Kaitlin Olson’s star continues to rise with the renewal of ABC’s “High Potential” for a second season. The comedic crime drama, adapted from the popular French-Belgian series “HPI,” quickly established itself as a ratings winner, attracting a substantial multi-platform audience of 12.9 million viewers within its first week. This success underscores the network’s confidence in Olson’s ability to carry a primetime series and highlights the show’s appeal to a broad viewership. The series’ unique blend of humor, mystery, and Olson’s compelling portrayal of an unconventional crime solver has resonated with audiences, cementing its place in ABC’s Tuesday night lineup. The renewal further solidifies Olson’s position as a sought-after comedic actress, balancing her role in “High Potential” with ongoing commitments to other successful series.
“High Potential” cleverly capitalizes on Olson’s comedic talents while showcasing her versatility in a more dramatic role. She plays Morgan Guillory, a single mother of three juggling the challenges of everyday life while working as a cleaner for the Los Angeles Police Department. Morgan’s extraordinary intellect, with an IQ of 160, becomes her unexpected asset. Her unconventional approach to problem-solving, coupled with her sharp observational skills, allows her to unravel complex criminal cases that baffle seasoned detectives. This surprising talent leads to her recruitment as a consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes division, creating a fascinating dynamic between her chaotic personal life and her newfound professional challenges. The series thrives on the contrast between Morgan’s seemingly ordinary existence and her extraordinary ability to decipher criminal minds.
The show’s success isn’t solely dependent on Olson’s performance. “High Potential” boasts a talented ensemble cast that contributes to the show’s engaging narrative and vibrant atmosphere. Daniel Sunjata, known for his role in “Rescue Me,” plays Karadec, likely Morgan’s more by-the-book partner within the LAPD. Javicia Leslie, who previously donned the cape in “Batwoman,” portrays Daphne, while Deniz Akdeniz from “The Flight Attendant” plays Lev “Oz” Ozdil. Amirah J, recognized for her work in “Shameless,” takes on the role of Ava, Matthew Lamb from “Firebuds” plays Elliot, and Judy Reyes, familiar to audiences from “Claws,” portrays Selena. This diverse and accomplished cast adds depth and complexity to the storyline, creating a rich tapestry of characters that orbit around Morgan’s unconventional world.
The scheduling of “High Potential” within ABC’s Tuesday night lineup strategically positions the show between “Will Trent” and “The Rookie,” creating a strong block of crime-related programming. This placement capitalizes on the established viewership of these shows, drawing in a similar audience demographic and fostering cross-promotion across the network’s crime drama offerings. The availability of episodes on Hulu the day after their ABC broadcast further expands the show’s reach, catering to on-demand viewing habits and maximizing accessibility for a wider audience. This multi-platform strategy underscores the network’s commitment to making the series available to viewers through various channels.
While the initial season of “High Potential” consisted of thirteen episodes, a shorter run than typical network dramas, this was largely due to Olson’s existing commitment to the long-running FX comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Balancing two lead roles in concurrent productions presented a logistical challenge, necessitating a more concise first season. Olson’s dedication to both projects speaks to her work ethic and the demand for her comedic talents. In addition to these two prominent roles, she also maintains a recurring role as DJ Vance in the critically acclaimed Hulu comedy “Hacks,” starring alongside Jean Smart. This busy schedule demonstrates Olson’s versatility and her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles across different platforms.
The renewal of “High Potential” for a second season signals a bright future for the series. With the first season’s strong performance and the network’s confidence in Olson’s ability to draw in viewers, the show is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The combination of engaging mysteries, witty humor, and Olson’s compelling performance as a highly intelligent but unconventional crime solver creates a winning formula that has resonated with audiences. The second season holds the promise of further exploring Morgan’s character, delving deeper into her complex personal life and showcasing her unique crime-solving methods as she continues to navigate the challenges and triumphs of her new role within the LAPD. The success of “High Potential” is a testament to the power of strong storytelling, a talented cast, and the undeniable appeal of Kaitlin Olson’s comedic prowess.
