ABC’s freshman dramedy High Potential, centered on a cleaning lady with an uncanny knack for cracking cases, has earned a second season. The network’s decision, while perhaps not shocking given the show’s decent performance, solidifies High Potential’s place in ABC’s lineup and offers a vote of confidence for a series that has managed to find its groove.
High Potential follows Morgan, portrayed with a particular brand of frazzled brilliance by Kaitlin Olson, as she transitions from cleaning houses to consulting for the police. Her sharp eye for detail and unconventional approach to crime-solving have proven a winning combination, drawing an average of 6.6 million viewers and a 0.6 demo rating. These numbers, while not exactly blockbuster territory, represent a significant 40% increase over the viewership of The Good Doctor, which previously occupied High Potential’s Tuesday night slot.
In the grand scheme of the current TV season’s freshman class, High Potential sits comfortably as the second-most-watched new drama, trailing only CBS’s Matlock. This relative success story underscores the network’s willingness to take chances on slightly offbeat premises, and the potential rewards when those bets pay off.
While the show’s core appeal lies in Olson’s comedic timing and Morgan’s unorthodox methods, High Potential also benefits from a supporting cast that includes Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, and Judy Reyes. Sunjata, who plays the by-the-book detective Karadec, has expressed optimism about the show’s future in recent interviews, referencing both the encouraging ratings and positive fan feedback.
Whether High Potential can maintain its momentum in its second season is, of course, another question entirely. But for now, at least, ABC seems to be betting on the continued appeal of a cleaning lady who cleans up on the crime-solving front.
High Potential airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC.