5 General Hospital Friendships We Never Expected (And 5 We’re Tired Of Watching)

ABC's General Hospital has been home to countless memorable relationships, with viewers following rivalries, alliances, and romances for decades. Over the course of the soap's six-decade run, fans have watched some friendships withstand the test of time while others have unraveled as circumstances changed. While many lasting bonds were built on shared experiences and mutual loyalty, others emerged from unlikely pairings and opposite personalities. At the same time, some friendships have long outlived their appeal and now feel stale. Here are some companionships that fans continue to love and others that have become emotionally draining.

5 friendships that surprised fans on General Hospital

1) Ava Jerome and Alexis Davis

Alexis and Ava's unlikely friendship has become one of the show's more entertaining pairings | Image: ABC

This recent friendship came as an entertaining surprise for viewers. With Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) serving as the highly accomplished attorney with a polished demeanor and Ava Jerome (Maura West) bringing a far more ruthless edge, their camaraderie, alongside Kristina Corinthos (Kate Mansi), created a memorable story arc. The trio was even seen holding Alexis's former husband and Ava's partner, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), hostage.

Currently, Alexis has enlisted Ava's help in locating baby Phoebe's family. Since Phoebe's mother, Delilah Wilson (Lily Cardone), had ties to the art world, Ava was able to uncover a promising lead. Moreover, she agreed to keep quiet about the baby's connection to Ethan Lovett (Nathan Dean) and the closed adoption plan. A continued friendship between these unlikely allies could make for compelling storytelling.

2) Laura Collins and Sonny Corinthos

Laura and Sonny's unlikely friendship continues to defy expectations | Image: ABC

While Laura Collins (Genie Francis) was once a daredevil adventurer during her association with Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary), she now holds one of the most respected positions in Port Charles as mayor. Known for being on the right side of the law, Laura represents justice and moral integrity. As such, viewers are often surprised by her friendship with the town's mob boss, Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard).

However, the two share a grandchild, Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr), as well as a deep concern for the well-being of Port Charles. Those common interests have helped keep their relationship strong. Laura finds Sonny dependable when a crisis arises, and Sonny understands Laura's priorities. Since they both want to protect the people of Port Charles, they continue to find common ground despite their very different worlds.

3) Lois Cerullo and Sonny Corinthos

Decades of history have kept Sonny and Lois close | Image: ABC

As longtime viewers know, before coming to Port Charles, Sonny lived in Bensonhurst, where he knew Lois Cerullo (Rena Sofer) during their younger years. As such, when Lois was pursuing a relationship with Ned Quartermaine (Wally Kurth), she was unexpectedly reunited with her childhood friend. It was a twist that few saw coming. Lois remains one of the few people who can call Sonny out without fear, thanks to the history they share.

The two have maintained their platonic friendship through Lois's marriage to Ned, their divorce, and her close relationship with Ned's wife, Olivia Falconeri (Lisa LoCicero). Incidentally, Olivia is the mother of Sonny's firstborn son, Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna), the result of Sonny and Olivia's romance back in Bensonhurst.

4) Tracy Quartermaine and Stella Henry

An unlikely friendship has become one of Tracy's strongest sources of support | Image: ABC

While both are matriarchs of their families, Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) and Stella Henry (Vernee Watson) did not develop a close friendship until 2024. The two women have very different dispositions, with Stella serving as a calm and compassionate social worker while Tracy is a fiery and outspoken businesswoman. Although they had known each other for years, they began bonding over the death of Gregory Chase (Gregory Harrison), which left Tracy grieving. Later, they found even more common ground through their shared frustration with Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison).

In June 2024, Stella famously described their tea sessions as the beginning of a "beautiful friendship." Since then, the two have remained trusted sounding boards for one another. Stella, in particular, has stood by Tracy during many of the difficult challenges the Quartermaine matriarch has faced over the past several months.

5) Elizabeth Webber and Dante Falconeri

Dante and Elizabeth have become unexpected confidants during difficult times | Image: ABC

While Dante has known Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) since arriving in Port Charles, they have largely lived separate lives. The police commissioner frequently crossed paths with Nurse Elizabeth during his visits to the hospital, but their relationship never extended much beyond that. However, after the death of Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco) and while navigating ongoing issues with Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening), Dante found an unexpected confidante in Elizabeth.

A relatively recent development, the Dante-Elizabeth friendship surprised many viewers, who began wondering whether it was leading toward a romance. However, Elizabeth has accepted several dates with Ric Lansing, and she does not appear to be considering a romantic future with the PCPD commissioner. For now, their bond remains a refreshing example of a mature and supportive friendship.

5 friendships that have lost their charm

1) Josslyn Jacks and Trina Robinson

Josslyn and Trina may not be as connected as they once were | Image: ABC

Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) have been close friends for many years. They shared an apartment and supported each other through some of life's toughest moments. While Josslyn encouraged Trina's romance with Spencer Cassadine (Nicholas Chavez), she also helped her grieve his death. In return, Trina stood by Josslyn as she struggled with the aftermath of Dex Heller's (Evan Hofer) murder.

However, Trina remains unaware of Josslyn's revenge mission and subsequent work as a WSB agent. Although the two still connect during social occasions, they no longer seem fully involved in each other's lives. As a result, Josslyn does not know that Trina is a witness to Willow's (Katelyn MacMullen) crime, while Trina has no idea that Josslyn is being held hostage beneath Wyndemere Castle. With their lives moving in very different directions, it may be time for the once-close friendship to begin fading into the background.

2) Ava Jerome and Nina Reeves

Ava and Nina often bring out the worst in each other | Image: ABC

With ties to the criminal Jerome family, Ava Jerome (Maura West) has long been one of Port Charles' more questionable figures. While she runs a successful art gallery, she has never been above resorting to manipulation, extortion, or even violence when it serves her interests. On the other hand, Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) is a businesswoman whose world revolves around media and fashion. Although Nina's moral compass has often wavered, she does not have the same criminal history as her friend.

However, over the years, viewers have watched the two women repeatedly encourage each other's worst instincts. Their relationship often swings between toxic co-dependency and mutual support for questionable decisions. With neither the friendship nor the characters showing much growth, the dynamic has become a cycle of self-destructive behavior that may have run its course.

3) Maxie Jones and Brook Lynn Quartermaine

Maxie and Brook Lynn's friendship may be running out of chances | Image: ABC

Maxie Jones (Kristen Storms) and Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) have known each other for years. However, their friendship has often struggled to move beyond old grudges and lingering resentment. While they work together at Deception, they are not always able to keep their personal issues separate from their professional lives.

On one hand, Brook Lynn once shared a home with Maxie, while on the other, she also watched a boyfriend leave her for her friend. The two attempted to move past their differences when Brook Lynn agreed to raise Bailey Lou as her own daughter in order to protect the child from her criminal father. Unfortunately, the return of their mutual friend, Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening), has reignited old tensions. With so much unresolved baggage between them, it remains to be seen whether Maxie and Brook Lynn can finally evolve into a healthier friendship or decide to go their separate ways.

4) Dante Falconeri and Harrison Chase

Dante and Chase may no longer be on the same page | Image: ABC

The two cops were both relatives and close friends in addition to being colleagues until recently. The proverbial "brothers in blue," Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) has long relied on Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard). However, lately, Chase has shown questionable judgment in several situations.

Chase chose to conduct a parallel investigation into the Drew shooting, convinced that Willow was innocent and Michael was responsible. However, because he had no official authorization to interfere in the case, he was demoted. At the same time, Dante was promoted to Commissioner of the PCPD. With the district attorney's office now distrusting Chase, Dante finds himself in a difficult position. While Chase continues to support Willow without hesitation, Dante may be starting to view that loyalty as a professional liability rather than an asset.

5) Elizabeth Webber and Willow Tait

Elizabeth's trust in Willow may not survive recent events | Image: ABC

While Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) first met Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) when Willow was a teacher, the two became much closer after Willow joined General Hospital as a nurse. As head nurse, Elizabeth supported Willow, who quickly proved herself to be a compassionate caregiver. Over time, their relationship evolved beyond a professional connection into a personal friendship.

As a result, Elizabeth attended Willow's wedding to Drew and even offered her a place to stay when she had nowhere else to go. However, Willow has since left nursing behind to serve as interim congresswoman. Following the strokes suffered by Drew and Brennan, Elizabeth may be starting to view Willow with greater suspicion. With the characters heading in very different directions and trust potentially becoming an issue, many viewers believe this friendship may have reached its natural conclusion.