High Potential Review: Kaitlin Olson Steps Out of Always Sunny’s Shadow

Procedural dramas have long been one of television’s most reliable staples. From Law & Order to NCIS and CSI, the format has dominated primetime for decades, offering audiences a mix of crime-solving intrigue, character-driven drama, and familiar episodic rhythms. In recent years, however, a subgenre has emerged that injects a twist into the well-worn formula: the civilian consultant procedural.

Here, the main character isn’t a detective or officer but rather an outsider—often eccentric, highly intelligent, and unorthodox in their approach—whose unique perspective allows them to see what law enforcement professionals cannot. CBS recently struck gold with Elsbeth, featuring Carrie Preston as a quirky attorney whose unconventional thinking helps unravel cases. Now, ABC has introduced its own entry into the genre with High Potential, based on the French series HPI and starring Kaitlin Olson in the lead role.

Kaitlin Olson Takes Center Stage

For years, Olson has been best known as Dee Reynolds on the cult hit It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a role that cemented her as a fearless comedic actress. With High Potential, Olson takes a bold step out of that shadow, delivering a performance that blends humor, vulnerability, and sharp intelligence.

She plays Morgan, a single mother with a sharp eye for detail and an irrepressible personality, who finds herself consulting for the LAPD. Morgan doesn’t fit into the rigid structure of police work, but her unconventional observations make her invaluable to the team. Olson’s portrayal balances Morgan’s chaotic personal life with her brilliance at crime-solving, making for a character who feels fresh in a crowded TV landscape.

A Familiar Formula With a Twist

At its core, High Potential follows the classic procedural structure: a case of the week, filled with suspects, clues, and red herrings, ultimately solved thanks to the lead character’s unique perspective. It’s a formula audiences know well, and one that remains comforting.

But the twist lies in Morgan’s outsider status. She’s not trained in law enforcement; instead, her strength comes from her life experience and instinct. This dynamic creates both tension and comedy, as the LAPD officers struggle to accept her methods while gradually coming to respect her results. It’s a narrative device that has worked for shows like Monk and The Mentalist, and High Potential uses it to good effect.

Olson’s Performance Anchors the Show

What elevates High Potential beyond being just another procedural is Olson herself. Her comedic timing gives the show levity, but she also brings emotional depth to Morgan’s character. As a single mother balancing her home life with high-stakes investigations, Morgan resonates as both relatable and aspirational.

Olson’s chemistry with the supporting cast also adds to the show’s appeal. Her back-and-forth with the skeptical detectives—played with a mix of exasperation and begrudging admiration—creates an engaging dynamic that keeps viewers invested beyond the weekly mysteries.

Comparisons to Elsbeth and Other Procedurals

It’s impossible not to draw comparisons between High Potential and CBS’s Elsbeth, which premiered to critical acclaim. Both feature female leads whose unconventional thinking sets them apart from standard TV detectives. However, while Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth is an eccentric attorney, Olson’s Morgan is portrayed more as an everyday woman juggling motherhood with a newfound talent for crime-solving.

This distinction gives High Potential a slightly different flavor, grounding its lead character in everyday struggles while still showcasing her extraordinary abilities. It makes the series feel accessible, inviting viewers to imagine themselves in Morgan’s shoes.

Strengths and Weaknesses

High Potential succeeds in its lighthearted tone, charming lead, and entertaining case-of-the-week format. It is not reinventing the procedural wheel, but it doesn’t need to. For viewers who enjoy smart, character-driven mysteries with a touch of humor, the show offers exactly what it promises.

Some critics may argue that the show leans too heavily on formula, with plots that occasionally feel predictable. Others may note that the supporting characters need more development beyond their interactions with Morgan. However, these are early-season growing pains that many procedurals overcome as they find their rhythm.

Why It Matters

For Kaitlin Olson, High Potential represents a career-defining moment. After years of being typecast in comedic roles, she proves her versatility with a character that is equal parts funny, sharp, and heartfelt. For ABC, the series fills an important niche, appealing to audiences who crave procedural comfort but also want fresh, relatable characters.

If the series continues to build on its strong foundation, it could become a long-running staple in ABC’s lineup, much like Castle or Grey’s Anatomy.

Final Verdict

High Potential doesn’t break new ground in the procedural genre, but it delivers a compelling mix of humor, heart, and crime-solving intrigue. Kaitlin Olson shines in her first major lead role outside of Always Sunny, giving viewers a character worth following week after week.

For fans of crime dramas who want something familiar yet infused with fresh energy, High Potential lives up to its name.