Susan Kelechi Watson, best known for her role as Beth Pearson on the hit drama This Is Us, is joining the cast of ABC’s High Potential. The actress will appear in a recurring role, playing a character connected to Detective Adam Karadec’s personal history. Her first episode is scheduled to air on January 27, 2026.
This casting news arrives in the middle of High Potential’s second season, which continues to follow the unique crime-solving partnership between genius single mom Morgan Gillory and the disciplined Detective Karadec. The show, starring Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata, has been a success for ABC since its premiere in September 2024.
The Character and Her First Episode
Watson will make her debut in the January 27 episode, which is titled “NPC.”. The official description for the episode sets up the case: “When a former esports champion is mysteriously murdered, both his gaming rival and a sushi chef are under suspicion. Time spent with Elliot unexpectedly provides Morgan with insights on the case. Karadec reconnects with a woman from his past.“.
Watson will play that woman. Her character is described as “wry, open-hearted, and independent. Always chasing whatโs next, not out of recklessness, but out of a real appetite for life. She follows her curiosity wherever it leads, whether thatโs a new city, a new flavor, or a new chapter.”.
While the character’s name has not been officially released, sources suggest she may be connected to Karadec’s past relationship history. In the show’s first season, Karadec mentioned a former fiancรฉe named Lucia, who ended their relationship because he was too dedicated to his job.
Showrunner Todd Harthan previously teased that a new character would arrive to “really shake things up, both personally and professionally” for Karadec. The arrival of Watson’s character promises to explore more of the detective’s life outside the police department.
A Look at Susan Kelechi Watson’s Career
Watson is celebrated for her six-season portrayal of Beth Pearson on NBC’s award-winning family drama This Is Us. Her performance as the strong, supportive wife to Sterling K. Brown’s Randall Pearson earned her critical praise and made her a beloved figure to television audiences.
Since This Is Us concluded, Watson has continued to work in television. Her recent credits include roles in Netflix’s The Residence and NBC’s Will Trent. Her return to a major network series in High Potential marks a notable addition to the show’s ensemble cast.
High Potential Season 2 Context and Dynamics
High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a cleaner with an exceptionally high IQ who becomes an unconventional consultant for the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division. Daniel Sunjata plays her partner, Detective Adam Karadec, a by-the-book officer whose methods often clash with Morgan’s intuitive style.
The second season, which premiered in September 2025, has begun to explore the growing personal connection between Morgan and Karadec. Executive producer Todd Harthan has discussed the “fine line” the show walks regarding their feelings, noting the complexity of their professional partnership.
Harthan told Us Weekly, “We do start to unpack a little bit of that as we move deeper into the season. For us, our approach is, you don’t know if it’s protection or jealousy. Is he worried about Morgan engaging in a relationship that could be dangerous or complicatedโฆ? Or is part of him starting to develop real feelings for her?”.
The introduction of a figure from Karadec’s past adds a new layer to this dynamic. It creates a potential romantic complication just as the show examines the bond between its two lead characters.
Also Read:
How to Watch the New Episode
Viewers can see Susan Kelechi Watson’s first appearance on High Potential on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The episode airs at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. For viewers who stream the show, new episodes are typically available on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.
High Potential airs new episodes weekly on Tuesday nights. The series is based on the French drama HPI (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel) and was adapted for American television by Drew Goddard.
Also Read: Paramount Files Lawsuit to See the Numbers Behind Warner Bros. and Netflix Deal
