General Hospital showrunner Chad Duell is leaving the show 14 years after the fiery finale

Chad DoyleExit from General Hospital It was shocking, fiery and epic.

Doyle, 37, wrapped up his character’s story on Monday, January 6, when Michael Corinthians It caught fire after the explosion. Michael officially served Willow (Caitlin McMullen) divorce papers before he is encouraged to punch his estranged wife’s lover, Drew (Cameron Matheson).

Later in the episode, Michael heard a ticking sound before the explosion ignited him. It was The fire eventually swept away and screaming in pain, which was not surprising after Doyle had previously announced his exit from the tournament General Hospital After more than 14 years.

“This has not been an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life,” he wrote on Instagram in November 2024. “I am so grateful to (executive producer) Frank Valentini, the cast, crew, and everyone who has been behind the scenes and been like my family throughout this amazing journey.

Doyle noted at the time that “Not goodbye – It’s see you later. He later discussed his decision to step down.

“It’s an adjustment to life,” he shared on a December 2024 episode of Daily Drama. “There are a lot of things going on in my life. There are some things behind it but one thing I said is that my father passed away and I am still coming to terms with that.

Doyle said he He wanted to spend more time With a partner Luana Lucci and their 16-month-old son, Dawson.

He continued: “I am preparing myself for the next chapters.” “Right now, I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I feel like I’ve stifled myself in certain aspects and sometimes you need to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable and that’s not what I’ve done in a long time.”

At the time, Doyle claimed the door was open for a return before new projects were announced, adding: “In January, I have some things planned (that) I want to do for myself. It’s different because I have a baby now. But also for him and me and everyone, Doing what’s best for me – spiritually, mentally, everything – will only reflect my energy in a better way towards everyone around me, and I want to make sure I’m taking good care of myself, which I haven’t always done.

Duel what Ultimately grateful For a chance to do something new.

“I feel like I’ve been so comfortable in this for so long that my identity has been so wrapped up in that,” he concluded. “It’s going to be a process, but kind of unraveling that and seeing who I am and where I’m at now in my life. It’s going to be a little journey. I don’t know what the future holds, but there’s a lot of work I have to do to realize the potential that I know I have. Not just on the level Professional, but in many aspects.”

General Hospital It airs weekdays on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.