NCIS fans were divided when longtime series star Pauley Perrette left the show at the end of last season. While some couldn’t bear to say goodbye to Perrette’s forensic-scientist character Abby Sciuto, others weren’t bothered by her departure.
In any event, it looks like U.S. studio CBS has decided on Perrette’s replacement for the upcoming 16th season: Diona Reasonover, who previously guest-starred on the crime series three times before.
Reasonover played forensic scientist Kasie Hines, who shared some scenes with Sciuto in Season 15 episode One Man’s Trash.
After Sciuto’s final scene (which you can watch below) and ultimate departure from NCIS, Reasonover appeared in the final two episodes of Season 15.
Despite Perrette taking a new path in her life, she was still upset that she was leaving the role, as she told CBS News.
“It makes me sad to imagine a world without Abby in it,” Perrette, who starred on the show for 15 straight seasons, said. “It really makes me sad.”
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“We’ve known for some time this would be Pauley’s final season on NCIS and have been working toward a special sendoff. From day one, she has brought incredible passion and specificity to the role. Abby is a character that inspires millions of fans around the world, and all of us at NCIS are appreciative of Pauley for portraying her,” said NCIS executive producers George Schenck and Frank Cardea in a statement.
Reasonover has appeared on other TV shows, including Grace and Frankie and 2 Broke Girls.
Immediately after her exit, Perrette posted a series of tweets, seemingly hinting at potential abuse and “bullying” on the set of the show. Whatever the undisclosed event was, it seemed to be resolved after CBS released a statement.
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“Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her,” said CBS Television Studios in the statement. “Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.”
Perrette’s publicist, Stephen Jaffe, told Global News that neither he nor his client have any further comment in regards to the tweets. He didn’t clarify or expand on their meaning.
The show has seen many cast departures over the last few seasons: Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) left NCIS at the beginning of Season 11, Michael Weatherly (Anthony DiNozzo) left to star in Bull at the end of Season 13 and Jennifer Esposito (Alexandra Quinn) only starred on the show for one year.
‘NCIS’ returns on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Global.