Kaitlin Olson: High Potential & Neurodiversity in TV
- As High Potential gears up for its second season, viewers anticipate resolutions to the first season's cliffhangers, including the identity of the enigmatic Game Master.However, a primary draw...
- While shows like Limitless frequently enough exaggerate high IQ as a superpower,high Potential acknowledges the challenges that accompany exceptional intelligence.
- Olson's commitment to portraying multifaceted characters has earned her widespread acclaim, including Emmy buzz for her role in High Potential.
Dive into the world of “High Potential” with Kaitlin Olson as we explore the complexities of neurodivergence in television. Olson provides essential insights on portraying Morgan’s character, highlighting both her immense high IQ and the challenges associated with it, moving away from simplistic tropes. This piece delves into authentic depiction, discussing the importance of depicting multifaceted characters, challenging misconceptions, and showcasing the struggles and strengths within the neurodivergent experience. Learn how High Potential challenges stereotypes.News Directory 3 examines the series’ critical perspectives. Discover what’s next for Morgan and her portrayal in the upcoming seasons.
Kaitlin Olson Discusses Nuances of Neurodivergence in ‘High Potential’
Updated June 15, 2025
As High Potential gears up for its second season, viewers anticipate resolutions to the first season’s cliffhangers, including the identity of the enigmatic Game Master.However, a primary draw remains Kaitlin Olson’s portrayal of Morgan, the brilliant but flawed police consultant. olson recently shared her insights into depicting a character whose neurodivergent traits are frequently enough misunderstood on television.
While shows like Limitless frequently enough exaggerate high IQ as a superpower,high Potential acknowledges the challenges that accompany exceptional intelligence. olson told Deadline that she finds it more compelling to portray Morgan’s imperfections and mistakes, rather than solely focusing on her successes.
It’s so much more interesting to me to have a person who is not perfect and who’s still trying to figure it out and who makes mistakes. So, I want her to make personal life mistakes. I want her to make professional mistakes as well, but be really convinced that she’s right, but be wrong. I mean, also it just would get boring if you just are like, OK, well, Morgan’s going to figure it out. You know what I mean? You want to surprise people and you don’t want to do the same thing over and over.
Olson’s commitment to portraying multifaceted characters has earned her widespread acclaim, including Emmy buzz for her role in High Potential. She aims to maintain this nuanced approach as Morgan’s story unfolds in future seasons.
Exploring Neurodivergence on TV
Olson emphasizes the importance of representing neurodivergent characters accurately, moving beyond stereotypes. She notes that while shows like The Big Bang Theory feature intelligent characters, they often lack realism. Bringing Morgan to the screen allows for a more authentic portrayal of the challenges and strengths associated with neurodivergence and high IQ.
I don’t know how much it’s been explored on TV. Someone with an incredibly high IQ like that, I believe that’s classified as a neurodivergent brain, and there are so many people in the world who are neurodivergent in some way.I think most of the world looks at that and thinks of that as a disorder, and it’s upsetting and it’s bad, but oh, if you’re super smart, it must be really great. And that’s not necessarily the case.
Olson appreciates that High Potential showcases both Morgan’s exceptional abilities and her struggles, highlighting the anxiety that can arise from the unknown. She also addresses the negativity that neurodivergent individuals often face, both internally and externally.
There’s a lot that goes on in there,and I’m sure it can be very lonely and people can feel very misunderstood,and people who aren’t as intelligent or don’t have a crazy- high IQ can maybe be jealous of that and lash out,and their way of feeling good about themselves is putting those people down.
Olson points out that assumptions about intelligent people are similar to those made about wealthy or attractive individuals. She stresses the importance of portraying Morgan as a well-rounded human being, not just a “smart person in short skirts.”
Looking ahead, Olson hopes Season 2 will explore the challenges faced by Morgan’s son, Elliot, as a high-IQ student, contrasting his experiences with those of his sister, Ava.
What’s next
While the romantic prospects between Morgan and Karadec remain uncertain, fans can revisit Season 1 of High Potential on Hulu or Disney+ while awaiting the show’s return.