RIC Lansing has returned to Port Charles – much to the delight of General Hospital fans.

Viewers were thrilled to see veteran soap star Rick Hearst back on their screens, playing the role that has defined his career, on Thursday night, August 22.

Ahead of the episode airing, General Hospital teased Ric’s emotional reunion with his daughter Molly Lansing-Davis (played by Kristen Vaganos) in a clip on the show’s official Instagram account.

“Ric surprises Molly in an effort to give his daughter some peace on what is bound to be the worst day of her life,” the caption read.

The emotional scene plays out at the funeral for Molly and her partner T.J. Ashford’s (Tajh Bellow) daughter Irene.

Molly’s step-sister Kristina (played Kate Mansi) agreed to carry her and T.J’s baby as a surrogate but Irene died after Kristina accidentally fell out of a window at the Metro Court.

Ahead of Ric’s homecoming, Molly found out that Kristina was planning to sue her for custody of the baby girl before the fatal accident that left Irene dead.

Social media users praised Kristen and Rick’s “father/daughter” chemistry while reacting to the latter’s eagerly-anticipated return to the show.

“Kristen and Rick have better father/daughter chemistry in 20 seconds than like 90% of the actors on all soaps,” one viewer wrote on X.

Commenting under the teaser on Instagram, another fan noted the fortunate timing of Ric’s return, writing, “Molly really did need her daddy!!!!”

“Molly needed her dad’s hug,” a third comment read. “I became teary when I saw them embrace.”

Kristen, 28, also left a comment under the clip, writing, “We love Rick Hearst!!!”

“Fantastic scenes today!” one viewer praised Thursday’s episode. “It’s like Ric never left. The chemistry between Rick Hearst, Kristen Vaganos, and Tajh Bellow already is fantastic. Wow!”

Fans also said they “can’t wait” for Ric to finally come face-to-face with his half-brother and soap villain Sonny Corinthos (played by Maurice Bernard).

“Nice to see Ric back!” one comment read. “Can’t wait to see him interact with Sonny lol! He was sweet with Molly.”

The tumultuous relationship between Ric and Sonny was one of General Hospital’s major story lines before Rick departed the show in 2016.

Rick was originally on General Hospital from 2002 until 2009, before he made a comeback in 2014.

Thursday was the first time he was seen on the show since 2016, after General Hospital confirmed Rick would resume the role on July 25, 2024.

SCHEDULE MIX-UP

The actor first broke the news in an Instagram post, telling fans he was “very excited to announce my return” to General Hospital.

“Stay tuned. You never know what you’re gonna get with this guy,” he added.

Earlier this month, Rick apologized to fans for a schedule mishap after he suggested his character would make an appearance during Tuesday’s episode

“I got the dates wrong. My bad,” Rick confessed, after fans expressed their disappointment over not seeing him on the show.

“I’m not going to give you definitives because I don’t want to stick my foot in my mouth again,” he added at the time.