The winter premiere of High Potential is over, and the next case is already waiting. After the two-part art heist story, the show returns to a gripping new mystery. Episode 9, titled “Under the Rug,” brings a major new case for Morgan and Karadec. It will air on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 on ABC. The show has moved to a new, earlier timeslot, airing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (8:00 p.m. CT). If you miss the live broadcast, the episode will be available for streaming the next day, Wednesday, January 14, on Hulu. This new episode promises a major investigation that forces an LAPD-FBI partnership, alongside a sweet personal story for Morgan’s son Elliott.
Key Details for High Potential Season 2 Episode 9
Before getting into the story, here is the essential information you need to watch.
- Episode Title: Under the Rug
- Release Date (ABC): Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Broadcast Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time / Pacific Time (8:00 p.m. Central Time)
- Streaming Release (Hulu): Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Main Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Judy Reyes, Matthew Lamb, Steve Howey
- Guest Stars: Steve Guttenberg, Domenick Lombardozzi, Melanie Liburd
What Happened in the Midseason Premiere (Episode 8)
To understand where the story is going, it helps to know where it left off. Episode 8, “The One That Got Away: Part Two,” resolved the art theft mystery from the fall finale. Morgan’s new romantic interest, art consultant Rhys, was revealed to have stolen a valuable Rembrandt painting. However, he did not steal it from the museum. He took it from an insurance fraudster who had falsely claimed it was lost decades ago. Rhys then returned the artwork to its original, rightful owners.
Morgan decided to let Rhys go free. Showrunner Todd Harthan explained this choice, highlighting Morgan’s unique moral code.
“I think that in this instance, maybe not for law enforcement, but for Morgan, who doesn’t carry a badge or a gun, she was able to reconcile letting him go… I don’t think she thinks that a guy like Rhys is a danger to society,” Harthan said.
Meanwhile, the larger mystery surrounding Morgan’s missing ex-husband, Roman, took a dangerous turn. Arthur, a key figure connected to Roman’s past, was cooperating with Lieutenant Soto. On his way to meet her at the precinct and share more information, he was seemingly kidnapped. Harthan hinted this storyline is far from over, suggesting “surprising twists and turns” are ahead and that actor Mekhi Phifer will remain part of the show.
The Full Plot for Episode 9 “Under the Rug”
Episode 9 shifts focus to a brand-new, high-stakes case. The official description states that Morgan and Karadec will “investigate the mysterious death of a hitman in a car crash”. Their investigation uncovers details so significant that they force the LAPD and the FBI to partner on the case. This inter-agency collaboration often creates tension on crime shows, as different protocols and egos clash, promising fresh dynamics for the team.
While the main detectives work the case, a personal storyline will unfold at home. Morgan’s son, Elliott, “tries to rekindle romance for his parents”. This likely refers to Elliott attempting to get his mother, Morgan, and his father, Ludo (played by Taran Killam), back together, adding a layer of heartfelt family drama to the intense crime plot.
Where to Watch Episode 9 Online and On TV
High Potential airs first on the ABC television network. You can watch it live with a traditional cable or satellite subscription. For viewers who have cut the cord, the episode can be watched live through any live TV streaming service that includes ABC in its local channel lineup. These services include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM. Most of these platforms offer free trial periods for new subscribers.
If you cannot watch live, the episode will be available for on-demand streaming the very next day. Hulu is the official streaming home for High Potential. Episode 9 is scheduled to drop on Hulu on Wednesday, January 14. You can watch it there with a standard Hulu subscription. Episodes from the entire series, including all of Season 2 so far, are also available on the platform.
The Returning Cast and New Guest Stars
The entire main cast returns for this episode. Kaitlin Olson leads as the brilliant civilian consultant Morgan. Daniel Sunjata is back as her by-the-book partner, Detective Adam Karadec. The rest of the Major Crimes team includes Javicia Leslie as Daphne, Deniz Akdeniz as Lev “Oz” Ozdil, and Judy Reyes as Lieutenant Selena Soto. Matthew Lamb plays Morgan’s son Elliott, and Steve Howey continues his role as the new precinct captain, Nick Wagner.
Episode 9 also features notable guest stars. Steve Guttenberg, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Melanie Liburd are set to appear. While their specific roles are not detailed, their involvement suggests they will be part of the complex hitman investigation or the ensuing FBI partnership.
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The Show’s Return from Hiatus and Season Schedule
High Potential just returned from a winter hiatus of over two months. The show went on break after Episode 7 aired on October 28, 2025. It came back with Episode 8 on January 6, 2026, which served as the midseason premiere. The return also brought a schedule change. For its first season and the start of Season 2, the show aired at 10:00 p.m. ET. Now, it has moved to the 9:00 p.m. ET slot.
Season 2 is planned for a total of 18 episodes. With Episode 9 airing on January 13, several more episodes are scheduled to follow throughout the winter and early spring.
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