“General Hospital” is one of the last standing soap operas on television. The beloved series is also celebrating its 50th anniversary later this month!

Starting March 29 at 10 pm ET/PT, “General Hospital” fans can expect 50 hours of classic episodes starting from the very first 1963 episode. The marathon continues all the way through to April 1 at 12 am ET/PT. April 1 will also be the day the special 50th anniversary episode of “General Hospital” will air at 2 pm ET (1 pm PT/CT) on ABC and 9 pm ET/PT on SOAPnet (with an encore at 12 am ET/PT).

Here’s what you can expect from the marathon:

“The marathon will cover all your favorite characters, couples and storylines with such themes as romance (Luke & Laura’s wedding, Frisco & Felicia’s wedding, Luke & Laura’s dance at Wyndham’s, Lucky & Liz’s first kiss), heartbreak (Stone dies, Sonny leaves Brenda at the altar, BJ dies/Maxie’s heart transplant), action-adventure (Ice Princess, the Hostage Crisis, the Hotel Fire,) and shocking bombshells (Elizabeth finds Carly in the panic room, AJ discovers he’s Michael’s father, Jason’s car accident) plus many more surprises and appearances by fan favorites (Elizabeth Taylor as Helena Cassadine, John Stamos as Blackie, Ricky Martin as Miguel, Rick Springfield as Noah). It is an extraordinary marathon, 50 years in the making.”

“General Hospital” is the most honored show of the 2012 Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards. After 50 years on ABC, “General Hospital” is the longest running American soap opera currently in production and the third longest-running drama in American television history. “General Hospital” was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. Frank Valentini is the executive producer. Ron Carlivati is the head writer. Learn more about the show at their official website, SOAPnet’s website, Facebook and Twitter page (#GH50).