Mekhi Phifer is stepping into a mystery role for Season 2 of High Potential, ABC’s hit dramedy series. Variety has exclusively learned that the ER alum will portray a recurring guest star whose character becomes entangled in major crimes. Specific details about his character are being kept under wraps.
Phifer joins series lead Kaitlin Olson and cast members Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Amirah J, Matthew Lamb, Steve Howey, and Judy Reyes. His addition comes as the series preps its highly anticipated second season, which returns this fall in its Tuesday 10 p.m. ET/PT slot on ABC, with episodes streaming next day on Hulu.
Created by Drew Goddard (The Martian, Daredevil), High Potential centers on Morgan (Olson), a brilliant single mom with an exceptional mind for solving crimes. Despite being a civilian with no formal law enforcement background, Morgan gets recruited by the police after her unique skill set helps crack a high-profile case. The series blends procedural elements with character-driven humor and heart, drawing inspiration from the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel.
High Potential debuted in September 2024 to strong critical reception, quickly becoming a standout in ABC’s fall lineup. The network renewed it for a second season in January 2025. Behind the scenes, Goddard executive produces alongside Sarah Esberg via Goddard Textiles, with Todd Harthan serving as showrunner and executive producer. Kaitlin Olson also executive produces, along with Marc Halsey. The series is produced by 20th Television, where Harthan holds an overall deal.
Phifer brings an extensive resume to the table, most famously known for playing Dr. Greg Pratt across nearly 150 episodes of ER. On the television front, he’s had leading roles in Frequency (The CW), Lie to Me (Fox), House of Lies (Showtime), and Truth Be Told (Apple TV+). In film, Phifer is widely recognized for his role in 8 Mile opposite Eminem, along with appearances in Dawn of the Dead, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, the Divergent series, and O.