Port Charles is bracing for a turbulent and emotional fall.

Writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten have teased that the lives of the General Hospital residents will be shaken by secrets, missteps, and intense emotions — all while the community struggles to hold itself together in the storm of drama.

1. Monica Quartermaine’s Farewell & Erika Slezak’s Debut
Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson), a Port Charles icon since the 1970s, will be laid to rest in a heartbreaking farewell.

Immediately following this loss, the soap will welcome daytime legend Erika Slezak (best known as Victoria Lord on One Life to Live). Her arrival introduces a mysterious new character whose ties may alter the dynamics within Port Charles’ most powerful families.

2. Drew Cain’s Reckoning
After his descent into darker territory, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) must now face the consequences. With enemies circling from all sides, Drew’s ambition and defiance are coming home to roost. Once a man who felt marginalized in the Quartermaine family, his choices have turned him into the villain of his own story — and now the bill is due.

3. Surprise Returns: Nathan, Britt, Valentin & Charlotte
Fall also marks the shocking return of Nathan West (Ryan Paevey), whose supposed death left a hole in many lives. Alongside him, Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) resurfaces, leaving Anna reeling at the possibility that Faison’s shadow still looms over her. These miraculous comebacks raise questions that will ripple through Port Charles.

Equally game-changing is the return of Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) and his daughter Charlotte (Scarlett Fernandez). Valentin’s desperate attempt to break free from WSB custody could trigger a dangerous power play, while Charlotte’s loyalties may be weaponized in unexpected ways.

4. Sonny’s Battle and Political Warfare
Sonny Corinthos finds himself fighting battles on multiple fronts: maintaining his criminal empire, protecting his family, and outmaneuvering new adversaries. Jenz Sidwell, a cunning rival who doesn’t rely on traditional violence, is emerging as a major threat. Meanwhile, Sonny’s path will collide with ADA Justine Turner, setting the stage for high-stakes legal and political conflict.

5. Family Ties, Love, and Betrayal
Elsewhere, tangled relationships bring more chaos. Britt, Jason, and Josslyn face mounting tension as WSB entanglements threaten to upend personal bonds. Jack Brennan risks losing Carly’s trust as Josslyn’s secrets surface. Meanwhile, Portia and Curtis’ marriage teeters on collapse, while younger characters like Trina, Rocco, and even Danny begin stepping into storylines that will shape Port Charles’ future.