A dark cloud hangs over Port Charles as 2026 begins. Instead of resolutions and fresh starts, this year promises major danger for longtime favorites, the resolution of a long-running mystery, and major problems for several couples. Co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten have mapped out a year of “challenging” stories that will see one character’s deep connection to his daughter potentially become fatal. Meanwhile, the question that has loomed over the town for months—who shot Drew Cain?—is finally getting an answer with consequences that will change lives forever.
Maxie Jones Returns to a World of Trouble
Kirsten Storms will be back on screen as Maxie Jones in 2026. She is set to wake from her coma, but her recovery won’t be a peaceful one. She will face a double shock. Not only will her presumed-dead husband, Nathan West (Ryan Paevey), be alive and back in Port Charles, but he will also be growing unexpectedly close to her best friend, Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins). The writers tease that Nathan and Lulu, bonded by their concern for Nathan’s daughter, Charlotte, will wind up “in a surprising clinch,” setting the stage for major drama upon Maxie’s return.
Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten, General Hospital co-head writers, explain their approach: “All story comes from character — where the characters are now, where we can take them next. We ask ourselves, ‘How can we challenge them? Surprise them? What will touch their hearts, and ours?’”
Is Valentin Cassadine in Mortal Danger?
One of the most ominous teases for 2026 involves Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart). Although he recently left town, his story is far from over as he and Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) continue to secretly work together against their common enemy, Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna). Their alliance, however, could have a deadly cost. The writers have issued a stark warning about Valentin’s future, directly linking his love for his daughter to his potential fate. “Valentin’s bond with Charlotte may be the death of him,” they stated. This suggests his attempts to protect Charlotte from the dangerous world of Brennan and Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) could put him directly in the line of fire.
The Shooter Is Revealed as Willow’s Trial Explodes
The central mystery of who shot Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) is reaching its climax during the trial of Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen). The outcome, according to the writers, “will reverberate for years to come”. This week, the tension boils over. Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) and Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) are set to make a “huge realization” about the night of the shooting, which leads to them identifying the shooter. Their decision on what to do with this information will reportedly “stun viewers”.
This revelation triggers a massive courtroom outburst from Drew. In a newly released promo, he is seen yelling, “You’re going to rot in prison!” though it is not clear if his threat is aimed at his wife, Willow, or his nephew, Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson). Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), defending Willow, will make a “risky” legal move as the trial reaches its peak.
Brook Lynn and Chase Face a Marriage Crisis
The new year is not looking happy for one of Port Charles’s newer married couples. Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) are headed for serious trouble. Chase’s intense focus on helping his ex-wife, Willow, is creating major problems both at the PCPD, where he clashes with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), and at home. The couple’s dream of expanding their family is now in jeopardy.
The writers summed up their plight, stating, “They want to expand their family, but they can’t make a home for anyone if they can’t make a home together”. Brook Lynn has defended Chase from criticism by other Quartermaines, but privately, she is growing concerned about where his priorities lie.
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A “Perfect Storm” of Other Stories Collides
The writers describe the 2026 canvas as a “Perfect Storm” with multiple stories colliding. Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Laura Collins (Genie Francis) will work together to outmaneuver the villainous Jenz Sidwell, with Sonny attempting to use Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) and Ava Jerome (Maura West) as weapons against him. Laura, meanwhile, will take “drastic measures” to protect her husband, Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom), and Ace from Sidwell’s reach.
Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) will continue to explore their rekindled attraction, but face an immediate obstacle from Sidwell’s partner. A blizzard that strands them together will further test Britt’s resolve to keep her distance.
Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), held captive on Spoon Island, will make a bid for escape. Her attempt will trigger a rescue mission by Emma Drake (Braedyn Bruner), Mac Scorpio (John J. York), and Felicia Jones (Kristina Wagner), leading to a “traumatic” event for the Scorpio family. On the romantic front, Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) and Molly Lansing (Kristen Vaganos) connected on New Year’s Eve, but Molly’s new creative project may quickly complicate their budding relationship.
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