Kaitlin Olson, a familiar face to millions as the irreverent and hilarious Dee Reynolds from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," is currently trending with over 1000+ searches, and for good reason. Olson is taking on a new, more dramatic role in the ABC crime drama High Potential, which has drawn significant attention from fans and critics alike. This shift in her career marks a pivotal moment as Olson steps out from her comedic roots and into the headlining role of a procedural series that could redefine her on-screen persona.
Why is Kaitlin Olson Trending?
Kaitlin Olson's trending status can be attributed to her starring role in High Potential. A crime drama that blends elements of mystery, comedy, and character-driven storytelling, the show has already been compared to iconic series such as House, Lost, and Alias by its executive producers. Olson’s performance in the series has garnered praise for demonstrating her versatility as an actress, far beyond her established role in the long-running hit sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Moreover, High Potential has been positioned as a potential successor to other popular network procedural dramas, with some even suggesting that it could replace shows like So Help Me Todd in terms of audience appeal. As Olson continues to receive critical acclaim for her role in the series, her name has been trending across social media platforms and search engines, with fans eager to see how she tackles this new challenge in her career.
From 'Always Sunny' to 'High Potential'
For nearly two decades, Olson has been synonymous with the wildly successful and boundary-pushing It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. However, her role as Dee Reynolds—a crass, self-absorbed bartender—has often limited public perceptions of her acting range. That's why High Potential marks such a significant shift for the actress.
In the new ABC procedural, Olson plays Morgan, a single mother with an exceptional talent for solving crimes due to her high intellect and keen observational skills. The character is a far cry from the outlandish and often ridiculous Dee Reynolds, allowing Olson to showcase her ability to balance drama with subtle humor.
According to the executive producers of High Potential, the show aims to combine elements from beloved series such as Lost, Alias, and House Forbes. Like House, the show features a brilliant yet unconventional protagonist who solves complex problems—in this case, crimes. Add in the emotional depth and character development seen in Alias and the narrative twists of Lost, and High Potential is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of both procedural and serialized dramas.
A New Chapter in Olson’s Career
Olson's transition into a dramatic lead role has been met with enthusiasm. In a review from Collider, Olson is praised for stepping out of the shadow of her Always Sunny character. The article notes that Olson’s portrayal of Morgan is captivating and highlights her ability to blend comedic timing with emotional depth. This balance is crucial for the show, as it not only delves into the intricacies of solving crimes but also explores the personal and emotional challenges faced by its protagonist.
The procedural genre often hinges on the strength of its lead character. In High Potential, Olson’s nuanced performance as a brilliant yet quirky crime-solver has drawn comparisons to Hugh Laurie’s iconic portrayal of Dr. Gregory House. However, unlike House, High Potential gives Olson the space to explore her character's personal life, including her relationship with her child and the challenges of being a single parent while dealing with high-stakes situations.
A Potential Successor to 'So Help Me Todd'
As TV networks continuously seek to fill programming gaps, High Potential has been positioned by some as the perfect follow-up to shows like So Help Me Todd. According to an article from Screen Rant, High Potential offers a similar blend of crime, wit, and character-driven drama that made So Help Me Todd popular. The show’s unique premise—centering on a brilliant amateur crime-solver—adds a fresh twist to the procedural genre, potentially making it a standout option for viewers looking for something new in the crime drama landscape.
For Olson, this new role represents more than just another acting gig—it’s a chance to redefine her career. If High Potential continues to draw positive reviews and high viewership, it could become a flagship series for ABC, with Olson at the helm.
Conclusion
Kaitlin Olson is quickly becoming one of the most buzzworthy names in television, thanks to her standout performance in High Potential. The show is already receiving comparisons to some of television’s most iconic series, and Olson's portrayal of the intelligent and quirky Morgan is a breath of fresh air in the procedural genre. As Olson continues to trend, it’s clear that her career is evolving, and fans of both comedy and drama are eagerly watching to see where her new role will take her.
With High Potential shaping up to be one of the most exciting new series on television, it’s safe to say that Olson has successfully "stepped out of the shadow" of her Always Sunny character, and is now poised to become a leading figure in the world of TV drama.