Kaitlin Olson is about to step back into the spotlight with Season 2 of High Potential, ABC’s crime procedural that’s already proven itself as one of the network’s buzziest new hits. The series, which follows Olson as Morgan Gillory — a single mom with an off-the-charts IQ who stumbles into police consulting — returns this month after a strong debut that cracked Disney+’s global Top 10.
But before audiences watch Olson solve more cases, it’s worth rewinding to her turn as DJ Vance in Hacks. Though her screen time was limited, Olson’s performance as Deborah Vance’s (Jean Smart) daughter showed a layered vulnerability that stands as one of her career’s best — and it’s the perfect warm-up for what she’s now delivering as a lead.
Kaitlin Olson’s ‘Hacks’ Character Revealed Her Range
When Olson first arrived on Hacks, stomping into frame in an army-print jumpsuit and platform heels, it felt like the role of DJ might have been written for her. The emotionally wounded only daughter of a narcissistic star, DJ is caught in endless cycles of abuse from her mother, constantly craving love she knows she’ll never fully receive.
Olson balances toughness and vulnerability, especially in “D’Christening,” where DJ finally confronts her mother. She delivers the moment with sharp intensity and raw emotion, showcasing her ability to blend dramatic weight with precise comedic timing.
Over the series, Olson turns DJ into more than a narrative footnote. From a mocked, overlooked child, DJ grows into a woman running her own jewelry business, starting a family, and asserting boundaries with her mother — all played with scrappy determination that keeps her sympathetic without softening her edges.
Olson’s Comedic Instincts Made DJ Unforgettable
Of course, Hacks also gave Olson room to flex her comedy muscles. The standout example came in Season 3’s “The Roast of Deborah Vance,” when DJ repeatedly hurls the same three words at her mom: “What a c—!”
The show’s creators admitted they had doubts about whether the joke would land, but as co-creator Paul W. Downs put it, “in Kaitlin’s hands, it absolutely will.” And it did — Olson turned repetition into revelation, each delivery more cutting and hilarious than the last. That sequence captured Olson’s unique ability: She can start from insecurity, let an audience feel her vulnerability, and then flip it into total control. It’s the same alchemy that makes Morgan Gillory in High Potential such a compelling lead — a character who is simultaneously messy, brilliant, and deeply human.
Why Olson’s ‘Hacks’ Role Matters Heading Into ‘High Potential’ Season 2
With High Potential climbing global charts ahead of its September 16th return, Olson is finally getting the recognition she’s long deserved. Her work in Hacks is a big part of that — in DJ Vance, she balanced emotional depth with sharp comedy, the same mix that makes Morgan in High Potential compelling.
Olson’s career has been defined by underestimated characters — from Dee Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to the short-lived The Mick. DJ Vance was another hidden gem, holding her own alongside Jean Smart. Now, with High Potential Season 2 on the horizon, Olson isn’t just a scrappy scene-stealer — she’s a star.
High Potential Season 2 premieres on ABC on September 16.
