Kaitlin Olson demands High Potential filmed in Los Angeles to stay close to her family, making it clear that production outside her home city is not an option. Olson, acclaimed for her leading role and for revitalizing broadcast television, set firm boundaries for ABC’s break-out show during a recent panel in Los Angeles.
Olson’s Non-Negotiable Terms for Filming
The overwhelming success of High Potential’s first season has thrust Olson into the spotlight, with accolades pouring in for her performance. However, despite the show’s popularity, Olson was prepared to step away if shooting meant an extended time apart from her husband, Rob McElhenney, and their two children. Her priorities were clear from the start, as she recounted her conversation with producers:
“I said, ‘My kids live in L.A. and I’m not doing it unless it’s shot here,”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
This declaration drew enthusiastic support from the local audience attending ABC’s For Your Consideration panel, where many have witnessed a significant migration of television production away from Los Angeles in recent years.
Olson explained her outlook further:
“If I’m signing on to the show and I know who’s running it, I know who’s directing it, I know who created it, I know what I’m going to bring to it — it’s going to be successful,”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
“I’m not moving across the country for the entire year, so we’ll do it here or get someone else, respectfully.”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
Unexpected Opportunities and Character Connections
Known for her comedy work on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and for her notable appearances on Hacks, Olson admitted her surprise at being considered for a crime procedural. During the FYC panel, she shared her reaction along with creator Drew Goddard and showrunner Todd Harthan. Director Alethea Jones reflected:
“I remember getting the script and being like ‘They want me for a crime procedural?’”
—Alethea Jones, Director
Olson’s reply emphasized a shared sense of surprise and camaraderie between the creative team. Stepping into the role of Morgan Gillroy—a character who, like Olson, is a devoted parent, but who stands apart as a High Potential Individual with an extraordinary IQ—required Olson to draw from her own life, while simultaneously navigating the complexities of the character’s messiness at home and work.
Strategic Choices in Character Portrayal
Portraying Morgan as both brilliant and relatable was vital to avoid alienating fans. Olson outlined her sensitivity to audience perception:
“I just think my cringe meter is like very finely tuned,”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
“So anytime I’m starting to say something and I’m like ‘Ehhhhh, this isn’t coming out right. … It just feels wrong when I’m saying it out loud.’”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
Olson’s Preparation and Collaboration
Preparation for the challenging material demands a unique routine. Olson described her nightly practice, balancing work and family life:
“I sit in my trailer and I go over the scenes for the next day,”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
“I say it all in my voice notes, because I have to listen to it all the way home. This is a very hard show to memorize. I say it out loud, and as I’m saying it out loud things will usually pop up.”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
Her close and open relationship with showrunner Todd Harthan is another vital element of the show’s dynamic:
“It’s such a relief to be able to be completely honest with Todd,”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
“He’s open to it. There’s no ego, we both have the same goal which is to make the best show that we can.”
—Kaitlin Olson, Actress
The Impact of Olson’s Stand
By standing firm on her terms, Kaitlin Olson has not only ensured that High Potential will continue to be filmed in Los Angeles, but also highlighted broader concerns in the local television industry about talented productions moving elsewhere. Her insistence on keeping the production close to home aligned both her personal and professional values, affirming her dedication to her family while maintaining her commitment to an ambitious role. As the series looks ahead, Olson’s stance may influence future decisions by networks and stars about where to create television’s most-watched shows.
