ABC has confirmed that its flagship crime drama, High Potential, will air in the coveted post-Super Bowl time slot following Super Bowl LXI. The special presentation is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, and will be available on both ABC and Disney+.
The network announced this scheduling during a Monday Night Football broadcast. This marks the first time ABC has used a scripted series as a lead-out for the championship game since 2006, when it aired a special episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
A Strategic Promotional Move
Industry analysts note that while the post-Super Bowl time slot has seen a decline in total reach compared to its peak, it remains a highly valuable promotional platform. By placing its most successful scripted property in this window, ABC aims to leverage the game’s massive audience to boost viewership for the series’ third season.
Network data shows that High Potential was the No. 1 entertainment series of the 2025-2026 broadcast season among Adults 18-49, securing a 3.35 rating. The show also performed strongly in total viewership, averaging 16.01 million viewers over a 35-day period encompassing linear airings, Hulu, and digital platforms.
The Special Episode Format
Although High Potential returns for its third season in early 2027, the post-Super Bowl broadcast will not serve as the season premiere. Instead, the episode is designed as the first half of a two-part story arc. The conclusion will air during the series’ regular Tuesday night time slot the following week.
Series Background and Production
- Starring: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie, Deniz Akdeniz, Amirah J, Matthew Lamb, and Judy Reyes.
- Production: Produced by 20th Television and based on the French series Haut Potentiel Intellectuel (HPI).
- Leadership: Season 3 is led by showrunners Nora and Lilla Zuckerman, who serve as executive producers alongside creator Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg, and Kaitlin Olson.
The series follows Morgan, a single mother with an exceptional intellect who partners with a seasoned detective to solve crimes. Viewers can stream previous seasons on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
Broadcast Details
Super Bowl LXI will air on ABC, ESPN, and Disney+ on February 14, 2027. The game will receive extensive coverage across Disney-owned platforms, including ESPN2, ESPNU, and the NFL Network, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on ESPN Deportes and Univision.
