The ABC drama series High Potential has firmly established itself as one of the breakout hits of 2024, captivating audiences with its compelling blend of crime procedural and sharp character work. After a highly successful first season that earned a spot in Hulu and Disney+’s Top 10 lists and drew over 10 million viewers per episode when streaming and delayed viewership are factored in, anticipation is building for the show’s sophomore season, now filming with an expanded episode count of 18, up from 13.
At the heart of High Potential is Kaitlin Olson, whose portrayal of Morgan Gillory—a brilliant single mother of three who becomes an LAPD consultant—has won widespread acclaim. Olson, best known for her comedic roles in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Hacks, surprised many by embracing this dramatic role. During ABC’s For Your Consideration panel, she revealed she almost turned down the role because of the location demands. “I said, ‘My kids live in L.A. and I’m not doing it unless it’s shot here,’” Olson explained, highlighting her commitment to balancing career and family life with husband Rob McElhenney and their two children. This insistence on filming in Los Angeles was a non-negotiable condition, underscoring how personal circumstances can shape production decisions in Hollywood.
Showrunner Todd Harthan has praised Olson’s dedication and hands-on approach to the series. “There’s a freedom to being able to just push the envelope and have no concerns at all about whether or not she’s going to hit it out of the park,” he said in a recent interview with Gold Derby. Olson’s meticulous preparation involves reviewing scenes repeatedly, often recording voice notes to ensure her dialogue sounds natural and authentic. This close collaboration between actress and showrunner has been key to maintaining the show’s sharp writing and emotional depth.
Season 1’s finale left viewers on edge with the introduction of a mysterious villain, played by David Giuntoli, who poses a direct threat to the team—especially to detective Oz, played by Deniz Akdeniz. The villain’s intellectual prowess matches that of Morgan’s but is wielded for sinister purposes. This shadowy antagonist’s connection to Morgan adds a layer of intrigue that has fans eager to see how the story unfolds.
Akdeniz and Javicia Leslie, who portrays Oz’s partner Daphne, have hinted in recent interviews that the serial killer storyline introduced at the end of Season 1 will be addressed swiftly in Season 2. Akdeniz told TV Insider, “There’s a serial killer or a game player out on the loose that we have to really resolve, and I think the start of the season will definitely address that. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to finally bring that person to justice, considering they put me in the bottom of a pool, which I didn’t appreciate.” Leslie echoed his sentiments, emphasizing Daphne’s determination to support her partner through the dangerous case.
With the show’s renewal came an increased episode order, signaling the network’s confidence in its continued success. ABC executives greenlit 18 episodes for Season 2, a significant jump from the 13 episodes that made up the first season. This expansion offers the writers room to explore new story arcs and deepen character development without losing the brisk pacing that made the debut season so engaging.
However, showrunner Harthan acknowledges the challenges that come with building on a hit series. “Once you have a first season under your belt, you sort of learn some things good and bad… you go in with a different mentality, different game plan,” he told Gold Derby. He described the initial production as “pretty brutal” but noted that the cast and crew have now found their rhythm, aiming to deliver an even stronger season. He also highlighted the discipline required to capture and hold the audience’s attention within the tight 43-minute episodes, emphasizing the need to avoid wasting “any of the oxygen in any of the real estate.”
One of the reasons High Potential resonates so well is its willingness to tinker with the typical gifted-person-crime procedural formula. The show deftly balances humor and drama, thanks in large part to Olson’s nuanced performance and the creative team’s openness to pushing boundaries. Late in Season 1, the series introduced darker tones and guest stars, shifting the narrative in ways that surprised and delighted viewers. This dynamism is crucial to keeping the series fresh and preventing it from becoming formulaic or stale.
Though Season 2’s premiere date has yet to be announced, the buzz around the show is palpable. Fans are eager not only to see the serial killer mystery resolved but also to witness how Morgan’s complex personal and professional life continues to unfold. The show’s availability on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally ensures a broad audience can follow along as the story evolves.
As High Potential embarks on its second season, the stakes feel higher than ever. With a talented cast led by Olson, a savvy creative team, and a storyline that promises both suspense and heart, the series is poised to maintain its momentum and perhaps even surpass its impressive debut. The question now is how quickly and effectively it can unravel the threads left dangling at the end of Season 1 while continuing to deliver the sharp, engaging storytelling that made it a standout hit.
