Steve Howey Joins High Potential Season 2 as Series Regular

TV fans, buckle up. ABC’s hit crime dramedy High Potential just got a major shakeup, and it comes in the form of none other than Shameless alum Steve Howey. That’s right, the sharp-tongued actor with a flair for chaos and charm is officially joining the cast of High Potential as a series regular for Season 2. If you thought single mom genius Morgan Gillroy had her hands full solving crimes, wait until she has to deal with a slick new captain breathing down her neck.

So what does this casting mean for the series and why should you care? Glad you asked. We are breaking down everything you need to know about Steve Howey joining High Potential, what his role brings to the table, and how this might just be the spicy injection of drama and swagger the show needs to hit new heights.

Steve Howey Enters the Scene in Style

ABC confirmed on June 27, 2025, that Steve Howey will be stepping into the role of Captain Jesse Wagner, the new head honcho at the LAPD precinct. Described as “slick” and “strategic,” Wagner is not your standard procedural paper-pusher. He is politically savvy, always dressed like he’s heading to a GQ shoot, and is very much aware of his own charisma. Translation: he is the type of guy who knows he’s smarter than you and is not afraid to let you know it.

Captain Wagner is not just there to shake hands and delegate. He is a calculated disruptor, the kind of person who shows up to your crime-solving party with an agenda and a clipboard full of reforms. Naturally, this means he is going to ruffle some serious feathers, especially those of Morgan Gillroy, played with razor-sharp wit by Kaitlin Olson.

A New Dynamic for Season 2

High Potential wrapped up its first season with a solid run of 13 episodes, earning its place in ABC’s prime time Tuesday lineup. Kaitlin Olson’s portrayal of Morgan, a brilliant single mother turned crime consultant, struck a balance between heart and hilarity. But even the sharpest minds need a foil, and Captain Wagner is shaping up to be the perfect one.

Where Morgan leads with instinct and chaos, Wagner brings rules and optics. He is the type of character that will question her every move, undermine her offbeat methods, and probably still end up kind of liking her in the most infuriating way possible. The chemistry between Olson and Howey is expected to bring a whole new energy to the series, which is exactly what a sophomore season needs to avoid the dreaded second season slump.

Why Steve Howey is the Perfect Addition

Let’s face it, Steve Howey is not just a guy who shows up and delivers lines. He is a presence. Whether you remember him as the lovable meathead Kevin Ball from Shameless or the charming Van Montgomery on Reba, Howey knows how to steal a scene. He can deliver biting sarcasm with a smile and flip from comedic to dramatic without breaking a sweat.

Adding him to High Potential is a strategic move by ABC to bolster the show’s appeal. He brings in a built-in fanbase and the kind of unpredictable energy that makes for must-watch television. Plus, watching him go toe to toe with Kaitlin Olson is something we didn’t know we needed until now.

What Fans Can Expect in Season 2

Filming for Season 2 began in May 2025 and ABC has confirmed that it is eyeing a Fall 2025 premiere, most likely sticking to its cozy Tuesday 10 PM slot. With Howey onboard, viewers can expect more workplace drama, plenty of clever banter, and a whole lot of internal conflict that has nothing to do with actual criminals.

Captain Wagner is set to challenge the status quo at the precinct, pushing Morgan and her unconventional methods to the limit. We are talking new rules, new office politics, and probably a few scenes where someone throws their badge across a desk. It is going to be dramatic, messy, and highly entertaining.

The Bottom Line

Steve Howey joining High Potential as a series regular is the kind of casting news that actually makes you excited for a show’s return. He is not just a familiar face. He is a game changer. His arrival as Captain Jesse Wagner promises fresh tension, bigger stakes, and plenty of fireworks both comedic and dramatic.

If you are a fan of smart crime shows that do not take themselves too seriously, you are in for a treat this fall. High Potential Season 2 is about to level up in a big way and Steve Howey is leading the charge.

So mark your calendars, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready. The precinct is about to get a whole lot louder, a whole lot snarkier, and we are 100 percent here for it.

Want more updates on High Potential Season 2 and behind-the-scenes drama? Follow us and stay tuned. This ride is just getting started.