The hit ABC drama High Potential is achieving something rare in television: its viewership numbers are climbing even when no new episodes are airing. The show’s second season, which premiered in September 2025, has shattered a 26-year record and is posting significant gains over its successful first year, proving that a well-told story can keep audiences engaged through a long hiatus.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
High Potential returned for its second season on September 16, 2025, and the audience response was immediate and massive. According to Nielsen data, the Season 2 premiere grew to 17.23 million multi-platform viewers after 35 days across ABC, Hulu, and Disney+. This figure represents a 17% increase over the series premiere from the previous year.
When two linear encore broadcasts of the premiere are included, the total viewership soars to approximately 21.48 million viewers. This growth is not just a one-time event for the premiere. The second season is averaging 12.38 million viewers per episode after seven days, a 19% increase over Season 1’s average. On linear television alone, the show’s viewership has jumped 25% from the previous fall.
The show’s performance has made it the top original broadcast series for adults aged 18-49. It even broke a record that had stood since the 1999-2000 season, becoming the first 10 p.m. ET drama to lead the fall broadcast rankings since the medical drama ER accomplished the feat 26 years ago.
The Strategy Behind the Midseason Hiatus
The midseason finale of High Potential aired on October 28, 2025, beginning a hiatus of more than two months. The series is scheduled to return with new episodes on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and will move to a new time slot at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
Such a long break is a common strategy for major network shows. Networks use these hiatuses to build anticipation, maintain high ratings over a longer period, and stretch an 18-episode season to last from fall into May. This scheduling helps keep a show in the public consciousness for more of the year. While fans on social media have expressed frustration with the wait, the show’s undeniable ratings strength confirms that the strategy is effective from a business perspective.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
The show’s success is built on a smart formula that balances weekly self-contained mysteries with a larger, ongoing story arc that keeps viewers invested in the characters’ lives. The series centers on Morgan Gillory, a single mom with a brilliant, unconventional mind who works as a consultant for the LAPD.
The first half of Season 2 left several compelling cliffhangers that ensure audiences will be eager for the show’s return. Morgan was removed from a major museum heist case by the new police chief, putting her partnership with Captain Nick Wagner on unstable ground. At the same time, the mystery surrounding her missing ex, Roman, deepened with the appearance of a mysterious man who seems connected to him.
Showrunner Todd Harthan has indicated that the second half of the season will shift some focus to Morgan’s sister, Ava. Her character will dive deeper into the search for answers, driving investigations and stirring up the family drama that gives the show its emotional edge.
Showrunner Todd Harthan says the second half of High Potential Season 2 shifts focus to Ava. She is diving into the search for answers, driving the investigation, and stirring up the family drama that gives the show its edge.
Another key to its resilience is its ability to draw an independent audience. While it has a strong lead-in from Dancing With the Stars, around 40% of its live audience tunes in from other sources, making it the top network drama at drawing its own crowd.
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What to Expect When the Show Returns
When High Potential returns on January 6, it will be part of a powerful Tuesday night lineup on ABC, sitting between Will Trent and The Rookie. The show’s track record and the unresolved drama have built significant anticipation for the midseason premiere. Fans can expect to see more of Ava’s investigative work and get new information about Morgan’s past and the disappearance of Roman. The show has also introduced new characters, like Steve Howey joining the cast as Captain Nick Wagner, promising fresh dynamics for the team.
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