General Hospital has been on the air since April 1, 1963, so as of July 2026 it’s been running for 63 years. It’s widely described as the longest- running American soap opera currently in production.

Quick facts

  • Premiere date: April 1, 1963.
  • Anniversary milestone: it celebrated 62 years in 2025.
  • Current status: it still airs weekdays on ABC.

Extra context

The show has aired more than 15,000 episodes and remains one of the most durable scripted dramas on television.