· Alice Darla · Lifestyle
High Potential: Inside ABC’s Most-Watched New TV Programme
When Does High Potential Air?
ABC’s latest hit series holds Thursday’s 9 p.m. ET slot, with new episodes arriving on Hulu the following day.
The crime drama, inspired by the French series HPI, has transformed from an intriguing experiment into the network’s biggest breakout since “The Conners”.
From Development to Success
The path to success wasn’t straightforward. After receiving a pilot order in September 2022, initial showrunner Rob Thomas departed in June 2024, with Todd Harthan taking the helm.
By October, High Potential moved from ABC Signature to 20th Television, marking ABC Signature’s final programme before merging.
Where to Watch High Potential
All episodes stream on Hulu, where the series has become the platform’s standout success.
The programme ranked in Hulu’s Top 15, holding the number one spot for three consecutive days after its September premiere, whilst new episodes continue their weekly debut on ABC.
The Story Behind High Potential
The programme centres on Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), an LAPD night cleaner whose 160 IQ transforms her from cleaning staff to essential consultant.
After accidentally solving a murder whilst picking up scattered crime scene photographs, she joins the department with one condition – they help find her missing ex, Roman, who disappeared 15 years ago leaving only a box of nappies in his impounded car.
Meet the Cast of High Potential
This unconventional crime unit features a stellar ensemble cast.
Daniel Sunjata portrays Detective Karadec, whose initial scepticism of Morgan evolves into a strong partnership.
Javicia Leslie plays Detective Daphne, whilst Judy Reyes commands scenes as Captain Selena Soto.
Amirah J brings emotional weight as Ava, Morgan’s daughter searching for answers about Roman.
Recent episodes welcomed Steve Guttenberg as Phil Elko and Domenick Lombardozzi as the mysterious Gio Conforth.
Breaking Records
From its 3.59 million viewer premiere, the programme saw a 220% increase across platforms within three days, reaching 11.5 million viewers.
The 22nd October episode attracted 6.83 million viewers in Live + 7 Days ratings.
With 4.3 million streaming viewers, the total reach expanded to 10.8 million across platforms.
Nielsen now ranks it number one among adults 18-49 with a 2.33 rating when including seven days of streaming.
High Potential Recent Episodes and Developments
The series opens strongly with a pilot that establishes Morgan’s unique approach.
Whilst cleaning the LAPD offices, she accidentally knocks over a murder case file and notices something in the crime scene photographs that everyone else missed – the victim’s wife is also a victim.
Her insight leads to uncovering a complex case involving the wife’s sister’s client, who murdered the husband and kidnapped the wife.
The show’s momentum continues with “Dancers in the Dark”, where Morgan and Karadec investigate a tap dancer named Damian who was pushed from a roof onto his car.
The case intertwines with Lt. Melon’s investigation of jewellery store heists when Morgan connects the murder weapon to the robberies, leading to an elaborate sting operation.
By “Survival Mode”, Morgan’s trust in others is tested when she investigates a divorced mother whose daughters are kidnapped.
Despite evidence pointing to the mother, Morgan’s instincts tell her otherwise, though her lack of sleep begins to affect her objectivity.
The series takes an intriguing turn with “Croaked”, investigating a veterinarian’s death by poisoning.
What begins as a case about exotic pet trafficking evolves into a complex story about adoption and identity, revealing how the victim’s past as a teenage mother led to tragic consequences.
Episode 8, “Obsessed”, gained particular attention for its Twin Peaks homage.
The story of an attack victim on a beach, initially presumed dead, leads to an investigation of a two-year-old murder case, featuring Twin Peaks alumnus Dana Ashbrook in a guest role.
Most recently, “The RAMs” delivers a dramatic twist in Morgan’s personal story.
While investigating a Los Angeles sportscaster’s death by vehicular homicide, Captain Soto discovers Gio Conforth, a black market dealer who proves his connection to Roman through knowledge of their private family nickname “RAMs” (Roman, Ava, Morgan).
The episode also marks a turning point as Morgan’s relationship with Tom, a janitor studying to become a nurse, ends when he moves to San Diego.
Critical Reception
Critics have embraced the series enthusiastically, resulting in a 94% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating.
Variety’s Aramide Tinubu praises Olson’s “quirky charm” and the cast chemistry, whilst The Hollywood Reporter notes Olson “represents the series’ high potential”.
What’s Next for High Potential
New episodes continue with “Chutes and Murders” on 21st January and “The Sauna at the End of the Stairs” on 28th January.
As ABC’s most-watched new series in six years, it demonstrates that sometimes the best detective work happens after hours, when everyone else has gone home.
The combination of weekly mysteries and the ongoing search for Roman has created a series that proves great stories can begin in the most unexpected places – even with a mop in hand.
