High Potential, ABC's latest crime drama, premiered on September 17, 2024, and has quickly captivated audiences with its blend of humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments. Created by Drew Goddard, this American series is based on the popular 2021 French television show HPI. With Kaitlin Olson leading the charge as Morgan, a quirky yet brilliant single mother, High Potential offers a fresh take on the classic crime procedural format. The show has been praised for its balance of clever detective work and character-driven storytelling.

Character Dynamics and Relationships

Kaitlin Olson as Morgan is the heart of High Potential. She portrays a woman who is not only a genius but also a mother trying to make sense of her complicated personal life. Morgan’s three kids each bring their own set of challenges, particularly her teenage daughter, Ava (Amirah J), who struggles with her father’s long disappearance.

Morgan’s dynamic with Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) serves as the backbone of the show’s crime-solving aspect. Initially skeptical of her abilities, Karadec slowly comes to appreciate Morgan’s unique skills, even if they drive him a little crazy. This "odd couple" partnership injects humor into the more serious moments of the series.

Meanwhile, Javicia Leslie as Daphne, Karadec’s partner, adds another layer to the show. Her grounded and supportive presence balances out the eccentric energy that Morgan brings to the team. The LAPD crew is rounded out by Deniz Akdeniz as Lev "Oz" Osman, a sharp Major Crimes investigator, and Garret Dillahunt as Lt. Melon, head of the Robbery Division, whose cases often overlap with the murders Morgan helps solve.

Episode Highlights

The series kicks off with the pilot episode, where Morgan’s abilities are first noticed by Captain Selena. After accidentally knocking over a murder case file while cleaning, Morgan quickly deduces that the case’s primary suspect is innocent. From there, she’s pulled into the world of crime-solving, all while trying to balance her responsibilities as a mother.

In the second episode, titled “Dancers in the Dark,” Morgan tackles her first official case, involving the murder of a tap dancer who was pushed off a roof. With each new case, Morgan and Karadec’s partnership deepens, as her unorthodox methods clash with his by-the-book approach to detective work.

Production and Behind the Scenes

High Potential has an impressive creative team behind it. Drew Goddard, known for his work on The Martian and Daredevil, brought this French hit to American audiences. Initially greenlit in 2022, the series faced delays due to creative shifts, with Todd Harthan taking over as showrunner in mid-2024. Despite these changes, the show debuted to strong ratings and positive reception.

Kaitlin Olson, who is also credited as a producer, has been lauded for her performance. Having previously starred in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Olson brings her sharp comedic timing to the role of Morgan, while adding depth to the character’s personal struggles.

The show’s supporting cast, which includes Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, and Judy Reyes, brings a solid ensemble dynamic to the procedural. Each character adds something unique to the department, creating a well-rounded group of detectives who make the show more than just a one-woman vehicle.

Critical Reception

Since its premiere, High Potential has received largely favorable reviews. The series currently holds an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Olson’s performance as the standout of the show. Variety praised Olson for injecting “spiky personality” into a familiar genre, while The Hollywood Reporter called her the “one good reason to watch the show.”

On Metacritic, the show holds a 68/100, signaling generally favorable reviews. Critics have noted that while the show follows a traditional crime procedural format, Olson’s portrayal of Morgan elevates the material, making it more engaging and fun. The character-driven storytelling, combined with its balance of humor and crime-solving, has been noted as a fresh twist on the genre.

Future Potential

Given its strong start, High Potential could easily grow into a long-running series for ABC. With its engaging characters, witty writing, and clever case-solving, the show has already found its place in the network’s lineup. Kaitlin Olson’s performance has been the key to its success, and as her character’s backstory continues to unravel—especially the mystery surrounding her first husband’s disappearance—audiences are likely to stay hooked.

How to Watch High Potential

High Potential airs on ABC every Tuesday at 9 PM (ET). If you miss an episode, you can catch up on streaming platforms like Hulu, where new episodes are available the day after airing. The show is also available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

With Kaitlin Olson at its core, High Potential breathes new life into the crime drama genre. The series combines sharp humor, emotional depth, and complex mysteries to create a show that’s more than just another police procedural. If you’re a fan of character-driven dramas with a dose of humor and heart, High Potential is a must-watch.