Starting a new show in this day and age is always a hassle. We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: we’re tired of cancelations, and we get why viewers are hesitant to watch new shows when attachment could lead to heartbreak. Still, for those willing to add one more thing to their lists, ABC’s High Potential is the best new drama on network television right now.
With an intriguing premise, fan-favorite actors, and loads of potential—no pun intended—there’s a good chance the series will grip you right from the start. While most dramas take at least two or three episodes to find their footing, High Potential gets it right from the beginning.
1. ABC’s High Potential Has an Interesting Premise
If you’re anything like me and you love procedurals that focus on detectives, then the premise for ABC’s High Potential will surely intrigue you, too. There’s a reason critics are comparing it to Castle. The series follows a gifted woman who accidentally finds herself becoming a homicide consultant, and with the new job, she’s also looking for a missing person.
In order to keep this spoiler-free and allow viewers to see the unraveling themselves, I won’t say much other than it’s thoroughly entertaining. While the concept isn’t revolutionary or novel, it’s still gripping from the start, making it easy to invest in the characters and their arcs.
2. The Performances Are Great
Slight spoiler here, but as someone who watched Daniel Sunjata in Graceland, it’s so nice to see him in a role like this where I can be confident his character is trustworthy. But that’s not all; the series also stars Kaitlin Olson, Judy Reyes, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Taran Killam, Amirah J, Matthew Lamb and more, with each actor bringing something incredible to the role.
Some of the best performances don’t get nominated for any awards, but they take place on network television, and this is a hill I’ll scream from to the end of time. Every actor on ABC’s High Potential is perfectly cast for the role, and whether this is your first introduction to them or not, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate what they bring to the six episodes we have so far. (At the time this article is published.)
3. The Characters Are Intriguing
Now, a good performer is one thing, but a flat character is another, and everyone is thankfully great in this series. We still have a lot to learn about these characters, but what we have so far makes it easy to see traits in them that are both riveting and complex. With more seasons and a great team of writers, each of them can be fleshed out even more, bringing to our screens something special week after week.
So far, there’s not a single character who feels out of place or whose involvement in the show feels temporary. I already want them all to be in the series forever, please and thank you.
4. There Might Be a Romance?!
I write “might,” but there’s no way that a relationship won’t start with Morgan Gillory and Adam Karadec. The chemistry is too palpable, and their banter has all the markings of a great romance not to become a thing. We have teeny tiny moments so far that make it obvious the characters are growing to care for each other in more ways than they thought they would, and their effortless (albeit awkward) comfort with each other makes it easy to see that they could bring out the best in one another.
Shows like ABC’s High Potential thrive when they have a good romantic relationship for fans to root for, and people are already fully invested in what we can see between Karadec and Morgan. It could be a deliciously perfect slow burn, and I’ll be here for it.
5. The Dynamics Feel Cozy
Workplace dramas and comedies often have a way of exuding coziness, even when the premise might not be ideal. On paper, working for the Parks and Recreation department doesn’t sound that entertaining, but Michael Schur gives us all a new dream with the hit comedy. The same can be said about High Potential. No, murder isn’t even a little cozy, but the character dynamics and the vibes feel comforting.
Between the little moments we get with Morgan and her kids, and then later with characters at the office, it’s lovely to know that these people will constantly look out for each other. There’s something special at the forefront of each narrative that allows us to care about all the relationships. Platonic and romantic, I wouldn’t mind being in an office with these people, even though they might irritate me at times. In other words, as the kids these days say, it passes the vibe check.
High Potential is now streaming on Hulu.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Pamela Littky)