General Hospital Delays Episode Amid LA Wildfires, Actor Loses Home

ABC‘s General Hospital has delayed airing an episode featuring a dramatic fire scene in light of the devastating wildfires currently raging across Los Angeles. The episode, originally scheduled to air on January 8, 2025, was postponed due to news coverage of President Jimmy Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol and rescheduled for January 9. However, the network issued a warning to viewers, acknowledging the sensitivity of the content given the ongoing crisis.

The episode centers on the character Michael Corinthos, played by Chad Duell, who is caught in a fire. The storyline has taken on a grim real-world parallel as wildfires have destroyed thousands of acres in Los Angeles County, including the home of General Hospital actor Cameron Mathison. Mathison, who plays Drew Cain on the soap, shared a video on Instagram confirming his safety but lamenting the loss of the home where he raised his children.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the show expressed its condolences to those affected by the fires: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires currently raging in Los Angeles County. In light of current events, today’s episode of General Hospital (and several that follow) may prove too difficult to watch for some. Please keep this in consideration prior to tuning in.”

The wildfires have forced mandatory evacuations across Los Angeles, with two major blazes burning on opposite sides of the city. The Palisades Fire, west of Los Angeles, has consumed over 3,000 acres, destroying landmarks such as Palisades Village and parts of Topanga Canyon. Meanwhile, the Arroyo Fire near Pasadena has also prompted evacuations as strong winds exacerbate the situation.

The episode’s delay and the real-life tragedy have cast a somber tone over the show’s production. Fans of General Hospital have expressed their support for Mathison and others affected by the fires, while also grappling with the emotional weight of the storyline. The show’s producers have not yet announced further changes to the schedule but are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.

As Los Angeles continues to battle the wildfires, the intersection of fiction and reality serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the community. General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu.