High Potential Stars: Who’s Coming Back for Season 3 and Who’s Not
High Potential is set to return for a third season, but some familiar faces won’t be coming back following a surprising cast departure.
This popular ABC series, which debuted in September 2024, centers around Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a highly intelligent individual who collaborates with the LAPD to help solve homicide cases. Initially, Morgan partners with Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), who is doubtful about her skills but eventually comes to rely on her expertise.
Before the conclusion of season 2 in April 2026, it was announced that showrunner Todd Harthan would be leaving the show, originally created by Drew Goddard. Goddard wrote the pilot and was anticipated to handle executive production alongside Sarah Esberg, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, Pierre Laugier, Anthony Lancret, Jean Nainchrik, and Alethea Jones.
Thomas was initially slated to be the showrunner but stepped down in June 2024, a few months prior to the series premiere. Harthan was then appointed as the new showrunner and also took on the role of executive producer.
Harthan shared his vision for the series in an interview with Us Weekly in January 2026.
“It’s a pretty bumpy ride. We’re going to start unpacking some pretty intense things with Morgan, particularly regarding her connection to Roman,” he mentioned. “Expect various challenges for the kids at home. Things are going to get complicated — in the best ways possible to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.”
He added, “As we approach the later half of the second season, we aim to fill in the significant gaps and develop relationships further. Viewers will notice some intense dynamics developing between Steve Howey’s character and Captain Wagner, resulting in various dramatic situations. It’s our regular approach to keep things fresh and keep the audience guessing.”
The most significant cliffhanger remains whether Wagner (Steve Howey) is deceased or alive, given the actor’s exit from the series.
Continue reading to discover which High Potential cast members are slated to return for season 3:
Kaitlin Olson
It’s safe to say there’d be no High Potential without Morgan, so Kaitlin Olson is definitely back for season 3.
Daniel Sunjata
Karadec faced challenges in his love life during season 2, so anticipate how that will unfold on screen.
Javicia Leslie
Javicia Leslie’s character Daphne is back for more episodes of the hit ABC procedural.
Deniz Akdeniz
As Daphne tackles more cases, she will have her partner Oz supporting her.
Judy Reyes
Having juggled roles in Scrubs and season 2 of High Potential, it’s certain Judy Reyes will return as well.
Amirah J
Ava’s character is set to have a more significant role, especially after her missing father, Roman, made an appearance in the season 2 finale.
Matthew Lamb
Similarly, Morgan’s son, Elliot, is expected to play a pivotal role in season 3.
Steve Howey
Howey became a regular cast member in June 2025 with a one-year contract. His character faced a critical situation in the season 2 finale, and combined with the actor’s commitments to other projects, it creates uncertainty regarding Wagner’s fate.
Taran Killam
Taran Killam is anticipated to return as Morgan’s former partner in season 3.
Mekhi Phifer
Having joined in season 2 as a friend of Roman’s, it remains uncertain if Mekhi Phifer will be returning for the upcoming season.
