Television fans got a sweet slice of nostalgia and excitement when two of America’s most beloved soap operas—General Hospital and The Young and the Restless—clashed in a high-energy special of Celebrity Family Feud. The episode, which aired July 31, 2025, on ABC, delivered not just laughs but heart, as the two casts faced off for charity in what fans are calling the ultimate daytime drama showdown.
Let’s break down the unforgettable night where soap stars left the script behind and took the buzzer by storm.
The Cast Lineup: Soap Royalty on Both Sides
The episode brought together some of daytime TV’s most iconic names, pitting the General Hospital (GH) cast against their longtime CBS rivals from The Young and the Restless (Y&R).
Team General Hospital (GH):
-
Finola Hughes (Anna Devane)
-
Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos)
-
Donnell Turner (Curtis Ashford)
-
Rena Sofer (Lois Cerullo)
-
Tanisha Harper (Jordan Ashford)
Representing the ABC soap juggernaut, GH played for The Nature Conservancy, highlighting their commitment to the environment.
Team Young and the Restless (Y&R):
-
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers)
-
Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair)
-
Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman)
-
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson)
-
Bryton James (Devon Hamilton)
Y&R chose to support the Entertainment Community Fund to help those impacted by the Southern California wildfires.
Real Rivalry, Real Laughter
While the competition was light-hearted, the stakes felt high. For once, these actors weren’t playing enemies, lovers, or courtroom adversaries. They were simply being themselves—funny, competitive, and deeply supportive of their teams.
Donnell Turner (GH) became an instant fan favorite during a round where the prompt was:
“Name something your mate’s booty has in common with a basketball.”
He buzzed in instantly with “It’s round,” nabbing the top answer. Then came the zinger:
“You play with it, Steve!” —cue laughter from host Steve Harvey and audiences everywhere.
On the Y&R side, Lauralee Bell quickly scored with a perfect answer to the question:
“Name an occupation where having a baby face might be a problem.”
Her answer: Police officer, which turned out to be the top choice.
Behind the Scenes: Prepping Like Pros
The GH team wasn’t shy about their nerves. Finola Hughes admitted she was “terrified” before the show and practiced with her children at home. Meanwhile, Tanisha Harper revealed that learning buzzer timing and playing it cool under pressure were her biggest takeaways.
Interestingly, Harper almost landed a role on The Young and the Restless years ago—which means she could’ve ended up on the other team.
Y&R came in fully coordinated with matching wardrobe. GH, on the other hand, picked their outfits at the last minute—an unexpected but humorous moment that set the tone for the night.
A New Kind of Soap Opera Drama
What made this Celebrity Family Feud episode stand out wasn’t just the iconic cast or the jokes—it was the authenticity. These actors, who typically work in emotional story arcs and scripted twists, showed off their real personalities. Fans saw a side of them rarely captured on screen: playful, sharp, and completely unscripted.
It’s not every day you see soap royalty making jokes about booties and game show buzzers.
What the Fans Are Saying
The response across social media has been electric. Reddit threads, Twitter (now X), and soap forums were flooded with love:
-
“This was the crossover I never knew I needed.”
-
“Donnell Turner stole the show—give that man his own game show!”
-
“More of this, please! Let’s do GH vs Days next!”
The nostalgia, combined with the candid fun, reminded fans why they fell in love with these shows in the first place.
More Than Entertainment: Giving Back
It’s easy to forget that Celebrity Family Feud is more than a game show—it’s about giving back. GH’s support of The Nature Conservancy and Y&R’s dedication to wildfire recovery showcased the heart behind the humor.
In a world where celebrities are often criticized for doing too little, these stars used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for meaningful causes.
Where to Watch
If you missed it live, don’t worry. You can catch the full episode on:
-
Hulu (streaming now)
-
ABC On-Demand
-
Or check out highlights on YouTube and social media
Trust us—it’s worth a watch.
Soap Opera Popularity: Who Reigns Supreme?
Interestingly, The Young and the Restless continues to top daytime ratings, pulling over 3 million weekly viewers, while General Hospital averages close to 2 million. But when it comes to game show charisma? That’s a much tougher call.
In the end, both teams walked away as winners—for their charities and for the fans.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
In the age of streaming giants and algorithm-driven content, the enduring appeal of soap operas is extraordinary. These shows have been emotional cornerstones for millions of viewers for decades. Seeing their stars come together in a fun, meaningful way was more than just TV—it was a celebration of community, nostalgia, and generosity.
And let’s be honest—Steve Harvey trying to keep a straight face as soap stars joke about booties? TV gold.
