There is no new episode of General Hospital airing today, Thursday, January 1, 2026. The reason comes down to the New Year’s holiday schedule. Like many long-running daytime dramas, General Hospital traditionally takes a short break around major holidays.

ABC has opted to air an encore episode instead of a new one on both December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

Today’s broadcast features a classic rerun from July 27, 2015, which marked Anthony Geary’s final appearance as Luke Spencer. The episode serves as a tribute to the actor, who exited the show after decades in Port Charles.

While fans may be disappointed, the break is temporary. ABC has confirmed that General Hospital will return with all-new episodes on Friday, January 2, 2026, resuming its regular weekday schedule and picking up current storylines without interruption.

General Hospital is preempteed on January 1, 2026

General Hospital is preempted on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as ABC adjusts its daytime lineup for the New Year’s Day holiday. Instead of a new episode, the network is airing a repeat.

The move aligns with its usual holiday programming strategy. Preemptions like this allow production schedules to pause briefly while also giving viewers a chance to revisit notable moments from the show’s long history.

For January 1, ABC has selected a classic episode originally broadcast on July 27, 2015. The installment is especially significant because it features the final appearance of Anthony Geary as Luke Spencer. He is one of the most iconic characters in the soap’s history.

The episode centers on Luke coming to terms with his decision to leave Port Charles, closing a storyline that spanned decades.

New episodes of General Hospital will resume the following day, Friday, January 2, 2026, returning the focus to ongoing trials, confrontations, and shifting alliances in Port Charles.

What to expect when General Hospital returns

When General Hospital returns with a brand-new episode on Friday, January 2, 2026, the storylines pick up with heightened tension across Port Charles.

Alexis Davis faces one of her most difficult professional moments. She now holds information that could shift the entire direction of Willow’s case.

Alexis knows Michael was at Drew’s house on the night of the shooting. She also knows Tracy witnessed this and admitted she would commit perjury to protect him.

This discovery forces Alexis to stop and reassess her approach. Her earlier courtroom missteps still weigh on her. This time, she intends to move carefully.

Her new strategy is designed to help Willow, but it risks exposing powerful people. The decision she makes next could permanently damage her relationships with the Quartermaines.

Michael remains outwardly composed. Despite the growing danger, he shows no visible panic. His calm unsettles those around him. His alibi is weak.

Michael appears confident that he can control the situation, but cracks are forming beneath the surface. He does not realize how much information is already working against him.

Sonny senses the trouble immediately. When he confronts Michael, the conversation is direct and intense. Sonny issues a warning that carries weight. He understands how quickly situations like this can spiral. His concern is not only legal.

It is personal. Sonny questions Michael’s judgment and his silence. The exchange makes it clear that Michael may be underestimating the danger ahead.

Dante also takes steps that signal further fallout. He meets privately with Justine. The conversation appears tied to recent events at the PCPD. Chase’s suspension remains unresolved.

The tension from the interrogation room incident still lingers. Dante’s involvement suggests that internal consequences are coming. Authority lines may shift. Professional loyalties could be tested.

Kristina finds herself blindsided. Something unexpected leaves her shaken. The surprise disrupts her emotional balance.

Her reaction indicates that this development will have lasting impact. The moment hints at deeper complications ahead.

Laura continues walking a dangerous line. She receives new marching orders that pull her further into Sidwell’s orbit. Her prior decisions already placed her in uncomfortable positions.

Now, the pressure intensifies. Each request challenges her integrity as mayor. Compliance may protect the city. Resistance could create chaos. Laura must decide how far she is willing to go.

As General Hospital returns, Port Charles feels unstable. Legal strategies change, and warnings are issued. Power dynamics shift, and secrets no longer stay hidden.