The producers of General Hospital have finally realized that ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ off Sam McCall was a huge mistake. When they decided to let this character go, they not only lost one of Port Charles’s most iconic heroines but also enraged fans for months.
Sam’s absence has left a void in the storyline, significantly impacting key characters like Jason, Danny, Scout, and even Dante. The increasing backlash from viewers has forced the producers to find a way to rectify this mistake.
In March 2025, Sam McCall will officially return from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, marking one of the most shocking resurrections in General Hospital history. However, her return won’t unfold the way many expect. Kelly Monaco, who has portrayed the character for over two decades, has refused to return.
This news has come as a major shock to both the production team and loyal fans. Kelly Monaco’s refusal to reprise the role of Sam has put the producers in a very difficult situation. They can’t change their plans, but they also can’t bring back Sam without an actress to play her.
As a result, they have been forced to find a replacement. The most frequently mentioned name is Lindsay Hartley. Lindsay is no stranger to General Hospital fans. During Kelly Monaco’s previous absences, she filled in as Sam and received positive feedback from viewers.
Many believe Lindsay could bring a fresh take to the character while still maintaining the strength and personality fans love. However, even with her experience and talent, Lindsay faces a huge challenge. Replacing a long-standing icon like Kelly Monaco is no small feat, and many viewers aren’t ready to let go of Kelly’s version of Sam.
The biggest issue isn’t just Sam’s return but whether viewers can accept a Sam McCall who isn’t played by Kelly Monaco. Kelly’s fans have repeatedly expressed that if she isn’t playing Sam, they’d rather not have the character return at all. This could lead to waves of controversy and opposition, especially if Lindsay cannot win over Kelly’s loyal fanbase.