ABC’s “General Hospital” posted its largest overall audience in nearly 21 months (since week of February 21-25, 2011) as the daytime drama series averaged 2.82 million viewers during the week of November 5-9, 2012. This was the programs largest overall audience under executive producer Frank Valentini and head writer Ron Carlivati.

The series was up 21% compared to the same week last year (week of November 7-11, 2011) in Total Viewers (2.82 million vs. 2.27 million), 54% in Women 18-34 (266,000 vs. 161,000) and 23% in Women 18-49 (679,000 vs 571,000). “General Hospital” edged “The Young and the Restless” in Women 18-34 with its largest competitive advantage in nearly 4 1/2 years (since week of June 23, 2008).

We’ve been hearing a lot about the talented cast that Open Book Productions and Bella Productions have assembled for “Beacon Hill” (see above), but today we finally learned how we’ll be able to watch the show when it premieres Wednesday, March 5th!

ABC News, with WMUR-TV, will host a Republican primary debate on Thursday, January 18, at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.

ABC has partnered with amfAR, The Foundation of AIDS Research, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “General Hospital.” In a press release issued today, the network said that as “GH” approaches its 50th year on the air (Monday, April 1), it will return the popular Nurses Ball event after a 12 year absence (not since 2001). amfAR’s participation includes storyline integration that will mark the first time that a real-life charity will be involved in the event.