ABC’s show High Potential has solidified its place as a top scripted series in its 2026 lineup during its second season, ranking #10 in viewership behind only the network’s Will Trent. The show’s gripping weekly cases combined with ongoing story arcs, including the mystery surrounding Roman’s whereabouts, continue to captivate audiences. Central to this success is Kaitlin Olson, whose contributions extend far beyond her on-screen performance, making her an invaluable part of the series.
Showrunner Praises Olson’s Versatility and Fearlessness
Before the second half of Season 2, showrunner Todd Harthan shared with CinemaBlend how Olson’s involvement benefits the show. He emphasized her broad skill set and unshakeable confidence in taking on any role the script demands, whether comedic or dramatic. According to Harthan,
“Oh, man, how much time you got? The biggest advantage is there’s just nothing she can’t do. I mean, it doesn’t matter if it’s anything, between comedy and drama and everything in between, she’s got every tool on her belt. You just don’t have to worry about her being intimidated by anything we script.” – Todd Harthan, Showrunner
Olson’s reputation as a comedic powerhouse was established long ago through her role as Bir…er…Sweet Dee Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Additionally, she has appeared in series such as Hacks and The Mick, where she earned acclaim despite the latter’s brief run. Over her 26-year career, Olson has selectively engaged in projects that blend humor with more complex emotional themes, showcasing her ability to navigate the heightened dramatic moments in High Potential with skill and authenticity.
Executive Producer Role Highlights Olson’s Investment Beyond Acting
In addition to starring, Olson serves as an executive producer, a role she embraces actively rather than simply holding as an honorary title. Harthan noted that she constantly improves the material, bringing a sharp perspective to her character’s journey and enhancing the overall narrative. He remarked,
“No matter what we write, when it gets to her, she always elevates and makes what we give her better. She just has this ability to, through her character’s point of view, always sharpen that point of view and upgrade her journey within each episode. She’s a very, very active participant when it comes to producing this show. What she does before we film these episodes is extraordinary.” – Todd Harthan, Showrunner
This level of involvement includes fine-tuning scripts and contributing insights grounded in realism, as other cast members can attest. Co-star Amirah J shared that Olson encourages input on authentic dialogue, particularly reflecting realistic teenage mother-daughter interactions, which suggests Olson’s broader influence on the script polishing process. This attention to detail distinguishes High Potential’s dialogue compared to many other hourlong network dramas.
Olson’s Range Shines Brightly On Screen
Harthan’s commendation extended to Olson’s on-camera performance, highlighting her remarkable adaptability. He concluded,
“So it’s a lot of different things, but first and foremost, I mean, there’s incredible versatility to what she does when she’s in front of the camera.” – Todd Harthan, Showrunner
An example can be found in the episode NPC, where Olson’s character Morgan displays a spectrum of emotions after Karadec leaves for a date. Her expressions shift from supportive happiness to wistfulness and subtle regret, conveying complex feelings without dialogue. This emotional depth is essential for anchoring pivotal moments, and Olson’s presence ensures the scenes resonate powerfully with viewers.
What’s Ahead for High Potential and Kaitlin Olson
High Potential airs weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As the series progresses, Olson’s multi-faceted contributions as both lead actress and executive producer are poised to continue elevating the show’s quality and appeal, securing its position among ABC’s strongest scripted offerings.
