Grey's Anatomy: The character everyone hates and wants to see out of the medical drama

Grey’s Anatomy has never been shy about saying goodbye to main characters—sometimes dramatically, sometimes abruptly. But as the medical drama gears up for its twentieth season, fans are surprised to see one character still scrubbing in: Dr. Levi Schmitt, played by Jake Borelli.

Longtime viewers remember how creator Shonda Rhimes didn’t hesitate to cut major players when their storylines stalled or they clashed behind the scenes. Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepherd was killed off after he asked for more time to race cars. Katherine Heigl’s Izzie Stevens was shown the door after behind-the-scenes tensions. And T.R. Knight’s George O’Malley met a sudden, tragic end when he was hit by a bus.

That’s why fans are puzzled—and increasingly frustrated—that Schmitt, who arrived in season 14 as a bumbling intern, is still part of the hospital’s staff. From accidentally dropping his glasses into an open surgical cavity to fainting after giving too much blood, Levi’s early mishaps earned him the nickname “Glasses”—and a reputation for clumsy mistakes. Even as he’s grown more confident, many viewers feel his character hasn’t developed enough to justify his ongoing presence.

The Call for Schmitt’s Exit

Fans have been outspoken online, calling for Schmitt to be written off. Their frustration isn’t aimed at actor Jake Borelli himself but at what they see as a stagnant, uninspired character arc. Some say they never connected with Schmitt from the start, while others believe his continued awkwardness feels repetitive in a show that’s already lost several of its strongest original characters.

To breathe new life into Grey Sloan Memorial, producers introduced a fresh group of interns in season 19, hoping to recreate the magic of the original five: Meredith, Alex, Cristina, Izzie, and George. But these newcomers haven’t won fans over yet—and some worry they might follow in Schmitt’s footsteps, becoming more annoying than endearing.

A Show at a Crossroads

With Ellen Pompeo stepping back from her iconic role as Meredith Grey and showrunner Krista Vernoff also exiting, Grey’s Anatomy is at a turning point. The series needs compelling, dynamic characters to carry it forward—and many believe Schmitt simply doesn’t fit that bill.

Whether producers will listen to fans and write Schmitt out remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: as Grey’s Anatomy heads into its landmark twentieth season, viewers want characters who bring fresh energy and deeper stories—not the same old stumbles.to get rid of.