As previously reported, “General Hospital” will soon be saying goodbye to scribe Ron Carlivati and hello again to co-head writers Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante when the team officially takes over writing duties next month, with material not expected to fully hit the screen until mid-October, according to insiders. But what forced ABC to make a change in its writing regime? Ratings, of course! Thirteen consecutive weeks of ratings lows that is.

With 13 consecutive weeks of record low ratings in the key Women 18-49 sales demo, ABC announced today that it has decided to oust “General Hospital’s” current head writer, Ron Carlivati, and replace him with newly appointed co-head writers Shelly Altman and Jean Passanante. The duo, who will officially take over writing reins beginning Monday, August 10, previously served together in the same capacity at CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” up until January of this year. They won two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team for their work on “Y&R” during their tenure.

Ratings Report for the Week of July 13-17, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of July 6-10, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of June 29 – July 3, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of June 22-26, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of June 15-19, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of June 8-12, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of June 1-5, 2015

Ratings Report for the Week of May 25-29, 2015