During a recent appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, actress Kaitlin Olson shared some fascinating insights about her role in the hit comedy series “High Potential.” Known for her comedic brilliance, Olson revealed that she almost turned down the opportunity to star in the show.
The conversation began with O’Brien praising Olson for her incredible success in both “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Mick.” He highlighted how she has become a powerhouse in the comedy genre and expressed his curiosity about her decision to take on a non-comedic role in “High Potential.”
Olson explained that while her character in “High Potential” is undeniably funny, the show offers her a chance to portray a more grounded and human persona. She emphasized the contrast between her multifaceted character in “High Potential” and the larger-than-life roles she has played in the past.
Describing the premise of the show, Olson shared that her character is a hardworking woman with children who works as a nighttime cleaner in a police station bullpen. While going about her routine one night, she accidentally stumbles upon crucial evidence and decides to get involved in helping the police solve cases. Her character’s exceptional cleaning skills and natural intelligence contribute to her uncanny ability to decipher patterns and assist the police, albeit against their initial reluctance.
O’Brien commended the pilot episode of “High Potential,” expressing his belief that it successfully establishes the show’s premise and leaves viewers wanting more. Olson agreed, emphasizing the importance of creating a likable and compelling protagonist who would keep the audience invested and eager to unravel the mysterious elements introduced in the pilot.
Initially skeptical about joining a network show, Olson revealed that she was hesitant to work within the confines that network executives sometimes impose. She valued the creative freedom she experienced on FX and wanted to ensure that any new project she took on would offer a similarly fulfilling experience.
However, after reading the script for “High Potential,” Olson felt an instant connection to the character and the story. She credits the talent of writer Drew Gard, who penned the script, as well as the director Lethia Jones, for their contributions in capturing the essence of the show.
One aspect of the show that worried Olson was the inclusion of “Morgan Vision,” wherein her character experiences flashes of insights while solving crimes. Concerned about these scenes turning into clichéd reenactments, Olson expressed her reservations to Jones. However, she soon realized that Jones had a specific vision for these moments and executed them brilliantly, combining humor and significance seamlessly.
O’Brien playfully mentioned the concept of playing with “house money” in reference to Olson’s current point in her career. He suggested that she likely feels a sense of freedom and the ability to have fun with her roles because she has nothing to lose. Olson agreed, acknowledging that she is in a fortunate position of being able to walk away from projects that don’t meet her quality standards. She emphasized that it’s not a threat but rather her desire to only be involved in projects that she can make truly special.
The lighthearted conversation ended with O’Brien jokingly suggesting that Olson should abruptly leave the podcast and walk away from her TV show if it wasn’t up to her standards. Both O’Brien and Olson shared a laugh, highlighting their mutual admiration for each other’s work.
With Olson’s captivating portrayal and the promising premise of “High Potential,” it’s no wonder that viewers are eagerly anticipating the premiere of this intriguing new comedy series. Keep an eye out for its air date, as this show is bound to become another remarkable addition to Olson’s already impressive repertoire.
