From the hospital to the police station. “Scrubs” actress Judy Reyes co-stars in the new drama “High Potential,” premiering Tuesday, Sept. 17 on ABC (10 p.
m. ET). “The show was really funny and interesting to me; the whole idea of this mother of three who’s got this ridiculously high IQ, but is too smart for a regular job, and becoming an incredible asset to this team of police officers,” Reyes, 56, told The Post.
“High Potential” was created by Drew Goddard, based on the French show “HPI.” The crime drama procedural follows Morgan ( Kaitlin Olson) , a single mom who works as a night cleaner for the LAPD Major Crimes Unit. She has “high intellectual potential,” meaning she knows and remembers more trivia than the average person.
When Morgan becomes ensnared in one of the LAPD’s cases, and they take notice of her unusual aptitude for seeing details that cops missed, she’s brought on to assist Detective Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata). Karadec isn’t happy about this, but he’s overseen by Lieutenant Selena Soto (Reyes), who decides to bring Morgan in to offer her unorthodox help. Junior detectives Daphne Forrester (Javicia Leslie) and Lev “Oz” Ozdil (Deniz Akdeniz) round out their team, while former “SNL” star Taran Killam plays Morgan’s ex, Ludo.
Reyes, who grew up in New York, said she was excited to play “the role of the lieutenant who has the vision and foresight to take a risk on someone like this.” Reyes is best known for “Scrubs,” but she’s been a TV veteran for many years, appearing in “The Sopranos” and shows like “Claws,” “Devious Maids,” and “Jane The Virgin.” She said that she related to “the whole take charge, take risks aspect” of her character, Selena.
“And just using my many years as an actor – using it to school the younger kids, is also something that’s a total asset,” she shared. “I tend to attract roles of grounded forceful women who can easily [be in] a position of leadership.” As for what lies ahead in the season, Reyes, who called Olson a “dynamo” and a “force,” said there will be “lots of death, mayhem, jokes, and a growing partnership between my character and hers.
It evolves into a female friendly kind of procedural.” Regarding rumors of a “Scrubs” revival or reboot , Reyes said, “I haven’t heard a thing except for what you’ve heard..
. there’s been lots of talk and lots of excitement. I think Bill Lawrence is incredibly busy but definitely wide open,” she said, referring to the series creator, who also helmed “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking.
” Reyes said that among the “Scrubs” crew “I’m not as in touch with the cast, I am very close friends with one of the writers, Angela Nissel, as well as the hair dresser, who actually does my hair on ‘High Potential.’” Reyes added, “I feel very fortunate, I’ve forged incredible friendships with people that I’ve worked with, from ‘Scrubs’ on down. I guess putting [shows] in the workplace [setting] creates a space where people can be more themselves.
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