SOAPnet

Save the date: "General Hospital: Night Shift" is back on Tuesday, July 22 at 11pm ET/PT on SOAPnet. The new season features fresh faces -- and BIG returning favorites -- you can't miss! Read on for lotsa news about what's coming up.

First off, Antonio Sabato, Jr. is reprising his "General Hospital" role as Jagger Cates. Go here for more info on Jagger's comeback. Plus, Kimberly McCullough (Dr. Robin Scorpio), Jason Thompson (Dr. Patrick Drake), Billy Dee Williams (Touissant Dubois) and Sonya Eddy (Epiphany Johnson).

Here's the hot newcomers: Adam Grimes is Dr. Kyle Julian, Carrie Southworth is Dr. Claire Simpson, Azita Ghanizada is Dr. Saira Batra. And there's a quick recast note: Ethan Rains now plays Dr. Leo Julian (he took over the role from his real-life brother, Dominic Rains, who was unavailable for Season Two).

What's also great is that you can expect "Night Shift" to totally synch with "General Hospital." Last season's breakneck production schedule meant that some events on "Night Shift" didn't synch up with what was happening on "General Hospital." (Y'know, like when Jason was in jail during the day but not on "Night Shift.") Now the continuity between the two shows will be seamless.

FYI, you DON'T have to watch "General Hospital" at all to follow the action on "Night Shift." It's just a very cool, extra treat if you watch both shows.

There are some new faces behind the scenes, too. Lisa de Cazotte, who is best known as the executive producer of "Passions" during the show's nine-year run (it ends in August, but all episodes have been taped), will serve as the show's EP. Prior to "Passions," Lisa was a producer on "All My Children" and "One Life to Live."

Sri Rao will be the show's head writer. He has written for a variety of different projects, most recently "What Goes On" for MTV Networks. We can tell you Sri is a very cool guy who's been a huge "General Hospital" fan for years. So the show is in good hands.

But what about Jill Farren Phelps and Bob Guza, Jr? The "General Hospital" EP and head writer did double duty last year with "Night Shift." Their already insane schedules couldn't accommodate both jobs this year.

Stick close to SOAPnet.com for all the latest details about "Night Shift" Season Two.

What would you like to see happen on this season's "Night Shift"? Leave us a comment below!