by Gail Gromaski

Created on: April 28, 2009

The legendary love story of Luke and Laura has permeated the soap opera world for generations, helping make 10-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning series General Hospital one of the longest-running and most renowned soap operas in television history. Luke and Laura's legend, however, is not the only contributor to show's success. The following attributes have also made General Hospital "the show to watch" on daytime TV.

1. The mob.

The role of the mob in General Hospital is something that makes the show truly stand out from the pack as it is the only currently-running soap opera to include this characteristic in its main storyline. Some might argue that General Hospital is more about the mob than it is about the hospital as organized crime seems to regularly impact the lives of the majority of the main characters in one way or another.

Sonny Corinthos and Jason Morgan, played by Daytime Emmy Award-winning actors Maurice Benard and Steve Burton, respectively, are ironically portrayed by the show's writers as the mobsters "you hate to love." Although both are responsible for frequently invoking havoc and tragedy for numerous innocent bystanders with their ongoing criminal activity, both characters, especially Morgan, seem to be genuinely good and caring people despite their illegal lifestyles, so good that you find yourself almost rooting for them to get away with their illegal acts against your better judgment.

2. Support of worthy causes.

The writers of General Hospital routinely create awareness of various health issues by including physical and mental illness in the development of the show's characters. Recent issues raised by the show include bipolar disorder, women's heart disease, breast cancer and postpartum depression. The show dedicates substantial viewing time to each ailment as well as an occasional public notice at the end of an episode to give additional information on the disorder and to inform the viewing audience of where one can seek help.

3. Intense drama.

Hostage crises, killing sprees, chemical contamination, kidnappings, lying, cheating, fraud, blackmail - General Hospital has it all when it comes to creating tragedy and drama. The show is so full of action that it's definitely not the soap to watch while folding laundry or babysitting small children. The viewer's eyes are guaranteed to be glued to the set, and waiting for the commercial breaks to end will often prove truly agonizing.

4. Sensational acting.

The numerous prestigious awards won by several of the show's cast members over the years pretty much speak for themselves when it comes to judging the quality of the show's acting. A huge void is usually created when a gifted actor departs, thus raising the standard for the actors who remain. Some departed cast members are so adored by the viewing audience that they are brought back to the show due to the high demand, either to play the same character or a newly-created character altogether.

The uniqueness and quality of General Hospital are what have maintained the show's tremendous popularity for almost 50 years. The notorious love of Luke and Laura may have been a key element in bringing the show to the forefront of daytime television; however, the creativity of the show's writers and immense talent of the cast are what have and what will continue to sustain the popularity of General Hospital for many years to come.

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