<P> General Hospital ( commonly abbreviated GH ) is an American daytime television medical drama . It is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest - running American soap opera in production and the second longest - running drama in television in American history after Guiding Light . Concurrently , it is the world 's third longest - running scripted drama series in production after British serials The Archers and Coronation Street , as well as the world 's second - longest - running televised soap opera still in production . General Hospital premiered on the ABC television network on April 1 , 1963 . Same - day broadcasts as well as classic episodes were aired on SOAPnet from January 20 , 2000 , to December 31 , 2013 , following Disney - ABC 's decision to discontinue the network . General Hospital is the longest - running serial produced in Hollywood , and the longest - running entertainment program in ABC television history . It holds the record for most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series , with 13 wins . </P>
<P> General Hospital ( commonly abbreviated GH ) is an American daytime television medical drama . It is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest - running American soap opera in production and the second longest - running drama in television in American history after Guiding Light . Concurrently , it is the world 's third longest - running scripted drama series in production after British serials The Archers and Coronation Street , as well as the world 's second - longest - running televised soap opera still in production . General Hospital premiered on the ABC television network on April 1 , 1963 . Same - day broadcasts as well as classic episodes were aired on SOAPnet from January 20 , 2000 , to December 31 , 2013 , following Disney - ABC 's decision to discontinue the network . General Hospital is the longest - running serial produced in Hollywood , and the longest - running entertainment program in ABC television history . It holds the record for most Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series , with 13 wins . </P>
when was the first episode of general hospital aired
when was the first episode of general hospital aired
April 1 , 1963
April 1 , 1963