ABC’s crime-solving drama, High Potential, starring Kaitlin Olson as a brilliant cleaning lady aiding the LAPD, is making waves. As reported by Variety, the show has been renewed for a second season following a successful first run. Its debut season, concluding tonight, has transformed it into one of the rare major hits on network television this year.
What’s fueling the show’s success, you might wonder? The clever combination of a quirky protagonist with crime-solving hijinks has proven irresistible to audiences. Its first episode managed to pull in 30 million viewers across various platforms, and the numbers just kept climbing. As The A.V. Club’s Saloni Gajjar eloquently put it, the series offers a compelling escape with its perfect blend of a dynamic cast and an engaging procedural format.
This rise of High Potential is part of a bigger surprise for network TV in general. Other shows, such as Matlock, Doctor Odyssey, and St. Denis Medical, are also thriving, reminding everyone that reports of television’s demise were greatly exaggerated. This unexpected year of success has networks like ABC feeling confident, and they’ve wasted no time capitalizing on the momentum.
The talent roster certainly adds flavor to this breakout hit. Kaitlin Olson, best known for her comedic chops, reportedly shines in this more dramatic role. Her recent guest spot on another ABC hit, Abbott Elementary, which has been renewed for a fifth season, expands her ABC crossover appeal. This suggests that audiences can look forward to more of Olson’s versatility gracing their screens.
Here’s the rub—while High Potential has hit its stride, its storyline plays it somewhat safe upon examination. As one might expect of network TV, the show follows a formulaic path, establishing itself within the procedural playbook. While this has certainly delivered ratings, the challenge ahead lies in ensuring it remains fresh and engaging. Thankfully, shows of this ilk often find their footing as they continue developing deeper character arcs and plot twists in subsequent seasons.
One avenue to explore is leveraging Olson’s dynamic range and perhaps pushing the boundaries further in Season 2. With smart writing and continued audience intrigue, High Potential may just redefine the procedural playbook.
Closing Credits
ABC’s renewal of High Potential is yet another signal that traditional TV is still kicking. With the show wrapping its first season on a high note, and Olson’s rising stardom, viewers are set for more gripping tales of unlikely crime-solving antics when the show returns for its second season. Keep an eye peeled for its triumphant return—it has a lot to live up to. As for viewers, maybe the clever cleaning lady has shuffled more than dust; she’s swept away skepticism about network TV’s continued relevance.
