General Hospital 2026 Preview: Maxie's explosive return is set

General Hospital spoilers tease drama, angst, and excitement galore in the new year, including the return of a favorite character who has been comatose for months. That's right, Maxie's coma isn't going to last nearly as long as Lulu's, as she is set to return to the land of the living soon.

A General Hospital heroine is BACK

Maxie has been in a coma since August on General Hospital | Image: ABC

Poor Maxie (Kirsten Storms) has been lingering in a coma ever since Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) did something to some Deception skin cream that induced a heart attack that sent Maxie to a special hospital in Boston. Various family members have been traveling to Boston every once in a while to stay with her, but life has gone on back in Port Charles.

"Maxie will return in 2026! Her slumber wasn’t nearly as long as Lulu’s, but she’ll find her world much changed when she finally wakes up," General Hospital Head Writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte told TV Insider.

In fact, things have changed a lot in Maxie's life, and she doesn't even know it. Nathan (Ryan Paevey), her husband and the man she loved with all her heart, is back among the living after being presumed dead for seven years. He has tried to establish a relationship with their son during this time, while also growing quite close to Maxie's BFF, Lulu (Alexa Havins), and that's where things get infinitely more complicated.

Nathan and Lulu team up

Lulu and Maxie have been growing closer | Image: ABC

Nathan has become Lulu's confidante and protector over the last few weeks, and goes above and beyond when Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) decides to find her father and goes missing. Lulu is also there for Nathan, as he navigates his relationship with James, but Charlotte's quest to be with Valentin causes things to truly heat up between them.

"Lulu helps Nathan navigate parenthood, but her wisdom is undercut when Charlotte ditches her police minders," the writers said. "Nathan assists Lulu in her search, but they find themselves in a surprising clinch long before they find Charlotte."

We also have the question of where Nathan has been the last seven years. So far, GH has provided us with no answers, so there is no telling if this man is really Nathan or not. If he is Nathan, can he be trusted or will Maxie and Lulu find some things out the hard way?

Catch all-new episodes of General Hospital weekdays on ABC and Hulu.