General Hospital: Favorite New Couples of 2016 (So Far!)

Swapping romantic partners is the bread and butter of soap operas.

Even though we have couples like Jason and Sam and Sonny and Carly, who have stuck it out throughout the years, long-lasting love is rare to find in this medium.

And that’s not such a bad thing if it means the formation of new and invigorating couples.

It’s in the novelty, the unpredictability, and the excitement of a first kiss that works the best. It’s the relationships that sneak up on the viewer, ones that we don’t expect and catch us by surprise, that have the most impact.

Here’s a list of our favorite new couples to emerge out of General Hospital in 2016 so far!

1. Ava Jerome and Nikolas Cassadine

When the slinky, sultry Ava Jerome found herself seated next to the dark prince, Nikolas Cassadine, on a flight to London, neither she nor the audience could have ever anticipated the journey they’d have.

As two strangers bumping into the night, Nikolas and Ava’s overseas trip was filled with intrigue, abduction, a hostage situation, and tragedy. The two relied on each other through the chaos, and as a result, formed an unexpected bond and attraction.

And while yes, Nikolas was temporary recast in the middle of their story line (hey, it happens on soaps!), the initial chemistry between Tyler Christopher and Maura West was impossibly good. Though, we can also thank Nick Stabile for providing us with some fun moments during his stint as Nikolas as well.

After Nikolas fell to his “death” a second time, Ava was left to lament the loss of a kindred spirit. But given that Tyler Christopher will likely be returning soon, our hopes for these two continues to live on.

Relationship Status: There was a heavy make-out session on Cassadine Island, but it was part of a rouse on her end. Ava is back in Port Charles, and Nik is still presumed dead.

2. Hayden Barnes and Hamilton Finn

 

The eccentric, world-weary doctor and the complex, sympathetic ex-con have an interesting dynamic. Often contentious, sometimes hostile, but at times tender, Hayden and Finn’s friendship has evolved into a deeply significant one.

The best thing about them is that despite their differences and clashing personalities — he’s snarky and rude, and she’s brash and pushy — these two have proven that their relationship is one of understanding and mutual comfort. She helped him when he was suffering symptoms from a rare disease, and he offered her a shoulder to cry on after she lost her husband (the aforementioned Nikolas).

Both are emotionally guarded, scarred by their pasts, and have adapted a healthy level of cynicism. But what ties them together is their shared loneliness, leading them to offer each other brief glimpses of vulnerability.

Michael Easton and Rebecca Budig have such an honest and authentic screen presence together that I was taken with them instantly, which is a rarity these days.

Relationship Status: Friends, but after Finn pushed Hayden away this week, maybe not even that anymore.

3. Kiki Jerome and Dillon Quatermaine

Kiki and Dillon have had one of the more natural progressions on General Hospital. They met. They became friends. They fell for each other. Only one hang up: Kiki was already in a complicated relationship with Morgan Corinthos.

Given that Morgan is an eternal screw-up and completely undeserving of Kiki, we are rooting for Kiki to dump the loser and choose to be with Dillon, who has repeatedly shown up for her when she needed him.

They complement each other and have an easy-going vibe, which is a nice departure from the dysfunction that Kiki is used to having in her relationships.

What’s also great is seeing two young people develop feelings for each other in such an organic way. Robert Palmer Watkins and Hayley Erin have a natural and effortless chemistry that comes across really well.

Also, a shallow point, but Dillon and Kiki just look really good together, and that never hurts.

Relationship Status: Kiki is in a committed relationship with Morgan, but she and Dillon have the yearning looks down pat.

4. Elizabeth Webber and Franco

Elizabeth has been unlucky in love for years, but she’s found friendship and support in an unlikely figure, Franco, who has been trying to move on after his painful breakup with Nina Reeves.

Because Liz sometimes falls into the wounded-bird shtick, it can sometimes feel like Franco is only drawn to her so that he can play as savior in her life. But, it wasn’t until their first date that their connection truly clicked and felt palpable. Franco showing Elizabeth the portrait he painted of her was an especially moving and intimate moment. 

Though clear opposites, they also have commonalities. Both are artists, both have experience being the town pariah, and both are just trying to get by and find that everlasting love.

Whether they can find that in each other remains to be seen, but we can enjoy the journey while it lasts.

Roger Howarth and Becky Herbst bring out different sides to each other, and it’d been a nice change of pace.

Relationship Status: After much wavering and back-and-forth, these two are officially dating.

5. Kevin Collins and Laura Spencer

 

There are few things more pleasurable than to see veterans of a soap get a decent story line. Laura and Kevin, characters who have been in and out of the show for decades, are a breath of fresh air together.

Their story started when Kevin offered to help Laura with Helena’s mysterious clues, which led to a series of adventures that strengthened their friendship and solidified their feelings.

There is a maturity, a groundedness, and even a playfulness to them that is beautiful. It’s evident that Genie Francis and Jon Lindstrom are good friends off-screen, allowing their chemistry to translate well on-screen.

After their failed marriages, Laura and Kevin deserve to be with people who are reliable and good. But sadly, things went a little sour. The two spent the night together and then the following morning Laura learned that Kevin is writing a book about her without her knowledge, causing a rift. Now, they’re at a standstill.

Here’s hoping they can get their act together and be the perfect couple we know they can be.

Relationship Status: Consummated, but things are left in the air.

6. Nina Reeves and Valentine Cassadine

Nina and Valentine have only shared a handful of scenes, but they’ve already made a lasting impression.

Admittedly, their first hookup was in poor taste. They had just met. She was inebriated and lonely and he was omitting the fact that he’s a psychotic criminal.

But then their scene at the police station left us intrigued. Could there be more to this couple than the random, drunken tryst?

Valentine is a dangerous, charismatic, and ruthless man.. Nina is a sometimes unbalanced, reformed-bad girl with a deep heart. Together, they can be volatile together, which could be really fun to watch.

One thing is for sure: Michelle Stafford and James Patrick Stuart are compelling to watch individually, and it makes us wonder what they can achieve together.

Relationship Status: A one night stand that could possibly lead to more.

What General Hospital couple have you been enjoying the most? Leave it in the comments below!

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General Hospital airs weekdays at 2/1c on ABC.