Ryan Paevey Confirms GH Return—Will It Be Nathan or Someone New?
Major casting news is set to shake up Port Charles: Ryan Paevey is officially returning to General Hospital this September.
The fan favorite, who debuted as Nathan West in 2013, teased that his comeback will be “for awhile” and tied to a “meaty storyline” designed to surprise longtime viewers.
What the announcement from Soap Opera Digest didn’t confirm is whether he’ll reprise his role as Nathan or appear as an entirely new character.
Nathan: A Beloved Character
Paevey’s role as Nathan, the straight-arrow detective who stole Maxie’s (Kirsten Storms) heart and partnered with Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) at the PCPD, quickly made him a daytime favorite.
His 2018 exit was one of the show’s most emotional moments, as Nathan died tragically in the line of duty after being shot by his father, Cesar Faison. Maxie went on to raise their son James while mourning the love of her life.
Timing Is Everything
The timing of Paevey’s return has fans buzzing. Over the summer, Kathleen Gati reprised her role as Liesl Obrecht, Nathan’s mother, while Kelly Thiebaud came back as Britt, Nathan’s sister.
Head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten hinted that the “Faison/Obrecht clan is just getting started,” leaving many to wonder if Nathan could be resurrected—or if Paevey is about to step into a fresh role tied to the family legacy.
A New Chapter for Paevey
Since leaving daytime, Paevey has starred in several Hallmark and Lifetime films, gaining an even larger fan base. He’s been open about the difficulty of walking away from GH, saying he owed the soap world a huge debt for jump-starting his career.
After announcing last year that he was taking a break from acting for his mental health, Paevey has now re-emerged, teasing “irons in the fire” and new opportunities. His return to GH looks to be the centerpiece of that comeback.
What’s Next in Port Charles?
Whether Nathan is miraculously alive or Paevey plays a brand-new character, one thing is certain: his presence will bring emotional fireworks. Maxie, Dante, and Liesl all stand to be deeply affected, and with Britt back in the mix, the Obrecht/Faison family saga could dominate storylines this fall.
Whatever twist the writers have in store, fans can expect drama, heartbreak, and must-watch television. What do you want to see Paevey do on GH? Let us know in the comments.
