High Potential season 2 Review: Episode Ratings, Season 3 Renewal Buzz & Why ABC’s Hit Keeps Getting Smarter

ABC’s High Potential has quietly become one of television’s most reliable crowd-pleasers — a smart blend of crime drama and comedy powered by a magnetic lead performance from Kaitlin Olson. Adapted from the popular French-Belgian series HPI, the American remake has not only justified its existence but, in many ways, elevated the formula for U.S. audiences.

With Season 2 delivering strong ratings, growing character depth, and a major cliffhanger arc involving Morgan’s past, fans are already asking the big question: Will High Potential be renewed for Season 3? Short answer: all signs point to yes.

Let’s break it all down — full series review, Season 2 episode ratings, and Season 3 renewal expectations.

High Potential Series Overview

High Potential follows Morgan Gillory, a single mother of three with an IQ of 160, who works as a cleaner at the LAPD. Her extraordinary observational skills catch the attention of Major Crimes, turning her into an unconventional civilian consultant.

Paired with disciplined detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), Morgan’s chaotic brilliance clashes beautifully with procedural rigidity — creating one of network TV’s most enjoyable partnerships.

A long-running emotional subplot involves the mysterious 15-year disappearance of Roman, the father of Morgan’s daughter Ava, adding depth beyond the weekly case structure.

Why High Potential Works So Well

✔ Kaitlin Olson delivers a career-best dramatic-comedic performance

✔ Procedural cases feel fresh thanks to Morgan’s unconventional logic

✔ Strong ensemble cast chemistry

✔ Emotional stakes that grow season to season

✔ Accessible storytelling without sacrificing intelligence

Unlike many crime shows, High Potential doesn’t rely on grim darkness — it leans into wit, warmth, and character-driven storytelling, making it ideal for broad audiences.

High Potential Season 2 Review (2025–26)

Season 2 raises the stakes significantly. The introduction of The Game Maker, Captain Nick Wagner, and deeper exploration of Roman’s disappearance pushes the show into more serialized territory — without losing its procedural charm.

Viewership remained consistently strong (4M+ range), a key metric for ABC renewals.

High Potential Season 2 Episode Ratings

(Entertainment-site style ratings based on storytelling, performances & audience response)

Episode	Title	Rating
S2E1	Pawns	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
S2E2	Checkmate	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
S2E3	Eleven Minutes	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
S2E4	Behind the Music	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
S2E5	Content Warning	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
S2E6	Chasing Ghosts	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
S2E7	The One That Got Away	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)
S2E8	The One That Got Away: Part Two	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)*
S2E9	Under the Rug	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)*
S2E10	Grounded	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)*

*Projected ratings based on narrative setup and audience anticipation.

Standout Episodes So Far

• “Behind the Music” – A haunting emotional mystery that showcased the show’s dramatic ceiling

• “Checkmate” – The best mind-game episode involving The Game Maker

• “Grounded” – Shaping up to be a defining season finale, both emotionally and narratively

Will High Potential Be Renewed for Season 3?

Season 3 Renewal Status: Highly Likely

While ABC has not officially announced Season 3 yet, several indicators strongly favor renewal:

✔ Consistent 4M+ live viewership

✔ Strong Hulu next-day streaming numbers

✔ Positive critical reception

✔ Affordable production compared to prestige dramas

✔ Kaitlin Olson attached as executive producer

ABC has already renewed the show once early — and High Potential fits perfectly into the network’s long-term procedural lineup.

Expected Season 3 Release Window

📅 Fall 2026 (September–October), if renewed by Spring 2026

What Season 3 Could Explore

• Roman’s full backstory and true motives

• Morgan’s evolving role within the LAPD

• Captain Wagner’s growing power struggle

• Ava stepping further into the main narrative

• Higher-profile cases with serialized arcs

Season 3 is expected to lean even more into long-form storytelling while keeping its weekly case format intact.

Final Verdict: Is High Potential Worth Watching?

Absolutely.

High Potential proves that network television can still be smart, funny, emotional, and accessible — all at once. Kaitlin Olson anchors the show with charisma, while the writing steadily improves each season.

Overall Series Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)

If you enjoy crime procedurals with personality — think Castle, The Mentalist, or Psych — High Potential deserves a spot at the top of your watchlist.

Where to Watch

📺 Airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC

📲 Streaming next day on Hulu