HOLLYWOOD — The halls of Grey Sloan Memorial are welcoming back a familiar face, but this time, he’ll be staying behind the lens. Jake Borelli, who captured hearts for seven seasons as the endearingly awkward Dr. Levi Schmitt, is officially returning to Grey’s Anatomy to make his television directorial debut.
The announcement comes just months after Borelli’s character was written off the show in Season 21, moving to Texas to pursue a pediatrics fellowship. While fans won’t see Levi Schmitt back in scrubs, Borelli’s return marks a significant career milestone for the actor-turned-director.
The Directorial Debut: “Feel It Still”
Borelli is slated to helm Season 22, Episode 16, titled “Feel It Still.” The episode is scheduled to air on Thursday, April 2, 2026, on ABC.
According to production insiders, the episode will be a pivotal one for the character of Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), who was one of Levi’s closest confidants on the show. The plot reportedly follows Jo’s high-stakes return to work following her leave of absence and a medical scare involving her twins.
The “Debbie Allen” School of Directing
Borelli’s transition to the director’s chair wasn’t an overnight pivot. For several years, the actor has been shadowing the legendary Debbie Allen—the show’s executive producer, director, and “Grey’s” matriarch—to learn the technical intricacies of the trade.
”I’ve been shadowing Debbie Allen for several years, and I’m still there,” Borelli previously shared. “What better place to begin a career in directing than the show you called home for over 100 episodes?”
Borelli joins a prestigious list of Grey’s alumni who have successfully stepped behind the camera, including Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and Kevin McKidd.
A Season of Major Changes
Borelli’s return to the set comes during a transformative period for the long-running medical drama. Following his own exit in 2024 (Season 21), Grey’s Anatomy has seen several veteran cast members prepare for their final rounds:
- Kim Raver (Dr. Teddy Altman): Set to exit at the end of the current Season 22.
- Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt): Also confirmed to depart in the Season 22 finale after 18 years on the show.
Despite the cast turnover, the show’s legacy of fostering internal talent remains a cornerstone of its production. Borelli’s debut is being viewed by the network as a “passing of the torch” to a new generation of creative leaders within the Shondaland universe.
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