ABC Will Delay High Potential Season 3 Until 2027
The network moved the series to a 2027 midseason premiere to ensure a consistent weekly broadcast schedule.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Television
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ABC has announced that the third season of its drama series High Potential will be delayed until 2027. The network opted to exclude the show from its fall 2026 schedule to facilitate a more continuous run.
Why it matters
By shifting the series to midseason, the network aims to eliminate the lengthy broadcast interruptions that often occur during traditional fall-to-spring television seasons.
The series previously averaged between 12 and 17 million viewers per episode. Season 1 comprised 13 episodes, while the second season expanded to 18 episodes.
The players
ABC
This is a major American commercial broadcast television network owned by the Disney Entertainment division of The Walt Disney Company.
Nora Zuckerman and Lilla Zuckerman
These creative partners are the new showrunners for the third season of the series.
Steve Howey
The actor played a key role in the series but will not return as a regular cast member for the third season.
The details
Production for the upcoming season is currently underway with new showrunners Nora Zuckerman and Lilla Zuckerman taking over for Todd Harthan. The narrative will specifically explore the aftermath of the stabbing of Captain Nick Wagner, though Steve Howey will not return as a series regular.
Timeline
The High Potential series originally premiered on ABC in 2024.
The show was excluded from the fall 2026 broadcast schedule.
Season 3 is slated to premiere in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This move reflects a broader shift in the television industry where networks prioritize uninterrupted runs over traditional fall launches to maintain audience engagement. Such scheduling changes are increasingly common as platforms fight for market share against evolving streaming patterns.
Viewers will have to wait until 2027 for the next season, though they can expect a more consistent weekly viewing experience once the show returns. The change means the series will skip the typical fall television cycle entirely.
The takeaway
The pivot to a midseason model highlights the network's focus on maximizing viewer retention by avoiding fragmented broadcast schedules. Fans should adjust their expectations for a 2027 return as the show undergoes both creative and structural changes.
Further reading
For more updates on current shows, visit the Television section.
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Do you prefer shows that air weekly without interruptions over those with mid-season breaks?
