In the crowded landscape of crime dramas, High Potential burst onto the scene in September 2024 as a refreshing blend of intellectual prowess, emotional depth, and sharp humor. Led by Kaitlin Olson’s magnetic performance as Morgan Gillory, a single mom with a 160 IQ who transitions from cleaning lady to LAPD consultant, the show quickly became ABC’s most-watched new series in six years, amassing over 13 million cross-platform viewers for its January 14, 2025, episode. With its clever mix of procedural cases and serialized drama, High Potential struck a chord, earning a swift renewal for a second season before its debut season even concluded.

Now, with Season 2 set to premiere on September 16, 2025, at 10/9c on ABC, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. The first season ended with jaw-dropping cliffhangers, including the revelation that Morgan’s long-lost ex-husband, Roman, is alive, and the introduction of a cunning serial killer targeting her. Add to that an expanded 18-episode order, new cast members, and promises of deeper character backstories, and High Potential Season 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. This article dives into everything we know about the upcoming season—cast updates, teased plot twists, new faces, shocking returns, and what lies ahead for Morgan and her team. Buckle up for a deep dive into the world of High Potential

The Returning Cast: Familiar Faces Anchor the Show

At the heart of High Potential is Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, the brilliant, chaotic, and fiercely protective single mom whose high IQ and unconventional approach to crime-solving drive the series. Olson, known for her comedic chops in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Hacks, brings a unique blend of wit and vulnerability to the role, making Morgan the glue that holds the show together. Her return is a given, and she’s stepping up as an executive producer for Season 2, promising an even stronger influence on the show’s direction.

Joining Olson is Daniel Sunjata as Detective Adam Karadec, Morgan’s straight-laced partner whose initial skepticism gives way to respect—and hints of romantic tension. Sunjata has teased that Season 2 will explore Karadec’s life outside the precinct, offering a deeper look at his personal struggles and motivations. The ensemble is rounded out by returning series regulars:

Javicia Leslie as Daphne Forrester, the sassy and heartfelt detective who brings emotional depth to the team. Leslie has expressed excitement about exploring Daphne’s backstory further.

Deniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” Osman, who faced intense drama in the Season 1 finale and is eager to see his character pursue justice.

Judy Reyes as Lieutenant Selena Soto, the head of the Major Crimes division, who hopes to reveal more about her personal life, including whether she’s a parent or what her friendships look like outside work.

Amirah J as Ava Sinquerra, Morgan’s teenage daughter, whose relationship with her mother and questions about her father, Roman, will take center stage.

Matthew Lamb as Elliot Radovic, Morgan’s younger son, expected to return to add levity and heart to the family dynamic.

Recurring players like Taran Killam as Ludo, Morgan’s ex and the father of her two younger children, are also likely to return. Killam’s real-life wife, Cobie Smulders, playfully endorsed a potential cameo, hinting at fun guest appearances. Garret Dillahunt as Lieutenant Melon, head of the Robbery Division, will likely continue to clash with Morgan’s unorthodox methods. However, JD Pardo’s Tom, the janitor-turned-nursing student and Morgan’s potential love interest, may not return as a regular due to his character’s move to San Diego, though showrunner Todd Harthan has left the door open for his return.

New Faces: Fresh Talent Shakes Up the Precinct

Season 2 introduces exciting new additions to the cast, promising to shake up the dynamics at the LAPD’s Major Crimes division. Steve Howey, known for Reba and Shameless, joins as a series regular playing Jesse Wagner, the new precinct captain. Described as a “savvy political animal who knows how to wear an expensive suit and oozes effortless charm,” Wagner is a disruptor who thinks outside the box like Morgan and isn’t afraid to insert himself into the action. His arrival is sure to ruffle feathers, particularly with Lieutenant Soto and Karadec, as he brings a charismatic yet unpredictable energy to the precinct.

Another intriguing addition is Mekhi Phifer, who will appear in a recurring role shrouded in mystery. Details about his character are under wraps, but sources suggest he’ll be deeply involved in the Major Crimes unit, possibly tied to the season’s central mysteries. Phifer’s casting adds a layer of intrigue, given his history in intense roles on shows like ER and Lie to Me. Fans on X are already speculating about whether he’ll be an ally or a foe to Morgan’s team.

Showrunner Todd Harthan has also hinted at casting for Roman, Morgan’s ex-husband and Ava’s father, whose shocking survival was revealed in the Season 1 finale. While no actor has been confirmed, Harthan emphasized the importance of this casting, noting that he and Olson are discussing “favorites” to fill the role. The introduction of Roman could also bring Morgan’s parents or other family members into the fold, expanding the show’s emotional scope.

Plot Twists Teased: A Deeper, Darker Season

The Season 1 finale of High Potential left fans reeling with two major cliffhangers that set the stage for a more serialized and emotionally charged Season 2. First, the revelation that Roman is alive—and that Karadec knows his whereabouts—upended Morgan’s world. Roman, who vanished 15 years ago as an FBI informant, is a pivotal figure in Morgan’s past and Ava’s life. Showrunner Todd Harthan has promised that the “Roman story will bloom” in Season 2, exploring why he left, what he’s been doing, and how his return affects Morgan and Ava’s fragile family dynamic. Judy Reyes told ScreenRant that this arc will create tension between Morgan and Selena, who vowed to help find Roman, adding layers of professional and personal conflict.

The second major twist involves the introduction of a serial killer, played by David Giuntoli (Grimm, A Million Little Things), who emerged as a “twisted game master” in the Season 1 finale. This cunning villain, possibly a protege of Morgan’s father or even a half-brother she never knew, left a chilling note: “You’re the one, Morgan. We shall play again.” Harthan described him as a potential “Big Bad” who will pop in and out of Morgan’s life, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic that tests her intellectual prowess. Unlike the lighter, case-of-the-week format of Season 1, this villain arc will weave through the season, with Harthan planning to address it early before pivoting to other stories and reintroducing it later for maximum impact.

Season 2 will balance these serialized threads with compelling procedural cases, ranging from lighthearted to dark. Harthan aims to maintain the show’s signature blend of humor, heart, and suspense, ensuring each episode feels like “its own little movie.” Expect deeper dives into the ensemble’s backstories, including Daphne’s personal struggles, Oz’s recovery from the Season 1 finale’s trauma, and Soto’s life outside the precinct. Morgan’s relationships with her children, Ava and Elliot, will also take center stage, particularly as Ava grapples with her father’s return and Morgan navigates co-parenting with Ludo.

Shocking Returns: Roman and Beyond

The revelation that Roman is alive is the most seismic return teased for Season 2, but it’s not the only one. While JD Pardo’s Tom moved to San Diego, his romantic chemistry with Morgan—interrupted by a slow dance with Karadec in the finale—leaves room for a potential comeback. Harthan has hinted at exploring Tom’s role further, especially if the writers revisit Morgan’s love life.

Another possible return is Jocko Sims as Ronnie Oliver, a guest star from Season 1. Harthan told TheWrap that while nothing is confirmed, Sims’ performance was “wonderful,” and the team is open to bringing him back. Additionally, the mysterious serial killer’s connection to Morgan’s past could introduce other figures from her history, such as her parents or colleagues from Roman’s FBI days, deepening the show’s mythology.

What’s Next for the Show: A Supersized Season with Big Ambitions

With an 18-episode order—up from Season 1’s 13—High Potential Season 2 has more room to explore its characters and mysteries. Filming began in May 2025, ensuring the show remains part of ABC’s fall lineup, airing Tuesdays at 10/9c after Dancing with the Stars. The extended episode count allows for richer storytelling, with Harthan promising to “scratch the surface” of the ensemble’s backstories while delivering compelling cases that resonate emotionally.

The romantic tension between Morgan and Karadec, a slow-burn dynamic compared to Bones or Castle, will continue to simmer without rushing into a full-blown relationship. Harthan told TV Guide that while he’s not ruling out romance, the focus will be on their professional partnership and personal growth. Meanwhile, Morgan’s dynamic with Jesse Wagner, the new captain, will introduce fresh conflict, as his disruptive tendencies may clash with her unorthodox methods.

The show’s creative team, led by Harthan and creator Drew Goddard, is leaning into its dramedy roots, with Psych director James Roday Rodriguez returning to helm the Season 2 premiere and possibly more episodes. This connection to Psych underscores High Potential’s lighthearted yet gripping tone, blending snappy one-liners with high-stakes drama. The series will continue to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally, with UK viewers catching up on Season 1 through April 2025.

The Bigger Picture: Why High Potential Matters

High Potential’s success—evidenced by its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and record-breaking viewership—lies in its ability to balance procedural fun with emotional depth. Olson’s star power, combined with a stellar ensemble and sharp writing, has filled the void left by shows like Psych and The Mentalist. Season 2’s expanded scope promises to elevate this formula, diving deeper into Morgan’s past, her relationships, and her role as a mother and crime-solver.

The show’s focus on a high-IQ single mom also sets it apart, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by male leads. Morgan’s journey—using her intellect to navigate both cases and personal challenges—resonates with audiences, particularly younger viewers, with streaming accounting for 31% of the show’s audience. As Harthan told Us Weekly, the writers aim to craft cases that not only showcase Morgan’s brilliance but also connect to the ensemble’s personal stakes, ensuring every episode feels meaningful.

Conclusion: A Season Poised to Soar

High Potential Season 2 is gearing up to be a supersized, high-stakes chapter that builds on the first season’s success. With Kaitlin Olson leading a talented returning cast, new additions like Steve Howey and Mekhi Phifer, and a narrative that promises to unravel the mysteries of Roman and a chilling serial killer, the show is poised to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The expanded 18-episode run, set to premiere on September 16, 2025, offers ample room to explore the ensemble’s backstories, deliver gripping cases, and tease romantic and familial tensions.

As fans eagerly await the return of Morgan Gillory and her team, High Potential stands as a testament to the power of smart, character-driven storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to the intellectual puzzles, the emotional family drama, or the promise of a cat-and-mouse game with a cunning villain, Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch. So, mark your calendars, fire up Hulu, and get ready for a season that’s smarter, sassier, and more suspenseful than ever. What do you hope to see in High Potential Season 2? Drop your theories below, and let’s get ready for the ride! 😍💥