Turn on any daytime talk show, and you're bound to see an expert talking about the importance of looking forward and not dwelling on the past. But when you're an iconic television program celebrating its 60th anniversary, you'll be forgiven for taking a leisurely stroll down memory lane.
In a recent interview, General Hospital's executive producer Frank Valentini shared his thoughts on what has kept the ABC soap on the airwaves and in the hearts of viewers for six decades.
According to Valentini, "General Hospital always explored stories not told in primetime."
Valentini was not just referring to a supervillain's desire to freeze the world with a priceless diamond. No, he meant the social issues and fairytale romances that viewers just don't find anywhere else. Plus, there's the connection fans have to characters that they welcome into their homes five days a week.
As the show toasts its 60th anniversary, Valentini hints that all of those things will be on full display. On March 29, a tribute is set for beloved character Epiphany Johnson. Several days later, the show launches its Nurses Ball, which was first created in the 1990s to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS.
On the love front, fan favorite couple "Sprina" (Spencer Cassadine and Trina Robinson, to the uninitiated) will enter a "new trajectory in their relationship," actor Nicholas Chavez (Spencer) told TV Insider.
Jane Elliot reprises her role as Tracy Quartermaine for a storyline that may reveal that Luke Spencer isn't really as dead as everyone believes.
Plus, there are also unconfirmed reports that Vanessa Marcil (Brenda Barrett) might pop up at some point.
These are the things that Valentini says keep the fans tuning in -- and he's optimistic that the show will reach even more milestones.
"The 70th, 80th, 90th anniversaries are in its future," Valentini says.
General Hospital, television's longest-running drama, airs weekdays on ABC and streams on Hulu.
Which of General Hospital's 60th anniversary stories are you most excited about and why? We want to hear from you -- and there are many ways you can share your thoughts.
