If you thought Virgin River was the pinnacle of binge-worthy drama, prepare to have your expectations shattered. This summer, Netflix is set to unleash the second season of High Potential, a genre-bending crime-comedy that’s equal parts genius, chaos, and heart-pounding danger. Starring Kaitlin Olson in what critics are calling the role of her career, this ABC-turned-Netflix sensation is poised to dominate your watchlist with its irresistible mix of wit, mystery, and unapologetic flair. Move over, small-town romance—Los Angeles is about to get a whole lot wilder with Morgan Gillory, the LAPD’s most unconventional crime-solver.

A Fresh Spin on the Police Procedural

High Potential isn’t your typical cop show. Adapted from the French-Belgian series HPI (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel), the show follows Morgan Gillory, a single mother of three with an extraordinary IQ of 160. Initially a night-shift cleaner at the Los Angeles Police Department, Morgan’s life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally solves an unsolvable crime by rearranging evidence during her shift. This stroke of brilliance lands her a consulting role with the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division, where her photographic memory, razor-sharp intellect, and unconventional approach shake up the department’s status quo.

Season 1, which premiered in September 2024, was a runaway hit, amassing nearly 30 million viewers across platforms and earning an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its unique blend of episodic “murder-of-the-week” mysteries, serialized personal drama, and Olson’s signature comedic timing made it a standout in a crowded field of police procedurals. With Season 2 confirmed for a fall 2025 release, expectations are sky-high for Morgan’s next chapter.

Kaitlin Olson: From Sweet Dee to Super-Sleuth

Kaitlin Olson, best known for her iconic role as the chaotic Deandra “Sweet Dee” Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, steps into the spotlight as Morgan Gillory, proving she’s far more than a comedic sidekick. While Dee is a master of crude humor and harebrained schemes, Morgan is a layered, empathetic character—a scrappy single mom who’s fiercely independent yet deeply devoted to her children. Olson’s performance has been praised for its emotional depth, seamlessly blending humor with dramatic heft. As she told Deadline, “I fell in love with this character. She’s a really good mom and a really good person deep down, and I just wanted to do something different.”

Olson’s ability to balance Morgan’s quick-witted banter with moments of vulnerability—particularly in scenes involving her search for her daughter Ava’s missing father, Roman—has earned her critical acclaim. In one pivotal Season 1 moment, Morgan unravels a case by confidently dismantling a flawed investigation in front of the Major Crimes team, earning the respect of her skeptical colleagues. This scene, described by Collider as “a character-defining moment,” showcases Olson’s ability to command the screen with intelligence and charisma. Season 2 promises to delve deeper into Morgan’s emotional journey, particularly the cliffhanger revelation that Roman, her long-lost ex, is alive and tied to a mysterious past as an FBI informant.

What to Expect in Season 2

ABC’s early renewal of High Potential for a second season in January 2025 speaks volumes about its success. While Season 1 consisted of 13 episodes, Season 2 is expected to feature a slightly larger episode count, giving showrunner Todd Harthan and creator Drew Goddard more room to explore the show’s rich world and supporting characters. Harthan has teased that Season 2 will “answer some big questions” while deepening the mystery surrounding Roman’s disappearance, ensuring that fans won’t be left hanging on the Season 1 cliffhangers.

One of the most intriguing developments is the introduction of a new precinct captain, Jesse Wagner, played by Steve Howey (Shameless). Described as a “savvy political animal,” Wagner is likely to stir up tension within the Major Crimes Division, potentially clashing with Morgan’s unorthodox methods. Additionally, a game-obsessed serial kidnapper, introduced in the Season 1 finale, promises to be a recurring antagonist, adding a layer of serialized danger to the show’s episodic cases. Fans can expect Morgan to face high-stakes challenges that test both her intellect and her resilience.

The show’s ensemble cast, including Daniel Sunjata as Detective Karadec, Judy Reyes as Major Crimes head Selena Soto, and Javicia Leslie as Daphne, will continue to shine. The chemistry between Olson and Sunjata, laced with subtle romantic tension, is a highlight, while Reyes’ stern yet empathetic leadership grounds the team. Harthan has hinted at slowing down the pacing in Season 2 to give supporting characters like Daphne and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz) more depth, ensuring that the show remains a true ensemble effort.

Why High Potential Stands Out

What sets High Potential apart from other procedurals like The Mentalist or Psych is its ability to balance lighthearted humor with genuine stakes. Morgan’s quirky personality and unconventional crime-solving methods—often informed by her life as a single mother and her cleaning job experience—bring a fresh perspective to the genre. As Slate noted, the show “showcases the pleasures of letting TV be TV,” embracing the episodic format while weaving in serialized elements like Morgan’s search for Roman.

The show’s tone is another key strength. While it tackles serious crimes, including murders and kidnappings, it never feels overly grim. Olson’s comedic background infuses Morgan with a rebellious streak and a knack for witty comebacks, making her both relatable and endlessly watchable. As Variety put it, “With a quirky style and some bizarre cases, High Potential delivers just a little more than the average cop drama.”

Moreover, High Potential resonates with audiences because of its focus on an underdog. Morgan, a working-class single mom, defies expectations in a male-dominated field, using her intellect and grit to earn respect. Her dynamic with her children—Ava (Amirah J), Elliot (Matthew Lamb), and her newborn—adds warmth and relatability, grounding the show’s more outlandish moments. Scenes of Morgan navigating parenting challenges, like Ava’s teenage rebellion or Elliot’s social struggles, feel authentic and heartfelt.

A New Era for Kaitlin Olson

For longtime fans of Olson, High Potential is a revelation. While It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia showcased her comedic brilliance, it often relegated her to the role of the gang’s punching bag. High Potential allows her to flex her dramatic chops, proving she’s a versatile leading lady. As ScreenRant noted, “Morgan allows her to have serious moments on-screen without the audience waiting for a punchline.” Her Emmy-nominated performance in Hacks and her role in The Mick hinted at her range, but High Potential cements her as a star capable of carrying a network drama.

Olson’s personal connection to Morgan also adds authenticity to her performance. As a mother herself, she relates to Morgan’s fierce dedication to her kids. “The fact that she’s a great mom… and has found a way to figure it all out and still give everything of herself emotionally to her kids, I just really loved that about her,” she told Deadline. This emotional core, combined with her comedic instincts, makes Morgan a character audiences can’t help but root for.

Why You Should Watch

If you’re a fan of Virgin River’s blend of drama, romance, and small-town charm, High Potential offers a refreshing urban twist. Its fast-paced mysteries, colorful characters, and Olson’s magnetic performance make it a perfect summer binge. Whether you’re drawn to the quirky cases, the emotional family dynamics, or the promise of a deeper mystery unfolding in Season 2, there’s something for everyone.

High Potential Season 2 is set to premiere in fall 2025 on ABC, with episodes streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK. While an exact release date is still under wraps, the show’s momentum suggests it will be a major player in the 2025-2026 TV season. So, grab your popcorn, brace for chaos, and get ready to watch Kaitlin Olson redefine the crime-comedy genre. Virgin River may have your heart, but High Potential will steal your summer.