It looks like General Hospital and a few of the other soaps may be back up and running very soon. California Governor Gavin Newsom just released a statement saying that film, music, and TV production can begin again after June 12, according to Soap Opera Network .
General Hospital — along with most other TV shows — halted filming about three months ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now it appears that production can begin to ramp up again. It has not been confirmed by the ABC soap just yet on exactly what date they will be back on set. It’s likely that they will weigh their options and decide when to restart based on what’s best for their cast and crew.
General Hospital actor Tristan Rogers let the cat out the bag on social media Friday, hinting that he will be back on set soon. His mention of June 12 seems like he was talking about actually being on set that day filming, however, it’s more likely he was talking about the governor’s announcement and not an official start date given by ABC.
“OK I think I’m lighting a fire here but I tend to do that. Production has been ok’d for June 12. And awwwaaaayyyywwweeee go,” he wrote on Twitter .
The California Department of Public Health has provided stringent procedures that must be followed once production restarts, according to the statement. Additionally, before production can officially begin again, they will need to get county-level approval from local public health officials, who will be looking at the specifics of each show.
Maxie is feeling the stress of her first major photo shoot at Deception. Can Peter lift her spirits? #GH is brand-new and STARTS NOW on ABC! @teenystweeting pic.twitter.com/1zv5HV5qTm
— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) May 21, 2020
As excited as many fans are to have their favorite soap back on air soon, some are more hesitant about them starting production already.
“So excited but please stay safe,” one fan stated in response to the news.
“So happy to hear! But how exactly would that work with the social distancing?!” asked another.
There was a lot of drama happening in Port Charles when the last new episodes of General Hospital aired. Nina had just taken the stand in Michael and Nelle’s custody battle and there was the possibility that fans would find out Nelle is really Nina’s daughter. Maxie is also experiencing strange dizziness and nausea that could end up as a pregnancy storyline, one that fans are not happy about.
Once new episodes ran out two weeks ago, General Hospital has been airing classics, including past Nurses Ball specials. More of these are expected to air until production can begin again.
ABC is expected to make an official announcement soon on how they will be moving forward with their shows, now that the governor has officially given them permission to start shooting again.