Why High Potential Is the Must-Watch ABC Cop Show Over The Rookie S7

Introduction

Let’s talk about ABC’s police procedurals. The Rookie season 7, which wrapped up on May 13, 2025, left a lot of fans frustrated. From mishandled character arcs to predictable finales, it didn’t live up to its early seasons’ charm. Meanwhile, High Potential, a new show that premiered in 2024, has been stealing the spotlight. Starring Kaitlin Olson as a single mom with a genius-level IQ solving crimes, it’s been a breath of fresh air. Why does this matter? If you’re a fan of cop dramas, you want a show that keeps you hooked, not one that feels like it’s coasting. High Potential’s early season 2 renewal and record-breaking viewership (one of ABC’s most-watched shows of 2024-2025) prove it’s doing something right. Let’s break down why High Potential is the better pick and what The Rookie season 7 got wrong.

Why The Rookie Season 7 Fell Flat

The Rookie used to be a fan favorite. Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, brought heart and humor. But season 7? It stumbled. Hard. Viewership was up 13% from season 6, averaging 5.4 million viewers, but the quality didn’t match. The season started with promise—intriguing cases and new characters like Miles Penn and Seth Ridley. Episode 8, “Wildfire,” was a highlight, with high stakes and a shocking cliffhanger. But after the midseason break, things unraveled.

The biggest issue was the handling of Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen’s romance (aka “Chenford”). Fans waited for a reunion after their season 6 breakup, but the show teased it without delivering. They’d hook up, then act like nothing happened. No real discussion about their issues happened on-screen, leaving viewers unsatisfied. Another misstep was the villain arcs. Monica’s return in the finale felt predictable, not shocking. Her storyline dragged on too long, and the season didn’t build anticipation for season 8. Mistakes like these—ignoring character development and recycling old plots—made the season feel like filler. If you don’t give fans closure or excitement, they’ll tune out.

High Potential’s Fresh Take on Cop Dramas

High Potential isn’t just another cop show. It follows Morgan Gillory, a single mom with an IQ of 160, who goes from cleaning offices to solving crimes for the LAPD. Kaitlin Olson shines as Morgan, bringing wit and heart. The show’s first season, with 13 episodes, was a hit, earning a quick season 2 renewal. It was one of ABC’s top-rated shows in 2024-2025, outpacing many competitors. Why does it work? It blends classic procedural elements—weekly cases, police work—with a unique twist: Morgan’s genius brain.

The show’s cases are gripping. Each episode throws in a new puzzle, from murders to heists, that Morgan solves using her intellect. Unlike The Rookie’s repetitive plots, High Potential keeps things fresh. The overarching mystery of Morgan’s ex-husband’s disappearance adds depth, teased in the pilot and unraveled slowly. Common mistakes in procedurals, like overloading on action or neglecting character growth, are avoided here. If High Potential had leaned too heavily on Morgan’s IQ without developing her as a person, it’d feel gimmicky. Instead, her relationships with her kids and detective Karadec ground the show. Ignoring this balance could’ve made it forgettable, but High Potential nails it.

Character Development Done Right

The Rookie season 7 botched its characters. Take Seth Ridley. His return in episode 16, “The Return,” was meant to redeem him, but it felt rushed. He saved Nolan’s life, then was written off without a satisfying arc. Miles Penn showed growth, but it wasn’t enough to save the season. Tim and Lucy’s “will-they-won’t-they” drama dragged without resolution, frustrating fans. Posts on X echoed this: one fan complained that main characters like Angela and Nyla felt like guest stars, with too much focus on side plots.

High Potential, on the other hand, excels at character growth. Morgan’s dynamic with her kids is heartfelt—she’s a mom first, genius second. Her partnership with Karadec evolves from skepticism to trust, adding layers to both. The show doesn’t rush relationships or force drama. A common mistake in procedurals is making characters one-dimensional, like turning a lead into a superhero. High Potential avoids this by showing Morgan’s flaws—she’s impulsive and struggles with authority. If the writers had made her perfect, the show would lose its relatability. Strong character arcs keep viewers invested, something The Rookie forgot.

Pacing and Storytelling Lessons

Pacing can make or break a show. The Rookie season 7’s pacing was uneven. The first half had solid episodes, but after “Wildfire,” the momentum fizzled. Episode 17, “Mutiny and the Bounty,” felt like a filler with no stakes, focusing on minor characters like Skip Tracer Randy instead of advancing the main plot. The finale, “The Good, the Bad, and the Oscar,” didn’t deliver the bang fans expected. Monica and Oscar’s arcs barely progressed, leaving cliffhangers that felt flat. If a show doesn’t build toward a satisfying finale, viewers lose trust.

High Potential’s pacing is tighter. Its 13-episode season kept a steady rhythm, balancing weekly cases with the overarching mystery. The season 1 finale left fans on edge with cliffhangers about Morgan’s ex-husband, but they felt earned, not cheap. The show avoids the mistake of dragging out subplots too long—each episode moves the story forward. If High Potential had stalled on its mystery, it’d risk alienating viewers, like The Rookie did. Good pacing means every episode counts, and High Potential delivers.

What The Rookie Can Learn for Season 8

The Rookie’s been renewed for season 8, set to premiere in January 2026 with 18 episodes. It’s got a chance to fix its mistakes. First, focus on character arcs. High Potential showed how to develop relationships, like Morgan and Karadec’s slow-burn trust. The Rookie needs to resolve Tim and Lucy’s story with real conversations, not off-screen cop-outs. Second, craft better villains. Monica and Oscar’s arcs need stakes—High Potential’s mystery kept viewers guessing by dropping clues gradually. Third, avoid filler. High Potential’s cases tied into the larger story; The Rookie’s side plots, like the influencer storyline in episode 16, felt pointless. If season 8 doesn’t tighten its storytelling, it risks losing more fans. A longer hiatus gives writers time to regroup, but they need to deliver.

Why High Potential Is the Better Watch Now

High Potential isn’t perfect, but it’s the cop show to watch in 2025. Its fresh premise, strong characters, and tight pacing make it stand out. The Rookie season 7’s missteps—weak character arcs, uneven pacing, and predictable plots—left fans wanting more. High Potential’s season 2 premieres September 16, 2025, at 10 pm ET on ABC, and it’s already generating buzz. The Rookie season 8 won’t hit until 2026, so why wait? High Potential’s record-breaking viewership and critical praise make it the go-to for procedural fans. If you’re craving a show that respects your time and delivers surprises, it’s the clear winner.

FAQs

Why did The Rookie season 7 disappoint fans?

The Rookie season 7 frustrated fans with its handling of Tim and Lucy’s romance, which lacked closure, and predictable villain arcs like Monica’s. Episodes like “Mutiny and the Bounty” felt like filler, and the finale didn’t deliver. Viewership was up 13%, but quality dipped.

What makes High Potential different from other cop shows?

High Potential stands out with its lead, Morgan, a single mom with a 160 IQ, solving crimes in unique ways. Its mix of weekly cases and a season-long mystery, plus strong character growth, keeps it fresh. It avoids overused tropes and balances humor and drama.

Can The Rookie season 8 recover from season 7’s issues?

Yes, but it needs work. Season 8, airing in 2026, should focus on resolving Tim and Lucy’s arc, crafting compelling villains, and cutting filler plots. High Potential’s success shows the value of tight pacing and character depth—lessons The Rookie can apply.

Why was High Potential season 1 so successful?

High Potential’s first season broke viewership records and earned a quick season 2 renewal. Kaitlin Olson’s performance, engaging cases, and a well-paced mystery about Morgan’s ex-husband hooked audiences. It avoided common procedural pitfalls like weak character arcs.

How does High Potential handle character development better?

High Potential gives Morgan depth as a flawed, relatable mom and genius. Her relationships with her kids and Karadec evolve naturally. The Rookie season 7 rushed arcs like Seth’s and ignored Tim and Lucy’s issues, making characters feel flat.

Conclusion

High Potential season 1 outshines The Rookie season 7 with its fresh premise, tight pacing, and strong characters. The Rookie stumbled with unresolved arcs, predictable villains, and filler episodes, leaving fans disappointed despite a 13% viewership bump. High Potential’s success—record ratings and a season 2 renewal—shows how to do procedurals right. As The Rookie gears up for season 8 in 2026, it can learn from High Potential’s focus on character depth and storytelling. For now, High Potential is the cop show to watch. Catch it on ABC or share your thoughts below