Kaitlin Olson’s High Potential Is ABC’s Biggest Hit in Years — Here’s How She Did It

Kaitlin Olson, best known for her long-running role as Dee Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has found new acclaim as the lead in ABC’s crime dramedy High Potential. The series, which premiered earlier this year, has become a sleeper hit, drawing the largest audience for an ABC scripted show in six years. Olson stars as Morgan Gillory, a cleaning woman-turned-police consultant with a 160 IQ and a knack for solving complex cases.

The show’s unexpected success has propelled Olson into a new phase of her career, balancing comedy with dramatic depth.

Kaitlin Olson stars in High Potential, which premiered on ABC in early 2025 and quickly became a ratings hit, drawing record viewership for the network. The show’s success stems from Olson’s portrayal of Morgan Gillory, a brilliant but unconventional crime-solver. The series is filmed in Los Angeles, where Olson lives with her husband and two children. She credits the role’s emotional complexity and relatability for its strong reception.

Character, Performance, and Audience Response

• Olson plays Morgan Gillory, a single mom with a genius-level IQ
• The character transitions from cleaning staff to homicide consultant
• The show blends procedural crime drama with comedic undertones
• Olson’s performance has been praised for its physicality and emotional nuance
• High Potential has already been renewed for a second season

The show’s pilot episode drew over 9 million viewers across broadcast and streaming, according to Nielsen data.

Quotes and Reactions

Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, Olson said:

“A lot of people can relate to Morgan… She doesn’t flaunt the fact that she’s smart. She’s just doing whatever she can to make it work.”

Critics have praised Olson’s transition from sitcom to drama. TVLine noted:

“Olson brings a grounded chaos to Morgan that makes her both hilarious and heartbreakingly real.”

Career Evolution and Network Strategy

Olson’s success in High Potential marks a significant shift from her comedic roots. While It’s Always Sunny remains on air, her new role showcases her range and positions her as a leading figure in network drama. For ABC, the show’s performance signals a return to form in primetime scripted programming, especially as streaming competition intensifies.

The series also reflects a growing trend of hybrid genres—mixing procedural formats with character-driven storytelling.

What’s Next: Season 2 and Future Projects

• High Potential Season 2 is currently in production
• Olson continues to appear in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, now in its 18th season
• She also guest-stars in HBO’s Hacks as Deborah Vance Jr.
• ABC is expected to expand the show’s universe with companion content or spinoffs

Olson has hinted at developing her own projects, blending comedy and drama with strong female leads.