ABC’s latest crime drama, High Potential, has quickly become one of the most talked-about series of the season. Created by Drew Goddard, the show is an American adaptation of the 2021 French-Belgian series HPI, blending sharp wit, thrilling investigations, and an unconventional protagonist into a must-watch experience. Starring Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, and Judy Reyes, the show premiered on September 17, 2024, and has already secured a second-season renewal in January 2025.
The Storyline: A Brilliant Outsider Solving Crimes
High Potential follows Morgan Gillory, a single mother of three who works as a cleaning lady at the Los Angeles Police Department. With an IQ of 160, Morgan possesses a brilliant, unconventional mind that allows her to see connections others miss. After she unexpectedly helps solve a major case, she is recruited as a consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes division.
Despite her genius, Morgan doesn’t fit the mold of a typical detective. Her chaotic personal life, unpredictable methods, and rebellious nature often clash with her new partner, Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), a disciplined detective who values order and structure. Their odd-couple dynamic creates both tension and humor as they tackle complex cases together.
Beyond the weekly investigations, there’s an overarching mystery woven into the story: what really happened to Morgan’s first husband, Roman? The father of her eldest daughter, he vanished 15 years ago under mysterious circumstances. The police dismissed the case at the time, but Morgan uses her new role to push for answers, striking a deal with her boss, Selena Soto (Judy Reyes), to finally uncover the truth.
Kaitlin Olson’s Standout Performance
A huge part of the show’s success comes down to Kaitlin Olson’s electrifying performance. She walks a fine line between charismatic genius and chaotic whirlwind, bringing just the right amount of energy and charm to keep Morgan both likable and compelling.
Her encyclopedic knowledge of everything—from Los Angeles wind patterns to obscure car trunk mechanisms—could easily become grating in lesser hands. But Olson keeps Morgan relatable, adding layers of vulnerability and humor that make her an engaging lead. For fans of her work in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, High Potential finally gives Olson the starring role she deserves.
That said, her portrayal may divide audiences. Some may find her character’s constant insights a bit too convenient, while others will embrace the show’s quirky, high-energy approach. If you’re looking for the gritty realism of The Wire or Line of Duty, this isn’t it. But if you’re in the mood for a crime drama with personality, heart, and just a touch of absurdity, then High Potential delivers.
What Makes High Potential Stand Out?
Unlike traditional police procedurals, High Potential doesn’t rely on standard detective tropes. Instead, it offers a fun, fast-paced take on crime-solving, where cases often hinge on small, seemingly insignificant details—a misplaced object, a smudge of dust, or a missing curtain tie-back. Each episode presents a somewhat outlandish mystery, but it’s less about the realism and more about the joy of watching Morgan connect the dots in ways no one else can.
Much like Jessica Fletcher with a 160 IQ, Morgan’s brilliance comes with its own set of challenges, including mounting debts, a rebellious teenage daughter, and a missing ex-husband. This balance of humor, mystery, and personal stakes keeps the show engaging and unpredictable.
Where to Watch and Future Prospects
High Potential airs on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu. Thanks to strong ratings and a growing fanbase, the show was renewed for a second season in January 2025, ensuring more mind-bending cases and quirky detective work in the future.
Final Thoughts: High Potential for Entertainment
With its witty writing, engaging performances, and unconventional detective format, High Potential is proving to be one of the most entertaining crime dramas of 2024-2025. It may not be the most realistic police procedural, but that’s precisely the point—it’s fun, fast, and full of surprises.
So, if you’re looking for sharp dialogue, a charismatic lead, and cases that unravel in unexpectedly brilliant ways, High Potential is well worth the watch. And if not? Well, The Wire is always available for a rewatch.
