High Potential renewed for season 3 with new showrunner after season 2 finale

© High Potential renewed for season 3 with new showrunner after season 2 finale

High Potential is back for season 3 with shocking changes behind the scenes. ABC officially renewed the hit procedural just hours after its season 2 finale aired tonight. But the show faces a major leadership transition as original showrunner Todd Harthan exits to pursue new opportunities.

 Quick Facts

Renewal Date: ABC announced season 3 renewal on March 5, 2026, weeks before season 2 concluded
New Showrunner Search: Todd Harthan departing to lead Disney+ live-action Eragon adaptation
Season 2 Finale: Episode titled “Family Tree” aired tonight with major cliffhanger involving Captain Wagner
Cast Status: Core cast staying, including Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Judy Reyes, and Javicia Leslie

ABC’s Top Crime Drama Gets Third Season Green Light

High Potential has emerged as one of ABC’s strongest performers, delivering consistent viewership across linear and streaming platforms. The network moved quickly to secure the series’ future, announcing the season 3 renewal on March 5 as part of its early slate of greenlights. This decision came well before the season 2 finale aired, signaling confidence in the show’s popularity and cultural impact.

The crime procedural, based on the popular French series HPI, has resonated with audiences nationwide. Starring Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a brilliant consultant with an IQ of 160 who transforms the LAPD Major Crimes division, the show blends procedural elements with character-driven storytelling that keeps viewers invested.

Todd Harthan Departs After Two Seasons as Showrunner

Despite the renewal excitement, High Potential faces a significant creative shake-up as Todd Harthan steps down from his showrunner role. Harthan, who has steered the series through its first two seasons, is departing to focus on the live-action Eragon adaptation for Disney+. He will serve as co-creator and co-showrunner alongside Todd Helbing on the ambitious Inheritance Cycle project.

Harthan pre

viously told outlets that the show would only get stronger heading into season 3. In a January 2026 interview, he stated the final episodes of season 2 would serve as “just as satisfying, if not even more exhilarating push-off into a potential Season 3.” He emphasized that the creative team would deliver even more personal, propulsive, and surprising storytelling than season 1.

Major Changes Ahead for Season 3 Creative Leadership

Element
Status

Showrunner Position
New hire TBA (Todd Harthan exiting)

Season 3 Premiere
Expected fall 2026 or 2027

Core Cast Returning
Olson, Sunjata, Reyes, Leslie, Akdeniz confirmed

Studio
20th Television (Disney)

The search for High Potential’s new showrunner is currently underway, with ABC and Disney Studios seeking leadership to guide the series forward. Harthan’s overall deal with 20th Television allows him to pursue the Eragon project while keeping the door open professionally with the studio.

Core cast members including Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Judy Reyes, Javicia Leslie, and Deniz Akdeniz are expected to return for season 3. However, there will be notable roster changes, particularly with Steve Howey’s departure as a series regular after his season 2 character cliffhanger.

Season 2 Finale Delivers Shocking Cliffhanger Tonight

The finale episode, titled “Family Tree,” wrapped tonight with a jaw-dropping moment involving Captain Nick Wagner. In the climactic scene, Morgan discovered Wagner gravely injured after a dangerous encounter connected to a federal investigation into her missing ex.

The ending suggests Wagner’s fate remains uncertain heading into season 3. According to reports, Steve Howey may return as a guest star early in the next season to resolve his character’s storyline, depending on the new showrunner’s creative decisions. His departure as a regular represents a significant shift for the ensemble after only one season in the role.

“What we’re plotting and planning, it has a different flavor than what we did last year, but I think it’s gonna be even more personal, even more propulsive, even more surprising than what we did in Season 1, because we’ve learned some things and the characters have gotten richer.”

— Todd Harthan, former showrunner (Deadline, January 2026)

What Lies Ahead for High Potential Season 3?

The renewal of High Potential for season 3 guarantees that Morgan Gillory and the Major Crimes unit will return to solve more complex cases. The show’s success reflects current viewer appetite for smart, character-driven crime procedurals that balance mystery-of-the-week formats with deep emotional arcs.

With a new showrunner incoming, season 3 promises fresh creative direction while maintaining the show’s core appeal. The Morgan and Wagner dynamic that developed late in season 2 will likely be a major storyline heading forward, though Howey’s reduced role creates uncertainty. Fans will be watching closely to see who takes over from Harthan and how they reshape the show’s trajectory for the 2026-27 television season.

Will High Potential Find Its New Showrunner Before Season 3 Production Starts?

The timeline for announcing High Potential’s replacement showrunner remains unclear, but the creative search is actively underway. Industry insiders expect news within the coming weeks as ABC and production teams move forward. The new showrunner will inherit a beloved series with loyal viewers, critical acclaim, and strong performance metrics across multiple platforms including Hulu and Disney+.

Executive producers include creator Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg of Goddard Textiles, and Kaitlin Olson as producer. Their involvement suggests continuity in vision despite the showrunner transition. With the cast largely intact and network support solid, High Potential season 3 appears poised for success whenever production begins.

Sources

Deadline – Season 3 renewal announcement and Todd Harthan departure
People Magazine – Cast information and season 3 speculation
Deadline – Steve Howey departure and season 2 finale details