Susan Kelechi Watson Joins High Potential Season 2—and Yes, Things Are About to Get Complicated

ABC’s High Potential is heading into Season 2 with momentum, confidence, and now, a very welcome dose of Susan Kelechi Watson. The beloved This Is Us alum has officially joined the cast, and her arrival signals that the network drama is ready to dig deeper into its emotional toolbox while still keeping its clever, case-of-the-week swagger intact.

Watson is set to recur in High Potential Season 2 as a woman from Detective Karadec’s past and if TV history has taught us anything, it’s that “someone from the past” is never just passing through. Her character is described as smart, open-hearted, curious, and independent, traits that already make her a natural fit for the show’s sharp, character-driven storytelling. More importantly, she’s poised to shake up Karadec’s personal life in ways that feel organic rather than soap-y, which is no small feat in network television.

High Potential, which centers on Kaitlin Olson’s brilliant but unconventional Morgan, found its groove quickly by blending light procedural elements with genuine emotional stakes. Watson has a proven ability to ground big emotions with warmth and wit and her presence suggests Season 2 is interested in raising the interpersonal stakes without losing its playful edge.

According to early details, Watson’s first appearance will land in the January 27 episode titled “NPC,” and her arc will unfold over multiple episodes. That recurring status is key as it gives the writers room to explore her history with Karadec (played by Daniel Sunjata) while letting the character breathe beyond a single dramatic reveal. For fans, it also means the potential for layered storytelling rather than a quick nostalgia hit.

From our perspective, this casting works because it understands what High Potential does best: smart characters, emotional undercurrents and just enough messiness to keep things interesting. Watson reframes scenes by bringing a nuance that can turn a routine procedural moment into something memorable.

As High Potential Season 2 gears up and continues to balance heart, humor and storytelling, this could be the season where it truly levels up. And honestly? We’re ready for the complications.