'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMUsE7f/xAAfEAACAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAURBxQSotH/2gAIAQEAAT8AzXXxkF9ikDTh5kmFwyhGAC68dbNJxxlVRR2rH3+V/8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQADIv/aAAgBAgEBPwCxyM//xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAjH/2gAIAQMBAT8ASn//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
“Why bring him back at all?” — General Hospital fans upset over Lucky’s return with no real payoff
Jonathan Jackson’s return as Lucky Spencer on General Hospital was expected to be a major moment for longtime viewers. The character, a legacy figure tied to the iconic Luke and Laura storyline, reappeared in August 2024 after nearly a decade off-screen.
However, less than a year later, Jackson will leave the show again, without any long-term arc, major payoff, or even a resolution to his story. Fans were told that the character was back full-time but his scenes were limited and his return mainly seemed to revolve around brief interactions and a short-lived reunion with Elizabeth.
Since Jackson's exit was confirmed, fans of General Hospital took to social media to wonder why the creators even brought him back. Many said that they were disappointed and felt let down by how the character was handled while others suggested they could have brought back a different character instead.
"Yes! Why bring him back at all?"
Trending
Some fans also expressed frustration over the decision to reintroduce Lucky when the creators had no clear plan or a lasting arc for him. Other fans expressed feeling misled by the build-up about the character and the role.
One Facebook user said that suggested that the creators could have brought back one of the recast versions of Lucky, like Greg Vaughan or Jacob Young. Another fan also made a joke about how Jackson's appearance improved right before he left, referring to his hair looking better.
These comments seemingly suggested that some viewers felt like the return wasn't worth it. There’s also a sense that other actors might’ve been better suited if a long-term plan wasn’t in place. One viewer took a jab at Jackson’s appearance, signaling how little impact his scenes made overall.
The first viewer expressed disappointment and noted that they felt let down by the return while another stated that the return was underwhelming. Others questioned why the character came back at all, echoing confusion over the show's creative choices.
Viewers felt Lucky’s return lacked depth and story direction, and most agreed that the hype didn’t match what played out on screen. They wanted more from a legacy character and were left wondering what the point of his return was.
Why Lucky Spencer is leaving General Hospital again
Jonathan Jackson will leave General Hospital once again after returning as Lucky Spencer for less than a year. His recent stint began on August 23, 2024, and his final scenes will air in June 2025. The reason for his exit hasn't been publicly explained by ABC, but the show has already started writing him out through the storyline.
In the June 5 episode, Lucky told Elizabeth that Port Charles no longer felt like home. He admitted that staying in town, knowing they couldn’t be together, hurt too much. It came right after Elizabeth turned down his surprise marriage proposal in the June 4 episode.
In that scene, Lucky invited Elizabeth for a quiet picnic in the park and asked her to marry him again. However, Elizabeth, who is now head nurse at General Hospital, said she couldn’t accept his proposal. She explained that while she still cared for him, he belonged everywhere else, while her life was firmly rooted in Port Charles.
She mentioned their son, Aiden, and said she didn’t want to disrupt his life again by leaving town. Lucky, clearly shaken by the rejection, said he had to go. He told her it might seem sudden, but the emotional weight of being near her and not being with her was too heavy to carry.
His exit mirrors the character’s long history of leaving town suddenly. It’s also consistent with Lucky’s past—he’s always had one foot out the door, whether chasing justice, chasing peace, or just running from pain.
It’s quiet, understated, and in line with how the show has often handled the character's exits. Jonathan Jackson had previously taken a short break in February, during which Guy Wilson filled in. Now, it looks like Jackson is done—at least for now.
Watch General Hospital on ABC.
