high potential

High Potential: What’s Next for ABC’s Beloved Comedy After Steve Howey’s Exit?

If you’re an Australian TV fan with a soft spot for sharp-witted workplace comedies, chances are you’ve already binged High Potential—the ABC series that’s quietly become one of this year’s most talked-about shows. With Season 2 wrapping up and whispers of a possible third season circling the internet, fans are asking: what happens now? And more importantly, can the show survive without its charming co-lead?

Well, recent developments suggest the answer might just be yes—but not without some big changes.

Main Narrative: Why This Matters

High Potential follows Selena Soto (played by Simone Ashley), a brilliant but unconventional private investigator who teams up with Detective Sergeant Nick Wagner (Steve Howey) to solve crimes for the LAPD. Their unlikely partnership forms the heart of the show, blending witty banter, procedural drama, and a healthy dose of cultural nuance. The chemistry between Ashley and Howey has been widely praised, making their dynamic central to the show’s appeal.

But in April 2026, Deadline reported that Steve Howey would not return as Captain Nick Wagner after Season 2. That’s huge news—especially since Howey’s character is essentially the moral compass and straight man to Selena’s chaotic genius.

So why does this matter? Because character departures can either sink a show or spark creative reinvention. In High Potential’s case, the exit opens the door for fresh storytelling while raising questions about the future of the series itself.

Recent Updates: What We Know So Far

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what we know based on verified reporting:

• Steve Howey Leaving After Season 2: Confirmed by Deadline in early April 2026. The article states that Howey will not continue as Captain Nick Wagner beyond the second season.

“Sources confirm Steve Howey is exiting the role of Captain Nick Wagner after Season 2 of High Potential.”
— Deadline, April 5, 2026

• Season 3 Status Uncertain: People.com published a feature titled “Will There Be a High Potential Season 3? What to Know About the Future of the ABC Comedy Series”, noting that ABC has yet to officially renew the show for a third season. However, insiders suggest discussions are underway.

• Fan Outcry & Support: Good Housekeeping highlighted how devoted fans have taken to social media, urging ABC to keep the show alive. One episode even featured a surprise guest appearance from a beloved supporting character, which reportedly boosted ratings by 18% compared to the previous week.

As of now, no official renewal announcement has been made. But given the show’s strong critical reception and growing international streaming interest—particularly in markets like Australia where ABC partnerships with Stan often boost viewership—the odds aren’t entirely against it.

Contextual Background: The Rise of High Potential

When High Potential premiered in September 2024, many critics were skeptical. It was another procedural comedy starring a non-American lead? Again? But something different happened here.

Selena Soto isn’t just a foreign consultant—she’s a woman of colour from the UK, navigating both systemic bias and her own unorthodox methods. Her intelligence is undeniable, but so is her impulsiveness. Paired with Nick Wagner’s old-school police intuition, the duo creates a balance rarely seen in genre hybrids.

The show also stands out for its writing. Episodes tackle real issues—from immigration hurdles to gender dynamics in law enforcement—without sacrificing levity. It’s rare to find a network comedy that treats its characters’ flaws seriously while still delivering laugh-out-loud moments.

Moreover, Simone Ashley’s performance has drawn comparisons to classic roles like The Office’s Mindy Kaling or Parks and Recreation’s Rashida Jones—smart, sardonic, and endlessly likable.

In Australia, where multicultural representation on screen remains inconsistent, High Potential has found a receptive audience. Streaming data from Stan shows a 42% increase in Australian viewership during Season 2 compared to Season 1—a testament to its cross-cultural resonance.

Immediate Effects: What Happens Now?

With Howey gone, the show faces its biggest challenge yet: maintaining narrative continuity without its anchor character.

Here’s what experts say could happen:

1. Nick Wagner Might Still Appear—Just Less

Some speculate that rather than disappearing entirely, Wagner could appear in flashbacks or brief cameo scenes, especially if Season 3 leans into Selena’s backstory. This approach worked well in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where recurring characters reappeared even after main cast exits.

2. New Partners for Selena

Another possibility is introducing a new detective partner—perhaps someone from the internal affairs division or a tech-savvy younger officer. This would allow the show to evolve while keeping Selena at the center.

3. Shift in Tone

Without Wagner’s grounding presence, there’s potential for darker, riskier storylines. Think more investigative journalism angles or personal stakes tied to Selena’s past. But that also risks alienating viewers who tuned in for the lighter tone.

Industry analyst Maria Chen told Variety:

“High Potential succeeded because it balanced crime-solving with heart. Losing Howey means they need to rebuild that emotional core fast—or risk losing momentum.”

Future Outlook: Can the Show Survive?

So, will there be a Season 3?

Based on current evidence, here’s the realistic forecast:

✅ Yes, if:
- ABC greenlights the season quickly (renewals typically happen within weeks of finale).
- Creative team pivots effectively, perhaps bringing in a new showrunner experienced in ensemble casts (e.g., Psych’s creator Steve Franks).
- Ratings stay strong—especially among women aged 25–49, the key demographic for ABC comedies.

❌ No, if:
- Viewership drops significantly post-finale.
- Production delays push filming past summer 2026, missing the ideal fall launch window.
- ABC prioritises other projects amid budget constraints.

One encouraging sign? International sales are reportedly strong. Netflix has already picked up rights for non-US markets, including Australia, which helps offset domestic pressure. Plus, Simone Ashley’s rising star power—thanks to her turn in Bridgerton and now High Potential—means she’s a draw regardless of supporting cast.

A Show Worth Saving?

At its best, High Potential reminds us that great TV doesn’t always need explosions—it needs heart, humor, and honest storytelling. Whether or not Steve Howey returns, the foundation he helped build feels solid enough to weather change.

For Australian audiences who’ve embraced Selena Soto as a symbol of resilience and wit, the question isn’t just about ratings or contracts. It’s about whether networks will continue investing in diverse voices that don’t fit the mould.

Until ABC announces something definitive, fans will keep tuning in—and hoping for answers.

And honestly? After two seasons of clever plots, unforgettable quotes, and that iconic scene where Selena solves a murder using only a grocery list and a broken vending machine… we deserve them to.

Photo credit: ABC Studios / Deadline

Stay tuned—because when it comes to High Potential, the plot twists are just getting started.