Using the theory of exponential Riordan arrays and orthogonal polynomials, we demonstrate that the general Eulerian polynomials, as defined by Xiong, Tsao and Hall, are moment sequences for simple families of orthogonal polynomials, which we characterize in terms of their three-term recurrence. We obtain the generating functions of this polynomial sequence in terms of continued fractions, and we also calculate the Hankel transforms of the polynomial sequence. We indicate that the polynomial sequence can be characterized by the further notion of generalized Eulerian distribution first introduced by Morisita. We finish with examples of related Pascal-like triangles.