ABC’s High Potential has stormed onto the small screen, redefining the network’s approach to the crime procedural with a bold, chaotic energy that’s unlike anything in its storied history. At the heart of this wild ride is Kaitlin Olson, delivering a career-defining performance as Morgan Gillory, a single mom with a genius-level IQ of 160 who accidentally becomes the LAPD’s most unconventional crime-solver. Premiering in September 2024, the show has become a breakout hit, averaging 10.2 million viewers per episode and earning a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With its mix of irreverent humor, heartfelt family drama, and mind-bending mysteries, High Potential is not just another cop show—it’s a genre-bending spectacle that showcases Olson’s comedic brilliance and dramatic depth in ways fans have never seen before. Here’s why this unhinged, hilarious, and totally out-of-control series is the must-watch event of the year, and why ABC has struck gold with its wildest crime drama yet.

A New Kind of Hero: Meet Morgan Gillory

Morgan Gillory is not your typical TV detective. A single mother of three, she’s juggling a chaotic home life while working as a cleaner for the Los Angeles Police Department. Her life takes a dramatic turn when, during a night shift, she solves a complex case by rearranging an evidence board, revealing her extraordinary intellectual gifts. With a photographic memory and a knack for seeing patterns others miss, Morgan is recruited as a consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division, much to the chagrin of by-the-book Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata). What follows is a whirlwind of quirky crime-solving, bold fashion choices, and personal struggles that make Morgan one of the most compelling characters on network TV.

Kaitlin Olson, best known for her role as Dee Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and her Emmy-nominated turn in Hacks, brings Morgan to life with a performance that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. “Morgan is a mess, but she’s my kind of mess,” Olson told Variety in a September 2024 interview. “She’s got this insane brain, but she’s also figuring out motherhood, relationships, and how to fit into this rigid police world. It’s a blast to play someone so unfiltered.” Unlike the stoic detectives of traditional procedurals like Law & Order or CSI, Morgan is a whirlwind of energy—think neon pink jackets, sarcastic one-liners, and a tendency to break protocol in spectacular fashion. Her unhinged approach to crime-solving, paired with her vulnerability as a mom, makes her a character you can’t help but root for.

Why High Potential Stands Out in ABC’s Lineup

ABC has a long history of successful procedurals, from NYPD Blue to The Rookie, but High Potential is a departure from the network’s usual fare. Adapted from the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI), the show was created by Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and is helmed by showrunner Todd Harthan, who took over from Rob Thomas in mid-2024. The series blends the case-of-the-week structure of a traditional procedural with serialized drama, sharp comedy, and a focus on character-driven storytelling. “We wanted to make a show that feels like a rollercoaster—funny one minute, emotional the next, and always surprising,” Harthan told The Hollywood Reporter.

The result is a series that feels fresh and unpredictable. Each episode features a new case, ranging from art heists to serial killings, solved through Morgan’s unique lens—often involving wild tangents, like using her knowledge of 1980s pop culture to crack a code or spotting a clue in a suspect’s grocery list. Unlike ABC’s more grounded procedurals, High Potential leans into its absurdity, with scenes like Morgan crashing a police sting in a sequined dress or debating quantum physics with a suspect. Yet, it never loses sight of its emotional core: Morgan’s journey to reconnect with her teenage daughter, Ava (Amirah J), and provide for her younger children, Elliot (Matthew Lamb) and Sofia, while confronting her past.

The show’s tone is a tightrope walk, but it works because of Olson’s ability to pivot from slapstick to sincerity. A standout moment in Episode 3 sees Morgan solve a murder by analyzing a suspect’s knitting pattern, only to break down in tears when Ava accuses her of prioritizing work over family. This balance of humor and heart has resonated with audiences, with posts on X calling Morgan “the chaotic detective we didn’t know we needed” and praising the show’s “insane energy.”

Kaitlin Olson: A Star Redefined

If you thought you knew Kaitlin Olson from her comedic roles, High Potential will blow you away. While her work as Dee in It’s Always Sunny showcased her razor-sharp comedic timing, and her role as Mickey in Hacks highlighted her dramatic chops, Morgan Gillory is a fusion of both—plus a whole lot more. “This is the most I’ve ever gotten to do in one role,” Olson told Entertainment Weekly. “I get to be funny, I get to be emotional, I get to solve crimes in ridiculous ways. It’s like they wrote this character just for me.”

Olson’s physical comedy is a highlight, whether she’s tripping over evidence bags or diving into a dumpster to retrieve a clue. Her bold wardrobe choices—think leopard-print scarves and lime-green blazers—have become a talking point, with fans on X creating threads dedicated to “Morgan’s iconic fits.” But it’s her emotional scenes that truly shine. In the Season 1 finale, Morgan’s confrontation with a mysterious figure from her past (revealed to be her long-missing ex-husband, Roman) is a masterclass in vulnerability, with Olson conveying a mix of shock, anger, and hope in a single look.

Critics have taken notice, with Vulture calling her “a revelation” and predicting Emmy buzz for 2026. Her ability to make Morgan both larger-than-life and deeply relatable has drawn comparisons to Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality or Toni Collette in United States of Tara. Olson’s involvement as an executive producer also ensures that Morgan’s voice stays authentic, with the actress advocating for more scenes that highlight her flaws. “I wanted her to mess up, to be human,” Olson said. “Nobody’s perfect, not even a genius.”

The Cast: A Dynamic Ensemble

While Olson is the undeniable star, High Potential boasts a stellar ensemble that elevates every episode. Daniel Sunjata (Rescue Me) plays Detective Adam Karadec, Morgan’s straight-laced partner whose exasperation with her antics masks a growing respect—and maybe something more. Their chemistry has sparked “will-they-won’t-they” debates on X, with fans dubbing them “the new Mulder and Scully.” Judy Reyes (Scrubs) is Lieutenant Selena Soto, the head of Major Crimes who takes a chance on Morgan, delivering a performance that balances authority with warmth. “Selena sees something in Morgan that others don’t,” Reyes told TV Insider. “It’s about trusting her gut, even when it’s risky.”

The supporting cast includes Javicia Leslie as Daphne Forrester, a sharp investigator who becomes Morgan’s ally, and Deniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” Ozdil, a rookie detective whose enthusiasm often lands him in trouble. Amirah J shines as Ava Gillory, Morgan’s rebellious teenage daughter, whose arc about grappling with her mother’s new career adds emotional weight. Matthew Lamb as Elliot and Taran Killam as Ludo, Morgan’s ex-husband and co-parent, round out the family dynamic, with Killam’s comedic background adding levity to their scenes.

The Season 1 finale introduced David Giuntoli (Grimm) as David Peck, a chilling serial kidnapper obsessed with Morgan, setting up a major antagonist for Season 2. New additions for the upcoming season, set to premiere on September 16, 2025, include Steve Howey (Shameless) as precinct captain Jesse Wagner and Mekhi Phifer (ER) in a mysterious recurring role, promising fresh dynamics and higher stakes.

The Plot: Twists, Turns, and Total Chaos

High Potential thrives on its ability to keep viewers guessing. Season 1’s 13 episodes followed Morgan as she tackled cases like a biotech conspiracy, a museum theft, and a string of murders linked to a chess tournament, all while uncovering clues about her ex-husband Roman’s disappearance 15 years ago. The finale dropped two bombshells: Roman is alive, and David Peck, the “game master” villain, has targeted Morgan for a twisted intellectual showdown. These threads set the stage for Season 2, which will expand to 14-16 episodes and delve deeper into both the case-of-the-week format and serialized arcs.

Showrunner Todd Harthan has promised a “bigger, bolder” Season 2, with Morgan facing off against Peck in a cat-and-mouse game that tests her genius. “David Peck is Morgan’s equal in a way she’s never encountered,” Harthan told Deadline. “It’s not just about solving crimes—it’s about surviving someone who thinks like her.” The Roman mystery will also take center stage, with flashbacks exploring Morgan’s past and how his disappearance shaped her life. Ava’s reaction to her father’s return will add emotional stakes, while Elliot’s potential intellectual gifts could introduce new challenges.

The cases themselves will be more elaborate, with Harthan hinting at two-part episodes and crossovers with real-world issues like cybercrime and AI ethics. Morgan’s unorthodox methods—using everything from math theorems to pop trivia—will continue to drive the humor, while her personal growth keeps the show grounded. “We’re leaning into the chaos,” Harthan said. “Morgan’s not going to suddenly become a polished detective. She’s still going to barge in, make a mess, and somehow save the day.”

Why ABC’s Wildest Cop Show Is a Game-Changer

High Potential stands out in a crowded TV landscape because it dares to be different. Unlike ABC’s more traditional procedurals, it embraces absurdity without sacrificing substance. The show’s vibrant aesthetic—think LA’s sun-soaked streets contrasted with Morgan’s colorful wardrobe—sets it apart visually, while its soundtrack, featuring indie rock and retro hits, adds to the fun. Director James Roday Rodriguez (Psych), who helmed the Season 1 finale and Season 2 premiere, brings a playful energy that matches Olson’s performance.

The series also tackles relatable themes: balancing work and family, overcoming past mistakes, and finding your place in a world that doesn’t always understand you. Morgan’s journey as a single mom resonates with viewers, with one X post calling her “the hero we need—smart, messy, and real.” The show’s diversity, from its multicultural cast to its depiction of non-traditional family dynamics, adds to its appeal, earning praise from outlets like The Wrap for “redefining the procedural for a new generation.”

What’s Next: Season 2 and Beyond

With Season 2 already in production (filming began in May 2025), fans can expect High Potential to return on September 16, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes streaming on Hulu. The expanded episode count allows for deeper exploration of the ensemble, including Selena’s backstory and Daphne’s growth as a detective. The addition of Jesse Wagner (Howey) as a charming yet disruptive precinct captain will shake up the team, while Mekhi Phifer’s role could tie into the Roman or Peck arcs.

Olson’s commitment to the show—she’s signed on for at least three seasons—ensures that Morgan’s journey will continue to evolve. “I’m having too much fun to stop now,” she told TV Line. Posts on X speculate about potential crossovers with other ABC shows like The Rookie, but for now, the focus is on Morgan’s battle with Peck and her quest to uncover Roman’s secrets. The show’s success has also sparked talks of a spin-off, though Harthan is keeping details under wraps.

Why You Can’t Miss High Potential

High Potential is more than a cop show—it’s a celebration of chaos, brains, and heart. Kaitlin Olson’s unhinged, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable performance as Morgan Gillory is reason enough to tune in, but the sharp writing, dynamic cast, and wild energy make it a standout. Whether you’re here for the laugh-out-loud moments, the gripping mysteries, or the emotional family drama, this series delivers on every level. ABC has never made a cop show this bold, and Olson has never been this iconic.

Mark your calendars for Season 2 on September 16, 2025, and catch up on Season 1 on Hulu. High Potential is proof that sometimes, the most brilliant minds come in the most unexpected packages. What’s your favorite Morgan moment? Drop your thoughts below! 😱💥