The High Potential Cast: Everything You Need To Know About The Stars Of ABC's Breakout Crime Hit (Updated December 2025)

The breakout star of ABC's crime-comedy procedural, High Potential, Kaitlin Olson, leads a dynamic ensemble cast that has captured the attention of millions and secured a rapid renewal for a second season. The show, which premiered in September 2024 and is set to return with its highly anticipated Season 2 this December 2025, has been hailed as one of network television's best new shows, largely thanks to the chemistry and talent of its core actors. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at the main cast members, their roles, and where you've seen them before, including the major new addition for the upcoming season.

Based on the successful French series *HPI* (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel), the American adaptation follows Morgan Gillory, a single mom with an intellectually gifted mind and a penchant for chaos, who becomes a police consultant. The show expertly blends sharp humor with compelling case-of-the-week mysteries, a formula that hinges entirely on the performances of its five main stars. From a beloved sitcom veteran to a Tony-nominated stage actor and a superhero alum, the High Potential cast is stacked with star power and topical authority.

The Core Cast of High Potential and Their Comprehensive Biographies

The success of the High Potential series rests on the shoulders of its main cast, each bringing a unique background from comedy, drama, and stage work to their roles as the unconventional crime-solving team. Here is a detailed look at the actors who form the heart of the ABC procedural.

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1. Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory

Role in High Potential: Morgan Gillory is the central figure, a single mother of three with a genius-level intellect (specifically, an IQ of 160) and a photographic memory. She works as a cleaning woman but is reluctantly recruited by the police after solving a cold case. Her character is defined by her chaotic energy, irreverent humor, and ability to spot patterns and inconsistencies that baffle seasoned detectives.

• Full Name: Kaitlin Willow Olson McElhenney
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1975
• Place of Birth: Tigard, Oregon, United States
• Career Highlights: Olson is an American actress, comedian, and producer, best known globally for her role as the abrasive, long-suffering Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds on the long-running FX/FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She also starred as the title character in the FOX comedy series The Mick (2017–2018) and had a recurring role on *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. Her transition to the lead role in a network procedural like High Potential showcases her dramatic range while still utilizing her impeccable comedic timing.
• Relevant Entity: *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, *The Mick*, *Deandra Reynolds*.

2. Daniel Sunjata as Detective Adam Karadec

Role in High Potential: Detective Adam Karadec is the by-the-book, serious, and often exasperated detective who is forced to partner with the highly unconventional Morgan Gillory. He provides the necessary anchor and straight-man foil to Morgan’s chaos, creating the show's core comedic and dramatic tension.

• Full Name: Daniel Sunjata Condon
• Date of Birth: December 30, 1971
• Place of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, United States
• Career Highlights: Sunjata is a Tony-nominated American actor with a strong background in both theater and television. He is perhaps most famous for his role as Franco Rivera on the FX television series Rescue Me (2004–2011). He also received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway play Take Me Out. Other notable television roles include Paul Briggs in *Graceland* and a recurring role in *Grey's Anatomy*.
• Relevant Entity: *Rescue Me*, *Franco Rivera*, *Tony Award*, *Take Me Out*, *Graceland*.

3. Steve Howey as Nick Wagner (New for Season 2)

Role in High Potential: Nick Wagner is the major new series regular joining the cast for Season 2. While specific plot details about his character are tightly guarded, his addition is expected to shake up the existing team dynamic. Early news suggests he will be a key figure in the police precinct.

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• Full Name: Steven Michael Robert Howey
• Date of Birth: July 12, 1977
• Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas, United States
• Career Highlights: Howey is a veteran actor known for two major long-running television roles. He played Van Montgomery on the sitcom Reba (2001–2007) and, more recently, the lovable, often clueless, but ultimately good-hearted Kevin Ball on the acclaimed Showtime series Shameless (2011–2021). His casting in High Potential reunites him with the procedural genre, bringing his unique blend of dramatic presence and comedic charm.
• Relevant Entity: *Shameless*, *Kevin Ball*, *Reba*, *Van Montgomery*, *Season 2 New Cast*.

4. Deniz Akdeniz as Lev "Oz" Özdil

Role in High Potential: Lev "Oz" Özdil is a member of the police team who often serves as the logistical and technical support for Karadec and Gillory. He is a crucial part of the precinct’s operations, navigating the bureaucracy that Morgan consistently ignores.

• Full Name: Deniz Akdeniz
• Date of Birth: May 16, 1990
• Place of Birth: Melbourne, Australia
• Career Highlights: Akdeniz is an Australian actor of Turkish descent who has built a strong career in American television. He is recognizable for his recurring role as Max on the HBO Max series The Flight Attendant, starring Kaley Cuoco. He also had roles in films like I, Frankenstein and the Australian remake of the Disney Channel series As the Bell Rings.
• Relevant Entity: *The Flight Attendant*, *HBO Max*, *I, Frankenstein*, *Australian Actor*.

5. Javicia Leslie as Daphne Forrester

Role in High Potential: Daphne Forrester is another key detective in the precinct. She represents the new generation of police work, often balancing the old-school methods of Karadec with the unorthodox genius of Morgan. Her character is a vital part of the team's professional dynamic.

• Full Name: Javicia Leslie
• Date of Birth: May 30, 1987
• Place of Birth: Augsburg, Germany (Raised in Maryland, USA)
• Career Highlights: Leslie is an American actress who rose to prominence with roles in major network and CW shows. She is perhaps best known for taking on the iconic superhero mantle as Ryan Wilder / Batwoman in The CW series Batwoman (2020–2022). Prior to that, she was a series regular on the CBS dramedy *God Friended Me*. Her experience in both drama and superhero action brings a versatile edge to the High Potential team.
• Relevant Entity: *Batwoman*, *Ryan Wilder*, *The CW*, *God Friended Me*, *CBS Dramedy*.

The High Potential Phenomenon: Why the Cast Works

The immediate and sustained popularity of High Potential is a testament to the show’s unique premise and the exceptional casting. The series is part of a growing trend of "deduction genre" procedurals, but it stands out because of its comedic core. The show’s creator, Drew Goddard, successfully adapted the essence of the original French hit, *HPI*, by grounding the high-concept premise with relatable, flawed characters.

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The casting of Kaitlin Olson was a brilliant move, challenging audience expectations. Known primarily for her extreme, physical comedy in *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, Olson’s turn as Morgan Gillory allows her to showcase a compelling blend of vulnerability, intelligence, and her signature irreverence. This tension—between Morgan's high IQ and her low emotional regulation—is the engine of the show.

• The Chemistry: The professional and personal friction between Olson's Morgan Gillory and Daniel Sunjata's Detective Karadec is the show's biggest strength. Sunjata's measured, dramatic performance creates the perfect straight line for Olson's comedic zig-zags. This "Odd Couple" dynamic is a classic trope that this cast revitalizes.
• The Topical Authority: The series has been a hit for ABC, demonstrating that well-executed adaptations of international formats can thrive on network television. The show's success has been noted for its record-breaking viewership increases in delayed viewing, signaling a dedicated and growing audience.

What to Expect from High Potential Season 2

The renewal for High Potential Season 2, which is set to air this December 2025, confirmed the return of the entire main cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Deniz Akdeniz, and Javicia Leslie. The biggest news surrounding the second season is the addition of Steve Howey as a series regular.

The producers have hinted that Season 2 will delve deeper into the characters' backstories, particularly Morgan's personal life and the mysteries surrounding her past, which are only briefly touched upon in the first season. The introduction of Howey's character, Nick Wagner, is expected to introduce a new dynamic to the precinct, potentially challenging Karadec’s leadership or forming an unexpected bond with Morgan. Fans can anticipate more complex cases, more of Morgan’s signature chaotic brilliance, and an evolution in the relationship between the police consultant and the detective who reluctantly relies on her. The show continues to be available for streaming on Hulu, making it easily accessible for viewers to catch up before the new season premiere.