High Potential Christian Review

TV has a way of lulling us into comfort zones, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need. Enter High Potential, a show that on the surface may seem like yet another network procedural. You know, the kind where you can guess what’s coming next. A quirky lead, a puzzle to solve, and by the end of the episode, things are neatly wrapped up with a bow. Sounds like a rehash of a hundred shows before it, right? Maybe, but here’s the twist: it works. And it works well, thanks largely to Kaitlin Olson, whose vibrant performance takes a standard formula and gives it just enough sparkle to make it feel new.

Now, I’m not saying this is groundbreaking television. It’s not. But sometimes, as Christians and viewers in general, we don’t always need something earth-shattering. We’re not always in the mood for deep existential questions or intense drama. Sometimes, we just want to watch something that makes us smile, lets us relax, and maybe leaves us feeling a little lighter afterward. That’s where High Potential hits its sweet spot. It’s familiar but still fun, predictable but comforting.

Kaitlin Olson Steals the Show

If you’ve seen It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you probably know Kaitlin Olson as Dee, a character whose sharp humor and over-the-top antics made her stand out in that ensemble cast. In High Potential, she brings that same energy but tones it down just enough to be more approachable. Her character, Morgan, is the kind of lead who’s quirky but not overbearing. She’s hyper-intelligent, often the smartest person in the room, but doesn’t come off as arrogant. There’s a joy in how she approaches her work, and you can tell Olson is having fun playing this role.

That sense of joy is contagious. It’s not often that you watch a procedural and feel like the actors are genuinely enjoying themselves, but Olson pulls it off. It’s refreshing, in a way, because so much of TV these days leans into darkness and cynicism. Here, you get a character who’s smart, capable, and kind of goofy, all at the same time. It’s a reminder that there’s value in approaching life—and work—with joy, something the Bible encourages us to do. Colossians 3:23 talks about doing everything “as working for the Lord,” with a cheerful heart, and while this isn’t a faith-based show, Olson’s performance radiates that same kind of enthusiasm.

Familiar Territory, But That’s the Point

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. High Potential doesn’t break new ground. The formula is tried and true: a brilliant but unconventional detective solving mysteries with the help of a more grounded partner. It’s a trope we’ve seen in Castle and a dozen other procedurals, and if you’ve watched enough TV, you’ll probably see where the plot is headed before the characters do.

And you know what? That’s okay. There’s something comforting about that predictability. In a world where everything feels uncertain, where every day seems to bring new challenges and chaos, it’s nice to settle into a show where you know what to expect. You know that by the end of each episode, the case will be solved, justice will be served, and the world will make sense again, if only for 42 minutes. It’s a bit like watching The Andy Griffith Show after a tough day—sure, you know Andy’s going to solve the problem, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

As Christians, we’re not strangers to the value of stability. The Bible speaks of God as our rock, our refuge, the one thing that never changes in a constantly shifting world (Psalm 18:2). Shows like High Potential, while not explicitly Christian, echo that desire for order and resolution. We know the world is more complicated than TV makes it out to be, but there’s still a simple pleasure in watching good triumph over evil, even if it’s fictional.

Balancing Humor and Heart

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its ability to balance humor with heart. Olson’s Morgan is funny—sometimes laugh-out-loud funny—but the show doesn’t lean too heavily on the humor at the expense of character development. There’s a real warmth to the relationships between the characters, especially between Morgan and her partner, played by Judy Reyes. It’s the kind of dynamic that feels genuine, like these characters really care about each other, and that adds an extra layer of depth to the show.

In a way, the relationships on High Potential reflect a core aspect of Christian living: community. We’re called to bear one another’s burdens, to encourage and support each other (Galatians 6:2). While the show is light on overtly spiritual themes, it quietly underscores the importance of having people around you who have your back, people who bring out the best in you. It’s a reminder that even the most brilliant minds, like Morgan’s, still need support from others to succeed.

Not Without Its Flaws

Of course, no show is perfect, and High Potential has its shortcomings. For one, it leans a little too heavily on Olson’s charm in the early episodes. At times, it feels like the writers are relying on her to carry the show, and the supporting characters aren’t quite as fleshed out as they could be. There’s also a tendency for the show to fall into the trap of making Morgan too perfect—she’s often the one solving all the problems, which can make the other characters feel a bit like sidekicks rather than equal partners.

That said, these flaws aren’t deal-breakers. As the series progresses, the writers seem to find a better balance, giving the supporting cast more to do and allowing the show to feel more like an ensemble piece. And while the procedural formula is familiar, the writing is sharp enough that it doesn’t feel stale. The cases are interesting, and there’s a good mix of humor, mystery, and character moments to keep things engaging.

Should You Watch It?

So, is High Potential worth your time? If you’re looking for something light, funny, and enjoyable, then yes, absolutely. It’s not a show that’s going to change your life or make you rethink your faith, but not everything needs to. Sometimes, we just need a break from the intensity of life, and High Potential delivers that in spades. It’s clean, it’s fun, and it offers a glimpse of the kind of joy and enthusiasm we’re called to bring into our own lives.

In a television landscape filled with dark dramas and heavy themes, High Potential is a breath of fresh air. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a reminder that joy, humor, and community are still worth celebrating, even in the midst of a world that often feels anything but joyful. For that reason alone, it’s worth a watch.