Jake Borelli, best known for playing Dr. Levi Schmitt onGrey’s Anatomy, is reported toexit the ABC medical drama after seven years, including starring as a series regular for five seasons. According toDeadline, Borelli is currently in talks to return next season for several episodes to wrap up his character’s storyline before making his final departure.
According to the report, possible reasons for his departure includebudget cuts tied to the show’s renewal. Despite declining linear ratings,Grey’s Anatomyhas officially been renewed for Season 21with an expanded cast. However,renewing a long-running series, especially with a veteran cast, incurs significant costs. It’s common for broadcast networks to seek financial concessions on long-running shows, and a renewal often entails budget cuts.
These budget cutsimpact the cast’s episodic guarantees, meaning they’ll appear in fewer episodes in future seasons.The same goes for veteran regulars, whose fees per season are being renegotiated and are expected to decrease. Although actors won’t see per-episode pay cuts,their overall compensation will drop as they appear in fewer episodes. With the rising costs of TV production, broadcast shows are increasingly adopting cost-saving measures. Representatives for ABC and ABC Signature, which producesGrey’s Anatomy, have yet to provide any comment.
Dr. Levi Schmitt Arrived as an Intern in Season 14
Borelli’s Levi Schmitt first arrived at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital at the start of Season 14as a fourth-year medical student on a six-week intern rotation. He later interviewed for and was accepted into the hospital’s residency program. However, his journey was not always smooth. Known for his bumbling personality, on his first day as a sub-intern, he leaned over a body cavity during a surgery and his glasses fell in. Over time,he gained more confidence and recently became a senior resident, working with a new group of interns at the hospital.
What made Schmitt a memorable character on the show washis major LGBTQ+ storyline, beingone of the first openly gay main characters and the first gay series regularofGrey’s Anatomy. In Season 15, Levi and Nico Kim (Alex Landi) became the first gay romance between two male doctors on the show. Their relationship became a highlight, not just for the romance,but also for exploring the everyday challenges they facein their careers and personal lives, such as differing opinions on patient care and communication issues.
Watch all past seasons ofGrey’s Anatomyon Hulu in the U.S.
Grey’s Anatomy
A drama centered on the personal and professional lives of five surgical interns and their supervisors.
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