High Potential, the new detective drama starring Kaitlin Olson, continues the actor’s positive Rotten Tomatoes streak after a long run onIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. While audiences will have to wait a little longer to see Olson reprise her role as Dee Reynolds, withAlways Sunnyseason 17planning to begin filming in October, Olson now headlinesHigh Potentialand plays a cleaning lady with a unique ability to solve crimes. The project was created byThe Cabin in The Woodsdirector Drew Goddard, anddebuted Tuesday, September 17 at 8 PM ET on ABC.
High Potentialcontinues Olson’s fresh streak onRotten Tomatoes, withan 89% positive score based on 9 reviews. The score is subject to change as more reviews come in, but it breaks down to 6.80 out of 10, with only one negative assessment so far. It continues the actor’s positive streak in terms of acclaimed TV projects, coming after her Emmy-nominated recurring turn as DJ Vance in the Max comedyHacksand the consistently well-reviewedIt’s Always Sunny.
What Do The Reviews Mean For High Potential?
Olson’s Performance Is A High Point
Based on the French showHPI,the new ABC crime drama streams on Hulu. Olson in the role of Morgan.A single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind, Morgan helps solve what looks like an unsolvable crime by rearranging evidence during her shift as a cleaner for the police department. This gets Morgan an offer to work with the police department, thanks to what’s described as her “high intellectual potential.” Reviews are somewhat split about the effectiveness of the premise, but there’s agreement thatOlson is a highlight.
Olson is a three-time Emmy nominee.
Writing forVariety, Aramide Tinubu highlights Olson’s strengths and notes,“With Olson leading the charge and skillful actors backing her up, the series is perfectly adequate formulaic television.”In a more mixed assessment, Nina Metz ofThe Chicago Tribunenotes that Olson’s performance is reminiscent of her other roles and writes, “Olson is a good actor, but there’s not much versatility here; her line readings could just as easily come from the mouths of characters she plays on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Hacks.”
Kaitlin Olson’s 10 Best Roles, Ranked According To IMDb
Kaitlin Olson is a comedic powerhouse, as seen in It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, but she has had many other top roles, ranked by IMDb here.
The overall tone forABC’sHigh Potentialis positive. Dave Nemetz ofTVLineagain highlights the strength of Olson’s performance and says that the show is “a satisfying underdog tale with a sly sense of humor, thanks to a fantastic lead performance from Kaitlin Olson.”It speaks well about the appeal of the new series, which also Javicia Leslie, ’s Deniz Akdeniz, Amirah J, and former Judy Reyes in main roles.
Who Is The Team Behind High Potential?
The Ensemble Includes Familiar TV Stars
Along with Olson,High Potential’s cast includes several familiar faces.Daniel Sunjata plays Karadec, the detective who is skeptical about Morgan’s value to the LAPD. He is known to audiences for playing Franco Rivera in the FX firefighter dramaRescue Me, in addition to his recent recurring role onManifestas Danny. On the big screen, Sunjata has appeared in movies such asThe Devil Wears PradaandThe Dark Knight Rises.
Morgan’s team also includes Daphne, who is played byBatwoman’s Javicia Leslie.In addition to her time as Ryan Wilder on The CW superhero show, Leslie’s other credits include theMacGyverreboot and the short-lived CBS sitcomGod Friended Me. Deniz Akdeniz, meanwhile, recently stole several scenes on the two-season thrillerThe Flight Attendantalongside Kaley Cuoco and Zosia Mamet. Akdeniz plays Lev Osman onHigh Potential.
Garrett Dillahunt
Lieutenant Melon
Completing the side of Morgan’s co-workers, Judy Reyes plays Selena, an LAPD captain who offers Morgan the job. She’s known for her main role as Nurse Carla Espinosa onScrubs, in addition to playing Zolia Diaz onDevious Maids. In terms of Morgan’s family,Amirah J plays Ava, the teenage daughterof Morgan, while Matthew Lamb plays Morgan’s son Elliot. Audiences will recognize J for her role as Xan Galvez in seven episodes ofShameless.
Deadwoodstar Garret Dillahunt recurs as Lieutenant Melon, whileSNL’s Taran Killam also recurs as Morgan’s ex.
Behind the camera,High Potentialhails from a few different voices.Drew Goddard, the creator, is known for his work on shows likeLost,Alias, andBuffy the Vampire Slayer.Rob Thomas was initially the showrunner, known for creatingVeronica MarsandiZombie, though he stepped down from the role. Todd Harthan, the executive producer and showrunner ofThe Resident, has since taken over.
Our Take On The High Potential Reviews
It’s Early But ABC Might Have A Hit
Although it’s too early to speculate about the long-term fortune ofHigh Potential, the fact that Olson’s portrayal may echo her other rolesmay be a plus rather than a hindrance, especially for those who’d like to see a Dee Reynolds-type in a different environment.
New episodes ofHigh Potentialair Tuesdays on ABC.
It’s also worth saying that the procedural is a genre that tends to perform very well on broadcast TV because of its reliable format. Overall, the showcould serve as a more-lighted companion to the increasingly seriousWill Trentseason 3, as that crime drama is set to make its way back to screens in 2025.
High Potential
Cast
Morgan, a single mother of three with a brilliant but unconventional mind, partners with a methodical detective after solving a crime during her job as a cleaner. Together, they form an unlikely but effective duo, blending her unique problem-solving skills with his by-the-book approach to tackle challenging cases.
