Kaitlin Olson is ready to be sunny, as well as sleuthy, somewhere else.
The longtime co-star of the FXX sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has done extra duty before in her own series — Fox’s “The Mick” — and she’s now doing it again. ABC’s seriocomic “High Potential” premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17, casting Olson as crimescene cleaner Morgan, a single mother who solves cases in her own unconventional manner. To her surprise, police officials believe they can benefit from her skills and partner her with Karadec, a veteran detective played by “Rescue Me” alum Daniel Sunjata. Adapted from the French series “HPI
— Haut Potentiel Intellectuel,” the show also features Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) as the duo’s boss, Selena, and Taran Killam (“Saturday Night Live”) as Morgan’s ex, Ludo.
Kaitlin Olson in “High Potential”
Cover Story
Kaitlin Olson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) stars in ABC’s seriocomic series “High Potential,” premiering Tuesday, Sept. 17.
On new territory: Kaitlin Olson has ‘High Potential’ in ABC series
Also a producer of “High Potential,” the lively and friendly Olson says, “I don’t know that there was much of a process” in her making Morgan a separate character from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s” Dee.
“This woman has some similarities, very flawed, very mouthy … but this woman is very grounded. She is a very loving mother. I’m a very loving mother. That wasn’t so hard to jump into. It’s just acting, so it’s different, but it wasn’t challenging. I didn’t need to do any reprogramming.”
Executive producer Drew Goddard, known for shows like “Lost” and “Alias,” developed “High Potential” from its French forerunner, and he maintains that “part of the joy” of the series, “and this is in the French show as well, [is that] you feel the stress of Morgan’s dilemma of, ‘How
do I get my kids to school and solve a murder at the same time?’ To me, it’s the soul of the show. I’m not that interested in plot, in a traditional sense. I’m interested in character and soul, so I always start from a place of character.”
Olson maintains that “High Potential’s” Morgan has a logical place in the line of roles she has played. “I love an underdog,” she explains. “I love a character who is so deeply insecure that she acts out. Back when I was in first grade, I was a very insecure kid, and I’ve known from consciousness that I wanted to act. I don’t know why. Then I discovered theater, but I was so shy that I never even attempted it. I didn’t audition for a play at school until high school.
“So there was this inner weird balance between, ‘I know I have this thing that I
can do’ and ‘I’m way too shy and insecure to be vulnerable enough to open that up for other people to shoot me down.’ That’s always kind of been in there, so maybe that’s why I’m drawn to characters like this. I just also find a more layered character so much more interesting, with complete opposites smashed into one person. I just like that.”
Fans of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (created by fellow star Rob McElhenney, who is Olson’s husband) can rest assured of Olson’s continuing presence in that show. It films near the “High Potential” set, and she has reserved several days to work exclusively on it when it resumes production for its 17th season. Asked if she’ll ever separate fully from “Sunny,” she leaves no doubt of her feeling: “No, no, no, no, no, I’ll never do that.”
What’s Available NOW On
“The Favourite” (Sept. 15)
In the early 18th century, England is at war with France; nevertheless, duck-racing and pineapple-eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne, with her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governing the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) and endears herself to the Queen, their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions.
“A Very Royal Scandal” (Sept. 19) One night. One hour. One interview that sent shockwaves around the globe. Based on the real-life 2019 interview between Emily Maitlis (Ruth Wilson) and Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen) over the scandalous accusations he faced regarding his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein (John Hopkins). The series follows the actions of Maitlis and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, and the many questions left in its wake.
“Dancing With the Stars” - Season 33 (Sept. 17)
Streaming live on Disney+, Season 33 of this hit competition series makes its debut. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the show pairs celebrities with trained ballroom dancers to compete in themed choreographed dance routines that are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
“The Lion King” (Available Now)
This animated feature from 1994 follows young lion Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), the heir of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Hoping to take power, Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), plots to usurp Mufasa’s throne by luring father and son into a stampede of wildebeests.
Once he’s an adult, Simba returns to take back his homeland from Scar.
“Hamster & Gretel” - Season 2 (Sept. 18)
This music-filled, animated children’s series follows Kevin (Michael Cimino) and younger sister Gretel (Melissa Povenmire), who are bestowed super powers by space aliens. But, when something goes awry, it’s Gretel and her pet hamster (named Hamster) who suddenly have new abilities.
“Mary Poppins” (Available Now)
When Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews). Embarking on a series of fantastical adventures with Mary and her Cockney performer friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny’s sunny attitude.
“The Golden Bachelorette” - Season 1 (Sept. 19)
“Child Star” (Sept. 17)
In this new documentary, some of the most well-known former child stars, such as co-director Demi Lovato, deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight and how their ascension to fame, riches, and power affects their futures. Drew Barrymore, Alyson Stoner, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, Kenan Thompson and JoJo Siwa make appearances.
“The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal” (Sept. 20) A love story between a band and the country they call home, this series, with never before seen personal and archival footage, sees the Canadian rock’n’roll legends share the story of their unique, complicated and wildly successful musical brotherhood. Forty years of hits and misses, friendship and frustration, triumph and tragedy, the docuseries features unprecedented access to The Hip.
The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise explores exciting new ground with the series premiere of this new spinoff. The series spotlights a second chance at love for the radiant Joan Vassosin her golden years. The men vying for her final rose have journeyed through the highs and lows of love, and they arrive with anticipation, eager to foster a connection that sparks a future of limitless possibilities.
“Porno y Helado” (Sept. 20) Season 2 of this South American comedy reunites viewers with Pablo (Martin Piroyansky), Ramon (Nachito Saralegui) and Ceci (Sofia Morandi), who face a variety of new challenges — from a fan trying to infiltrate the band, debts with friends and competitions with younger artists, to dealing with ego problems.
“What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates” (Sept. 18) Tech visionary and global health and climate philanthropist Bill Gates invites viewers to join him on a learning journey to explore pressing issues facing our world today. Gates digs deep into the promise and risks of artificial intelligence; and how science and innovation is leading to cures for deadly diseases.
“Twilight of the Gods” - Season 1 (Sept. 19)
Zack Snyder presents an all-new, animated vision of Norse mythology. In a mythical world of great battles, great deeds and great despair, Leif (Stuart Martin), a mortal King, is saved on the battlefield by Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks), an iron-willed warrior with whom he falls in love. On their wedding night, Sigrid and Leif survive a wrath of terror from Thor (Pilou Asbaek), which sets them on a merciless mission for vengeance.
“The Grand Tour: One For the Road” (Available Now) In this series’ final installment, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May ignore the instructions of Mr. Wilman and head to Zimbabwe in three cars they’ve always wanted to own — a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre and a Triumph Stag — for a stunning road trip through beautiful and sometimes challenging landscapes leading to an emotional ending on a strangely familiar island.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” (Sept. 19) Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s true crime anthology series returns, this time chronicling the case of the real-life brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez.
This
funny portrait of family dynamics follows three estranged sisters as they converge in a New York apartment to care for their ailing father and try to mend their own broken relationship with one another. Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne star.
“His Three Daughters” (Sept. 20)
tense, touching, and
“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” (Sept. 19) Destitute and struggling to find work, Hollywood actor Nick Cage (played by himself) plans to retire. But when Cage’s agent, Richard Fink (Neil Patrick Harris), presents him with a $1-million offer to attend the birthday party of billionaire and Nicolas Cage superfan Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal), he accepts.
8:55 a.m. ESPN2 Formula 1
Singapore Grand Prix, Practice 2. Second free practice of the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. (Live)
1 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Kroger Queen City Championship, Second Round. From TPC River’s Bend in Cincinnati. (Live)
2 p.m. USA NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Food City 300, Qualifying. From Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. (Live)
4 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, Second Round. From Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. (Live) USA NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Qualifying. From Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. (Live)
6 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf PURE Insurance Championship, First Round. From Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif. (Live)
6:30 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds. From Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. (Live) FS1 NHRA Drag Racing Carolina Nationals, Qualifying. Coverage of drag racing action from the National Hot Rod Association. (Live)
7:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Stanford at Syracuse. From JMA Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. (Live) WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Food City 300. From Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. (Live)
8 p.m. ESPN2 High School Football Teams TBA. Action from high school football. (Live) FS1 Horse Racing America’s Day at the Races. Following all the action from the world of horse racing. (Live) WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Illinois at Nebraska. From Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (Live)
10:30 p.m. ESPN Boxing Top Rank Boxing: Munguia vs. Bazinyan. All the boxing action. (Live) Saturday
7:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer West Ham United vs. Chelsea. From London Stadium in London. (Live)
8:30 a.m. TRUTV MotoGP Racing Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Sprint Race. From Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Misano Adriatico, Rimini, Italy. (Live) 8:55 a.m. ESPN2 Formula 1 Racing Singapore Grand Prix, Qualifying. Qualifying of the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, Singapore. (Live) 10 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Leicester City vs. Everton. From King Power Stadium in Leicester, East Midlands, England. (Live)
12 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 FS1 WKBW-7
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) SNY College Football Lafayette at Columbia. From Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium in New York. (Live)
WPIX-11 LIV Golf League Team Championship - Dallas, Day 2. From Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas. (Live)
12:30 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 Premier League Soccer Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United. From Selhurst Park in London. (Live)
1 p.m. ATTPT MLB Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds. From Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. (Live)
GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Kroger Queen City Championship, Third Round. From TPC River’s Bend in Cincinnati. (Live)
3:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 FS1
WKBW-7 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 College Football Miami (Ohio) at Notre Dame. From Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Live)
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 College Football USC at Michigan. From Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Live)
4 p.m. GOLF PGA Korn Ferry Tour Golf Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, Third Round. From Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. (Live) SNY MLB Baseball Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets. From Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y. (Live)
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)
5 p.m. TRUTV College Football Texas-El Paso at Colorado State. From Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo. (Live)
WPIX-11 College Football TCU at SMU. From Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. (Live)
6 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf PURE Insurance Championship, Second Round. From Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif. (Live)
7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres. From KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. (Live) ESPN ESPN2 FS1 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)
7:30 p.m. USA NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race. From Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. (Live) WGRZ-2 WICU-12 WKBW-7 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) 8 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) 8:30 p.m. TRUTV College Football Fresno
In Focus
(Hulu/Disney — Sept. 25, Documentary Premiere) This National Geograpic documentary immerses viewers in the exhilarating yet perilous world of BASE jumping. At the heart of the
and tragedy.
BY JAY BOBBIN
John Ritter plays ‘Hero’ in one of his movie roles
John Ritter’s television success in “Three’s Company” earned him some starring roles in movies, and “Hero at Large” is one of the most engaging examples. The second half of a Ritter double feature that Turner Classic Movies presents Sunday, Sept. 15, the 1980 comedy casts the ever-likable actor as a struggling performer who starts taking his temporary job to promote a “Captain Avenger” a bit too seriously, using the costume to start foiling actual crimes. The man’s popularity in his new guise makes him appealing to politicians who want to use him to boost their own agendas, but since the public finds out about that connection, he’s shunned and apparently put out of business … until he gets another chance to display true heroism. Ritter has a fine leading lady in Anne Archer, and the cast also includes such reliables as Kevin McCarthy and Bert Convy. Preceding this is the Peter Bogdanovich-directed “They All Laughed” (1981), in which Ritter worked with Audrey Hepburn and Ben Gazzara.
“Taxi” (Catchy Comedy, Sunday, Sept. 15): Justly celebrated as one of the smartest sitcoms in television history, this much-awarded saga of the staff of New York’s Sunshine Cab Company — co-created by James L. Brooks and continuing a weekend “Binge” marathon here — boasts a fabulous ensemble cast led by Judd Hirsch as arguably the most level-headed of the drivers. Tony Danza, Jeff Conaway and Marilu Henner play other cabbies, and Andy Kaufman got much attention as language-challenged mechanic Latka Gravas. One of the most distinctive players here, though, was Danny DeVito as hilariously gruff dispatcher Louie De Palma.
John Ritter and Anne Archer in “Hero at Large”
classiccorner
Across 1. “___ Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994)
4. C.I.A. forerunner
7. Mountaineer’s tool
12. On behalf of 13. 14-Across’s st. 14. “CSI: ___”
15. “Manningcast” Manning 16. “We Are ___” 18. Elizabeth Olsen series 20. Kind of instinct
21. Loop transports 22. “Odyssey” sorceress
24. Misanthrope
29. Movie-rating org.
30. Perlman of “Cheers”
31. Patty of Scandal
33. “Walk dis way!”
34. Business letter abbr.
37. Surprised cry
38. Pedro Pascal
series, with “The”
43. Adam Scott series
45. Baton Rouge sch.
46. Old Mercury
47. Flowery verse
48. Wee
49. “There there” 50. Slalom segment
51. “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) character
Down 1. Some 2. Fizzy drink
3. “Silver Spoons” actress
4. Recently 5. Eastern European
6. Miss Hawkins of Dogpatch, USA
7. Mischievous 8. “Bye” 9. Deserve
10. Invoice fig.
11. Greek letters
17. Pricey handbag inits.
19. Old gold coin
22. Metric ruler units, for short
23. Lunchtime hr.
25. Combat gear
26. Lauren Conrad reality series
27. Poetic contraction
28. TV producer Issa
32. Dramatist Ibsen
33. Australian shouts
35. Hush-hush document, for short
36. Rapids transit
38. They rarely come from losing teams
39. Prefix with dynamic
40. Digital readouts
41. Marco Polo crossed it
42. Zero
43. Poli ___
44. Consume
Sunday 76th Emmy Awards
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
If you give a Schitt’s about this year’s Emmy nominees grabbing their share of gold statues, father-son combo Eugene and Dan Levy host the awards show that honors television’s best from actors and actresses to outstanding dramas and comedies.
Ridley WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 8 p.m.
Retired detective-turned-police consultant Alex Ridley (Adrian Dunbar) returns in this Season 2 premiere to assist his former protégé, Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh), who is now in
charge of investigations. In his off time, Alex sings at his jazz club.
Monday 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way
TLC 8 p.m.
You know it’s love when one person is willing to leave 24-hour Walmarts to move halfway around the world. This time, Joanne and Sean are ready to clear more than the air, Shekinah and Sarper get therapy and zero intimacy leaves Lily feeling lonely.
Halloween Baking Championship
FOOD 9 p.m.
It’s enough to make one scream in terror as this season premiere tasks 10 talented bakers with creating broken glass desserts and evil bubbling delectables. Judges Carla Hall, Stephanie Boswell and Zac Young hope to survive the taste test.
English Teacher
FX 10 p.m.
Conjunction junction, what’s your function? Nobody seems to know. But when Evan (Brain Jordan Alvarez) needs to get students paying more attention to school safety, he finds himself wondering just how to get the kids to understand basic English.
Tuesday
Dancing With the Stars
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
The secret to winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy is calf strength. But the biggest thing to worry about in this season premiere is critiquing the chemistry between the celebs and their professional dance partners.
American Masters
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 9 p.m.
This special looks at the incredible work of Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez, which spans everything from poetry to nonfiction, literary novels to young adult and children’s books, and how they inspired a generation of Latino authors.
Wednesday
Survivor
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.
Host Jeff Probst is back on the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji with a diverse set of castaways for this Season 47 premiere. Podcasters Jon Lovett (not to be confused with Jon Lovitz of “SNL” fame) and Aysha Welch are two who’ll be looking to form alliances.
Big Cats 24/7
WNED-17 WPSU-3
WXXI-21 8 p.m.
This new six-part series takes viewers to Botswa-
na’s Okavango Delta to follow lions, leopards and cheetahs both day and night, exposing fascinating lives over the course of six months. With unseen behavior and drone tracking, it’s a purr-fect revelation.
Thursday
The Little Couple
TLC 8 p.m.
Episodes from this series’ 14th season air back-toback in a “Little” marathon, joining Jen and Bill as they decorate for holidays, prepare for big life changes, partake in some father-son and father-daughter bonding, celebrate birthdays and do much more.
The Penguin
HBO 9 p.m.
Following the events of “The Batman,” Gotham City’s criminal underworld is left in disarray. With a void to fill, Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) begins his transformation into Gotham’s most notorious gangster by making a play to seize control.
Friday Secret Celebrity Renovation
WIVB-4 WSEE-35 8 p.m.
A brand-new episode of this celebrity home renovation show airs tonight. This time, LA Dodger shortstop Markus “Mookie” Betts decides to pay back his father with the surprise of a much-needed home renovation. Nischelle Turner hosts.
Deadlock
WPSU-3 WXXI-21 9 p.m.
This new one-hour special encourages civil dialog in a world where discord and anger seem to live around every corner. A diverse panel from legal, political and cultural spheres delve into complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios.
Saturday
Falling Together
HALL 8 p.m.
College Football WPIX-11 8:30 p.m.
With playoffs looming in the distance, who takes the win is all up to the talented players of Purdue and Oregon State.
Natalie (Ashley Williams) has recently moved into a new condo but is already being pulled in multiple directions due to feuding neighbors. The only one who truly feels her pain is Mark (Paul Campbell), the building’s super, who’s wisely not taking sides.
Adrian Dunbar in “Ridley” Sunday on PBS
Ashley Williams stars in “Falling Together” Saturday on Hallmark
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Trivia Crossword
Across 1. Comedienne Schumer
4. Possesses, old-style
8. Mom, pop, bro, and sis
11. Worker in a garden
12. “Funny bumping into you here”
13. CD predecessors 14. “Platoon” (1986) actor
17. Deli request
18. “Help!”
19. Agent 007
21. Holier ___ thou
24. “___ second thought”
25. “___ The People ...”
26. Exist
27. What @ means
28. One of the Baldwins
30. Compensates
32. Blockhead 34. Madam’s mate
35. Kind of sandwich
41. Winery sight 42. Composed 43. Online cousin of “just saying” 44. That girl 45. Lizard’s cousin 46. Protein source Down 1. “20/20” network 2. “Nothing special” 3. Long (for) 4. Burrow 5. Yellowfin tuna 6. French beverage 7. Catcall 8. It’s got you covered 9. Copier 10. AOL alternative 15. Coveted golf trophy 16. Everyone’s talking about it 19. ___ Fett,
trivia quiz
“Star Wars” bounty hunter
20. 1977 Scott Turow memoir
22. “Shoo!”
23. Brings home
29. Bluebloods 31. “Catch-22” (1970) star Alan
33. Secluded spot
34. Elated
35. Hotel room features
36. “Go, team!”
37. Time before 38. Kind of line
39. Low-fat meat
40. “Baloney!”
Questions:
1) Returning in “Agatha All Along,” Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) had a pet rabbit in “WandaVision” — what is its name?
2) Paige, Phoebe, Piper or Prue — which witch did Shannen Doherty portray in the series “Charmed?”
3) In the classic series “Bewitched,” what was the name of Samantha’s look-a-like cousin?
4) Which movie features Angela Lansbury as a witch who supports the British war effort?
5) What is the name of Alexandra Daddario’s character in “Mayfair Witches?”
6) What is the name of the private school in “American Horror Story: Coven?”
7) What is the name of the talking cat in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch?”
8) Buffy, Willow or Cordelia — which of these “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” characters is a powerful witch?
9) Name the three “Witches of Eastwick” from the 1987 film.
10) True or false: The villain of “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), the Wicked Witch of the West appears on-screen for just 27 minutes.
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Solution is on page 5.
Answers: 1) Senor Scratchy
2) Prue
3) Serena 4) “Bedknobs and -Broom sticks” (1971)
5) Rowan Fielding
6) Miss Robichaux’s Academy for -Ex ceptional Young Ladies 7) Salem 8) Willow 9) Alex (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon) and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) 10) False
