ABC is handing its breakout procedural, “High Potential,” the most coveted lead-out slot in television. The network announced on October 12, 2026, that the series will follow the broadcast of Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027.
The announcement was made during a promo featuring series lead Kaitlin Olson that aired during Monday Night Football. The move signals ABC’s intent to cement the show as a cornerstone of its lineup following its dominant performance in the 2025-26 television season, where it finished as the No. 1 broadcast program among adults aged 18-49 with a 3.35 rating.
The post-game broadcast will serve as the first half of a major two-part television event. While the initial hour airs immediately following the championship game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the story will conclude two nights later during the show’s regular time slot on Tuesday, February 16. This scheduling strategy aims to convert the massive Super Bowl audience into long-term viewers for the show’s weekly Tuesday airings.
ABC’s decision follows a season in which High Potential averaged more than 16 million cross-platform viewers, proving its broad appeal across both linear broadcast and streaming.
The game is expected to benefit from the unique holiday timing, as Super Bowl LXI is the first in history scheduled to fall on Valentine’s Day.
The network’s “Super Bowl Halo” strategy extends beyond ABC’s linear schedule. Hulu is also reportedly planning a major launch for Super Bowl Sunday with the premiere of “The Land,” a football-themed drama produced by Dan Fogelman.
While some early industry speculation suggested the Super Bowl episode might serve as a season premiere, “High Potential” is expected to return for its third season. The February 14 special is instead being framed as a high-stakes standalone event designed to maximize the visibility of the show.
