What Is Kelly Monaco Doing Now After ‘General Hospital’ Exit in 2025?

If you’ve been wondering What Is Kelly Monaco Doing Now her shocking departure from General Hospital, you’re not alone. After 21 years of playing the beloved Sam McCall, the actress made headlines when she left the ABC soap opera in 2024. Now, Kelly Monaco is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career that has fans buzzing with anticipation.

The short answer? Kelly Monaco is launching a brand new podcast called “Bad Bunnies” with her longtime friend Shanna Moakler. But there’s so much more to the story than just a simple career transition. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about what Kelly Monaco is doing now, why she left General Hospital, and what the future holds for this talented actress.

Kelly Monaco’s New Project: The Bad Bunnies Podcast

In March 2025, Kelly Monaco took to Instagram to announce her first major project since leaving General Hospital. The actress revealed she’s teaming up with Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and reality TV star, to launch a podcast called “Bad Bunnies.”

The announcement sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, especially among General Hospital fans who have been eager to hear from Monaco since her controversial exit from the show.

What Is the Bad Bunnies Podcast About?

According to Kelly Monaco’s Instagram announcement, the Bad Bunnies podcast promises to be “unfiltered, untamed, and unapologetic.” The co-hosts are bringing viewers Hollywood secrets, wild stories, pop culture tea, and real talk with absolutely nothing off-limits.

The podcast will cover topics including:

• Reality TV chaos and behind-the-scenes drama
• Dating disasters and relationship stories
• Hollywood drama and industry secrets
• Personal experiences from both hosts
• Pop culture commentary and hot takes
• Candid conversations about their careers

Both Kelly Monaco and Shanna Moakler have fascinating backgrounds in the entertainment industry, which should make for compelling listening. Monaco spent over two decades as a soap opera star, while Moakler has experience in modeling, beauty pageants, reality television, and acting.

When Does the Bad Bunnies Podcast Launch?

While Kelly Monaco announced the podcast in March 2025, an exact launch date hasn’t been confirmed yet. The announcement teased that episodes are “coming soon,” and the hosts asked fans what topics they’d like to hear discussed in the comments section.

Based on typical podcast production timelines, fans can likely expect the first episode to drop sometime in late 2025. The hosts are currently in the planning and production phase, gathering feedback from their audience about what content they want to hear.

Where to Listen to Bad Bunnies

Details about where the Bad Bunnies podcast will be available haven’t been officially announced yet. However, most podcasts launch on multiple platforms simultaneously, so fans can likely expect to find it on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Amazon Music
• Google Podcasts
• iHeartRadio

Keep an eye on Kelly Monaco’s Instagram account (@kelly_m23) for official announcements about where and when you can tune in.

Why Did Kelly Monaco Leave General Hospital?

To understand what Kelly Monaco is doing now, it’s important to know the circumstances surrounding her General Hospital departure. The exit was controversial and left many fans shocked and disappointed.

The Timeline of Kelly Monaco’s GH Exit

• August 2024: News broke that Kelly Monaco would be leaving General Hospital after playing Sam McCall for 21 years. Multiple entertainment outlets confirmed the departure.
• September 2024: Kelly’s mother, Carmina Monaco, released an emotional statement on Instagram addressing the exit and thanking fans for their support during this difficult time.
• October 1, 2024: Kelly Monaco’s final scenes aired on General Hospital, just four days shy of the 21st anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003.
• October 2024: Monaco acknowledged her exit on Instagram with a now-deleted post showing her last scene with the Davis girls, adding, “Still doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Was Kelly Monaco Fired from General Hospital?

This question has been at the center of controversy since the exit was announced. While ABC and General Hospital producers never publicly stated that Monaco was fired, the actress herself has hinted that the decision was not hers.

In a since-deleted Instagram comment from October 2024, Kelly Monaco responded to fans discussing her departure. She addressed claims that she didn’t have a “primary role” on the show and allegations that she was fired for refusing a pay cut.

Monaco wrote: “‘No primary role’… do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had. Something I worked for decades to build… Slowly dismantling her into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you want…retaliation at its finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”

This comment suggests that Monaco felt her character was intentionally marginalized following the departure of her co-star Billy Miller, who tragically passed away in September 2023.

How Did General Hospital Write Out Sam McCall?

General Hospital made the controversial decision to kill off Sam McCall rather than leave the door open for a potential return. The character died during what should have been a routine medical procedure, shocking longtime viewers.

The decision to permanently kill off such a beloved character who had been on the show for over two decades was met with significant backlash from fans. Many felt the character deserved a better send-off or at least the possibility of returning someday.

Fan Reaction to Kelly Monaco’s Exit

The response from General Hospital fans has been overwhelmingly supportive of Kelly Monaco. When the Bad Bunnies podcast was announced, the comments section flooded with requests for Monaco to discuss her departure from GH.

Fans have been vocal about wanting answers:

• “GH and what happened with your leaving plus from a Texan details on Billy Miller and why happened there too PLEASE!!!”
• “Can’t wait! Your fans definitely want to know what really happened at GH.”
• “First I want to know what the hell happened with GH? And why haven’t you talked about it.”
• “I stopped watching since you left lol. We need that tea first.”

Some fans have even started petitions demanding Monaco’s return to the show or at least answers about why such a popular character was written off so abruptly.

Kelly Monaco’s 21 Years as Sam McCall

To truly appreciate what Kelly Monaco is doing now, it’s worth looking back at her incredible tenure on General Hospital.

How Kelly Monaco Became Sam McCall

Kelly Monaco joined General Hospital in October 2003, bringing the character of Samantha “Sam” McCall to life. Sam was introduced as a con artist and adventurer who quickly became entangled with the Quartermaine and Morgan families.

Over the years, Sam evolved from a morally ambiguous character into one of the show’s most beloved heroines. She became a private investigator, a devoted mother, and the love interest of fan-favorite character Jason Morgan.

Sam McCall’s Most Memorable Storylines

During her 21 years on General Hospital, Kelly Monaco’s character was at the center of numerous major storylines:

• The Jason and Sam Love Story: Sam’s relationship with Jason Morgan (played by Steve Burton and Billy Miller at different times) became one of the most popular couples in daytime television, affectionately known as “JaSam” by fans.
• Motherhood: Sam’s journey to motherhood, including losing her first child and later raising her daughter Scout, provided some of Monaco’s most emotional performances.
• Private Investigation Career: Sam’s work as a private investigator put her at the center of many Port Charles mysteries and adventures.
• The Davis Family: Sam’s relationships with her mother Alexis Davis and sisters Kristina and Molly created compelling family drama.
• Overcoming Trauma: The character dealt with numerous traumatic events, including being held hostage, facing dangerous criminals, and navigating complicated relationships.

Awards and Recognition

Kelly Monaco’s portrayal of Sam McCall earned her critical acclaim within the soap opera community. She received multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations and won the hearts of millions of dedicated fans.

Beyond General Hospital, Monaco is also known for winning the first season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005, showcasing her talents beyond acting.

Who Is Shanna Moakler?

Since Kelly Monaco is partnering with Shanna Moakler for the Bad Bunnies podcast, many people are curious about her co-host.

Shanna Moakler’s Background

Shanna Moakler is a multi-talented entertainer with an impressive resume:

• Modeling Career: Moakler was named Miss USA in 1995 and has worked as a professional model throughout her career. She was also a Playboy Playmate in December 2001.
• Acting Credits: She’s appeared in films like “The Wedding Singer” and had guest roles on popular TV shows including “NCIS,” “Entourage,” and “The Goldbergs.”
• Reality Television: Moakler starred in the MTV reality show “Meet the Barkers” with then-husband Travis Barker (drummer for Blink-182) in 2005. She also appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother” and other reality programs.
• High-Profile Relationships: Beyond Travis Barker, Moakler has been linked to boxer Oscar De La Hoya and other celebrities, giving her plenty of Hollywood stories to share.

The Monaco-Moakler Friendship

Kelly Monaco and Shanna Moakler have been close friends for many years. They share a unique bond as they were both Playboy Playmates—Monaco in April 1997 and Moakler in December 2001.

Their friendship has endured through various career changes and life events, making them natural partners for a podcast venture. Both women have experienced the highs and lows of Hollywood, dealt with public relationships, and navigated changing career paths in the entertainment industry.

This shared history and genuine friendship should create authentic chemistry on the Bad Bunnies podcast, offering listeners real conversations rather than manufactured drama.

What Fans Want to Hear on the Bad Bunnies Podcast

Based on social media reactions to the podcast announcement, fans have made it clear what topics they’re most interested in hearing Kelly Monaco and Shanna Moakler discuss.

General Hospital Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Without question, the number one topic fans want Kelly Monaco to address is her departure from General Hospital. Viewers are hoping she’ll finally share the full story about:

• The real reason she left the show
• Whether she was fired or chose to leave
• Her relationship with producers and network executives
• What happened after Billy Miller’s departure
• Whether she’d ever consider returning
• Behind-the-scenes drama from her 21 years on set

Hollywood Industry Secrets

Both Monaco and Moakler have spent decades in Hollywood, giving them unique insights into the entertainment industry. Fans are eager to hear about:

• What really goes on behind the scenes in soap operas
• The reality versus perception of Hollywood glamour
• How the industry has changed over their careers
• Dealing with industry politics and power dynamics
• Stories about other celebrities they’ve encountered

Dating and Relationship Stories

With their combined romantic histories, both hosts have plenty of material for entertaining relationship discussions:

• Dating in Hollywood
• Maintaining relationships in the public eye
• Learning from past relationship mistakes
• Modern dating challenges
• Red flags and green flags in relationships

Reality TV Experiences

Shanna Moakler’s extensive reality TV background and Kelly Monaco’s Dancing with the Stars victory provide rich material for discussions about:

• What reality TV production is really like
• How much of reality TV is scripted
• Dealing with negative editing
• The impact of reality TV on personal life
• Whether they’d do reality TV again

Kelly Monaco’s Career Before General Hospital

While many people know Kelly Monaco primarily as Sam McCall, she had an interesting career before joining General Hospital.

Modeling and Playboy

Kelly Monaco began her entertainment career as a model. In April 1997, she was featured as a Playboy Playmate, which opened doors in Hollywood and helped launch her acting career.

Her modeling work demonstrated her comfort in front of cameras and helped her develop the confidence that would serve her well in acting roles.

Baywatch and Early Acting Roles

Before General Hospital, Monaco had a recurring role on the iconic series “Baywatch,” appearing in multiple episodes. This experience on a popular syndicated show helped her gain valuable acting experience and industry connections.

She also appeared in various other television shows and projects, building her resume and honing her craft before landing the role that would define her career.

Port Charles

Monaco actually started her daytime television career on “Port Charles,” a spin-off of General Hospital that aired from 1997 to 2003. She played Livvie Locke on that series, which directly led to her transition to General Hospital when Port Charles ended.

Dancing with the Stars Victory

In 2005, Kelly Monaco competed on the inaugural season of “Dancing with the Stars,” paired with professional dancer Alec Mazo. Against all odds, they won the competition, proving Monaco’s versatility as an entertainer.

This victory brought her mainstream recognition beyond the soap opera world and demonstrated her work ethic, determination, and ability to excel in new challenges.

What’s Next for Kelly Monaco?

While the Bad Bunnies podcast is Kelly Monaco’s first announced project post-General Hospital, it likely won’t be her last.

Potential Future Projects

Given Monaco’s diverse skill set and industry experience, several career paths seem possible:

• More Acting Roles: Monaco could return to primetime television, appear in films, or even join another soap opera. Her acting talent and name recognition make her an attractive candidate for various projects.
• Reality Television: With her Dancing with the Stars victory and natural charisma, Monaco could be a compelling addition to various reality shows, whether competition-based or lifestyle programs.
• Hosting Opportunities: If the Bad Bunnies podcast is successful, Monaco could leverage that experience into other hosting gigs, whether for television, streaming platforms, or events.
• Behind-the-Scenes Work: After 21 years in daytime television, Monaco has extensive knowledge that could translate into producing, directing, or consulting work.
• Digital Content Creation: Many entertainers are finding success creating content for YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms, which could be a natural fit for Monaco’s personality.

Will Kelly Monaco Return to General Hospital?

This is the million-dollar question that fans keep asking. While Sam McCall was killed off, soap operas are notorious for bringing characters back from the dead through various creative plot devices.

Several factors could influence a potential return:

• Fan Demand: The overwhelming fan support for Monaco could pressure ABC and GH producers to find a way to bring her back.
• Ratings: If General Hospital’s ratings suffer following Monaco’s departure, the network might reconsider the decision.
• Behind-the-Scenes Changes: New producers or executives could have different perspectives on Monaco’s value to the show.
• Monaco’s Willingness: Even if the show wanted her back, Monaco would need to be willing to return after what appears to have been a contentious departure.

For now, Monaco seems focused on her podcast and exploring new opportunities outside of Port Charles.

Lessons from Kelly Monaco’s Career Transition

Kelly Monaco’s journey from soap opera star to podcast host offers valuable insights for anyone navigating career changes.

Embracing Change and New Opportunities

Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of her General Hospital exit, Monaco is channeling her energy into a new venture. This resilience and willingness to try something new is inspiring.

Leveraging Existing Relationships

By partnering with longtime friend Shanna Moakler, Monaco is building on an established relationship rather than starting from scratch. This smart collaboration increases the chances of podcast success.

Listening to Your Audience

Monaco asked fans what they wanted to hear on the podcast, showing she values audience input and wants to create content people actually want to consume.

Taking Control of Your Narrative

After months of speculation about her General Hospital exit, the podcast gives Monaco a platform to finally tell her side of the story on her own terms, without network filters or public relations constraints.

Diversifying Your Career

Monaco’s willingness to move from acting to podcasting demonstrates the importance of diversification in entertainment careers. Rather than being defined by a single role, she’s exploring new formats and opportunities.

How Kelly Monaco’s Story Resonates with Soap Opera Fans

The circumstances surrounding Kelly Monaco’s departure from General Hospital have struck a chord with daytime television viewers who have seen similar situations play out before.

The Pattern of Veteran Actor Departures

In recent years, many longtime soap opera actors have been let go from their shows, often in controversial circumstances. Fans have watched beloved performers who dedicated decades to their characters suddenly written out, sometimes with little explanation or fanfare.

Kelly Monaco’s situation fits this troubling pattern, making her story particularly resonant for soap opera audiences who have seen it happen repeatedly.

The Value of Legacy Characters

Sam McCall had become a legacy character on General Hospital, integral to the show’s fabric and connected to multiple storylines and families. The decision to kill off such a character raised questions about how much value networks place on history and continuity.

Monaco’s departure reignited debates about whether soap operas are making strategic mistakes by discarding veteran actors in favor of cheaper, younger talent.

The Power of Soap Opera Fan Communities

The overwhelming response from General Hospital fans demonstrates the passionate, loyal communities that soap operas cultivate. These viewers feel genuine connections to characters and actors they’ve watched for years or even decades.

When Monaco announced the Bad Bunnies podcast, the immediate flood of supportive comments and requests for her to discuss her GH exit showed that her fanbase remains strong and engaged.

The Business Side of Kelly Monaco’s Career Move

From a business perspective, Kelly Monaco’s transition from General Hospital to podcasting represents an interesting case study in entertainment industry trends.

The Podcasting Boom

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with celebrities increasingly launching their own shows. The medium offers several advantages:

• Creative Control: Unlike traditional television, podcasts give hosts complete control over content, format, and messaging.
• Direct Audience Connection: Podcasts create intimate connections with listeners who tune in regularly.
• Monetization Opportunities: Through sponsorships, ads, and premium content, successful podcasts can be financially lucrative.
• Lower Barriers to Entry: Compared to television production, podcasts require relatively minimal investment to launch.
• Flexibility: Podcasts can be recorded on flexible schedules without the demands of daily soap opera production.

Building a Personal Brand

The Bad Bunnies podcast allows Kelly Monaco to build her personal brand beyond her identity as Sam McCall. This brand-building is crucial for long-term career sustainability in entertainment.

By establishing herself as a personality and commentator, Monaco opens doors to various opportunities that might not have been available while she was exclusively known as a soap opera actress.

Leveraging Social Media and Digital Platforms

Monaco’s Instagram announcement of the podcast demonstrates savvy use of social media for promotion and audience engagement. Building and maintaining a strong social media presence is now essential for entertainment professionals.

The podcast itself represents Monaco’s adaptation to the digital content landscape, where traditional television is just one of many platforms for building audiences and careers.

Comparing Kelly Monaco’s Exit to Other Soap Opera Departures

Kelly Monaco isn’t the first major soap opera star to leave their long-running show under controversial circumstances. Looking at similar situations provides context for understanding her current career moves.

Other Notable Daytime Television Exits

Several other actors have faced similar situations in recent years:

• Steve Burton (General Hospital): Burton, who played Jason Morgan opposite Monaco’s Sam McCall, has left and returned to GH multiple times over the years, including a departure in 2021 related to vaccine mandates.
• Billy Miller (General Hospital): Miller’s departure from GH in 2019 was followed by his tragic death in 2023. Monaco has mentioned that her character’s trajectory changed significantly after Miller left the show.
• Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives): Sweeney left her role as Sami Brady after 21 years but has returned for special appearances, showing that soap opera exits don’t always have to be permanent.
• Kelly Ripa (All My Children): Before becoming a talk show superstar, Ripa left her iconic role as Hayley Vaughan, proving that soap opera stars can successfully transition to other entertainment formats.

What Makes Monaco’s Situation Unique

While veteran soap opera departures are unfortunately common, several aspects make Kelly Monaco’s situation distinctive:

The controversial nature of her character being killed off rather than left open-ended, her cryptic social media comments suggesting the exit wasn’t voluntary, the timing just before her 21-year anniversary, and her subsequent silence before the podcast announcement.

Fan Theories About Kelly Monaco’s Future

The soap opera fan community loves speculation, and Kelly Monaco’s future has been the subject of considerable theorizing.

Could Sam McCall Return from the Dead?

Despite Sam’s apparent death on General Hospital, soap opera fans know that dead doesn’t always mean dead in Port Charles. Fan theories about potential returns include:

• The Twin Sister Theory: Some fans speculate that Sam could have a previously unknown twin sister who could appear, allowing Monaco to return as a new character with a familiar face.
• Faked Death: Perhaps Sam’s death was faked as part of a witness protection program or elaborate scheme, allowing for a dramatic return storyline.
• Parallel Universe or Time Travel: General Hospital has used supernatural elements before, so some fans suggest alternative reality storylines could bring Sam back.
• Dream or Hallucination: The entire death storyline could be revealed as someone’s dream or hallucination, retconning the exit entirely.

While these theories are creative, Monaco’s launch of the Bad Bunnies podcast suggests she’s currently focused on projects outside of General Hospital rather than plotting a return.

Will Monaco Join Another Soap Opera?

Some fans wonder if Kelly Monaco might join a competing soap opera like “The Young and the Restless,” “Days of Our Lives,” or “The Bold and the Beautiful.” This would allow her to continue working in daytime television while starting fresh with a new character and show.

However, Monaco’s podcast venture suggests she may be ready to explore opportunities beyond the demanding daily schedule of soap opera production.

The Impact of Social Media on Kelly Monaco’s Career

Social media has played a crucial role in Kelly Monaco’s career transition and connection with fans.

Instagram as a Platform for Announcements

Monaco chose Instagram as the platform to announce both her General Hospital exit and her new podcast, recognizing that social media allows her to communicate directly with fans without media filters.

Her Instagram posts generate thousands of comments and engagement, demonstrating the strength of her fanbase and the power of direct-to-audience communication.

The Double-Edged Sword of Online Presence

While social media provides opportunities, it also presents challenges. Monaco has had to navigate sharing information without violating any agreements or creating legal issues while satisfying fan curiosity about her General Hospital departure.

Her deleted posts and comments suggest she’s carefully managing what information she shares publicly, likely aware of potential consequences of being too candid about her exit.

Building Anticipation for the Podcast

By announcing the Bad Bunnies podcast on social media and asking fans what they want to hear, Monaco is building anticipation and ensuring there’s audience demand before the first episode even drops.

This social media strategy is smart marketing that leverages her existing fanbase while potentially attracting new listeners intrigued by the promise of Hollywood secrets and unfiltered conversations.

What Kelly Monaco’s Career Move Means for Soap Operas

Beyond Monaco’s personal career trajectory, her departure and career pivot say something significant about the current state of daytime television.

The Changing Landscape of Daytime TV

Soap operas have been declining in number and viewership for decades. Where there were once over a dozen daytime dramas on major networks, now only four remain: “General Hospital,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

This shrinking landscape makes each remaining show more important while also making the business pressures more intense, potentially leading to cost-cutting measures that affect veteran actors like Monaco.

Are Soap Operas Undervaluing Experience?

Monaco’s departure raises questions about whether soap operas are making strategic mistakes by letting go of experienced, popular actors. While bringing in younger, cheaper talent may save money short-term, it risks alienating longtime viewers who are the genre’s most loyal audience.

The Rise of Alternative Content Platforms

Talented performers like Kelly Monaco now have more options than ever before. Podcasting, YouTube, streaming services, and digital platforms provide alternatives to traditional television that offer creative freedom and potentially comparable income.

This competition for talent may force soap operas to reconsider how they treat veteran performers, or risk continuing to lose their biggest stars to other opportunities.

Conclusion

So, what is Kelly Monaco doing now? She’s embarking on a bold new adventure with the Bad Bunnies podcast, partnering with friend Shanna Moakler to create unfiltered entertainment content that promises Hollywood secrets and real talk.

After 21 years of bringing Sam McCall to life on General Hospital, Monaco is showing resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit by launching a podcast that will allow her to connect with fans in a new way while potentially sharing her side of the story about her controversial exit from the show.

The Bad Bunnies podcast represents more than just Kelly Monaco’s next career move—it’s a statement about taking control of your narrative, embracing change, and refusing to let one door closing prevent you from opening new ones.