General Hospital fans were surprised when Lindsay Hartley appeared on the September 16 episode, once again filling in for Kelly Monaco.
General Hospital welcomes back Lindsay Hartley
Hartley last appeared on GH as Sam McCall on August 22 when T.J. and Molly buried baby Irene, and Sam watched her sisters battle it out by the baby's grave.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Monday's scenes were taped the same day as the ones that aired in August. Since GH doesn't tape in order, Hartley is scheduled to be in multiple episodes still to air.
Hartley first filled in for Monaco in 2020, returning in 2022 and again at the start of 2024. When Hartley made her August appearance, she got to share scenes with her good friend Brook Kerr. Hartley and Kerr once starred together on the now-defunct NBC soap Passions.
At the time, Hartley took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Kerr on the set of Ava's gallery.
"I’ve been part of daytime television since I was 21, and it holds a special place in my heart, for countless reasons," Hartley wrote. "I’m grateful to step into such big shoes again -especially when I get to do it alongside my bestie @brookkerr."
During Hartley's current stint on GH, Sam has to deal with the fact that her mother has been arrested for murder. She is also reeling from the knowledge that Jason once again left their son, Danny, behind so he could embark on another dangerous adventure.
Kelly Monaco's status
On August 26, news broke that Monaco had been let go from GH after 21 years and that Sam would be killed off at some point this fall.
Although Monaco has not spoken about her departure, she broke her social media silence on September 15 to pay a short tribute to good friend and late co-star Billy Miller, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound exactly one year prior.
"Duces 'I’ve got your back and you always had mine” I will tell our story soon enough…. 😇🙏🏻❤️ I love and miss you… and beyond," Monaco wrote.
There is no word regarding when Monaco's last airdate will be, nor is there word on exactly how long Hartley will be seen as Sam this time around.
Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.
