General Hospital

General Hospital: Night Shift, the successful primetime spin-off of ABC's top daytime drama that recently celebrated its 45th anniversary, returns this summer following a record setting freshman season.  The new season will consist of 13 episodes and is scheduled to premiere on July 22 at 11pm ET/PT on SOAPnet.

Fans can look forward to steamier episodes that follow the lives of doctors, nurses and patients who embark on journeys of self discovery, love and heartache as Antonio Sabato, Jr., who began his acting career on daytime's General Hospital, reprises his role as Jagger Cates on General Hospital: Night Shift.

"I couldn't be happier to have Antonio Sabato, Jr. join us this season, as he will bring so much to this season because of Jagger's complex character and for the obvious natural charm he brings to the screen," show executive producer Lisa De Cazotte said of the casting of Sabato.

Sabato originated the role of Jagger Cates on General Hospital in 1992 and portrayed the character until 1994, and again briefly in the fall of 1995.  Following his exit on the soap, he found steady work on television and film, appearing a variety of projects such as The Bold and the Beautiful, Melrose Place, Charmed, Becker and most recently on Celebrity Circus.

"Antonio is a true star.  We are proud that he can trace his roots to General Hospital and see it as befitting for him to return to Port Charles in the legendary role that helped propel his career," head writer Sri Rao added.

As for Sabato's storyline, Jagger will return to Port Charles after a 13-year absence with his 5-year-old son, Stone, who was named in the memory of Jagger's deceased brother, who was Robin's first love.  Upon his comeback, he is expected to stir some painful memories for Dr. Robin (Kimberly McCullough), meet some new residents including Robin's boyfriend Patrick (Jason Thompson), and deal with his emotional growth as a man and a father.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: SOAPnet
(Image courtesy of SOAPnet)