Summary:
- Jake Borelli exits “Grey’s Anatomy” after season 20, with potential limited return in season 21.
- Budget cuts lead to reduced episode guarantees for veteran cast members, impacting their overall presence.
- “Grey’s Anatomy” adapts to financial pressures, mirroring cost-saving strategies seen in other TV franchises.
Long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” is saying goodbye to a fan favorite. Jake Borelli, who portrayed Dr. Levi Schmitt for seven seasons, will be departing the show after season 20. Negotiations are underway for Borelli to return in a limited capacity for season 21 to tie up his character’s storyline.
Borelli’s exit comes amidst financial considerations for the series. As “Grey’s Anatomy” enters its 21st season, its large cast and lengthy runtime have become increasingly expensive. The show’s renewal reportedly included a budget cut, impacting established cast members through reduced episode guarantees. This means viewers can expect to see some veteran actors appear in fewer episodes next season.
Introduced in season 14 as an intern, Levi Schmitt has become a beloved character. He has navigated the demanding world of surgical residency, facing challenges and personal growth. One of his most notable storylines involved a same-sex romance with Dr. Nico Kim (Alex Landi), marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ representation on television. Borelli himself came out publicly during this storyline.
The budget cuts will affect more than just episode count. Episode guarantees, which dictate the number of episodes per season an actor is contracted for, are being renegotiated across the board for veteran cast members. While actors won’t see per-episode pay cuts, their overall compensation will decrease due to reduced appearances. This necessitates adjustments in the upcoming season’s scripts to accommodate the revised cast availability.
The approach adopted by “Grey’s Anatomy” reflects a common cost-saving strategy in television. Similar tactics were employed by franchises like “One Chicago” and “Law & Order” last year. Alternative cost-cutting measures include salary reductions (as seen on “Blue Bloods”) or transitioning series regulars to recurring roles (like on “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Superman & Lois”).
As the television production landscape evolves and financial pressures mount, such adjustments are becoming increasingly common. While veteran cast members may see reduced presence, “Grey’s Anatomy” appears committed to navigating these challenges and continuing its long-running story.
