Is Nathan Coming Back to General Hospital?

Short answer: Ryan Paevey is returning to General Hospital in September 2025, but ABC hasn’t said he’s coming back as Nathan West. Multiple reputable outlets confirmed his comeback, while also noting that the exact role is being kept under wraps.

What’s confirmed right now?

Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE report that Paevey starts airing in September 2025 after re-entering talks with executive producer Frank Valentini. In interviews, Paevey said the idea began with a surprise text from Valentini and that they discussed several story options for a substantial return arc. These reports stop short of naming the character he’ll play.

Several trade/TV sites add a bit more: TV Insider says Paevey will play a new character, not Nathan, citing Deadline’s initial scoop. TV Insider also notes his first day back on set was August 18, with on-screen appearances slated for September. Until ABC publicly labels the character, consider this the best working expectation—but still not officially confirmed by the show.

But… didn’t Nathan die?

Yes. Nathan West was killed in the line of duty in January 2018—shot by his father, Cesar Faison—while trying to protect Maxie. That’s the canonical end of Nathan’s life on the show, which makes a literal resurrection complicated (though never impossible in soapland).

What this likely means for fans?

Given the reporting so far, viewers should prepare for Paevey’s return to be a fresh role rather than a straight Nathan revival. If the show sticks to that, expect story beats that acknowledge the past—especially Maxie and James—without undoing established history. That approach lets Paevey re-energize Port Charles with new dynamics while still winking at longtime fans who loved “Naxie.”

It also aligns with Paevey’s own framing: he’s coming back for a substantial storyline, after stepping back from acting in 2024 to focus on his mental health and to be close to family. The timing of a fall debut suggests the writers have crafted something meaty for the post-summer schedule, when GH traditionally heats up its plots ahead of November sweeps.

Bottom line

• Yes, Ryan Paevey is back on General Hospital beginning September 2025.
• No official confirmation yet that he’s Nathan; the strongest reporting indicates he’s playing a new character.
• Nathan’s canon death in 2018 remains intact, which is why a true Nathan return would require a big twist.

For now, the safest, most accurate answer is: Paevey is returning; Nathan West is not confirmed. Keep an eye on ABC’s and GH’s official channels as September approaches for the inevitable reveal of who Paevey is playing.