In a move that’s sure to shake up the dynamics of ABC’s breakout crime drama High Potential, the series has announced its first new cast member for Season 2: Steve Howey, best known for his roles in Shameless and Reba. Howey joins the show as a series regular, portraying Jesse Wagner, the new precinct captain at the LAPD’s Major Crimes division. This surprising addition comes on the heels of the show’s swift renewal in January 2025, following a stellar freshman season that averaged 11.5 million viewers across platforms and became ABC’s most-watched new series in six years. With Howey’s character described as a politically savvy, charming disruptor who thinks outside the box, his arrival promises to inject fresh energy into the narrative, potentially altering team hierarchies, investigative approaches, and interpersonal tensions in profound ways.

High Potential, adapted from the French series HPI: Haut Potentiel Intellectuel, stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a single mother of three with an IQ of 160 and a photographic memory. Working as a cleaning lady at an LAPD precinct, Morgan stumbles into solving a complex case, leading to her recruitment as a consultant for Major Crimes. Paired with the by-the-book Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), Morgan’s unconventional methods—blending street smarts, life experience, and hyper-observational skills—clash with traditional police procedures, creating a mix of humor, drama, and suspense. The supporting cast includes Judy Reyes as Lieutenant Selena Soto, Javicia Leslie as Daphne Forrester, Deniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” Osman, Amirah J as Ava Gillory, and Matthew Lamb as Elliot Gillory. The first season, which premiered on September 17, 2024, and concluded after 13 episodes, balanced weekly procedural cases with serialized elements, including Morgan’s quest to uncover the truth about her missing ex-husband, Roman.

The announcement of Howey’s casting marks a significant pivot for the series. Jesse Wagner is portrayed as a “politically savvy” leader who “knows how to wear an expensive suit and oozes charm,” with a “disruptor quality” that aligns him with Morgan’s innovative mindset. This role is particularly surprising because it appears to replace the previous captain, played by Keith David in a recurring capacity during Season 1. David’s Captain Pacheco was a no-nonsense authority figure whose exit could stem from narrative choices or scheduling conflicts. Howey’s Wagner, by contrast, introduces a more charismatic and unconventional superior, potentially reshaping the precinct’s power structure and investigative ethos.

To understand the impact of this addition, it’s essential to recap Season 1’s narrative foundation. The season opened with Morgan’s accidental involvement in a murder investigation, showcasing her ability to spot overlooked clues—like mismatched evidence patterns or behavioral anomalies—that elude trained detectives. Her partnership with Karadec evolved from friction to mutual respect, with episodes blending standalone cases (e.g., a locked-room mystery or a corporate espionage plot) with overarching threads. Key subplots included Morgan’s family life—balancing her consulting gig with raising her kids, Ava and Elliot—and her obsession with Roman’s disappearance 15 years prior. The finale delivered two major cliffhangers: the revelation that Roman is alive (and Karadec knows his whereabouts), and the emergence of a serialized villain—a game-obsessed kidnapper who taunts Morgan with a note promising future “play.”

Showrunner Todd Harthan, who took over mid-development of Season 1, has teased that Season 2 will “bloom” these serialized elements while maintaining the procedural core. With Wagner’s introduction, the story could pivot toward internal precinct politics, a theme lightly touched in Season 1 through Soto’s leadership struggles and inter-departmental rivalries. Wagner’s “disruptor” nature suggests he’ll challenge established norms, perhaps clashing with Soto or Karadec while finding common ground with Morgan. This could lead to plotlines exploring bureaucratic hurdles in investigations, such as budget cuts, media scrutiny, or ethical dilemmas in high-profile cases. For instance, Wagner’s charm and outside-the-box thinking might enable riskier tactics, like undercover operations or unconventional alliances, amplifying the show’s blend of humor and tension.

Moreover, Wagner’s political savvy could tie into the Roman storyline. As an FBI informant (revealed in the finale), Roman’s arc involves deeper conspiracies, potentially involving corruption or witness protection. A captain with political acumen might navigate these layers, offering Morgan resources—or obstacles—if his ambitions conflict with her personal quest. This addition enriches the narrative by introducing moral ambiguity: Is Wagner an ally or a manipulator? His presence could heighten interpersonal dynamics, fostering alliances (e.g., mentoring Osman or Forrester) or rivalries (e.g., power struggles with Soto). Fans have speculated that Wagner’s role might echo procedural tropes like the “new boss shakes things up,” but with Howey’s comedic background, it could infuse levity, balancing Olson’s quirky energy.

Beyond Howey, Season 2 has added Mekhi Phifer in a recurring mystery role as a character “involved in major crimes.” Phifer, known for ER and 8 Mile, brings gravitas, and theories abound that he could portray Roman himself, given the finale’s tease. If so, this would dramatically alter the plot, forcing Morgan to confront abandonment issues while unraveling his disappearance’s secrets—perhaps tied to organized crime or government intrigue. Phifer’s involvement could expand the serialized villain arc, positioning him as an antagonist or reluctant informant, adding twists like double-crosses or moral gray areas. This enhances the story’s emotional depth, exploring themes of betrayal, redemption, and family, while maintaining procedural variety.

The returning cast remains the show’s backbone. Olson, now an executive producer, has expressed excitement about delving into Morgan’s psyche, saying that “there’s so much more to be explored.” Her chemistry with Sunjata’s Karadec—hinted at romantically but kept platonic for a slow burn—will likely evolve, drawing inspiration from Bones and Castle. Reyes’ Soto, a fan favorite for her no-nonsense leadership, could face challenges from Wagner, leading to arcs about empowerment and loyalty. Leslie and Akdeniz, as Forrester and Osman, promise more buddy-cop humor, while the kids (J and Lamb) ground the narrative in domestic realism.

Season 2’s plot will likely feature 15-18 episodes, up from 13, allowing for deeper serialization. Harthan plans to address cliffhangers early, satisfying the Roman mystery without dragging it out, then pivoting to the villain’s “twists and turns.” Cases will vary from lighthearted (e.g., art heists) to darker (e.g., corruption scandals), with Wagner’s influence enabling bolder investigations. Backstories will bloom: Karadec’s past traumas, Soto’s family life, and Morgan’s balancing act as a mom-consultant. This expansion could introduce subplots like team-building exercises or inter-agency collaborations, enriching the ensemble dynamic.

Production began in May 2025, with filming in Vancouver standing in for Los Angeles. The premiere is slated for September 16, 2025, Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC, following Dancing with the Stars, with next-day streaming on Hulu. In the UK, it’s on Disney+.

Critically, Season 1 earned a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes for its fresh take on procedurals, blending intellect with heart. Wagner’s addition could elevate this, introducing conflict that tests loyalties and pushes character growth. If mishandled, it risks overcrowding, but Harthan’s vision suggests a seamless integration.

In conclusion, Steve Howey’s Jesse Wagner is a game-changer for High Potential Season 2, promising a refreshed narrative with heightened stakes, deeper relationships, and innovative mysteries. As Morgan and her team navigate new leadership and old secrets, the series is poised to build on its success, captivating audiences with its witty, heartfelt crime-solving.