ABC’s HIGH POTENTIAL is a fresh take on the crime procedural format, created by Drew Goddard. The series is based on the French and Belgian show HPI (2021) and brings a unique twist to detective dramas by centering on a brilliant yet unconventional heroine. Kaitlin Olson stars as Morgan Gillory, a cleaning lady with a genius IQ of 160.
As a single mother of three, Morgan’s life takes a turn when she impresses the LAPD by solving a complex case, eventually joining the Major Crimes division as a consultant. Paired with detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), Morgan uses her sharp mind to crack cases while also trying to uncover the mystery of her first husband’s disappearance. Judy Reyes plays Selena Soto, the department head who keeps things grounded.
WHEN AND WHERE WAS HIGH POTENTIAL FILMED?
While the series is set in Los Angeles, High Potential used several locations to bring its world to life. The pilot was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, before production moved primarily to various iconic spots in Southern California. Here’s a look at each filming location used in the show:
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Used as a stand-in for Los Angeles in the pilot episode
The show’s pilot was filmed in Vancouver, a city frequently used in television due to its diverse cityscapes and film-friendly infrastructure. Locations in Vancouver doubled for Los Angeles, offering an affordable and visually convincing alternative for the early production phase. Scenes involving urban landscapes, street action, and residential exteriors were captured here.
WHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
This coastal town south of Vancouver also featured briefly in the pilot episode. Its seaside charm served to create atmospheric and emotional moments, particularly those connected to Morgan’s personal backstory.
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET PARKING GARAGE – 308 S HILL ST, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
One of the more memorable filming spots in the series, this rooftop parking garage is where Detective Karadec and Letty (recurring character) share a conversation after a pickup from Union Station. Its urban skyline views and proximity to city landmarks make it a cinematic favorite for high-stakes conversations and transitions between scenes.
LOS ANGELES UNION STATION – 800 N. ALAMEDA STREET, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
A well-known transit hub, Union Station is used in the series when Detective Karadec meets Letty. The station’s grand interior and vintage architecture add authenticity and depth to scenes. It’s a popular location in TV and film, and here it adds to the realism of the LAPD world.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA
Various scenes were shot across the greater Los Angeles area for establishing shots, neighborhood sequences, and street investigations. These locations provide a visual contrast between Morgan’s home life and her work with the LAPD.
SILVER LAKE, PASADENA, BURBANK, AND EAGLE ROCK (CALIFORNIA)
These residential neighborhoods were selected for scenes focusing on Morgan’s home life and community interactions. Burbank and Eagle Rock, in particular, were used for exterior home shots and backyard scenes, while Silver Lake and Pasadena added a blend of trendy and traditional L.A. aesthetics.
MALIBU & VENICE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – FEATURED IN BEACH SCENES
In addition to urban backdrops, the show also includes scenic coastal moments filmed along the Malibu coastline, notably at Point Dume, known for its cliffs and panoramic ocean views.
Another scene captured from an Instagram Reel revealed filming at Venice Beach, specifically along 1800 Ocean Front Walk, famous for its vibrant boardwalk and palm-lined beach. These sunny, relaxed settings create a visual contrast to the intense crime-solving scenes and bring out the playful energy of Morgan’s character.
STUDIO SHOOTING – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Much of the indoor police work, lab scenes, and crime scene recreations are shot on sets built in major studios like Warner Bros. Studios or CBS Studio Center. These studios provide controlled environments for filming technically complex or extended scenes.
VISUAL STYLE
The production team uses bright lighting, warm tones, and eclectic interiors to reflect Morgan’s quirky brilliance. This style pays homage to the original French series, distinguishing High Potential from darker, grittier crime shows. The vibrant aesthetic comes alive through the sunny L.A. backdrops and lively neighborhood shots.
Whether in the scenic suburbs of Los Angeles or the streets of Downtown, every location in High Potential has been carefully selected to complement its character-driven storytelling. The blend of Canadian and California locations brings both realism and charm to this unique procedural.
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