“General Hospital” had been on the air for over a decade when low viewership threatened the series. Four weeks away from being completely canceled, the show needed a miracle. Gloria Monty, previously with the CBS show “Secret Storm,” came on board as executive producer for “GH” in 1978, per the Academy of the Holy Angels. Not only did she save the franchise; the series thrived under Monty’s leadership. She was instrumental in all aspects of the show as a producer, director, and even a writer.
By 1981, Monty completely turned “General Hospital” around, as indicated by the show winning outstanding drama series at that year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, Soap Central recapped. It also became the number one rated soap opera thanks to her efforts. The show’s popularity plummeted once Monty left “General Hospital” in 1987, especially against competing series like “The Young and the Restless.” Monty returned in 1991 with no fear in her plans to bring back success, including firing actors and writers left and right, Entertainment Weekly recapped.
Once again seeking a new direction for the show, Frank Valentini came on as executive producer for “General Hospital” in 2012. Previously, Valentini had worked on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live,” CNN reported. “Not only does it need to be entertaining, but it also needs to be relevant. It needs to be a part of everyone’s life in 2012,” Valentini explained about his goal to make “General Hospital” more contemporary.