High Potential fans are in for a rude surprise as the show is heading into an extended break much earlier than they may like.
The fall TV season is fully underway, with some networks waiting longer than others to get programs out there. CBS, for example, only just started its primetime schedule in mid-October, while other networks held off shows for a bit such NBC with the One Chicago series.
High Potential is an exception as the second season of the hit procedural drama premiered on Tuesday, Sept. 16 on ABC. It just aired episode 6 on Tuesday, Oct. 21 and episode 7 is coming on Tuesday, Oct. 28. That should pave the way for another run for the November sweeps ,but instead, the show is going on an extended break.
When does High Potential take a break?
The Tuesday, Oct. 28 episode is being promoted as the “fall finale,” meaning the series will be going on a break for the rest of 2025. Tuesday, Nov. 4 will have the timeslot filled by a repeat of the Step Into the Movies special, following Dancing With the Stars, with the rest of the schedule yet to be announced.
We don’t know the exact date for High Potential to return, as it probably won’t be until January 2026. That extended break may be disappointing to fans, but there are good reasons for it.
Why is High Potential taking a long break so soon?
It seems odd for a major hit show to take off the entire November sweeps period, usually a prime time for shows to build on their audience. Being off for the rest of the year also seems strange, but there are several logistical reasons for it.
First of all, High Potential is only expected to have 18 episodes this season due to the busy schedule of star Kaitlin Olson, who also stars on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Hacks. So the series won’t have as many episodes to fill out the schedule, necessitating holding some back.
Also, ABC is expecting to give us a Tuesday crime block in 2026, as Potential will be paired with the returns of The Rookie and Will Trent. Both of those shows are expected to air their seasons uninterrupted. Thus, having more original episodes of High Potential to work with that block fits and will help the show out in the ratings.
The series has won more acclaim in its second season with the storylines, especially Morgan trying to find out the truth about her missing ex Roman. The mysteries remain fun and the supporting characters are getting more of a spotlight to aid the audience checking in.
True, it’s a major annoyance that just as season 2 was hitting a good groove, the series is taking a break of several months. The fall finale likely sets up some big cliffhanger to tide fans over, and thankfully, it will be coming back eventually, so fans will have lots of “high” expectations when the hiatus is over.
High Potential airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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