Olivia Falconeri
“Ned’s [Wally Kurth] effort to keep the peace is for nought when the Quartermaines finally learn that Drew left him to die outside Bobbie’s. Tracy is ready to take Drew down, but she’ll have to take a number. Olivia [Lisa LoCicero] is first in line, and she’s loaded for bear.”
Danny Morgan, Scout Cain, Charlotte Cassadine, and Rocco Falconeri
“Betrayed, Charlotte considers going full Cassadine. Danny [Asher Antonyzyn] is every bit his father’s son, proving it when he stands up for Charlotte in her time of need. Rocco [Finn Carr] faces a stormy 2026, triggering a string of events that will result in the departure of one citizen of Port Charles, and dire consequences for others.”
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G
Trina and Kai 😴😴. Can we end the Drew mess? It is getting old.
49
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C
It's very annoying that she acts like she is 12 in regards to her parents divorcing and her mom cheating. It's obnoxious to say the least.
3
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S
Start the new year off right, and give my dragons a good meal. Send Drew to Hell already. It's long overdue!
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P
I am over most of this Drew things I don't care who shot him they didn’t get the job done so they might would not even did it. I am sick of him. I’m sick of all the crap that he’s doing and getting away with. I’m just over him.
33
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K
Please give loyal fans the gift of getting rid of Drew / Cameron M.
15
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G
I think they'll probably kill Willow off the show; given the direction of her storyline and the character's current mental health problems in which no one appears to know the true depths of her problems until it is too late...
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C
Sidwell and his son are so dull. Can we please cut the dead weight already?
32
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G
I wish Sonny would just kill them off.
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P
Why aren't there any previews for Elizabeth Webber? She's a veteran and a fan favourite and these writers purposefully have tried to sever her having any ties to the canvas. They got rid of her kids, avoid her having any significant scenes with characters she has history with, such as Laura or Jason. It's like they've removed her personality since she's only on to agree with whatever Willow or Portia say rather than ever share anything about her own past experiences. Imagine not knowing how to write for the head nurse on a show called General HOSPITAL-make it make sense.
26
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O
Exactly!! She has talent and they need to let her use it
11
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J
Agree but we also actresses can't comment on new roles, and we know California is way too expensive for actors to stay on soaps when they're barely on, I assume her agent is shopping her around and we'll find out in2026 where she lands. CBS can afford her but Days needs pairings for Brady and EJ and she'd be perfect for either one!
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A
for what purpose she did not spend one minute with any of her sons apparently all of them couldn’t care less about her. They didn’t show us that she talked to any of them. They didn’t over any of the holidays Thanksgiving Christmas New Year’s nothing oh she was on the phone with somebody and then lied to somebody else about where they all were, tell a lot of her three sons because you know they talk tells you a lot if none of them can even tear themselves away from whatever they’re doing to go see their mother they could continue to write for two years more without Liz in any storyline and no one would miss her outside the fact she’s just turned into a self righteous crank.
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T
And what for Elizabeth???? I am so sick of this! She is the only contract player always purposely excluded! What the hell is going on behind the scenes? She never gets anything. Jacinda gets a preview but not Elizabeth Webber? Come on!
25
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G
Nothing about Elizabeth Webber 😕
25
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G
I know. So upset! Jonathan Jackson left months ago. The writers couldn’t figure out a story for her since then?
9
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G
I wish they would bring Elizabeth's sons back and give her a new love interest. If they plan to put Lulu and Nathan together, then maybe give Elizabeth and Dante a chance. If not, then write in a new love interest for Elizabeth. But start by bringing Elizabeth's sons back. Elizabeth has always been a great mom, so bring her sons home.
31
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A
You want Liz to live in a home with three adult children that makes no sense. What would she need to be mothering them for? They’ve been lying to us about and all this time saying he’s was lucky what isn’t he a senior in high school shouldn’t he in school. We have Jake in France and Cameron in California.
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G
TV Insider, was there any hints about the Elizabeth character coming up?
24
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D
That intro sounds like it was written by people who have had nothing to do with writing this show. Up til now, CVE & Korte have never put that much thought into this show, write for their pets, pair chemless couples, and have no clue how to ever end a story.
If anyone other than Willow turns out to be the shooter, it's a pivot & a joke.
And why isn't Liz mentioned? Do we plan to ignore her for a year, while Britt continues to be shoved down our throats?
17
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K
New Year new writers??!! Thank you.
8
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D
That would be a blessing
5
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G
New EP too.
2
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G
Exactly. Liz needs a story about her or her family. Actually she and all three of her kids can have a story. The writers keep talking about the next generation with Rocco, Charlotte, Danny, but they don’t include Aiden who’s a teen too? I hate that we never see Aiden who is still around supposedly and not interacting with his mom, Liz, or with his cousins, Charlotte and Rocco. I hate that they shipped Jake off instead of exploring Jake’s hurt feelings over Jason staying away for two years. I miss Cameron and all his friendships. They need to bring back Liz’s family pronto.
3
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A
Aiden is. With Lucky probably to make up for the 20 years. He wasn’t with him and no they didn’t ship Jake off instead of exploring. Jake’s hurt feelings over Jason staying away for two years. Jason didn’t stay away. He had been abducted. Apparently you don’t have any of this idea you don’t watch any of the shows, Cameron has been for like five years. He’s a grown man.
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A
The current crew behind GH has no ability to control the storylines. They add multiple stories before they have brought anything to conclusion and nothing but chaos and confusion results. The judge's murder will never be brought up again, along with Dalton's. Sidwell has a plethora of crimes he has collected to frame Sonny, Laura, Drew, and who knows who else with but all have long been forgotten. Proof was found to frame Drew with bribing the judge, and that's all gone. It's as though the writers get as bored as the viewers so they just drop things out of the show unresolved. Someone said Mathison controls his own storylines for Drew. Based on the exaggerated focus on him and his attachment to that unnecessary cane it's pretty easy to believe that's what is happening. It's as though he's using the part as an audition in hopes of the A-list Hollywood producers to make him the next George Clooney. LOL
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D
What a great post.
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M
Have to echo the other questions about Elizabeth. What the heck?? The lack of focus on her is tragic, and a huge waste of a talented actress and longtime, beloved character. They both deserve much more appreciation and story from the writers.
15
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P
Hope to see Maxie back soon.
I hope Willow finally realizes that Drew has been using her and divorces him.
15
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J
Maxie is expected back within the first 3 months of the year
5
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S
I Don't think that's going to happen. Drew will never let Willow go. His ego won't let him. And besides, Willow was using him to get her kids back. They deserve each other. Just leave Wiley and Amelia out of it. Let the kids stay with Michael.
28
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G
If Maxie wakes up and she explains what happened prior to her poisoning, the PCPD will go after Sonny because they'll assume that Sonny was responsible and that he tried to silence Maxie...
1
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A
How odd. Sonny had nothing to do with the products at Deception.
5
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A
I want Willow and Drew both in prison, Willow has been enabling Drew to be crazy. People seem to forget that throughout the trial so far it comes out that he’s an extortionist to. They truly think now that even if Willow is free, that family court judge would give her custody. She won’t even get supervised custody.
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G
#1. So, we'll know for sure that it was Willow who shot Drew (and that she caused Sasha and Daisy to leave Port Charles)? And then, will the next step be to determine if all the horrible things was of her own free will or if they were the result of an split personality that she is not aware of? Finally, will we find out if Willow will end up being written off the show; as her actions clearly indicated that there may be no redemption for her?
#2. Are they indirectly saying that it's going to be Rocco's fault that someone in Port Charles is going to die? If so, if MIGHT also track with Anna's warning to Brennan that his overconfidence will end up getting someone killed...
#3. I'm worried that by the time Portia does a paternity test, someone will secretly mess with the results.
#4. I'm surprised that nothing has been teased about Joss' 2026 storyline; since we know she's has decided to secretly help Jason...
#5. As long it is not mentioned that the bad guys will somehow win and take over Port Charles, I'm happy...
#6. Given what's going on with Anna, I'm surprised the GH writers didn't have Alex come back and join the bad guys...
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G
In regards to Chase, I think the main question is will his obsession to prove Willow's innocence ultimately cost him his job, his marriage, and quite possibly his life? I mean, if Willow's crimes come to light, I have the feeling that he will be the only one who will not believe it, and the stupidest thing that he could possibly do at that point in time is him probably helping Willow try to escape Port Charles with Wiley and Amelia without knowing the true depths of Willow's darkness/insanity...
4
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K
If Willow is not the shooter, I will need to take a break. Michael has been through enough courtesy if Drew, Willow, and Nina. If Danny or Rocco was the shooter, Michael would have told Jason or Sonny. I hope Michael has a strong evidence against Willow.
2
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G
I'm pretty sure that Willow is indeed the shooter, but her crime against Sasha and baby Daisy also needs to be exposed as well. And then, the next step is to determine if her actions were of her own free will, or that of a split personality that has been doing such horrible things without her realizing it. And finally, we need to know if the GH writers has been secretly setting up for Willow to be written off the show; given the severity of her actions clearly indicates no possible redemption for her.
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K
Finally-couples for me to root for again! Jacinda & Michael and Jason & Brit-top of my GH list has always been-ROMANCE!! It's been missing way too long on this show.. Gio tops my 'eye-candy list! 🤤 but not totally sold on him & Emma yet!🤔
1
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J
I won't be watching - I pretty much watched only for maura and becky and haven't for a while but in an ideal world, both actresses move to the SAME CBS soap- sparkling fun vixen and spunky nurse fit everywhere in soaps! I do think soaps needs to write for their stars with fan bases-it's not just GH, Victoria on YR gets nothing, just weird maybe the days of stars driving stories on soaps is just over.
1
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K
Bring back Blackie, Jackie Templeton, Dr. Noah Drake, Frisco Jones, Holly Sutton, Brenda Barrett ...
1
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K
the good old days!
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K
I was never on Drew (CM)
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K
Kai (?) isn't a very good actor imo and YES! end this OLD mess ASAP!
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P
I believed it all along
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M
Give the others a chance to have a part in the lime light. She had enough now give someone else a chance.
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