Is "General Hospital" about to be cancelled this year?

Two years ago, the soap was said to be on the brink of cancellation as ABC took away its longtime 3 p.m. slot for the new Katie Couric talk show. But even now that "Katie" has ended after two seasons and "General Hospital" continues to flourish in ratings, rumors that the beloved ABC soap is going to be cancelled still persists. One factor that is said to be fueling the speculations is the fact that one of the most beloved characters in the soap is leaving for good. 

Last week, Anthony Geary, who played the role of Luke on "General Hospital" on and off since the late 1970's, announced that he would be exiting the show this summer for the final time. Fans of the show were dismayed since the news came hot on the heels of Genie Francis' (Laura) scheduled return to Port Charles. Although many have hoped that the two would be reunited, Geary quashed that fan theory in his announcement. 

"Genie and I agreed several years ago that the love of Luke and Laura had run its course," the actor told TV Insider. "They have children together and a very storied history, and there's definitely still love there, but I think they're toxic to each other at this point."

Meanwhile, another main character of the soap is said to be taking some time off from the show. Emmy award-winning actress Finola Hughes (Anna) will be taking a leave for approximately three months to direct her next film, "Byrd and the Bees." 

Hughes absence from the show has added to fans' fears that the show might be cancelled and there has been some speculation that she, too, might be leaving for good.

However, head writer Ron Carlivati denied the rumors as he told Soap Opera Digest, "She will be back, rest assured." 

Indeed, it appears that "General Hospital" still has a long way to go and is still going strong despite the cancellation rumors. On the week of May 4 to 8, the soap went up by 79,000 in total viewer ratings, according to the daytime soap opera Nielsen ratings and, according to Deadline, the show is pacing for its best season in seven years in total viewers.