General Hospital is issuing a warning to viewers ahead of upcoming episodes as wildfire spreads in the Los Angeles area.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires currently raging in Los Angeles county,” the show’s official account shared via social media on Wednesday, January 8. “In light of current events, today’s episode of General Hospital (and several that follow) may prove too difficult to watch for some.”
A wind storm sparked brush fires on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, leading local areas to be evacuated. Several A-listers have been affected by the wildfires, with other stars voicing their support for the Los Angeles community.
“Please keep this in consideration prior to tuning in,” the message from General Hospital concluded. “Thank you for your understanding.”
The warning is referring to the latest General Hospital story line about Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) being set on fire by an explosion and screaming in pain. Two months before the scene aired, Duell, 37, announced his decision to exit General Hospital after more than 14 years.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life,” he wrote via Instagram in November 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.”
Duell wrote at the time that this “isn’t a goodbye — it’s a see you later.” The following month, he opened up about his decision to walk away from the series.
“It’s a life adjustment,” he said on an episode of the “Daily Drama” podcast in December 2024. “A lot of stuff’s been going on in my life. There’s a few things behind it but one thing I did say is my dad passed away and I’m still coming to terms with that.”
Duell shared that he wanted to spend more time with partner Luana Lucci and their 16-month-old son, Dawson.
“I’m preparing myself for next chapters,” he continued. “Right now, I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I feel like I stifled myself in certain aspects and sometimes you need to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable and that’s not what I’ve done in a long time.”
While reflecting on his run with the series, Duell said he had “a very strong comfort in this for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that.”
“It’s going to be a process, but kind of unraveling that and really seeing who I am and where I am now in my life,” he said. “It’s going to be a little journey. I don’t know what the future holds, but there is a lot of work I have to do to achieve the potential that I know I have. Not just career-wise, but a lot of aspects.”
General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.
