NCIS | Tuesday, 8 p.m., CBS
“NCIS” cast member Diona Reasonover had big shoes to fill when she was upped to a series regular following Pauley Perrette’s exit last season as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, a fan favorite for 15 years.
“I didn’t want to feel like a replacement,” said Reasonover, who plays graduate assistant-turned-scientist Kasie Hines. “But I have fans coming up to me and they’ll say, ‘I wasn’t sure how I was gonna feel about you — but I like you.’” Reasonover brings a bubbly charm to the role after appearing in comedies such as “Grace and Frankie” and “2 Broke Girls” and co-writing Sarah Silverman’s Hulu show “I Love You, America.” In this week’s “NCIS,” viewers will learn more about Kasie’s back story when a murder and an abandoned newborn baby disrupt the Naval investigators’ holiday plans and have a particular emotional impact on her.
Reasonover, 26, recently spoke with The Post by phone from her LA home, which she shares with her wife of seven months, actress and writer Patricia Villetto, and Engine Cat, the feline they acquired after finding her stowed away in Villetto’s car machinery when she was 6 weeks old.
How did you find out about the role?
I had gotten an e-mail that I had an audition [but] I couldn’t go in because just two days before I had knee surgery. I’m on painkillers and like [slurs voice] “I don’t think I can drive.” [laughs] I ended up going in later because the auditions were still happening. At that point I’d been through physical therapy and was still on crutches, but I was moving a lot better.
Do you remember your first day on set?
My leg was still a little bit messed up, so people were constantly bringing me ice packs. I was actually worried. What if I get there and they’re like, “Why can’t you run and jump on this table? This is a procedural!” But everybody was showing me their battle scars, rolling up their pants legs and being like, “Yeah, I had this one done in 2000 and this one done last week!” It was great.
What was it like to see your name in the opening credits for the first time this season?
I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that I’d be in the opening credits, so I freaked out so much. [Patricia and I] were both like, “What?!” Now she won’t let me talk during “NCIS.” I try to tell her funny stories, like, “Oh, you know what’s funny about this scene?” And she’s like, “Shush, shush, shush, shush, shush. Don’t talk to me; I’m watching my show.”
Your sister Lydia is a doctor. Does she help you with terminology?
Absolutely. Anytime — which is all the time — I don’t know how to pronounce something, I call like, “Oh, Lydia …” And she’s like, “Ugh. It’s midnight!”
Do you make a lot of bloopers because of the terminology?
It’s less bloopers with lines and more bloopers of me literally tripping over myself. I knocked over a whole row of chairs once. My dad used to say I could trip over dust, which is true.
How well would you do as a scientist?
Oh, terribly! My high school transcripts will tell you I did not do well in chemistry or biology.
What was the weirdest non-acting job you ever had?
In college, I was the Easter bunny one year. It was so hot, over 80 degrees that day, and that costume is furry and big and those kids saw me and were like, “Easter bunny!” I was tackled and went down. My glasses flew off. It was all bad. They paid me $35 and I got to take home any candy that was left over. There was not a single piece.
Speaking of costumes, what was your reaction when a fan dressed up as Kasie for Halloween and posted a photo on Instagram?
I was, like, “Wow, this is crazy!” It was pretty cool. I’ve never been a cosplay character before!
— Eric Hegedüs
And here’s what else to watch this week:
The Conners | Tuesday, 8 p.m., ABC
When Becky (Lecy Goranson) helps Harris (Emma Kenney) keep a secret from Darlene (Sara Gilbert), it causes an unexpected rift between the two sisters. Meanwhile, Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) supports Peter (Matthew Broderick) with his Nordic history project.
A Million Little Things | Wednesday, 10 p.m., ABC
With the holidays quickly approaching, Delilah (Stephanie Szostak) struggles with telling Sophie (Lizzy Greene) and Danny (Chance Hurstfield) about her pregnancy; and although Jon’s (Ron Livington) absence makes this time of year difficult, the gang comes together to help the Dixons embrace the Christmas spirit. There will be tears.
Dirty John | Sunday, 10 p.m., Bravo
A crestfallen Debra (Connie Britton) discovers John’s (Eric Bana) criminal record — right under her nose. In a flashback, we see John starting his first family. With Jean Smart, Julia Garner and Juno Temple.
The Cool Kids | Friday, 8:30 p.m., Fox
Margaret (Vicki Lawrence) begins dating Karl (Ed Begley, Jr.), a fellow Shady Meadows resident who may or may not be the Zodiac killer. With Martin Mull and David Alan Grier.
Roma | Friday, Netflix
Alfonso Cuarón is winning awards for his deeply personal, black-and-white film about life in a Mexican family. “Roma” was given a brief theatrical release to qualify for the Academy Awards, but Netflix will start showing it as of Friday. So save your cash — you’ve already paid your subscription bill — and watch it on your computer!
The Rookie | Tuesday, 10 p.m., ABC
Officer Bishop (Afton Williamson) helps coordinate a drug bust that hits a little too close to home for Officer Bradford (Eric Winter). Meanwhile, Bishop and Nolan (Nathan Fillion) respond to a silent alarm call at a local convenience store and try to stop an armed robbery.
Black-ish | Tuesday, 9 p.m., ABC
The Johnsons are going to the movies on Christmas. Dre (Anthony Anderson) wants to see a film about Rosa Parks, but Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) wants to see the latest blockbuster. Meanwhile, Junior (Marcus Scribner) runs into his ex-girlfriend at the theater and feels embarrassed.
