When will General Hospital return? Soap interrupted by MLB Wild Card Series

Fans of General Hospital will have to be patient this week, as the long-running soap opera is being bumped from ABC’s schedule in favor of Major League Baseball playoff coverage.

The 2025 MLB Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres will preempt the soap for at least two days, leaving viewers without new episodes on Tuesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 1. The Thursday episode remains uncertain and depends on whether the series stretches to a decisive Game 3.

All games in the best-of-three series will air live from Wrigley Field at 3:08 p.m. EST. The Cubs, who finished higher in the regular season, earned home-field advantage. The winner of the matchup will advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.

ABC has assured fans that the interruptions should end after this week since TBS and Fox will take over postseason coverage beyond the Wild Card round.

Programming executive Nathan Varni updated viewers on social media, confirming: “Due to MLB daytime games this week, new episodes of GH will air Monday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday is tentative based on Wednesday’s results. Sorry for the interruptions.”

Due to planned programming preemptions today, tomorrow and potentially on Thursday – #GeneralHospital will return with new episodes later this week. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/dltjmgBKmO

— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) September 30, 2025

Despite the pause, drama in Port Charles isn’t going anywhere. Monday’s episode delivered major twists, including Tracy’s reaction to the shocking reveal that Veronica “Ronnie” Bard — portrayed by soap legend Erika Slezak — is Monica’s younger sister. Elsewhere, Liesl Obrecht was reunited with her presumed-dead son Nathan, while Ric managed to escape his restraints, setting up fresh chaos for Alexis.

General Hospital, television’s longest-running scripted drama and America’s longest-running soap opera still in production, will return to its usual weekday schedule as soon as baseball clears the ABC lineup. Until then, fans can stream past episodes anytime on Hulu.

FAQ Section

Why is General Hospital not on ABC this week?
General Hospital is being preempted due to ABC’s live coverage of the 2025 MLB Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.

What days is General Hospital preempted for baseball?
The soap will not air on Tuesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 1. Thursday’s schedule depends on whether the series requires a Game 3.

When will General Hospital return?
ABC expects General Hospital to resume its normal weekday schedule once the Wild Card Series ends. Episodes will air on Monday, Thursday, and Friday this week (with Thursday tentative).

Where can fans catch up on missed episodes?
Past and current episodes of General Hospital are available to stream on Hulu.

Is General Hospital canceled?
No. The soap is only temporarily preempted for MLB playoff games. It remains ABC’s longest-running scripted drama and will continue airing after baseball coverage.