High Potential is leveling up its cast as it heads into Season 2, with Steve Howey boarding the ABC procedural in a major new role.
The Shameless alum joins the Kaitlin Olson-led series this fall as Jesse Wagner, the LAPD’s new precinct captain. Described as polished, politically sharp and not afraid to shake the system, Wagner arrives just as the department grapples with an unconventional genius in its ranks.
That genius, of course, is Morgan Gillroy, the single mother with an off-the-charts IQ played by Olson, who returns to lead the series in its sophomore season. Season 2 will hold its Tuesday 10 p.m. slot, airing after Dancing With the Stars.
The casting of Howey gives the character-driven procedural another name with primetime muscle. His long-running turn as Kevin Ball on Showtime’s Shameless made him a fan favorite, and his arrival in High Potential signals ABC’s intent to push the show further into must-watch territory.
The series, inspired by the French hit Haut Potentiel Intellectuel, follows Morgan as she consults with the LAPD while managing the chaos of her personal life. Season 2 is expected to build on the chemistry between Morgan and her fellow officers, with Daniel Sunjata, Judy Reyes, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Amirah J and Matthew Lamb all returning.
Taran Killam is also expected to reprise his role as Morgan’s ex, Ludo.
Drew Goddard, who adapted the series for U.S. television, continues as executive producer alongside Sarah Esberg.
No episode details have been released yet, but with Howey stepping into a leadership role that mirrors Morgan’s boundary-pushing instincts, fans can expect a new dynamic in the squadroom this fall.
