General Hospital grabbed onto the viewers several weeks ago and simply won’t let them go. Its compelling storylines range from things like Carly finding out her daughter is a spy, to Monica’s long-lost sister, Ronnie, not only coming out of the woodwork but also inheriting the Quartermaine mansion. While the drama unfolds at breakneck speed, with no sign of letting up, there’s a carefully concocted process behind the camera that makes it all work. Head writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte just pulled the curtain back a bit on what goes into creating the show’s signature mix of heart, heat, and high-stakes storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- GH’s current storylines, from Ronnie inheriting the Quartermaine mansion to Carly learning Josslyn is a spy, are part of a carefully crafted process behind the scenes.
- Head writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte revealed how emotional, high-stakes arcs like Kristina’s fall were chosen to showcase the show’s storytelling strength.
- The duo credits the entire team — production, direction, and acting — for bringing their words to life in powerful ways.
- Flexibility and spontaneity in the writers’ room allow them to adjust storylines organically when needed.
- Van Etten and Korte keep audience investment at the center of their storytelling, aiming to reward long-time fans with meaningful drama.
Building Big Moments
Van Etten and Korte spoke to Daytime Confidential shortly after picking up their well-earned Daytime Emmy win. When asked what scenes went into their Emmy reel, Korte recalled, “We did Kristina’s fall, and I think the aftermath.” Van Etten confirmed, “Yes, I think that’s what we did.” It’s a perfect example of how the show leans into intense, emotional beats — not just spectacle for its own sake.
The two credited the entire staff for helping transform their words into something compelling for the audience. “We’re so fortunate because our words, our ideas get realized in such an incredible way,” Korte shared. The writers emphasized how collaboration across departments — production, direction, and acting — is what turns a page of script into something unforgettable on screen.
And while they build out these major arcs months in advance, they also know how to keep things alive in the moment. That means staying flexible, leaving room for discovery, and letting a story find its natural shape.
Finding the Spark in the Room
Asked to describe the vibe in the GH writers’ room, Van Etten didn’t hesitate: “Crackling, fun,” then added, “but I always make sure we get down to business.” They come into the room with a solid sense of where they’re going, but as Korte explained, “There’s a lot of spontaneity, too. There’s a lot of finding the moment as we’re talking through it as a team.”
That kind of energy is what allows the show to pivot when needed. If a storyline or couple isn’t clicking, they find a way to redirect it organically. As Korte explained, “We try to make it organic to the characters.” The goal isn’t to blow everything up for the sake of shock value — it’s to deepen the investment for viewers who’ve stuck by these characters for years.
And through it all, they keep the audience front of mind. As Korte noted, their viewers care deeply about these characters — and the writers want to reward that loyalty with stories worth caring about.
